HOW TO GET ONE IN YOUR GARAGE

An expert’s view KEVIN KNIGHT, SCOOBYCLINIC

“The 2001-2007 Impreza WRX and WRX STI saloons were and still are iconic Subarus with lots of character. However, as they’re getting old now, some have been badly modified and lived a hard life. With this in mind, it’s best to look for as near a standard car as possible unless it has been modified professionally. The Bugeye and Blobeye WRX STIS are two of Subaru’s best creations, thanks to their 2.0-litre engines that will take 400bhp with the correct turbo and mods. They also come with a six-speed gearbox that we’ve run in race cars at 750bhp without issue.”

Buyer beware… ■ ENGINE

Check for oil leaks from the 2.0-litre engine’s cam covers and the sump cover. Cast hypereutectic pistons on the 2.5-litre engine (the 2.0-litre has forged items) suffer damaged ringlands. The head gasket on the 2.5-litre is prone to failure. Engines tuned for 350bhp or more should have toughened internals. Check the claimed power output and fuelling on a rolling road. Ensure the seller allows the oil-cooled turbo to idle. Inspect the condition of the intercooler fins.

■ OIL AND SERVICING

Make sure there have been regular oil changes and that 10W-40 or 10W-50 fully synthetic oil has been used. The service interval is 10,000 miles. Any WRX will run best on Shell V-power or similar-grade petrol.

■ TRANSMISSION

Inspect the rear differential for leaks and listen for whines and clunks from it and the centre viscous coupling.

■ SUSPENSION

The rear struts can suffer stiction as the damper-rod seal dries out and loses lubrication.

■ BODY

The support panels for the front radiator like to rot, as do the front C-subframes (not fitted on imported cars). Look for rust behind the plastic undertrays on Hawkeye models. Uneven shutlines might indicate a crash repair. Check aftermarket headlights for proper mounting and alignment.

Also worth knowing

In addition to the standard WRX and WRX STI, there’s a variety of special editions. Chief among them are the RB320 and GB270. You can also find

STIS with the Prodrive Performance Pack (PPP), an upgrade that could be specified from the factory. As part of this pack, power is boosted to 316bhp, dropping the 0-60mph time below 5.0sec.

How much to spend £4500-£5999

Mainly privately sold Blobeye cars. Mileages always exceed 100,000 and conditions are questionable.

£6000-£7999

Some mileages dip below 100,000 here and the cars are generally more presentable. However, you will find the odd previously damaged one.

£8000-£12,999

A variety of respectable WRXS, a fair few from independent dealers, with mileages nearing 50,000 in some cases. High-mileage WRX STIS enter the fold at the top end, mainly Bugeye and Blobeye ones.

£13,000-£15,999

Very desirable WRXS, as well as some special editions, including GB270S. Some showroom-condition WRX STIS with around 70,000 miles.

£16,000-£24,999

Modified high-power WRXS in great nick, as well as first-rate Hawkeye and special-edition WRX STIS.

£25,000 AND ABOVE

Pristine Hawkeye WRX STIS and special editions. The very best cost around £35,000, unless you’re happy to spend £69,990 on a mintcondition Type RA-R from Japan…

One we found SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI PPP, 2007, 39,000 MILES, £21,750

This is a real collector’s item: a Hawkeye WRX STI that looks the business and has a remarkably low mileage to its name. It has the iconic blue and gold combination, too, not to mention the Prodrive Performance Pack. Look after this one, people.