2004 Subaru Impreza STi

Finished in the iconic colour of WRX Blue Mica Metallic, ‘MT04 SRT’ is a Subaru Impreza Turbo STi ‘Type UK’ that’s been further upgraded with a certificated Prodrive performance package raising its power. 

Still showing just 90,000 miles on the odometer and boasting an impressive MoT history, it is said to have always been run on Super Unleaded petrol and has been in the hands of the seller since 2017.

He says he’s had “no issues whatsoever” in the six years he’s owned and run it as a second car, which doesn’t surprise us given Subaru’s reputation for fine engineering.

Sadly, it was recorded as a Cat C write-off back in 2014, which will affect its value. Still, if that doesn’t bother you then you’ll be delighted to hear it’s being offered with no reserve, so will sell from the very first bid!

You can see why WRX Blue Mica Metallic (colour code 02C) is so popular, can’t you? Beautifully of-the-period, it also manages to be utterly contemporary, which is quite the trick to pull off.

The coachwork also features rallying essentials such as flared wheelarches, a deep front air dam, an enormous rear spoiler, huge wheels, and a mahoosive air scoop on the bonnet.

Plus, lots and lots of pink STi badges.

The alloy wheels are a set of 18-inch Inovit Torque. Recently refurbished and finished in Anthracite – and isn’t it refreshing to see a blue Impreza with something other than gold wheels? – they’re also fitted with a matching set of decent Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

As for flaws, as well as its Cat C status from the 21st of August 2014, there is a small dent at the top of the offside rear door, some scuffs to the offside lower edge of the front spoiler and the corner of the bumper, a scratch to the nearside corner of the rear bumper, the windscreen is chipped, there is some condensation in the offside headlamp, and some rust on the boot lid under the rear spoiler.

The blue and black interior (trim code B20) is no less iconic that the coachwork. With Subaru’s trademark all-in-one front seats, you couldn’t mistake this as being any other car, could you?

It’s all in great shape, too. Where some manufacturers of sporting saloons have been known to sacrifice longevity for lightness, Subaru treats its customers to the same durable interiors it fits to all its models.

Which means this one’s two decades (yup, now you feel old, don’t you?) have left it unruffled. The front seat covers, for example are still taut and undamaged, the STi steering wheel still has all its dimples, and the instruments and controls are still bright and clear.

The door cards, carpets, headlining and trim are all good, and matching ‘Type UK’ overmats are fitted. 

Of course, there is plenty of badging to remind you you’re sitting in an STi but that’s okay because if you know, you know.

It all looks pretty much standard in there bar the gear knob, which is great to see. At a point when so many have been modified, it’s great to see one that’s been left as Subaru intended. 

The air-conditioning was recharged in July 2023. We are told it blows nice and cold – and that everything else works as it should, too.

Which means there isn’t much in there for the new owner to do. The driver’s overmat is worn and could do with being replaced - and purists might like to replace the gear knob with something from the factory - but it otherwise looks good to us. 

The Prodrive performance package is backed up by the recent installation of a six-speed Driver's ControlCentre Differential (gearbox type TY856WN4KA) fitted with an Exedy pink clutch. There’s no internal adjustment for the DCCD gearbox and it’s set to run with 70% of the power going to the rear of the car with the remaining 30% being sent forward.

Recent planned preventative maintenance includes a new camshaft drive belt and water pump at 88,000 miles, fresh Millers fully synthetic engine and gearbox oil and fresh brake fluid at 90,000 miles.

There are receipts on file for earlier servicing and repair work, too. The seller tells us that he’s an “owner who enjoys having things right”. A skilled home mechanic, he’s also experienced enough to know when something is outside of his skillset and needs to be commissioned out to the professionals. 

All of which means it’s no surprise to see that it fires into life willingly and idles nicely. There are no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard either, and revving it produces that characteristic growl from the engine and exhaust we’ve all come to know and love.

The engine bay is a little tired but could be revitalized easily enough if that sort of thing bothers you.

The underside looks solid – certainly no MoT tester has ever commented on structural rust or corrosion – and doesn’t need anything doing to it other than continued care and regular pressure washing to remove the salt if you’ll be using it in the winter.

NB: Parkers defines a Cat C insurance marker as: insurance companies decided that, for them, the damage to the cars in this state, though repairable, aren’t cost-effective. It’s important to note that they factor more than just the parts and labour i.e. administration, into their equations. 

So, the Impreza might have sustained a great deal of damage, or just enough to make it uneconomic to repair. We just don’t know.

However, the seller noticed a slight crease under the bonnet near the battery and that that front wing is a slightly different shade to the bonnet and the rest of the car, so thinks the Subaru’s Cat C status may be due to a “light frontal” accident.

The Impreza’s MoT certificate is valid until July 2024 and it was gained, like every one bar two, with no advisories. And the advisories it did get? They were for a worn tyre and having a child seat fitted…

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear (bar the insurance marker) and it comes with two keys.

The Impreza Turbo’s reputation has taken a beating in recent years, which means it’s easy to lose sight of how iconic, groundbreaking and sizzlingly quick they are; even now, few cars can keep up with a well-driven Scooby thanks to that turbocharged punch and faithful, grippy chassis.

And, if you’re free-thinker and not easily swayed by popular culture, the Bug Eyed Impreza’s reputation works in your favour because prices are still low.

Because of its (currently unloved) standing, we estimate this one will fetch somewhere between £8,000 and £10,000, which strikes us as an absurd situation. 

And, even more bonkers, its Cat C status means the owner is happy to offer this on a No Reserve basis, meaning it will sell from the very first bid no matter how derisory that might be… 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.