hi all,

new to the forum. Im interested in buying a classic shape subaru, the one im looking at is a 1997 R plate sti. Just like to know if this is a version 5 or did these start slightly later.

As i have seen a version 3 for sale to which is a 1996

Both Subarus i have owned previously were UK Spec Sti's.

Its a more or less a standard car with not much mods, any advice on what to look for when buying this would be appreciated.

Just bit hesitant with the amount of imports iv seen with blown engines

thanks all

 

A 1997 should be a version 4.
If the coilpack on top of engine is in the middle then its a 3/4, If its to the side then would be 5/6

Steve

 

R reg, could be v3 or v4. Late S reg was the start of v5.

Get the applied model code up and someone will decode it.

 

http://www.type-ra.com/what-model-is-my-impreza/

You need to check the VIN Plate for the Applied Model Code, as per the guide above. Many of the cosmetic items can be changed, like the steering wheel, clocks, brakes etc. But the MY 99 cars are registered from Sept 1998 to August 1999.

 

cheers for that lads, my mistake its an R reg but add says its a 1998
I did think its possibly a ver4.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-Imp...item2589e1ea4f

above is the car im looking at

 

V5.

Available from September 98 until august 99.

 

as above it has the coilpack off-set to the passenger side and thus v5-6 spec

 

V5 and if you win it please change the colour of the wheels

 

V5, no question.

 

I didn't think the registration was an accurate way of telling a sti's age as all classic STI's are import so isn't reg to indicate when it was imported? Im not sure! Like others have said,check vin

 

No, the reg does not indicate when it was imported, it relates to when the car was manufactured like here. However, sometimes DVLA do get it wrong.

 

Thanks for all the responses, seller has said the import docs say it is a version 5 to, but will double check on viewing.

 

lol this will be the first change i make

Along with a visit to scooby clinic for a remap

 

it should state on the v5 the date of importation as well as date of manufacture

 

I once see a classic sti advertised as a 2004. They must have been talking about import year!

 

I've seen a classic sti with an 03 reg plate..... dvla **** up.

 

Although it is unusual to see a newer car with an early registration, even the later JDM cars have a few anomalies with regard to number plates.

My 2003 Blobeye Twin Scroll had to be put on a 52 plate (2002) and not a 53 when imported new. It was not the only one either.

 

Its more the older cars with newer reg thats wrong. For example a classic that has a 01/51 etc type plate is wrong! With private plates you can make car look older but not newer.so surely its the same rule for imports. I have a 53 reg uk blobeye that is February 04 on log book, like your 2003 52reg this is normal