2008 SUBARU IMPREZA

Highlights

Coherent modification package: Mishimoto intake, HKS dump valve, stainless steel exhaust and supporting remap with dyno sheet

In current ownership since May 2019, covering approximately 20,000 miles mainly on occasional drives

Stainless steel exhaust with new catalytic converters (2024), four nearly new tyres, new radiator and crankshaft position sensor

HPI-confirmed tracker fitted, with Category 1 alarm documentation

Two full sets of keys, original Subaru handbook and leather wallet

Overview

Strip away the rally nostalgia for a moment and look at what Subaru Tecnica International actually put into this generation of the Impreza WRX STI. The 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer flat-four produces 300 bhp from the factory, all fed through a six-speed manual gearbox and Subaru's all-wheel-drive system. Switchable drive modes and DCCD (Driver Controlled Centre Diff ,obvs) controls allow you to tailor the experience.

That's a serious amount of engineering for the money, and the hatchback body adds genuine five-door practicality to the equation. Somewhat maligned when it was released, largely for straying from the three box formula, we think the hatch back is coming into its own and (whisper it) actually represents something of an all-weather performance bargain these days.

This 2008 Type UK in grey metallic has been in current ownership since May 2019, covering approximately 20,000 miles in that time, used primarily for occasional drives rather than daily commuting. The modifications tell a considered story: a Mishimoto performance intake, HKS dump valve, a stainless steel exhaust system (which the vendor tells us is a Powerflow unit with new catalytic converters fitted in 2024) and a professional rolling road remap.

Inside, the cabin retains its factory heated seats, while an aftermarket JVC double-DIN head unit - which provides a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth connectivity - sits neatly in the centre stack. For those who want a sorted, usable STI with a purposeful character, this one deserves a closer look.

History and documentation

Registered 11th Mar 2008 in the UK, though the service book shows it was supplied initially via a dealer in Cyprus

V5C present in the current keeper's name; four former keepers on record

The original Subaru service book includes stamps as follows: Apr 2008 @ 1,017 miles, Apr 2009 @ 10,574 miles, Jul 2010 @ 18,283 miles, Jul 2011 @ 24,539 miles, Jul 2012 @ 29,789 miles, Sep 2013 @ 36,627 miles, Nov 2014 @ 42,209 miles, Dec 2015 @ 45,672 miles, Mar 2017 @ 53,055 miles, Apr 2018 @ 58,189 miles, Mar 2019 @ 62,561 miles, and is stamped up to March 2019

Servicing from 2019 onwards carried out by the current keeper and his father, a qualified master motor mechanic with over 40 years of experience; receipts for all parts are included.

Maintenance during current ownership includes: June 2023 service (oil, oil filter, auxiliary drive belt at approximately 75,000 miles), stainless steel exhaust with two new catalytic converters (2024), new radiator, and new crankshaft position sensor — receipts stated to be included for all items

A dyno report dated October 2017 is included, confirming a rolling road remap producing 315bhp

HPI records confirm a tracker is fitted; the vendor notes full tracker documentation and a Category 1 alarm installation certificate are included

Original Subaru handbook and leather document wallet present

Large folder of receipts, health checks and old MOT certificates from previous keepers is included

Two full sets of keys

A total of 17 MOT tests on record with consistent mileage progression from 22,048 miles (February 2011) through to 81,033 miles (January 2026)

HPI clear

London ULEZ compliant

Current MOT expires 4th Feb 2027

Mileage at time of photography 81,200 miles

Interior

The STI's driver-focused cockpit retains all of its key factory features: SI-Drive rotary selector, DCCD control panel, heated front seats and STI-branded sill plates

The driver's seat bolster shows some age-related wear consistent with a 17-year-old car; passenger seat and rear bench present well with only light flattening to the suede-effect material

Small cosmetic mark noted on the passenger-side dash near the vent

Interior door-card handles have some paint chips; the vendor will include the correct matching spray paint with the sale

Aftermarket JVC double-DIN head unit fitted neatly in the centre stack, which the vendor tells us provides a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth connectivity

Dash cam mounted on top of the dashboard and wired in discreetly

Aftermarket spherical gear knob fitted to the six-speed manual shifter; gear lever and handbrake gaiters are intact with no visible splits

The vendor tells us all electrics work as expected, though notes the passenger side window switch can occasionally play up; a replacement hasn't yet been sourced but the driver's window operation is fine

