Too good to be true

My search for a Subaru Impreza WRX STI had to continue because I could not find one that is in good condition and at the same time, affordable. One day while I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw someone selling his Version 9 at the price of Version 8. I could not believe my eyes as it was too good to be true but at the same time, I did not want to lose out if it is genuine. Immediately, I messaged the owner and ask for a meetup. When I arrived, I was told the car itself has not been driven for a while and was mainly parked outdoor. The first thing I had to ask was the reason behind the low selling price. The owner confessed that the car is not fine and the problem was the engine itself. Based on his experience, he suspected the main culprit was the crank rod. It was not the first time the engine had that issue while under his ownership. He asked the workshop he frequents for an estimation of a repair cost and the total amounts to around RM 10,000. After knowing the estimation, he decided it made more sense financially, to sell it rather than fixing the issue. That is why he decided to sell at a low price. I was shocked at the amount needed and I definitely could understand why he is selling at a cheap price. Despite that, I decided to look at the condition of the car before I plan further.

At first glance, the exterior was still stock with no body-kit but I noticed several patches where the paint was faded as a result of being under the sun too much. The only things that are not stock are the Apexi exhaust muffler and aftermarket rims. Next, the owner popped the hood and I was surprised that the engine bay is yellow in color. Under the hood, it looks like an original version 9 engine bay and not a converted unit. Then, the owner started the engine and immediately from cranking, there is a knocking sound that could be heard coming from the engine. When it started, the exhaust blared loudly and after 5 minutes, the knocking sound could not be heard and it idles like normal. I am not an expert on boxer engines but that definitely is not sound you would want for your engine. That was the main issue with the engine and this STI is not recommended to be driven. I was also told the engine was not the original 2 liter engine but a combination of 2 liter head and 2.5 liter block. While looking at the engine bay, I saw some aftermarket parts. I could see the Koyorad aluminum radiator, HKS intake piping with an open pod air filter, several aftermarket hoses, and a Defi sensor fitting near the radiator. The rest of the engine bay looks fairly stock. I proceeded to check the other parts of the car, mainly the interior and the boot.

I opened the driver's door and there was no creaking sound. Although it is more than 10 years old, the interior seems to be well taken care of. I sat on the seat and the cushion was still firm. The steering wheel has no scratches and the leather was in good condition. I could not say the same for the gear knob because the red stitching on the bottom part of the knob came out a little. The center console has been decorated with carbon fiber sticker and the entertainment was a 2 din player but not a screen. The player is an upgrade that must be done to install a reverse camera as it will be more convenient. It is great to see such a condition for an old car but I could not help but feel a little disappointed. Most of the STIs that I have viewed before, have at least 3 Defi meters and many extra gadgets. However, this particular STI's interior is by far the most subtle one. There was only an Apexi mechanical boost meter near the A-pillar and a Defi ZD multimeter hanging out of the ashtray in the center console. I took a look at it and the Defi ZD was not even working. I was hoping to get a little extra as I am sure these meters are not cheap and it would have been a great bonus for me. Next, I went to take a look at the boot of this STI. 

After inspecting, I was satisfied with the overall condition of this unit. I was also very grateful for the owner's honesty on the engine's health. The important part now is to negotiate with the owner on the price. At that moment, I have yet to sell my Toyota Altezza and its estimated market price was RM 45,000. Meanwhile, the owner was looking to sell the STI for RM 55,000. The difference was RM 10,000, which was the amount needed for the engine repair. I felt this was fated and propose to him to swap my Altezza with his STI without extra payment since I would need the difference to fix the engine. He was not interested and would like to get around RM 15,000 on top of the swap. I was shocked at his counter. I felt at a total of RM 70,000, I should look for a unit where the engine works because the market price for Version 9 is around RM 75,000. I left there feeling disappointed as I thought I found something worth buying. I did not mind the broken engine because even with the repair cost, it would still be undervalued. It looks like the search must continue.

Expert's Opinion Part 2

After a disappointing viewing, I drove my friend to the lot at the Auto City where I previously saw a Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The salesman recognized me and asked if I was ready to buy the Version 8. I was surprised when the salesman told me a different price and was now, slightly more expensive. While I was chatting with the salesman, my friend began his inspection. He told me that this unit was familiar to him and saw it in a used car warehouse. This contradicts the story the salesman told me and I began doubting this company. Although the paint was fresh, there were cobwebs on the rim that shows the car was in storage for a long time and checks out my friend's story. Next, he started the engine and instead of the smooth, quiet engine, the engine was creaking. It was opposite to when I started it one week ago and I was confused. My friend fiddled with the throttle body and told me the engine was not perfect but still fine. After another 10 minutes, my friend signaled me to leave as he was unhappy. He was unhappy with the backstory that the salesman cooked up to sell the STI and attitude change when he revealed seeing this unit at a warehouse. It was not even a good condition unit. We left the lot and out of a sudden, my friend remembered seeing another Version 8 that was in the Auto City. So, we went to check out the other unit.

The other unit was a 3-minute drive away and soon, I was looking at another Version 8. This marks the third Version 8 that I have viewed and I realized there is a common trend with the exterior. All that I viewed is blue in color, which is the signature color and spots gold, aftermarket rims. It is such a classic combination but leaves nothing for me to write. This unit is no exception and that is why I did not bother to take a photo of the car's exterior. At the same time, I was also tired after viewing 2 units straight. So, we got straight to the important points, the engine and the price. I started the engine and this has to be the best sounding engine so far. My friend opened the hood and I was surprised the engine bay is so clean. This car is still using the factory intake tunnel and airbox. I only spotted the aftermarket aluminum radiator and blow-off valve. My friend was smiling because of the condition of the engine bay and the sound of engine. This unit can be considered and it all depends on the price. While we were there, I took a look at the interior and as expected, everything is still stock looking. The only mods were an STI Genome boost meter, Turbo timer, and a speed meter. It was getting late and both of us have things to do. I took the salesman's name card and told him I would call him to ask about the price. Days later, I did call but was shocked to hear the crazy price of this unit and although it is in a very condition, I am not willing to pay this much for a Version 8. It looks like the search for my future ride continues.