*smiles*

Hi all

We sold our Wagon a little while ago to search for an STI Version. Now that we have found one for sale i havent got a clue what to check for to make sure its not a dog and is all genuine and as should be.

It is located in watford area, we will be driving up from Hampshire to view it saturday morning (tommorrow).

It is a STI V2 wagon on an N plate, private trader selling it and is a fresh import, first registered in august 06.
He wants £4500 ono which seems about right

Would be great if i could recruit the services of a subaru specialist/ tuner or an individual who knows his oninions on imports to take a look at with me

Happy to make it worth someones while (Hard cash or the Mrs)

Much appreciated, any advice welcome

scoobynutta555

I hate the term fresh import, especially towards a car that's 10 years old.

If I were you before I'd even leave my house I'd bombard him with loads of questions.

What history has the car got? I'm assuming it won't have any at all. It's very much more difficult to get the feel of an imported car on the phone as you'll have no access to dealer history servicing, old MOTs nor can you get the best value from a HPI check.

Is the car from a dealer? If so which one? Do some research on the dealer and find out if he's reputable or not.

For my money and getting a car that old, I'd get a uk car with a proven and checkable history. Maybe make a few upgrades to the engine to get power near to the sti levels. After all the 5 door you mention will 'only' have 260 bhp.

Failing that then I'd get one from a dealer with a bombproof reputation.

*smiles*

Thanks for your advice

GC8

You do know that a GF8 STI V2 isnt quite the STI that you might be hoping for, dont you? The V2 'Wagon STI uses the GC8 WRX engine; it has a TD05 turbo & Z4 ECU and its rated output is also 260PS. This isnt a reason not to buy one of course; but its a lot less 'Wagon than a V3 STI is.

Simon

*smiles*

Interesting, wasnt aware of that

Much appreciated

*smiles*

This is the details the guy sent me:

GF8C58D 260 WRX STi2 555 5 door Special edition




Thanks for that, it reaaly helps me understand it better I was wondering why the saloon was showing as GC8C4ED 275 WRX STi2 555 4 door Special edition

So I guess the E denotes STI and 8 denotes WRX in the 5 door model code ... Interesting how they can pss it off as an STI then
...what qualifies it to be an STi 11 then if it s WRX engine

Great Info Simon

*smiles*

Still a rare wagon and a bit more a talking point than a standard WRX

every1sgottablue1

Check this site out for everything you need to know!

http://www.freenetpages.co.uk/hp/ken...sti/index.html

GC8

8 is the model identifier: 8 for WRX and E for STI (7 for Type-RA & D for STI Type-). Why the V2 doesnt have its own unique AMN I cant say; 'Wagons always had a lower output and different driving characteristics though... The V2 STI is a definate improvement over the standard WRX too. I think that a V3 might be what youre really after though (red manifold; similar mechanical spec to the Saloons; STI rear lamps 300PS) and the early ones can now be registered without need for an E-SVA test.....

Simon

*smiles*

Cheers, thats a reallu usefull site

it shows it as: WRX STi Version 2 555 GF8C58D - EJ20G DW4NE

Which does indeed cross reference with a WRX engine, so what makes it an STi v2 then .. anyone

GC8

A unique colour too (Sport Blue aka BAT Blue). Remember as well, that they be mechanically identical, but a 'Wagon is always superior!

*smiles*

Cheers

(the guy says it has red crackle paint on engine does that mean anything)

*smiles*

GC8

40PS is quite a hike over the standard wagon and actually, its a greater increase in rated output than the Saloon manages (275PS over 260PS). This probably justified Subaru settling on this mechanical specification; fortunately they decided to go the whole hog for the V3 onwards.

GC8

It means that someone was busy one weekend. As far as Im aware the red paint came in with the V3 cars, along with the nicer rear lamps.

*smiles*

I just was just searching threads and found this from you

"...Version 2 STI 'Wagons were little more than GF8s with standards GC8 WRX running gear fitted (260PS over the original 220PS; TD05 and Z4 ECU) and the original STI 'Wagon is difficult to identify because the 300 built were altered from standard productions models, retaining their WRX Applied Model Numbers...."

All questions covered now on the model type, cheers simon

Jamo

iTrader: (23)

why dont you just go with him simon? it would make more sense, especially if he is willing to let you diddle his wife for the info

*smiles*

Might run it around till I can find a STI 3 or later then

Not sure if that is false economy or not though.

There is a white STI 4 on ebay at the moment but it has hideous bodykit and looks like its bee chav'd up good and proper, so a bit sceptical

*smiles*

*smiles*

Ebay Clicky

GC8

But everything that I know is on this page James!

*smiles*

With the knowledge parted so far, I think that qualifies so far as an 'IOU' for a 'Grope' with aforementioned Mrs


...Redeemable at any Wagon meet

..Not Transferrable

GC8

I wouldnt buy that car for a number of reasons..... You need to find someone who can buy you one in Japan so youll be certain of the grade. If you get a Grade4 car then itll be as risk free as any Classic STI can be.

Simon

GC8

If this all happened a few months ago I could have redeemed it when we parked next to you at the NBO...

*smiles*

Roll on NBO 2007

*smiles*

Is this the red paint on engine you were mentioning I got pic of engine:

*smiles*

I asked the owner this is graded as B and 3.5

means nothing to me

Kevin Groat

Go for the V3 Wagon - Big turbo and wild cams. Bought mine 8 years ago and although it's basically standard it managed 326 bhp at a club rolling road day - only 2 cars out of 20 there managed to beat it and they had £££££'s spent under the bonnet. Even beat all the new STi's and PPP'd ones

GC8

B is the interior and its about as good as you can expect. All of the cars that Ive imported have had 'B' grade interiors and theyve all been in fantastic condition for the year. 3.5 is the grade of everything else, body and mechanics. Where the odometer reading is over 100,000 kilometres a 3.5 can be the top grade thats allowable: if the reading is lower it indicates that the vehicle will need some remedial bodywork or mechanical work. Dont be put off though as its an acceptable grade.

Simon

GC8

I have to agree with Kevin; Id go for the V3 too.