I have been looking at a car that looks like a V5 and has a V5 engine but the VIN plate shows GC8F4ED. This should mean it's a V4. Car is a 98 S

Can anyone explain ?

 

That is the right code for a version 5. Version 4 is GC8E4ED.

 

From SIDC faq

F Sep.98-Aug.99
MY99 GC8F2DD 300 WRX R STi5 2 door
GC8F2DD 300 WRX R STi5 V-Limited 2 door Special edition
GC8F27D 300 WRX RA V-Limited 2 door Special edition 2 door RA
GC8F48D 280 WRX 4 door
GC8F47D 280 WRX RA 4 door
GC8F4ED 300 WRX STi4 4 door
GC8F4DD 300 WRX RA STi5 4 door
GC8F4DD 300 WRX RA STi5 4 door V-Limited Special edition
GF8F58D 280 WRX 5 door
GF8F5ED 300 WRX STi5 5 door
GF8F58P 240 WRX 5 door AT

But then saw this

The 7 digit "applied model" code found on the vehicle identification plate inside the engine bay is decoded in the following way.


Series code G=Impreza S=Forester B=Legacy etc.
Body type F=Wagon C=Sedan
Engine type 8=2.0L Turbo
Year code A=MY93 B=MY94 C=MY95&96 D=MY97 (facelift) E=MY98 F=MY99 G=MY00
Number of doors 2=2 door coupe 4=4 door saloon 5=5 door wagon/hatch
Model type 8=WRX 7=RA type E=Sti D=Sti Type R & RA
Transmission D=5 Speed Manual AWD P=4 Speed Automatic AWD

All makes sense now !!!