Is my JDM Subaru WRX STi Type R RELIABLE?

[@tipilot3791]

i never understood the subaru hate. like, oh no the 10 year old 300k km used car with 3 past young male users has problems! if you have a regular subaru or properly manage your wrx/sti they are solid vehicles. There's a reason Toyota collaborates with them. If toyota respects subaru we should all respect subaru

[@noneofyourbusiness3232]

well said

[@RedJitter]

Agreed 👍

[@manlybanda6156]

You pointed out exactly the issue. It's an old car. These problems are to be expected over a certain time period, but the fact that you've gone through the trouble to replace those items, you're saving that car's life. Also, I'm just happy to see a GC8 with a similar engine to mine 😁.

[@RedJitter]

Exactly, thanks man!

[@suavefpv1247]

I can tell you, I've been through just about all these things on my 94 type ra. You have to realize these are 30 year old cars that were driven hard. Get worn out parts replaced and have fun with it! They are a blast!

[@RedJitter]

Agreed!

[@402car_kid4]

I bought my 05 STI recently and I’m in love. The best car I’ve ever had. There’s just something special about these cars I can’t explain it. I’ve spent 10k in a few months on upgrades to hopefully make 400-450whp(I don’t want more than that) and I’ve also been buying a bunch of oem Subaru stuff just to get it back to looking showroom clean. There’s no rust on the chassis but the subframes and suspension parts there are so I bought all new subframes and all brackets for like trailing arms etc and getting new STI pink trailing arms and lateral links. I scuffed the whole underside then used epoxy primer and Herculiner bed liner to completely undercoat the whole car including wheel wells etc. just want to keep it rust free. Specially when I’ll be spending so much in the car.

[@RedJitter]

Nice work on the rust prevention. The Blob Eye is one of my favorite models!

[@johnnyM.mixed.in.melbourne]

I’ve owned a gc8 for the last 10 years and have had my share of problems. The one bit of advice I can give is if your not chasing more then 220-240kw atw stick with genuine Subaru Sti WRX parts. Sti turbo and blow off valves. Stick with factory headers and up pipe. Everything! WRX or Sti!!!! Even if they are second hand they will be more reliable then brand new aftermarket parts. It’s a proven fact! 🤙

[@RedJitter]

Yeah, I already faced my share of reality. I’m keeping it under the 300whp range.

[@PeteKaltsa]

I’ve had mine for 12 years and have only driven it hard a few times for a few minutes. It had a female owner prior to me. Everyone says it’s super smooth. You can get a low kms wrx that’s been driven hard all the time and it won’t be as good as an older car that’s been looked after. U have to take it car by car in my opinion. My 97 wrx sounds and drives like new with 220kms on it. I looked at 25 of them before settling on it. Tried sti motors club spec, ex police interceptor, newer models

[@RedJitter]

Yeah, it’s a cool car, but it always wants something done to it.

[@px_gc8]

I build a couple of USA 98-01 2.5rs and everytime i pull the engine out i always replace mostly every key components brand new and never rarely have issues with the car after reassembled. These cars are now old you can't rely on a 25 year old parts to do the job of a new one!

[@RedJitter]

True Facts!

[@damndanieI]

I am in Japan right now and developed a love for jdm cars. I desire this car when I finish university in one year and start working, but seeing it having so many flaws made my dream shatter😭. It's a dilema for me since the older generations are way more beautiful than the new ones and I really want an old one

[@RedJitter]

I will say that the car has been a pain, but it is just logical as it is an old car. I would advise you to buy your dream car with the mentality of doing all the maintenance checks at the beginning instead of just waiting for something to break. Not all Subaru owners are bad, some keep their cars in great shape. I made the mistake of buying it from one that didn’t do a go job with maintenance. It has been calm lately and I have enjoyed every kilometer driven. Can’t complain now.

[@damndanieI]

@@RedJitter thank you. I appreciate the advice

[@IcySTi]

JDM 207 for the win bro!!!

[@RedJitter]

Thanks man!

