2005 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX SPORT WAGON

This Subaru Impreza WRX Sport Wagon is a well-maintained and honestly presented example of a practical performance car. Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing around 215 bhp, with all-wheel drive via a five-speed manual transmission. It has been driven and enjoyed as intended, and the odometer now shows 101,143 miles from new.

Delivered in April 2005, this Subaru has just two previous registered keepers on the log book. The first owner was a UK resident and specified the special order Aqua Blue colour which was only available through Subaru’s Maltese distributor, though it is not recorded as an import and was first registered in the UK. The seller purchased the car from a performance specialist in Surrey just four months ago, but is now offering it to another enthusiast to enjoy so that he can use the funds to purchase a larger vehicle.

Its bodywork is straight and solid, with only some relatively small imperfections. The rear bumper lip near the tailgate was unfortunately scratched just two weeks ago - though it simply needs repairing and painting rather than replacing - and there are some minor car park dings in other panels. The rare Aqua Blue paint has a generally good finish and high shine, with the seller noting some scratches on the roof from loading, some chips on the roof bars and trim, and stone chips and blemishes around the front bumper and bonnet. There is also some micro-blistering on the offside rear wing.

All of the light lenses are free of chips and cracks, though the headlights would benefit from a thorough cleaning. The window and door seals appear to be in very good order, with no cracking or perishing of the rubbers. It rides on 17-inch five-spoke double-arm Subaru alloys, which would benefit from refurbishment. The full photo gallery below provides an excellent illustration of the car’s cosmetic condition.

Inside, the original cloth interior is in generally excellent condition, with only modest wear and discolouration on the driver’s seat bolsters, and small marks on the fabric in other places. The car had a Momo gear knob when purchased by the seller, but he has since sourced an original one to replace it. The steering wheel is the factory-fitted item. Both have some evident wear to the leather trim, but are perfectly usable as-is and could be improved over time. The car is equipped with air-conditioning which blows ice cold, and the original Subaru radio, CD and cassette deck is still in place.

Mechanically, this Impreza WRX is almost entirely standard, with the only modifications being an upgraded air filter, Mishimoto radiator hoses, and a Prodrive exhaust - though the latter was available as a factory option in period. It was last serviced by JDM specialist Carson Performance in February 2020 at 98,944 miles. This included renewal of the cam timing belt and auxiliary belts, an oil and filter change, new front inner CV boots, repairs to the nearside rear tyre bead, and replacement of the coolant.

Since the seller acquired the car, he has also replaced the nearside front wheel bearing and flange, the front strut tops, and front brake pads. The OEM Prodrive exhaust and Mishimoto radiator hoses were also fitted during his ownership, with the latter chosen as they are superior to the stock items.

The most recent MOT test was on 18 July 2020 at 101,053 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with just a handful of minor advisories. The bushes for the front anti-roll bar linkages and the rear subframe are worn and would benefit from replacement in the near future; the front exhaust section has a minor leak at the catalytic converter flange, and there is slight play in the nearside rear wheel bearing.

Its wheels are fitted with Uniroyal Rainsport tyres, which are all in superb condition, date-coded to 2018 at the front and 2019 at the rear. Accompanying the car is the current V5C, the stamped maintenance record, and five service invoices - with details shown in the photo gallery. The space-saver spare wheel, jack and wheel brace are also present.

This Subaru Impreza WRX Sport Wagon is a reliable and exciting modern classic, presented in the very rare factory colour of Aqua Blue, and in strong mechanical condition. It is highly original throughout, and some straightforward refurbishment of the paintwork and wheels would make a significant improvement to the cosmetic appearance. For someone seeking a practical performance car that can be enjoyed without worrying about the odd scuff or ding, this should prove to be a great value purchase.

Summary of service history:

• 7 Feb 2020 - Carson Performance - 98,944 miles (inc. cam belt)
• 25 Jun 2019 - Formula 1st - 97,957 miles
• 16 Dec 2014 - Tivoli Garage - 83,285 miles
• 23 May 2014 - Tivoli Garage - 77,792 miles (major service)
• Date TBC - Tivoli Garage - 62,782 miles
• 17 May 2011 - Tiley of Bristol Subaru - 50,899 miles
• 18 May 2010 - Tiley of Bristol Subaru - 43,583 miles (inc. cam belt)
• 12 Jun 2009 - Tiley of Bristol Subaru - 37,625 miles
• 17 Jun 2008 - Tiley of Bristol Subaru - 26,079 miles
• 12 Jun 2007 - Tiley of Bristol Subaru - 18,646 miles
• 9 Jan 2006 - Hylton of Worcester Subaru - 8,640 miles
• 16 Aug 2005 - Hylton of Worcester Subaru - 4,849 miles
• 23 Jun 2005 - Hylton of Worcester Subaru - 980 miles

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