Highlights

Practical and quick WRX Sportswagon model imported from Japan
Recent £1,307 service service including cambelt, water pump and turbo work
New rear pads, calipers and flexi hoses
Rare Mica Blue with refurbished Gold WRX Prodrive wheels
Never been welded with original rust free condition in infamous rust-prone areas
MOT to June 2026 with no advisories
Footage of the underside in the video below

The Appeal

Colin McRae made it famous around the world, but Colin didn’t have to take his dog rallying. Aware that dogs also enjoy wooded countryside, albeit more from a walking perspective than from a hooning on four wheels perspective, Subaru created the WRX Wagon.

With that burbling Boxer and AWD, the light and nimble WRX Wagon is far more agile and sporting than its many German uber wagon wannabes. But they are rare finds today, particularly as good as this smart Mica Blue example.

It arrived in the UK in 2004 after a life in Japan and is reported to have covered just 95,277 miles from new. After very sparing use over the last 20 years, in late 2024 the vendor treated it to a comprehensive mechanical refresh. That included a full service, new cambelt and water pump, turbo work and replacement rear brake pads and calipers.

This is a very tidy, largely standard WRX Wagon that comes to market with the benefit of all that investment. That it also has a lengthy, advisory-free MOT to June 2026 adds to transparency for buyers.

The vendor says:

“This classic 1996 WRX represents everything good about the Impreza. Power, handling and in many people's opinion (including mine) the "Classic" is the most aesthetically pleasing of the range. This example is a very rare opportunity to acquire one of the fastest appreciating classic cars available today. It sits in that highly collectable age range where people who couldn't afford one back in the day are now in a position to buy one and are prepared to pay to get the best of the best, which this car represents.

“It is well behaved as it makes its way around the country roads of Norfolk and if asked will still show a clean pair of heels to most modern cars, both from the lights and through the chicanes. It also has the added convenience of being the rarer and much sought-after "Sportswagon", with folding rear seats providing a deceptively large load space, or simply for those shopping excursions.

“Unlike most classic cars, you can be sure you're actually going to reach your destination without drama too, being ultra reliable, even by modern standards. I am very happy with its current set up which provides ample power for my needs but if speed is your thing, then you have the added bonus of being able to return it to its original 280bhp without fear of exceeding its original parameters, whilst simultaneously retaining its originality to preserve its value. Take it easy with your right foot and she will politely oblige you with 28mpg too.”

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1996
Imported from Japan in 2004
UK registered since August 2005
Five former UK registered keepers
Current vendor since November 2024
Previous keeper had car in family for many years
He is a well known graphic artist for Disney studios
Vendor states that the car has only covered 2,760 miles since 2007
Vendor states that odometer reads in miles - total of 95,277 miles from new
MOT valid until 3rd June 2026 with no advisories
Vendor states that there is limited history available but with recent highlights below
Receipts for all work in history file
One key, two key fobs

Recent work since vendor acquired car:

New rear brake calipers/pads/flexi hoses (£538.42, July 2024)
Cambelt changed
New modified water pump plus low temp thermostat
New tensioners
Turbo and induction systems serviced
4-wheel alignment
2 new coil packs
Full service (£1,307.24)
New battery (£82.97, April 2025)
Air conditioning serviced, checked and recharged (£59, May 2025)

The Condition

Smart Mica Blue paintwork in good order for age of car as shown
There are some minor signs of use such as stone chips and scuff to mirror
Bodywork presents well with vendor stating there is “No rust on any panels”
Minor scuff marks on corners of front and rear bumpers
Alloy scuff guard on rear bumper needs replacing
WRX Prodrive Gold period alloy wheels newly renovated and look smart
Fitted with matching 17in Avon tyres showing good sidewall condition and tread
Vendor states that all tyres have 5mm or more depth
Roof railings fitted for convenience
Headlights and fog lights in good condition without usual cracks or holes we are told
Underneath is in very good condition with vendor stating it it has “never been welded”
Vast majority of what vendor states is original underseal in good condition
Sills are spotless according to vendor
WRX rust-prone areas (rear wheel arches) in original rust free condition we are told
Grey fabric WRX interior in entirely original and unmodified condition
Vendor states that there are no wear or stains on any seats, including driver's bolster
All electrics work we are told
This includes electric windows, air con, electric adjustable/folding mirrors
TOAD alarm and cool down timer functioning we are told
Fitted with Nardi steering wheel and gear knob in good condition
Vendor advises us of a radio issue - doesn't pick up many stations, possibly aerial not connected
Headlining presented in near mint condition
Boot compartment is described as “spotless” by seller
Space-saving spare tyre which vendor says is unused
Original jack and tool kit present in what vendor describes as unused condition
Boot wheel well very clean
We are told that the driver's seat belt is slow to retract
Fitted with Blaupunkt stereo
No structural advisories on current MOT

The Mechanics

1,990cc ‘Boxer’ 4cyl engine tuned to approximately 220bhp
Detuned from original 280bhp as is required by Japanese export law
5spd manual transmission
Four-wheel drive system
Recently subject to comprehensive service detailed above
Vendor states that car runs without fault
Power delivery is smooth and powerful we are told
Four-wheel drive provides good road manners according to vendor
Vendor reports that car has good cornering grip and gearbox is smooth
Fitted with "cool down" system for optimal engine temperature
Standard and unmodified except for Kakimoto exhaust
Fitted with full JDM Kakimoto racing stainless steel exhaust in excellent condition
No advisories on current MOT

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..

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