Sell Your Subaru

Impreza GC8: 22B and the first generation

The first-generation Impreza WRX and STI (GC8 platform, 1992-2000) put Subaru on the global map via Colin McRae's WRC title in 1995. The GC8 STI, with the EJ20G and EJ20K boxer turbo engines, multiple version numbers (STI Version I to Version VI), and rare specifications such as the S201 (300 JDM, 1998), the Type R Coupé (two-door version), and above all the iconic 22B STI (399 JDM, 2 prototypes, built to honour Subaru's three consecutive WRC constructors' titles), forms one of the most collectable rally homologation series.

On classic markets GC8s are regularly sold without context. The gap between an original 22B-STI in factory Sonic Blue Mica with proven provenance and a comparable modified GC8 STI Type R Coupé can be many-fold. The auction format brings together collectors who know the specific chassis numbers, factory Mäkinen signatures on 22Bs, and original specifications. A 22B-STI in concours condition is for many the peak of the Impreza WRX STI heritage.

GDB, GRB, and VAB: the second, third, and fourth STI generations

The GDB (2000-2007), known as 'Bugeye' (2001-2002), 'Blobeye' (2003-2005), and 'Hawkeye' (2006-2007), brought WRX and STI to the wider public. The S203 (555 JDM, 2005) and S204 (600 JDM, 2006) are the most sought-after JDM specifications. The GRB hatchback (2008-2014), especially the STI A-Line and the rare Spec-C Type R, has a growing collector market as a once-overlooked generation. The VAB (2014-2021) as the final WRX STI sedan with the EJ257, especially the S207 (400 JDM, 2015), S208 (450 JDM, 2017), and the Type RA-R (500 JDM, 2018), form the closing collector Subarus.

For sellers, documentation of factory specification is essential. An original Subaru S206 (300 JDM, 2012, followed by 100 WR1 in 2014) or S207 in original Pure Red with factory documentation can command a significant premium. The auction format brings together international buyers, and for these specific JDM specifications that reach is essential.

Legacy GT-B, BRZ, and the lesser-known Subarus

The Legacy GT-B (1993-1998 and 1998-2003) was Subaru's grand tourer with the 2.0 or 2.5 boxer turbo and all-wheel drive. The BG5 and BH5 generation estate versions with manual gearbox and Bilstein suspension are highly attractive to modern classic collectors. The BRZ (from 2012, developed alongside the Toyota GT86) brought back the philosophy of the lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports coupé. The Subaru SVX (1991-1996, with EG33 six-cylinder boxer and automatic) is an eccentric, rare Giorgetto Giugiaro project.

For sellers of these lesser-known Subarus, international presentation via Octane is essential. A Legacy GT-B Limited Edition (BH5, 100 JDM in 2002) with manual five-speed and factory Bilstein suspension has a strong collector market. For BRZ collectors, the tS specifications (Tuned by STI) and the modern BRZ tS (2022+) are the most sought-after.

Rust and bodywork by generation

Subarus have model-specific rust problems. On GC8, buyers focus on the wheel arches, sills, and subframe attachment. On GDB Bugeye, rust is less of an issue; the Blobeye and Hawkeye are relatively good. On GRB hatchback and VAB sedan, rust is rarely a major problem, but cosmetic details such as front bumper stone chips matter. On Legacy GT-B BH5, the wheel arches and floor pans are critical. A JDM import Subaru with provably panel-free history and JEVIC report can attract a premium of five to ten percent over a European-market version.

Engine and mechanicals by model

• EJ20G and EJ20K (GC8 STI): 2.0 turbo boxer four-cylinder. Legendary but reliable when properly maintained. Points of attention: head gasket history (known issue on early EJ20G), oil pressure pump, and the unique upper pan tuyau (oil flow blockage risk under hard driving).
• EJ207 (GDB, GRB STI): 2.0 turbo boxer with DOHC 16-valve. Ask about head gasket history and any leaks at the intercooler.
• EJ257 (VAB STI): 2.5 turbo boxer four-cylinder. Known issue: ringland failure under stage tuning. An original EJ257 with factory ECU mapping is worth far more than a tuned version.
• EJ20 turbo (Legacy GT-B BG5/BH5): 2.0 or 2.5 turbo. Document turbo rebuild and timing chain guide servicing (on later models).
• FA20D (BRZ): 2.0 boxer four-cylinder, naturally aspirated, shared with Toyota GT86. Known issue: torque dip around 4000 rpm. Document regular Subaru servicing.
• FA24D (BRZ second generation, from 2022): 2.4 boxer with more torque. Document originality of the exhaust setup and any tS pack modifications.

Originality, JDM spec, and factory specification

For Subarus, JDM versus Europe is an important factor. A JDM 22B-STI in original Sonic Blue Mica with factory Mäkinen signature, edition numbering within the 399 production, and proven low mileage is a true treasure for collectors. For modern STI models (S203, S204, S207, S208), factory build sheets and proven originality are decisive. For Legacy GT-B, the factory Bilstein suspension, manual five-speed, and original colour (Mica Blue, World Rally Blue, or Sonic Blue Mica) matter.

JEVIC report and Subaru Heritage

For JDM import Subarus, the JEVIC report is essential: it confirms year, original mileage at export, and factory specification. For special specifications (22B-STI, S203, S204, S207, S208, Type RA-R), Subaru factory build sheets and possibly STI club confirmation are crucial. For sellers in Europe with provable JDM import and complete documentation, that is a strong selling point.