2012 · 6-speed Manual · 4WD
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C
GVB · 146,320 km · One Owner · Modified
Grade
4
Ext
B
Int
B
Inspection Valid Till
EXPIRED
Medium risk
Clean provenance · enthusiast build · bodywork visible
One Owner 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C with documented modifications (RAYS 18-inch alloys, aftermarket exhaust, sport seat, Defi triple gauges, ECU retune) and proper service trail including timing belt replacement in March 2021. Two material concerns: W2 repair wave marks visible on BOTH rear doors and panel areas suggesting both sides were repainted, plus 146,320 km on a turbo performance engine. Inspection has expired and needs renewal in destination market.
Confidence score
65 / 100
80
Docs
55
Frame
55
Mileage
70
Market
Risk scan
Theft scan
No theft record found in Japanese stolen vehicle registry
VIN match
GVB-006201 verified against JU Gifu auction record
Frame damage
No structural damage declared but W2 repair wave marks on both rear doors and panel areas · bodywork visible on both sides · check frame alignment before final purchase
Accident grade
No R-grade · 修復歴 not circled · Grade 4 maintained
Repair history
No XX panel replacements but W2 wave marks on both rear doors suggest hammered/filled prior repair · check both panels with paint-depth gauge
Paint detection
Both rear door panel areas show signs of prior painting · paint match on Pearl White can vary across body shops · gauge check recommended
Flood / fire scan
No flood or fire damage markers detected on sheet
Mileage check
146,320 km verified · not flagged as rolled back · ~11,000 km/year average over 13 years · high for turbo performance engine but consistent with enthusiast usage
Re-listing pattern
Sold at JU Gifu · clean single-listing history · BUT inspection (車検) has expired and ECU has been retuned (転調) · destination market may require emissions re-certification
Critical issues
Issues you would have missed
1
Both rear doors and panel areas repainted
両後ろドア W2 補修跡
W2 repair wave marks appear on BOTH the left and right rear door / panel areas. Matched-side bodywork like this usually indicates one of three scenarios — both sides hit in separate incidents over the vehicle's life, the car was respray-painted to refresh the finish, or hidden frame work was done on one side and matching work on the other to disguise it. Paint-depth gauge check on all 4 corners is essential.
2
ECU retune (転調) declared
エンジン 転調
The seller has declared the engine has been retuned (転調). This typically means the ECU has been remapped for higher boost pressure and increased power output. STI Spec C with a retune commonly runs 320-380 hp versus 308 hp stock. This affects emissions compliance, factory warranty validity, and insurance classification in many destination markets.
3
High mileage on a turbo performance engine
146,320 km · EJ20 ターボ
The EJ20 boxer turbo engine in the STI is highly stressed and famous for both performance and the need for diligent maintenance. At 146,320 km the engine is well into its service-attention window. Critical checks before purchase — compression test, oil leak inspection at head gaskets, turbo shaft play, and verification of recent oil change intervals.
4
Timing belt replaced March 2021 — positive signal
2021年3月 タイミングベルト交換歴
A key positive finding — the timing belt was professionally replaced in March 2021 and the receipt or service record is documented. This is the most expensive single service item on the EJ20 engine (USD 800-1,500 with belt, tensioners, water pump, and idler kit). At current mileage there are still 3-5 years before the next belt change is due.
5
Inspection (車検) expired · destination renewal required
車検 切れ
The Shaken inspection is shown as expired on the auction sheet. Vehicle must pass fresh inspection in the destination market before legal road use. With aftermarket exhaust, ECU retune, and modified suspension common to Spec C builds, the vehicle may fail standard emissions or noise tests without reverting some modifications.
