The Search begins

There had been one model of JDM sports cars that has always been on my mind. As early as 2014, I have written here in this blog, that I was interested in getting a Subaru Impreza WRX STI. I even viewed one unit in 2014 and one more in 2015. Both units were Version 9 and until now I still love this model. At that time, I was not financially able to purchase one even though there were several nice units. That dream is still very much alive and I intend to fulfill it since I currently do not own a sports car. Since the moment I decided to sell my Toyota Altezza, I started talking to my friend who had previously owned 2 STIs. He suggested that instead of looking for Version 9, I should look for Version 8 because it is much more affordable, and besides the cosmetic changes, there is little performance difference. I was searching online and realized that the price difference is indeed too much. So, I changed my direction and started looking up Version 8s that are for sales. I planned to convert it into Version 9 for the exterior and interior, which is possible. Before I sold the Altezza, I found one unit at an Auto City at a reasonable price and decided to take a look. Inside Auto City, there are more than 20 companies located there. When I arrived and took a glance at the STI, I noticed it has a new paint job and nice aftermarket rims. I was told it belongs to a friend of the used car owner, who decided to sell it.

My favorite model is Version 9 but Version 8 has its charm and I could grow to love it. There was not much to comment about the exterior because there is no exterior mod and I asked to see the inside. The interior was stock except for the Apexi turbo timer, Greddy boost controller, and Greddy boost meter. It would have been nice if it had some Defi meters but these are fairly good upgrades too. In my opinion, the most important part that should be converted is the interior. Version 8's interior design is dated even for a fan like me. Luckily, the dashboard design is the same for both Version 8 and 9. The main difference lies in the center console. Just to name a few differences, the cupholders, DCCD (Differential Control) mode button, DCCD level knob, and side mirror adjustment switch are all located differently. In addition, Version 8 has manual knobs for aircond controls while Version 9 has electronic buttons. Although having the same design, the speedometer of Version 8 only goes to 180 km/h but it goes up to 260 km/h for Version 9. In order to convert completely, I would need to replace the whole center console and steering wheel with Version 9 parts. I am starting to worry about the overall cost and time needed for such a conversion and whether it is worth it. 

After looking at the interior, I crank up the engine and listened to the engine sound. I was pleased that the start-up was smooth and the engine was quiet. It idles normally and had no weird sounds. I was a little surprised as the car is already 16 years old. I stepped on the accelerator and heard the loud exhaust note. If I was younger, I would be so into the loud sound but as my readers know, I do have a wife to please and was hoping to get an STI with stock exhaust. I opened the hood and checked on the chassis plate. It shows that it is indeed a genuine Version 8 and the location of the windshield wiper fluid tank confirms this fact. The engine bay was dirty but everything looks fairly stock. The air filter and blow-off valve are not stock parts. Both of these 2 items are HKS products. The radiator is also an aftermarket part. Surprisingly, the car is still using a factory suspension set which in my opinion, is rare because one of the first mod for owners would be an aftermarket Coilover kit. I wonder if the absorbers are still up to the task of harsh driving. By then, I have seen all I needed and after talking to the salesman, I think this unit could be the one for me. However, I need to bring my friend over to take a look and give me his opinion before making a decision.