Just to be sure the car I am looking to buy is a real STI, can anyone give me (being a newbie) an idiot proof way to tell if a 1996 wagon is an STI? Its priced much higher than most wagons, is an import and has the sti badging on the seats and badges on the bodywork but further than this I'm not really clued up enough to tell, and my cynical side says someone might have just put some seats in and badges on! Help please!!!

 

Ask for the chassis code, post it on here and some nice person will confirm it for you.

 

Its correct name is the applied model number, found under the chassis number on the build plate, also starting GC8...

 

Also check if the manifold is painted red - although in some cases the paint may have flaked off so don't be too alarmed if there isn't any. If it is an STi2 it will also have intercooler waterspray as standard

 

sti 2's didn't have a red inlet manifold.

 

The code for a standard MY96 Sti (version2) is GF8C58D
For a wagon change the C to an F

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

Steve

 

so mine should be:

GC8F4DD?

Thats a 1999 impreza sti import saloon manual.

 

Terrible example Steve! The MY96 STI 'Wagon used the standard WRX's applied model code!

A MY96 STI Saloon would be GC8C4ED and a MY97 (manufactured from late 1996) would be GC8D4ED (ending DD + STI Type-RA btw)

Simon

 

Thanks everyone! I will try and find out the chassis code tomorrow and report back, and it seems likely its the real deal as it has the water spray and red manifold also. I think the mrs is buckling under the strain of me trying to con/beg/steal money out of the bank too so its looking promising!

 

Mine does. Are you sure you're not thinking of the STI 1?

 

Fair play....looking at it - it is...was half asleep!

Lee-J when you get a code let us know and one of will let know if it is the CORRECT one.

If you print that list I posted and use it when looking at codes on cars you should be able to work out if it is the correct one.

Steve

 

same here..........

 

STi 2's definatly DO have a red inlet manifold.

They also had the silver slanty top mount instead of the normal black ones that the WRX's had.

Should also have as also mentioned IC water spray and an alloy bonnet