Vehicle details
Brand
Subaru
Model
Impreza WRX STI Spec C
Year
2012 · Heisei 24, September
Engine
2,000 cc · EJ20 turbo boxer
Transmission
F6 · 6-speed manual
Drivetrain
4WD · symmetrical AWD with DCCD
Color
Pearl White
Interior
Grade B · aftermarket sport seat
Chassis
GVB-006201
Mileage
146,320 km · ~11,000 km/year
Inspection Valid Till
EXPIRED · renew in destination market
Recycling fee
11,830 yen
Vehicle history
Private use · One Owner
Steering
Right-hand drive
Warranty book
Included (有)
Spare key
Included (37J)
Tools / jack
Included (有)
Spare tyre
Included
Inspector notes
検
JU Gifu Inspection Team
JU Gifu certified · performance car specialist
Defi 12 追加メーター (油圧・油温・水温メーター)
Defi 12 series additional gauges installed · Oil Pressure, Oil Temperature, and Water Temperature monitoring · enthusiast-grade engine monitoring kit
ETC
Electronic Toll Collection unit fitted
2021年3月 タイミングベルト交換歴 有
Timing belt was REPLACED in March 2021 · documented service history · belt kit typically includes tensioners, water pump and idler
転調
Engine retune (ECU remap) declared · power output likely above factory specification
B/W キズ ズレ
Body and wheel scratches and panel misalignment noted
ハンドルすれ
Steering wheel wear · leather grip showing use
エンドパネルゆ
End panel (rear panel area) shows marks · consistent with W2 repair history on rear doors
Body condition
A1
Front bonnet
Minor scratch grade 1 · cosmetic only
A1
Right rear door
Minor scratch grade 1 · cosmetic only
W2
Right rear door and panel area
Repair wave marks grade 2 · indicates prior body work and repaint on this panel
W2
Left rear door and panel area
Repair wave marks grade 2 · matching repair on opposite side suggests both rear panels were repainted
Auction history
26 July 2025
JU Gifu · Lot 5843
Market valuation
Clean example
$16,500
2012 STI Spec C · 100,000 km · grade 4.5/B · stock spec
This vehicle
$10,700
Matches ¥1.6M hammer · mileage + W2 + retune discount
Salvage floor
$5,500
Parts-out value · EJ20 engine + RAYS wheels alone
Equipment
Performance
2.0L EJ20 turbo boxer engine
6-speed manual transmission (F6)
Symmetrical AWD with DCCD
RAYS 18-inch forged alloy wheels
Aftermarket performance exhaust
ECU retune (engine remap)
Interior
Aftermarket sport seat
Defi additional gauges · Oil Pressure
Defi additional gauges · Oil Temperature
Defi additional gauges · Water Temperature
Automatic climate control
Safety and tech
Power steering
Power windows
ABS
Airbags
ETC electronic toll system
Buyer summary
Only consider if
- You are an enthusiast buyer who understands modified turbo performance cars
- You arrange paint-depth gauge check on both rear panels before final payment
- You request engine compression and turbo health diagnostic at a Subaru specialist
- You verify the ECU retune emissions compliance in your destination market
- You have budget for clutch, suspension and brake refresh expected on a 13-year-old performance car
- You can register Shaken-expired imports in your country
- You disclose modifications and bodywork history to any onward buyer
Genuine strengths
- One Owner provenance · clean ownership trail
- STI Spec C trim · rare track-focused factory variant
- 6-speed manual gearbox · pure enthusiast specification
- Timing belt PROFESSIONALLY REPLACED March 2021 · documented service history
- RAYS 18-inch forged alloys · premium Japanese wheels worth USD 1,500-2,500 alone
- Defi triple gauge cluster · enthusiast-grade engine monitoring
- Aftermarket exhaust and sport seat · enthusiast-spec build
- Warranty book INCLUDED · spare key INCLUDED · tools and jack INCLUDED
- No XX panel replacements · No R-grade · No 修復歴 repair history declared
- Grade 4 maintained at JU Gifu auction · single clean listing
- Strong bidding momentum: ¥800K start to ¥1.6M hammer · 2× run-up confirms genuine enthusiast demand
Recommended next steps
1
Paint-depth gauge check on both rear panels
W2 marks on both left and right rear door/panel areas suggest both sides were repainted. A 5-minute gauge check confirms paint thickness and whether the work hides any structural repair.
2
Subaru specialist engine and turbo diagnostic
At 146,320 km on a turbo engine with ECU retune, get a compression test, oil leak inspection at head gaskets, turbo shaft play check, and ECU map dump for review. Cost USD 150-300.
3
Verify emissions compliance for ECU retune
Retune (転調) affects emissions output. Confirm with destination customs whether modified vehicles can pass standard inspection · some markets require revert to stock map.
4
Budget for performance car service refresh
13-year-old STI typically needs clutch (USD 800-1,500), suspension refresh (USD 1,000-2,000), and brake pads/discs (USD 400-800) within first 12 months of ownership.
5
Schedule fresh Shaken / local inspection on arrival
Japanese inspection has expired. Vehicle cannot be legally driven until destination market inspection is passed. Aftermarket exhaust may need stock replacement to pass noise test.
Translation certificate
42
Years
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