What to Look For

• Ringland failures on EJ engines — common under boost
• Head gasket failures
• Turbo bearing failures if oil neglected
• Rust in wheel arches and sills
• Abuse history — many have been tracked or rallied

Pre-Purchase Checklist

• Compression and leak-down test all cylinders
• Check for head gasket weeping
• Inspect turbo for shaft play
• Thorough rust check — arches, sills, subframes
• Look for signs of hard use or modification
• Oil analysis for metal content

Useful Resources

• https://forums.nasioc.com/
• https://www.scoobynet.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying a Subaru Impreza GC8 STI?

Key areas to inspect: Ringland failures on EJ engines — common under boost; Head gasket failures; Turbo bearing failures if oil neglected; Rust in wheel arches and sills. A pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist is highly recommended.