Stock#5231

The GF8 is a swiss army knife of a JDM import. Practicality and performance are the model's hallmark and this 1996 is a prime example! Finished in Light Silver Metallic (406), and accessorized by a set over OEM oversized fogs and some tasty factory aero, the body is in good shape aside from some minor dings, chips, and scuffs. Fresh off a recent service, this unsuspecting wagon is powered by a potent 2.0L turbo engine and absolutely screams to redline when you get on it! Offered with a mere 80k verified and documented miles, this all-weather rally rocket is just as comfortable shuttling the kids to school as it pitched sideways slinging mud across a rallycross course. For those who refuse to compromise, and are well educated on the JDM import market, it's hard not to see this legendary platform as a decent value. Receiving high marks for reliability, driving dynamics, and utility it's hard to deny this Impreza WRX wagon is anything but a Japanese Classic.

The cabin is spacious, tidy, and logical in its layout. Visibility is decent from the cabin and the dash is in good shape, lacking any cracking or distortion. An adjustable steering column and OEM Nardi leather-wrapped steering wheel greet the driver upon entry. The matching Nardi shift knob feels good in the palm of your hand, even with some noticeable leather wear on it. A Lamco boost gauge keeps an eye on the turbocharger and its safe operation. The controls are all within reach including a simple to use automatic climate control system and Kenwood head unit. Both systems work properly and the driver benefits from electric windows, door locks, and mirrors. Although the power-folding mirror function is inoperable on the passenger side, the systems work well otherwise and makes daily driving a pleasure. The blue cloth seats are in above-average shape and are bolstered well. The supportive front buckets keep the occupants from sloshing around in the cabin and the rear bench has room for three. The carpets, door cards, and headliner have avoided major abuse and it's clear this car was cared for in a prior life. It's also not perfect and we wanted to note the plastic interior tail light trim is missing as is the cargo light cover. Still, at 25 years old, it's noticeably nicer than most stateside WRXs half its age, and the quality of the materials Subaru sourced during the era were surprisingly good!

The WRX features some unique and reliable underpinnings. Touting the brand's symmetrical all-wheel drive, Subaru engineers plopped in an EJ20G boxer engine into the lightweight Impreza body. What was produced is one of the most enduring automotive designs of all time, and a perennial sales all-star for Subaru. Our little wagon is fresh off an oil and filter service and boasts a new 12v battery, spark plugs, and a new fuel filter. The EJ fires up seamlessly and idles with confidence. Power is sent through a close-ratio five-speed gearbox. Gear changes are pleasurable and the transmission lacks any grinding. Acceleration is impressive and the WRX sails up to highway speeds easily. Sustained cruising is comfortable and the factory suspension is predictable and can withstand the rigors of daily use. The steering is on point and nicely weighted, and the ABS-equipped brakes stop this Impreza down promptly when required. The silver 2002 WRX alloys offer a wheel upgrade over the factory 15" rolling stock and are all wrapped in new rubber at all four corners. The freshly installed all-season tires will last for tens of thousands of miles to come and lower the road noise filtering through the cabin.

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.