They genuinely don’t make them like this anymore. Subaru of America’s current range is dominated by crossovers, with the exception of the Legacy sedan, the WRX sedan, the Impreza hatch, and the BRZ coupe, and not one of them is available in STi flavor. But a little more than 20 years ago, before the Impreza and WRX were split in two, there was this 2004 Impreza WRX STi, now for sale on Bring a Trailer. This was four years before Subaru left the World Rally Championship due to the 2008 recession, and Subaru’s main marketing tool was that it offered a road-going rally car to rival the cult favorite Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. With a day left to bid, this “blob-eye” STi is currently bidding at just $32,000. That’s less than a mid-spec 2025 Toyota Camry Nightshade ($32,300 before a $1,195 destination charge).
Turbo Power, AWD, and a Manual Gearbox
This WRX STi is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four (300 horsepower/300 lb-ft of torque) that drives all four 17-inch BBS 10-spoke alloy wheels (finished in gold, as they should be) through a six-speed manual transaxle, and it’s done so for just 14,100 miles, which means the driver-controlled center differential and limited-slip front and rear differentials haven’t seen much abuse. Brembo four-piston front and two-piston rear brake calipers provide stopping power, and although the vehicle has been fitted with aftermarket fog lights (which actually make it look like a non-STi WRX), the vehicle is otherwise unmolested. In addition, the Java Black paint looks pristine, with the auction listing including paint meter readings to prove just how clean it is. More proof of careful ownership comes in the mention of fresh Toyo Extensa HP II tires being fitted earlier this year, and an oil change was recently performed in preparation for the sale.
A Mint Interior With A Rare Option
Inside, the front STi-emblazoned bucket seats and rear bench show minimal wear on their black cloth and blue perforated Ecsaine suede-inserted upholstery. Features for the cabin include single-zone automatic climate control, power windows, and an Alpine head unit with a CD player – if you still have any. Enthusiasts will be much more interested in the rare, optional column-mounted Lamco boost gauge behind the leather-wrapped and red-stitched steering wheel, allowing one to see the EJ257 engine hit peak boost of 16-18 psi. That threshold was hardly ever seen over the last two decades, if at all, as the car reportedly only covered 600 miles since 2004. Originally a California car, it moved to Idaho under the original buyer’s ownership and is still titled there with an accident-free Carfax report. The only thing this car needs is some paint protection film to protect the swirl-prone black paint, and it’s ready for someone to live out their Colin McRae/Petter Solberg/Ken Block fantasies.
About the author
Sebastian Cenizo
Senior Editor, Autoblog