2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Guide price: £20,000 - £30,000

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

● A genuine UK WRX STI fitted with the Prodrive Performance Pack, lifting power to 305hp

● 2.0-litre turbocharged flat four, wide track chassis and DCCD

● One owner from new

● Just 27k miles with extensive history

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Back in the day, in the ongoing battle of the rally reps, Mitsubishi and Subaru were constantly battling for dominance. For 2005, the Impreza WRX STI had a comprehensive chassis overhaul aimed squarely at the perception that the Evo was sharper handling. This saw a wider track at the rear, a new front subframe that positioned the wheels 15mm further forward, a thicker anti roll bar, aluminium suspension arms and revised geometry all-round. The centre diff also gained a variable torque split, controlled by a wheel in the centre console.

Contemporary reviews suggest that Subaru were largely successful at taking the fight to Mitsubishi with the changes and now that the dust has largely settled on the rivalry, we can just appreciate the incredible ability that these cars were endowed with. Even today, there are few more fun ways to cover uneven ground than in a burbly Subaru. If it’s painted blue and with gold wheels in deference to the WRC colour scheme then all the better, and values are reflecting that, with a steady upward arc over recent years. After all, we’re never going to see the like of these cars gracing the showrooms again.

This example has seen just one owner from new and he’s treated it as a high days and holidays car, covering just under 27,000 miles since it was first registered in 2005. Under his ownership it’s seen regular servicing and, although it’s picked up a few cosmetic blemishes over the years, the attraction of such a low mileage car is plain to see. With a bit of TLC it would be well received at shows but equally this is a car that begs to be driven. The car had been garaged from new up until last year when the garage was converted into a dining room, forcing a very reluctant sale.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

● Registered new 27 June 2005

● Two keys

● Full set of owner’s manuals

● Prodrive Performance Package certificate

● MOT valid to 14 June 2024 with advisories for cracked tyres

● V5 present in owner’s name

Stamps in service book as follows:

● 03.08.2005 @ 1,004 miles at Subaru Chesterfield

● 15.08.2006 @ 3,985 miles at Subaru Chesterfield

● 12.10.2007 @ 6,792 miles at Subaru Chesterfield

● 09.07.2009 @ 10,662 miles at Scooby Clinic, including fitting of dump valve

● 12.03.2012 @ 13,647 miles at Scooby Clinic, including K&N panel filter

● 24.03.2015 @ 17,856 miles at Scooby Clinic, including cambelt

● In addition, receipts for services as follows:

● 12.04.2019 @ 23,535 miles at Noble Motorsport

● 27.03.2023 @ 25,815 miles at Topflight Autocentre (incorrectly states no record of timing belt replacement)

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● STI branded blue suede seats hold you firmly in place

● A couple of small marks to the fabric but little to show in terms of wear

● Original Subaru CD/cassette radio, which allows the use of a cassette-shaped Bluetooth receiver for streaming purposes

● Aluminium pedals

● STI branded floor mats

● Red stitched leather steering wheel

● Air-conditioning

● A few minor marks to the trim and headlining

● Tidy boot area which is demonstrably large enough to take a set of golf clubs

● Space saver spare under boot floor

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● Finished in World Rally Mica Blue

● Wide track body

● Substantial rear spoiler

● Gold Enkei wheels shod with Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres all round

● Additional STI and Prodrive stickers which can be retained or removed, according to the desires of the next owner

● Some bubbling to the paint on passenger side C pillar

● Scratches on boot lid and minor stone chips to bonnet

● Car park dings to driver’s side doors and minor scrape to passenger side rear door

Overall, a few blemishes that could be addressed but nothing that gets in the way of the driving experience

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

● 2.0-litre turbocharged flat four producing 305hp with the Prodrive Performance Pack

● 6-speed manual gearbox

● Intercooler water spray

● Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) allows the torque split front:rear to be tailored to the conditions and preferences of the driver

● Brembo brakes, four-pot on the front

● Aftermarket dump valve

● Reported to drive really well, as you’d hope for given the mileage

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

Incredibly capable and still quick enough by today’s standards, the Impreza STI is a real entertainer and consequently many have racked up high miles. This one owner car may have a few minor battle scars but with such low miles, it should offer a drive that’s almost like new. And that is something to be savoured.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. Once on the Q&A forum thread, you can click through to the seller's profile by clicking on their username and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.