Highlights

JDM market specification car with higher power than UK cars
UK registered since 1998 with only six keepers
Original 2.0-litre flat-four boxer engine rebuilt in 2006 at 48,000 miles
Service history available from 1998 import to present
Timing belts, clutch, and front brakes renewed since 2025
Current MOT to July 2027 with no advisories
Very tidy and factory standard JDM Impreza

The Appeal

In the car’s later years, that would change, but early on, JDM customers got the better versions of the rally-to-road Impreza. While UK-market 1998 cars were good for 215bhp, Japan’s gentleman’s agreement between manufacturers made up to 276bhp standard from the same STi WRX car. A bigger turbo, higher rev limit and close-ratio gearbox set these cars apart.

You can usually identify them by the rear wiper and tinted glass on this 1998 example. It arrived in the UK in the same year it was built, with the longer VIN confirming its origins. It remains very tidy and appears largely factory standard, the silver paintwork, gold five spoke alloys and fabric sports interior presenting well for a car now approaching its 30th birthday.

The low mileage of 83,133 miles is supported by MOT history. There is a 2006 invoice in the file for an engine rebuild in 2006, at just under 48,000 miles. More recent work since 2025 includes timing belt, clutch and attention to the brakes. The car carries current MOT to July 2027 with no advisories.

A tidy and well-specified WRX that is becoming hard to find in this condition.

The vendor says:

“The vehicle is an amazing drive, being an original example it’s amazing to see the power it’s held since being built, driving it never gets old and is a blast.”

Key Information

Mileage: 83,133 miles indicated (supported b MOT history)
Country of registration: originally Japan (registered on UK plates since 1998)
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 10th July 2027 with no advisories
Technical specs: 1,994cc JDM-specification flat-four boxer engine, five-speed manual
Paperwork: History file from 1998 import to present, with documentation for recent work, 2 keys and fobs, MOTs, V5C

The Detail

Timing belts and clutch replaced since April 2025 when vendor acquired car
Front brakes also upgraded since purchase
Vendor states the engine is mechanically original
Invoice for engine rebuild in 2006 at 48,000 miles as shown in photos
Vendor states the car was free from notable mechanical issues at the last MOT
Covered and garaged since purchase by the current owner
Silver paintwork with JDM market features such as rear wiper and tinted glass
Mark on the bonnet scoop as shown in photographs
Front bumper blemish from a previous owner's repaint attempt
Gold five spoke alloys in good condition with some light kerbing to note
Spave saver steel spare wheel included
No structural or other advisories on MOT
Two-tone charcoal black fabric interior with red highlights
Small wear on the interior front passenger side door card
Vendor states the interior looks factory fresh, minus the radio unit

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.