We all know the Subaru Impreza WRX Turbo as a rally god; the (once) unassuming Japanese saloon that has humbled its fair share of Italian exotics on the road. How do you top that? Well, what about if you add a hatch back to make it even more practical – and give it an uber-wagon vibe – and add a few teaks to give it even stronger performance? This very low-mileage example boasts the Prodrive performance pack (PPP), which includes an engine remap to yield 261bhp, an engine bay strut brace, stiffened drop links in the suspension and 330mm brake discs with four-pot callipers.
This car also sports a full stainless steel exhaust system. So, if you do load up that boot space, you’ll still have all the performance of the original. And don’t forget the sure-footed all-wheel drive handling.
It's also reassuring to know that this is a one-owner car, a UK dealer-supplied vehicle that was bought and has been well cared for by a long time Impreza owner/enthusiast. As well as the mechanical and performance upgrades, the Subaru also benefits from the application of AutoSmart’s ‘Silver Seal’ paint protection treatment. The owner reports that it has always been kept in an appropriately heated and well-ventilated garage. Consequently, you're unlikely to find another in better condition.
With so few miles on the clock and careful ownership, it’s no surprise that the car carries little paperwork with it beyond its manuals and document folder. The mileage is corroborated by the Subaru’s MOT certificates, and the service stamps are split between the service manual and documents/invoices kept with the owner’s business.
The AutoSmart paint protection has certainly done its job in helping keep the trademark Subaru metallic blue in almost pristine condition, as, no doubt have the lack of miles driven and the car’s sensible garaging. All across the coachwork, the paint retains a deep and consistent gloss with no signs of fade or any detectable corrosion. Metal and plastic panels – those deep front and rear spoilers – remain a perfect match in colour, while shut-lines are consistently narrow and true all around the car. Like the bumpers, the side skirts are perfectly straight. The bonnet air scoop and the high rear spoiler are likewise excellent in fit and finish.
The black windscreen surrounds and window frames help define the shape better, and make a nice contrast to the blue. The powder coating is in excellent shape, showing no discolouration or rippling due to corrosion underneath. The rubber door and window seals are also in great shape, supple and matching the metalwork in colour.
Like the exterior, the car’s cabin is generally excellent, with very little to distinguish it from a new car. Fabrics and surfaces retain all of their shape and colour, with no signs of fading or abrasions. The seats are nicely defined by different materials and textures, and these in turn are kept in shape by clean, contrasting stitching. Mats and carpets retain a good pile and retain nicely bound edges, (the mats have one or two small marks), while up above, the headlining is clean and taut.
Some of the lower plastic panels (door cards) display a few scuffs but still present very well. Window switches and control panels are neatly mounted and free of nail scratches. Nooks and crannies both here and across the car are conspicuously free of dust and dirt. The Momo steering wheel and the stitched leather gear knob – often well-pummelled items in Imprezas – remain a very tidy feature in this five-door, retaining all the colours and textures they left the showroom with.
The rear parcel area is equally clean and neat. The smoothly operating parcel cover is retained and there is also a heavy-duty, after-market Subaru-logo’d rubber floor mat in the luggage bay. Other than this, there have been no owner add-ons or customizations and the cabin remains understated and standard. And altogether rather tasty.
The Mechanics
Prodrive Performance pack
Uprated brakes
Stainless steel exhaust
The Subaru’s engine bay is tidy and workmanlike – everything is as clean as it needs to be without being polished within an inch of its life. There are no areas of visible corrosion and nowhere have grease or grime been allowed to accumulate.
All nuts, bolts, screws and jubilee clips look well able to accept a wrench/screwdriver and look as if they would cooperate. Hoses, leads and cable ducting appear supple and remain a healthy shade of black. There are no signs of leaks nor heat damage anywhere. The battery looks pretty new and everything appears standard – apart perhaps from the rather tasty-looking Prodrive strut brace.
The underside of the car appears very sound, with the sills and underside of the body looking very solid. There is a degree of light weathering, but no signs of corrosion or damage from road debris. Brakes and suspension components appear to be in very good order, while that stainless steel exhaust is straight and firmly mounted.
The distinctive five-spoke alloy wheels are in great shape and the Michelin tyres appear virtually new.
From the point of view of the enthusiast owner-driver, or maybe even the collector, it won’t be easy to find a better example of an Impreza ‘wagon’ than this one. Proven origin and provenance, some thoughtful upgrades, plus very careful ownership have combined to make – or keep – this five-door a very desirable machine. And, whether going to a track day or taking mother to the garden centre (keep it steady), there is no situation in which this estate won’t excel. Condition, performance, usability; there are no areas in which this Subaru is found wanting.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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2004 Subaru WRX Turbo
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