REDLINE ALLEYSubaru Impreza WRX and STI GC8 buying guide
1992 to 2000. A GC8 suits a buyer who wants the classic rally era Impreza and will check the engine and turrets properly.
Big jobs
- Rear strut turrets and arches. Rust in the rear wheel arches and rear strut turrets is reported, and turret rust can affect the structure.
- EJ20 cylinder 4 and bottom end. A tapping noise from cold, linked to cylinder 4 running hotter, can get worse until it is constant, by which point a rebuild is likely. Any knocking can mean piston slap, worn rings or bottom end damage.
- Remapped engines. Poor mapping can cause serious engine damage, so remapped cars should have been tuned by a reputable firm.
Workshop jobs
- Clutch and gearbox. Clutches often wear out well before 40,000 miles, judder is common, and crunching can mean worn synchros. The rear diff can be noisy.
Small jobs
- Cam and valve cover oil leaks. Old cam seals and valve cover gaskets are known to leak oil.
- Rear brake calipers. Early cars have single piston rear calipers that are well known for seizing and sticking on.
- Strut top mounts and anti roll bar bushes. Strut top mounts and anti roll bar bushes perish, and worn bushes clonk.
Questions for the seller
- When were the cambelt and tensioner last done, and at what km?
- Has it been remapped, and by whom?
- Has the clutch been replaced?
- Has any rust repair been done to the rear turrets or arches?
- Is it a WRX or an STi, and which version does the chassis number confirm?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-01. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.