2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Highlights

• 2.5-litre turbocharged engine
• Fully rebuilt in 2022, with invoices
• Dyno tested to 352 hp (347 bhp) and 385 lb ft
• Superb paintwork and interior
• Optional Recaro bucket seats

Overview

This Impreza appeals to the middle section of the Venn diagram of people who appreciate four-wheel drive capability, horizontally opposed cylinders, engine rebuilds, doors, and the colour red. Add to this the manual gearbox, deep Recaro seats, and wide stance, and you get a car which ticks plenty of boxes.

This particular car benefits from a full engine rebuild, carried out in 2022. The invoice on file for this work extends to several pages, and includes a fully forged crankshaft, uprated fuel injectors, and plenty of other tasty additions. There are also other chunky invoices for mechanical work undertaken in recent years, including the fitment of some OEM upgrades such as Spec C suspension arms so you know this car has been well cared for.

The interior has been kept exceptionally clean, and the only sign of wear is a small area of creasing to the driver’s seat bolster. Similarly the bright red paintwork has been brought to a fantastic shine by the present keeper, so there’s barely a mark to be seen. The car looks great from every angle. It means business, and it has the performance to back this up.

History and documentation

• Registered 28 Sep 2012
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Oct 2013 @ 6,079 miles, Oct 2014 @ 11,353 miles, Aug 2015 @ 13,923 miles, Sep 2016 @ 16,251 miles, Sep 2017 @ 18,291 miles, Aug 2018 @ 18,419 miles, Aug 2019 @ 24, 568 miles, Aug 2020 @ 30,406 miles
• Dyno test graph on file
• Invoice on file for engine rebuild totalling £12,829.62 in May 2022
• Sep 2019 invoice for £1,174
• Original owner’s manual, and other documentation
• Collection of invoices for servicing and engine rebuild
• Two key fobs
• Four former keepers
• Current MOT expires 15 Sep 2024
• Owned by the current keeper since Jul 2023
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The black interior of this Impreza is in superb condition throughout, having been thoroughly cleaned
• Half-leather Recaro bucket seats provide excellent lateral support
• There is only a very small amount of wear to the driver’s bolster
• The matching carpets and overmats are very clean
• Door cards free from scratches or scuffs
• The dashboard is simple and uncluttered
• Large, tactile heater controls
• Multi-function steering wheel with audio controls and cruise control
• Automatic climate control, said to work perfectly
• Pioneer touchscreen audio unit, with Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio
• Analogue instrument cluster
• The headlining is free from marks or damage
• To the rear, the hatchback boot is spacious and fully carpeted

Exterior

• Four-door hatchback body
• The STI model features wider flared wheel arches than the standard WRX
• Finished in red, the paintwork is in excellent condition throughout
• There are only a couple of stone chips to the front of the car, and a small area of hairline cracks on the front bumper
• Machine polished by the vendor, so is presented in superb order
• The front bumper is currently fitted with fog light blanking covers, but the original fog lights surrounds remain with the car
• Lamp lenses clear and bright
• All badges in good condition
• For a cleaner look, the original silver wing badges have been removed and the rear fog light cluster replaced with a clear item but the original parts remain with the car
• The wheel arches have reportedly had their liners removed, cleaned and refitted
• Colour-matched red brake callipers
• 18-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels
• The seller informs us that the wheels were refurbished in late 2023, and have only picked up one mark since, on the nearside front rim
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres front and rear, fitted in 2023 with new Subaru wheel nuts
• The underside of the car shows some surface corrosion on the suspension components, as usual for a car of this age
• Quad exhaust tips
• Subaru wind deflectors
• STI front splitter

Mechanical

• 2,457 cc flat-four, turbocharged engine
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Engine rebuilt in 2022 with a fully forged crankshaft and con-rods, rebuilt cylinder heads, Supertech valves, RCM precision turbocharger, RCM 1050cc fuel injectors
• Dyno tested to 352hp (347 bhp) and 385 lb ft
• Exedy uprated clutch
• ECUTek remap
• Sep 2019: front brakes stripped and cleaned, pads replaced, rear discs and pads replaced, brake fluid replaced, OSF anti-roll bar link replaced, air and pollen filters renewed, rear tyres replaced and balanced
• Front brake discs replaced in Oct 2018
• Turbocharger replaced in Nov 2023
• The engine bay is very clean and tidy, with plenty of fresh-looking parts fitted
• The car reportedly starts easily every time, idles smoothly, and is very responsive
• The Dixcel brake pads can be a little noisy at times but will be more effective than the standard items
• Sometimes the transmission can make a slight crunch when changing too quickly into fifth gear, but the seller tells us that it selects all gears without issue
• We are told by the seller that the following parts have been fitted to the car since 2023: new front and rear ARB drop links, low mileage spec c suspension and struts fitted with brand new Subaru bolts and hardware, new rear anti-roll bar clamps, new rear brake discs , Dixcel Type Z brake pads front and rear, genuine STI Pillowball front strut brace, hubcentric wheel spacers

Summary

Clearly this WRX has been the subject of much care and attention. With its full engine rebuild, extensive servicing, and even polishing the paintwork. It is both practical — with five doors and a proper sized boot — and raucous fun to drive — with the upgraded boxer engine, all-wheel drive, and selectable suspension settings. Truly the car for any occasion.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.