Stock #7207
It's hard to find a turbocharged, manual hatchback these days, but every enthusiast seems to want one. With US parts interchangeability, style, and go-anywhere AWD, these Japanese Classics are worth a second look!
Exterior Overview
While Japan was enjoying fast, frugal, and fun sport wagons like this GF8 Impreza WRX, the US market was picking up their table scraps. Our stateside Imprezas were functional, reliable, and easy to own, sure, but from a performance standpoint, they were rather unremarkable. Equipped with a potent turbocharged motor, a slick shifting manual, and the brand’s trademark symmetrical AWD, this WRX is anything but bland, and our 1999 looks swell in a fresh coat of Steel Blue Mica (86F). Save for a few minor blemishes and a repaired chip in the windscreen, the cosmetics are eye catching throughout, and this lovely 1st gen is set off by an OEM rear hatch spoiler, roof spoiler, and optional OEM side skirts. Best of all, the 81k miles on the clock are verified, documented, and pretty much impossible to find on any stateside Subie. It’s hard to find a turbocharged, manual hatchback these days, but every enthusiast seems to want one. With US parts interchangeability, style, and go-anywhere AWD, these Japanese Classics are worth a second look!
Interior Overview
The interior is intuitively designed, and nicely laid out for daily driving. It offers up a host of useful power amenities, and is trimmed in a stylish sport mesh that was never received here in the states. The front seats are well bolstered and make the driving experience feel exotic, to an extent. The upholstery has resisted any major damage over the years and is free of unwanted rips, stains, or tears. The same can be said for the condition of the dash cover, which is still soft to the touch, and in great shape aside from a crack atop the center storage cubby. Moving downward, the center stack is readily accessible, and frames functional automatic climate control. Cold A/C and hot heat work well on this seasonal cruiser, and we installed a USDM BOSS Audio upgrade to provide your commute with Bluetooth functionality. Power windows, locks, and power folding mirrors all work like a charm, assisting daily use. The driver can get comfortable behind a tilt adjustable steering column, which is affixed to an SRS airbag-equipped MOMO steering wheel. The rear bench is spacious, and also transforms the rear hatch space into a flat loading floor if you need to expand the cargo hold. The headliner is clean, as are the carpets, and overall, we have little to scrutinize other than some steering wheel wear, and some light slop in the shifter.
Mechanical Overview
If you’ve been a long time Subaru enthusiast, there’s a welcome surprise under the hood of this wagon. The EJ205 is similar to models sold stateside, and this turbo-four is just as fun to drive, modify, and wrench on. To set you up for ownership success, our trained technicians have completed a comprehensive recent service, starting with a brand new 12v battery to aid ignition. We replaced the thermostat with a new unit, and performed a coolant flush while we were in there. New spark plugs and wires keep power delivery consistent, and we replaced all the accessory belts to rid your engine compartment of unwanted squeaks or squeals. Lastly, new valve cover gaskets were installed to keep lubricant from our fresh oil change internal, and we dropped in a new air filter. This boxer engine roars up to highway speeds, sounds incredible through a polished TurboXS catback exhaust, and a zingy 5 speed manual feels exhilarating to drive. We also installed a new transmission output seal in the rear to get the drivetrain up to snuff. The suspension rides predictably, yet is firm enough to remind you that you’re in a sports wagon. The power steering is nicely weighted, and this WRX is a blast to throw around in the corners. New rear brake pads bolster the factory ABS, and the factory optional alloys are clad in all new Dunlop rubber to keep you planted to the pavement!
*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.
