Group A-derived turbocharged AWD saloon — Subaru's rally-bred performance icon across GC8, Bugeye, Blobeye and Hawkeye generations.
The Impreza WRX STi (Subaru Tecnica International) was launched in Japan in January 1994 as a homologated, hand-finished evolution of the Impreza WRX, using a 2.0-litre turbocharged EJ20 flat-four. The first-generation GC8 (1994–2000) included the iconic 22B STi (1998, 424 units, 2.2-litre), the limited Type RA Spec C and various 'Version' editions.
The second-generation (2001–2007) covered the Bugeye GD (2001–2002), Blobeye GD (2003–2005) and Hawkeye GD (2006–2007), with the JDM cars retaining 2.0-litre EJ207 engines and overseas markets receiving 2.5-litre EJ257 derivatives.
Definitive turbocharged AWD rally-bred saloon — the 22B and clean JDM specials are firmly in collector territory.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GC8 22B STi | 1998 | 424 | 2.2L; widened arches; arguably the defining STi. |
| GC8 STi (Version I–VI) | 1994–2000 | — | Multiple 'Version' generations; many sub-variants. |
| Bugeye STi (GDB) | 2001–2002 | — | First round-light STi; JDM Spec C the most desirable. |
| Blobeye STi | 2003–2005 | — | Revised front end; some markets gained STi for the first time. |
| Hawkeye STi | 2006–2007 | — | Last GD-platform STi. |
Start with identity, paperwork and originality. For the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, the strongest cars have continuous ownership history, matching numbers where applicable, original books and tools, factory build documentation and evidence of work by manufacturer-approved specialists. 22B STi, RA Spec C, low-VIN JDM specials, original-spec cars (no aftermarket ECU / suspension / interior).
EJ20/EJ25 turbocharged flat-fours are robust when serviced on schedule but ringland failure on heavily-tuned cars and head-gasket weeps on later EJ25 cars are well known. A proper pre-purchase inspection includes cold-start behaviour, ECU diagnostics and fault-code history (where applicable), leak-down or compression testing, underbody photography, suspension and chassis inspection, brake condition and a long enough road test to expose heat-related faults. Deferred maintenance on a car of this class is almost always more expensive than buying a better-sorted example.
Use a paint-depth gauge, lift access and a specialist familiar with the model's factory panel gaps and finish standards. Collector value is dramatically affected by structural repairs, refinished panels, poor paintwork and missing factory trim or option content. Documented cosmetic refresh is acceptable; concealed accident or fire damage must be priced severely.
Originality: documented JDM imports, low-owner cars, original wheels and undamaged shells. Modifications dramatically reduce value. Specification, colour, options and limited-build variants move values significantly. Buy the best-documented example in the most desirable specification you can justify, rather than a tired example of a rarer derivative that will need years of corrective work.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Budget annually even if the car is used sparingly. Fluids age, tyres and date-coded rubber components must be replaced regardless of mileage, and stored cars need exercise. A documented maintenance rhythm protects both reliability and resale value.
Strong global network of Subaru specialists; restoration costs on rare derivatives have risen sharply with collector recognition. Before purchase, confirm parts availability for model-specific bodywork, electronics, gearbox and engine components. A discounted car waiting on unobtainable parts or a factory service slot is rarely a saving in collector ownership.
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
22B remains the benchmark and has set successive auction records. Clean, original JDM specials and unmodified UK / US STi cars have firmed sharply; modified cars are explicitly discounted by serious buyers.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-15 | Bring a Trailer Online | 1998 22B STi | 12,400 mi | $365,000 Sold |
| 2025-04-10 | Collecting Cars Online | 2002 Bugeye STi Spec C (JDM) | 48,000 km | £45,250 Sold |
Originality drives everything. 22B is blue-chip; clean JDM specials are emerging; standard STi cars are firming as Y2K culture collector interest rises.
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Register interestThe valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
