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Buying guide

Subaru WRX STI GD (2000 to 2007): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Subaru WRX STI GD was built from 2000 to 2007 as a sedan, with a manual gearbox, all wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis code: GDB. Redline has a curated guide to its 7 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2000 to 2007
Chassis codes
GDB
Body types
Sedan
Gearboxes
Manual
Drive
AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Subaru Impreza WRX and STI GD (2000 to 2007). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Clutch judder (WRX)

    Clutch judder is a relatively common problem on the WRX.

    Where to look
    The clutch pedal and the bellhousing
    How to test
    Feel for judder pulling away in 1st and reversing up a slope.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a new clutch assembly

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Differentials and centre coupling

    The front diff, rear LSD and centre viscous coupling are checks on every car. Whines, clunks and shunts point to wear.

    Where to look
    The front diff, the rear diff housing and the centre of the drivetrain
    How to test
    Listen for whine and feel for clunks pulling away, changing gear and lifting off. Look at the rear diff for leaks; it is visible without lifting the car.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost diff or coupling replacement

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. Plastic engine mounts (2006 on)

    Subaru switched from metal to plastic engine mounts for 2006, and most were replaced under warranty.

    Where to look
    The engine mounts under each side of the engine
    How to test
    With the bonnet open and the engine running, look and listen for vibration through the mounts.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost mounts and fitting

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  4. Cam cover gasket leaks

    Cam cover gaskets leak oil onto the exhaust, and a burning oil smell is the warning sign.

    Where to look
    The cam covers on each side of the engine above the exhaust
    How to test
    Look for wet oil and smell for burning oil after the drive.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost gaskets

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  5. Inverted front dampers (2005 on)

    The inverted KYB struts on 2005 on cars lose oil and knock. Specialists say to replace them, since rebuilt originals knock again.

    Where to look
    The front struts behind each front wheel
    How to test
    Listen for knocking over bumps and look for oil on the strut bodies.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost replacement dampers and hard to find bump stops

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  6. Seized brake calipers

    The calipers corrode and seize.

    Where to look
    The front and rear calipers
    How to test
    Feel for drag or pull and check for one wheel much hotter than the others after the drive.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost stainless pistons or rebuilds

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  7. Accident repairs and rust

    Rust is uncommon, so finding it usually points to a past crash repair or poor respray. Thin panels dent easily.

    Where to look
    The doors, wings, shut lines and the fixing holes of any added spoilers
    How to test
    Check shut lines are even and look for rust round spoiler bolt holes and repaired areas.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost panel and paint work

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 1 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 2.0 or the 2.5 engine?
  • How do you warm up and cool down the engine?
  • Have the engine mounts and front dampers been replaced?
  • What modifications does it have, and are there receipts?
  • Has the clutch been replaced?

New Zealand notes

  • NZ has both NZ new cars and Japanese import WRX and STI models. Check the chassis code and spec against the paperwork.

A GD suits a buyer who wants an all weather turbo sedan or wagon with rally pedigree and plenty of parts support.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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