2004 Subaru Impreza WRX Prodrive

This Subaru Impreza WRX has received PPP upgrades from Prodrive. The vendor mentions that these; “take the power to 261bhp, matching the performance to that of the Impreza STi… It also features the rare factory fitted Prodrive rear spoiler and genuine Anthracite Prodrive alloys. It has done 108,000 miles but drives as good as one with half the mileage, having been well maintained, with a large dealer and specialist service history file that includes important bills for cambelt and clutch changes.”

Finished in the aforementioned, and desirable, shade of World Rally Blue, this WRX has been enjoyed frequently with the mileage showing 108,168. Generally in fine condition throughout and with plenty of accompanying documentation showing recent expenditure, it seems the all-important maintenance spend – needed for these performance machines – hasn’t been skimped by its previous former keepers, the current having owned it since 2019.

The far more conventionally styled ‘Blobeye’ Impreza (such as this one) replaced the cosmetically challenged and short lived ‘Bugeye’ in 2003. This generation was effectively just a cosmetic facelift of the former, as there was little cause for complaint with that car’s mechanical components. This example benefits from the Prodrive rear spoiler and those aforementioned wheels, which really aid the already aggressive attire of the standard WRX’s bonnet scoop and flared arches.

Panels fit and generally present very well, with only a few minor marks to give away this car’s 20-year vintage. There are light stone chips to the front end – the worst having lifted a bit of paint on the offside corner of the front bumper, with a similar mark to the front valance. 

Almost all the Prodrive alloy wheels – shod in matching tyres – show light kerbing (the nearside rear looks good) and would benefit from refurbishment. The offside front seems to be the worst as can be seen in the photos. 

We also spotted a couple of small dents, one to the nearside front wheel arch and another on the bonnet, though both were pretty minor. There’s also a tiny chip in the roof and some more marks along the top of the windscreen as per the photos, but nothing uncommon on Subarus of this age, just like the small rust spots on the rear panel, in the boot close.

With all its external flair, it’s a little bit of a shock to be presented with the restrained, plastic dominated cabin of this Impreza. Though this is a driver’s car first and foremost, if you’re after creature comforts, you’ve likely come to the wrong place. There are, however, still the usual noughties refinements of air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, plus airbags. The in-car entertainment in this example has been upgraded with a Sony double-din touchscreen item that states it’s ‘Apple CarPlay/Android Auto™ compatible'.

The flip side to all these hard plastic surfaces is that they’re generally pretty hard wearing. The cabin of this example still looks very neat and tidy. We did spot some wear to the steering wheel and gear knob, plus a little light wear to the driver’s seat base from fraying fabric, but that’s about it. There are a few light stains elsewhere that could be removed, but generally, trim looks good throughout, with what appears to be very tidy door cards and an excellent headliner.

The engine bay looks dry and tidy with just a little oxidisation and surface corrosion on some of its fixings as to be expected. Peer into the depths and you’ll see Prodrive script on a silicon hose and a few newer looking parts fitted here and there. The vendor states that; “Having just been serviced – when new gaskets were fitted to cure the common rocker cover oil leak fault – the latest MoT was passed with no advisories.”

The under-bonnet heat protection is still present, although hanging down in a few spots. There are also a nice selection of engine and ignition stickers and safety warnings in Japanese and English scattered throughout.

Suspension turret, inner wing and bulkhead steel all look solid, from what we could see, though there was some corrosion visible underneath, such as on the rear subframe, though the recent MoT tester didn’t seem concerned.

Surface corrosion elsewhere is to be expected, but a wire brushing and re-applying of underseal could be applied if desired.

There’s a good deal of history to accompany this WRX, so we’ve condensed it down to the following highlights, though there are more invoices than the following to peruse. 

• V5C.
• Prodrive Performance Package Certificate.
• Plenty of old MoT certificates with the current test valid until March 2025.
• March 2024 – rocker cover gaskets replaced and minor service (£278 M Hudd, Wiltshire).
• January 2023 – new radiator (£124.90 Lexus, Cardiff).
• April 2021 – four tyres (£37.90 each, total £151.60).
• December 2018 – Sump replaced (£276 Arden Bridge Services ‘ABS’, Redditch).
• December 2016 – front brake discs/pads, rad top hose and front CV boots replaced (£431.28 at ABS).
• July 2016 – new Exedy clutch and rear diff fitted (£180 Central Subaru, Wilenhall). Invoice for clutch kit from Eurocarparts (£214).
• April 2016 – Dayco timing belt kit (£146.05 from Andrew Page).
• April 2016 – anti-roll bar bushes (£55.04 from Andrew Page).
• November 2011 – Big seven-year service (£210) and another five-year service and timing belt change (£461.02) from Constitution Motors, Norwich.
• Stamped dealer (mostly) service history up to 2018 (77k) then handwritten note stating Lexus servicing thereafter. Five listed, the last dated March 2024, but only Lexus invoices for a radiator and tyre replacement were present.
• Subaru owner’s book pack.

The WRX of this era was still a fantastic driver’s car with a fluid and rewarding chassis and drivetrain that was matched by and energetic and exciting turbocharged powerplant, with one of the most recognisable soundtracks in performance motoring. 

This one has seemingly been enjoyed and cared for in equal measure and, no doubt, has many more years of warbling and mudslinging left ahead of it. Prodrive additions are rightly sought-after among the Subaru cognoscenti as they further enhance what is already a riotously entertaining ride. 

We estimate that this car will sell for £7,000-£11,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.