Models · Subaru
Subaru Impreza WRX / STI GD buying guide
The second-generation Impreza WRX and STI, known by their three faces: Bugeye from 2000, Blobeye from 2003 and Hawkeye from 2005, with a 2.0 turbo flat four replaced by a 2.5 from late 2005 and four-wheel drive throughout.
The versions
- Bugeye: 2.0 turbo flat four; WRX 215bhp with a five-speed manual, STI 261bhp with a six-speed manual
- Blobeye from 2003: WRX 221bhp, STI 261bhp
- Hawkeye: 2.5 turbo flat four from late 2005; WRX 226bhp, STI 276bhp; Spec D option from January 2006
- Four-wheel drive with a viscous centre coupling on the WRX; later STIs have the DCCD driver-controlled centre differential
- Prodrive Performance Pack versions with more power, fitted by dealers
What to check on a GD Impreza WRX
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Cam cover and sump leaks
What to look for: With the bonnet open after the drive, look at the cam covers on each side of the flat engine and at the sump for wet oil, and sniff for a burning oil smell. Look at the intercooler on top of the engine; its fins should be straight.
Why it matters: Leaks from the cam covers and sump cover are the usual oil leaks on these engines, and oil from a cam cover gasket drips onto the exhaust, causing the smell. Bent intercooler fins can point to a careless owner.
The 2.5 engine on Hawkeye cars
What to look for: On a 2.5 car, ask how the seller warms the engine up and lets it cool down after a hard drive. Watch for smoke, check the coolant for any oily film, and ask whether a compression test has been done. Ask whether a claimed power upgrade has rolling road figures.
Why it matters: The 2.5's cast pistons can suffer damaged ringlands, and its head gasket is prone to failure; the 2.0 used forged pistons. Specialists put much of the 2.5's reputation down to how it was treated, and the oil-cooled turbo needs proper warm-up and cool-down. Engines tuned to around 350bhp or more need strengthened internals.
Differentials and the centre coupling
What to look for: Look under the back of the car at the rear differential for wet oil; you can see it without lifting the car. On the drive, listen for whining and feel for clunks or shunts when pulling away, changing gear and lifting off.
Why it matters: The rear limited-slip differential can leak, and whines and clunks can come from it or the centre viscous coupling. Every car has a limited-slip rear differential, and the STI adds one at the front, so these are checks for all versions.
Also in the full guide
- Clutch judder and engine vibration
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the GD Impreza WRX
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Subaru Impreza Turbo GC (WRX / STI) · Subaru Impreza WRX / STI GR/GV · Subaru WRX STI VA
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Subaru.