Is this a genuine S202?
 

Hi guys. As a long time Impreza owner, I took a sabbatical with a JDM import Honda Civic (FD2 - 4-door saloon) for four years, which I've thoroughly enjoyed. However, I'm now tempted by an S202 and have put a very small deposit down on this example: http://torque-gt.co.uk/car/subaru-impreza-sti-s202/ But since doing that, I'm finding out a few things that are giving me slight cause for concern. Torque GT seems to have an excellent reputation but I'm just need my mind putting at rest about the following:

- Not 202 wheels (but not a deal breaker as some owners are reported to have sold theirs in Japan to pocket the premium)
- The mirrors are colour coded yet don't seem to be on all the other 202s I've seen
- No strut brace
- Rear bumper looks different
- Fog light covers missing
- different steering wheel

Are there any 202 experts on here who could comment? (eg Cannon Fodder :) ) Should I ask for the VIN code (I believe it should be something like GDBB4FH - ie end in FH)? Any help advice would be greatly appreciated!

Looks genuine to me, the wheels have deffo been changed.
You might want to look at suspension as looks rarther high to me?

Cheers Busta - yes, suspension does look high, especially at front

Looks like it has a rear diffuser?

Cheers, those codes are really useful. I will ask for an image of the VIN tomorrow :)

Works Cr Kai wheels, that looks nice to me :)

Seen this car in the flesh looked genuine to me

maybe wrong but didn't the 202 s have manual window winders and no air con also have no carpet in boot and intercooler bottle against back seat,,, as I said I may be incorrect and sorry if I am

I've got a close up of one of the wheels. I'm pretty sure they're A-Tech Schneider rims

That's encouraging to hear - thanks. :)

Got the sti oil cooler too, looks genuine to me too :)

Thanks Banny - I'm pretty sure it is too but you know how it is - when you start discovering apparent differences and getting niggling doubts...

This is just my opinion but if I was buying and S202 it would have to be completely standard, otherwise its not worth the premium to me

And deffo needs the ce28s that's £1k plus easily there and that's without tyres

Standard one to compare it to, also corks the sti/rays wheels carry a premium over the regular ce28n's id say closer to 2k

http://www.esperformance.co.uk/car_I...406__index.php

Yes, I'm aware that the non 202 wheels are a significant negative and I would probably aim to get some CE 28Ns as a replacement, which are probably as close to the originals as possible. However, the price is low for the mileage and of more importance to me is that it drives and handles as an S202 should

Must be my eyes, swear I saw Works stamp :lol1::lol1::lol1:

All the MY02 Type RA Spec C models will be 4FH. You'll need the option code too to be sure:thumb:

I maybe wrong but I'm sure I saw Stu mention not long back about selling his, its a beauty!

Thanks - I'll get the whole code tomorrow :)

I'm not sure who Stu is?

Posts as '53' on here....top bloke.

Looks genuine to me :) been 'upgraded' but is missing some key important 202 items... don't think anyone spotted the missing best seats ever made ;) It doesn't have the S202 v7 Spec C seats :(

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...3c651c41e8.jpg


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...0c84483b45.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...22014c2cf7.jpg

Love my 202... always jobs to do to make it better.... amazing for knocking on 13 years old :)https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...9e3654de11.jpg


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...6f884ee05a.jpg


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...f1aff47fbf.jpg

Looks like they have stripped the expensive parts off it. They might have such a glowing rep online as being God like importers but they will shaft you if they can get away with it! And that's a fact!! I have purchased from them in the past and I would not give them the light of day with the **** they pulled on me!! Anyone buying from them Get the car professionaly checked over before parting with your money, and make sure all the parts that were on the car in Japan are still on it! Caveat Emptor

Totally agree, it may be a nice low milage example, but it's no longer an S202 in my eyes, why people do this sort of thing to such a rare car is beyond me.

I wouldn't buy it, may as well buy a Bug STI for £7k and mod it with the cash saved.

Stunning car Stu!! Can you tell me the difference between the S202 V7 Spec C seats and those in this car please?

Thanks for your help and comments everyone. Seems that while it might technically be an S202, there have been numerous changes and a few choice components have gone 'missing'. I'm going to have to rethink this....