Autodealer dream buy: Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STi (2000-2007)

This week, we’re out for some JDM goodness in the form of the Subaru WRX and WRX STi.

The Impreza is one of the most iconic saloon cars in the world; it first found fame with World Rally Championship (WRC) success in the 90s and has become a cult car locally with one of the biggest followings of any car in South Africa. There are many examples for sale locally so we’ve put together a list of checks that the budding Scooby owner should conduct before purchasing.

What to look out for:

• The five-speed manual gearboxes on the WRX are known to be weak so ensure that the gearbox feels smooth without and grating or whining
• The EJ20 motor in what’s known as the bug and blob-eye models from years 2000-2005 were know to run bearings, causing massive engine damage. Check for smoke during the test drive
• The EJ25 in what is known as the hawk-eye models are known for premature ring land failure, as in the piston breaks between the ring gaps. Also, monitor smoke from the exhaust during the test drive.
• The radiator tanks are also prone to blowing off on all of these models.
• The differentials should be checked, when driving the models remember to listen for a knocking sound.
• The clutch is also quite an expensive part to replace so ensure that the vehicle you are interested in has a working order item.