2004 Impreza WRX JDM Wagon

[Rass29]

Here is my freshly imported 2004 Wrx wagon.

I have been looking for one of these for quite a while but all of the UK cars I looked at had the usual rust issues. I then decided to go for a Japanese import which turned out to be a great choice. I could not believe the difference between a UK can and an import.

Photos when in Japan













And here it is on the drive. I have taken the rear lip off and changed the wheels which I think have made a huge difference.

[drgoatboy]

Looks nice. Very clean.
The exhaust would suggest not standard?

Ive always had an urge to buy a Scooby, I tried a 2018 car a year or so ago and it was awful so I walked away. Still like the idea of an older one though.

[Cambs_Stuart]

That looks fantastic. From memory didn't the JDM WRX's come with more power (250 hp?).
It's amazing the difference no salt on the roads makes. I had a JDM Subaru legacy and it looked new underneath. I'd strongly suggest getting it treated to keep it looking that way!

[Driveeasy]

I had a 2005 UK version before rust was an issue and loved every minute of it. We’ve recently purchased a JDM vehicle and recommend getting the underneath sealed if you haven’t already. Yours looks amazing clean, I hope you have a great time with it.

[Rass29]

drgoatboy said:

Looks nice. Very clean.
The exhaust would suggest not standard?

Ive always had an urge to buy a Scooby, I tried a 2018 car a year or so ago and it was awful so I walked away. Still like the idea of an older one though.

The only modifications are the exhaust, HKS filter, body kit and STI suspension. The engine is completely stock which is a good thing.

You should definitely try an older Impreza to see what you think before dismissing them.

[untakenname]

It's odd what a difference having symmetrical rear lights does for the backend of the car, looks a lot cleaner than the UK ones with one red right side light and clear left side.

The wagons rust from the inside out by the rear shock towers due to the NVH rubber insulation cover causing condensation to form on the metal where the rear seat connectors are which then eats away at the metal every time the car gets hot in the sun, due to this it's worth removing the insulation or at least unscrewing the seat latches and putting some additional anti corrosion coating on the metal.

[Rass29]

Thank you for the advice regarding the rust issues. I won't use the car during winter so at least the salt won't be rotting the car away. I will keep an eye on the usual places and treat if needed. When funds allow I will probably get the car treated to prevent any future issues.

[Xcore]

Tidy that, I am a fan of the kit. wouldn’t mind a newage wagon to go with my classic.

Be brave and remove the rear back rest and check for rust.

[Milner993]

Looks great!
I've always been interested in importing a jdm car just couldn't get my head around the process, how did you find it, any pointers for others?

Regarding underseal I've heard good things about Lanoguard, I haven't used it myself but reviews seem promising and it's relatively cheap.

Keep the pics coming.

[Rass29]

Milner993 said:

Looks great!
I've always been interested in importing a jdm car just couldn't get my head around the process, how did you find it, any pointers for others?

Regarding underseal I've heard good things about Lanoguard, I haven't used it myself but reviews seem promising and it's relatively cheap.

Keep the pics coming.

I purchased the car from Guy Francis who is an import specialist. He already had the car coming in so it was just a case of waiting for it to arrive. Once the car arrived he prepared it ready for me to collect.

[MattsCar]

Nice.

I love these and buying an import makes total and utter sense.

Still a member of a number of Impreza FB pages and it seems that 99% of UK cars are rotten, even those commanding high prices.

Enjoy.

[Rass29]

MattsCar said:

Nice.

I love these and buying an import makes total and utter sense.

Still a member of a number of Impreza FB pages and it seems that 99% of UK cars are rotten, even those commanding high prices.

Enjoy.

I had a look a few low milage UK cars and even those were rotten. The MOT history check came was great as I could dismiss cars straight away without going to look at them. It amazed me that people are asking top money for cars with such bad corrosion. I know buying a Jap import can be a big gamble but luckily it has paid off.

[geeks]

Out on a limb I preferred the stock wheels, other than that, nice car.

[Rass29]

geeks said:

Out on a limb I preferred the stock wheels, other than that, nice car.

It's good to hear other people's opinions. I don't mind the look of the stock wheels but I really like the design of the STI Enkei wheels. They seem to be very rare wheels so I was really happy to get hold of a set at a decent price.

[Cambs_Stuart]

STI enkei wheels in a 5x100 PCD are really rare. Good job finding them.

[S100HP]

Cambs_Stuart said:

STI enkei wheels in a 5x100 PCD are really rare. Good job finding them.

Tell me about it

[Rass29]

S100HP said:

Cambs_Stuart said:

STI enkei wheels in a 5x100 PCD are really rare. Good job finding them.

Tell me about it

Yes I was very lucky to find them. Unfortunately they didn't come with the original centre caps which are even rarer to find. They came some other genuine STI caps but they don't fit properly.

[Rass29]

I have not been on for a while so thought I would put some recent photos up. I now have the car looking exactly how I want it. Let me know what you think.

[NH-0]

Looks great, definitely looks more Subaru.

[Cambs_Stuart]

Looks flipping brilliant. How's the ownerships been?