Black headlining is clean and taut with no sagging

Carpets are in good order throughout

Boot area shows light marks from normal use; retractable blind is present and functional

Full-size spare wheel and moulded tool storage inserts are present; the vendor notes the original Subaru tool kit and jack are included

Overall, the interior presents honestly for a well-loved STI with all key features present and working

Exterior

Finished in grey metallic, which retains a good shine across the main body panels

There are no major dents or accident repairs to declare

Small car park dent visible on the driver's side rear door around the swage line

Bonnet scoop intake surface shows some paint fade; the vendor notes the roof aerial fin has paint bubbling and that replacement units are inexpensive

Light age-related stone chips on the front bumper and lower areas; light scratches and scuff marks on the front bumper corner black trim insert

Curved scratch visible on the top of the front wing just behind the headlamp; light fingernail marks around door handle recesses

Front headlamp lenses show light age-related hazing across the upper sections

Wind deflectors (Team Heko) fitted to front and rear windows on both sides; dark-tinted rear glass

STI-branded mudflaps present at all four corners; rear roof spoiler and quad exhaust tailpipes present and intact

All panels appear structurally straight with even shut lines; door jamb areas present tidily with weather seals sitting correctly

Gloss-black alloy wheels present with minor cosmetic marks; STI-branded brake calipers visible behind each wheel

All four tyres are relatively new

Underside appears dry with no obvious fluid leaks; protective coating on the floorpan is largely intact

Surface corrosion visible on rear suspension arms and mounting hardware, reflected in the most recent MOT advisory; light surface rust along some underfloor seams, consistent with a 17-year-old car

Stainless exhaust system is visibly newer than surrounding underbody components, with clean metal and tidy welds throughout

Overall, the exterior presents well for its age with honest cosmetic wear and structurally straight panels

Mechanical

2.5-litre turbocharged boxer flat-four producing 300 bhp in standard form, 315bhp with a supporting remap and dyno report on file

Engine bay shows the Mishimoto intake, HKS dump valve and complete intercooler and turbo setup all correctly fitted; a gas bonnet strut has been fitted in place of the standard prop rod for easier access; light age-related oxidation on exposed fasteners and the intercooler core is entirely normal for the mileage

Six-speed manual gearbox driving all four wheels through Subaru's all-wheel-drive system with multi-mode DCCD

Modification package includes a Mishimoto performance intake, HKS dump valve, and a stainless steel Powerflow exhaust system, along with a professional rolling road remap

The car starts first time (hot or cold), pulls strongly through the rev range with no flat spots or hesitation, boosts cleanly and consistently, and produces no smoke on start-up or under load

Gearbox shifts smoothly with no crunching or synchro issues; clutch bites cleanly and feels healthy

Steering described by the vendor as tight and direct; brakes reported as strong and straight with no vibrations

Suspension feels composed with no knocks or bangs according to the vendor

Most recent MOT notes two advisories: front suspension arm pin/bush worn on both sides (not resulting in excessive movement) and rear suspension component mounting area corrosion (not considered excessive); the vendor reports these have not affected the driving experience

No oil or coolant leaks during current ownership; engine temperatures remain stable and boost levels are consistent

The vendor reports the car was last serviced in June 2023 (oil, oil filter, auxiliary drive belt) at approximately 75,000 miles; approximately 6,000 miles covered since, but we would recommend that the next owner budgets for a service

The vendor states a new radiator and crankshaft position sensor were fitted during current ownership, with receipts included

There are no other known mechanical issues and nothing that currently needs replacing

Front suspension bushes may benefit from attention at some stage given the running MOT advisory, but the vendor reports this doesn't affect how the car drives today

A mechanically sorted STI that the vendor tells us drives exactly as it should

Summary

Wider track. Double-wishbone rear end. SI-Drive. DCCD. A six-speed manual and that turbocharged flat-four rumble through a fresh stainless system. The third-generation hatchback STI offered a genuinely rewarding and versatile driving experience, and this 2008 Type UK has been further enhanced with some choice mods.

Five-door practicality, all-wheel-drive confidence, two sets of keys, honest cosmetic condition for its age and the mechanical assurance of recent maintenance make this a compelling proposition for anyone who wants to get behind the wheel and enjoy what an STI was built to do.

This car is located in Swanley, Kent.