[@roberttees6350]

Subaru’s are definitely not bad cars bud. I’ve had my 05 Sti since 2013 second owner from new 27000miles on the clock and it’s been nothing but incredibly reliable and tough but recently it’s started to cost money just age related issues. Uk roads aren’t kind to cars long term with road salt and pot holes 😂 you’ve got a great car there pal!! Throw some money into it and that old girl will reward you with smiles no others could!!

[@RedJitter]

True words, Thank you!

[@402car_kid4]

I bought an 05 STI in OBP recently and I’m in love. I’ve bought everything to make 400-450whp and that’s more than enough for me in a gd STI. I’m mad I didn’t buy one sooner.

[@HypedOUT]

hey man 6k is nothing compared to a new car. I got a 2004 forester I just swapped an 04 sti ej25 motor in and im loving it everyday! Not having a car payment is the best thing in the world imo.

[@RedJitter]

ah the Forester is such a cool car bro!

[@neilr4867]

I've owned 5 (yes, 5!) GC8 Impreza WRXs, both base and STI models. I can tell you the motor will last forever if you don't fiddle with it. And by forever, I mean 600,000km and still going. Gearboxes, not so much. The STI boxes are slightly stronger, but synchro rings will still give out over time.

[@RedJitter]

It’s been stable, yet I do a routine check every 3 months. Haha

[@BadAssDownUnder101]

Once you've ticked the timing belt, headgasket box, clutch and ignition maybe fuelling... You'll have a car that will require cheap minimal maintenance for the next 50-100xxx

[@RedJitter]

Yeah crossing fingers my friend, thanks!

[@CMX70]

Thanks for the honest review. I learned a thing or two, i have a jdm gc8 v5 sti in storage, i need to get it back in use. Sounds like inactivity is a potential reliability killer🤔

[@RedJitter]

Agreed, any car that doesn’t run for a while will have its share of issues. Enjoy your GC8 v5!

[@22B-i8z]

Thank you for sharing ❤ Please I feel for you, it sucks when things happen. Please understand it’s just wear and tear, and she’s old girl, So you have yourself something special, I know because I have one too same model. So welcome to the club❤ Just remember to change your oils when they need to be, And if you drive her hard please change the engine oil every 3000km and just normal driving every 5000km, I change my every 4000km and I haven’t had any trouble and only normal wear and tear, She has 167,000km on her still going strong 💪 One thing that I recommend is reverse cooling mod on her and she will last longer time, Yes The PV valve is what most people don’t understand and that’s most likely why you’re turbo went, And the car will run better with a pump back blow off valve, Because she’s running air flow meter. Anyway if all the parts have been replaced as they should, then she will be fine. Okay I’ve had more than 10 gc8 wrx sti and never had any problems, plus 3 of them with over 300,000km on the clock and still going strong I use to buy them brand new and do over 200,000km in these every year with nothing going wrong. So as I said I do all the maintenance at the right time As what Subaru recommends, More than most things going wrong is because of others being dick heads and not looking after the car before someone else buys them, Yes some do have problems like any thing else, But that’s normal. Me bother has had Mist EVOs yet seems to have so many problems lol Anyway Thanks again for sharing 💖

[@RedJitter]

Completely agree with you. Thanks for your comments! Eventually maintenance should calm down and then it'll just be scheduled check ups.

[@Ratfink123]

what makes this thing "JDM" the body components and drivetrain are "JDM" however the car is not so are you confused or is your car. What ever it is, it looks sweet.

[@RedJitter]

Thanks, the car is Japan imported and converted to left hand drive. Everything on it is JDM.

[@Ratfink123]

@@RedJitter nice a swap that is overlooked.

[@Rreeve87]

my gc8 v5 always with the MAF issues..this year its my 7th changing MAF.. v5/6 main issue are always the MAF,power steering leak and steering rack leaking and shitty shifter linkage..

[@RedJitter]

painful yes, this one they actually used a Microsquirt3 computer to convert it over to MAP instead

[@Rreeve87]

only for v4 below ?@@RedJitter

[@Edgar-friendly.]

If it’s mostly stock it should be reliable, had mine for 7yrs, no real issues, stuck to a 5k miles service interval. You’re probably aware the JDM’s are mapped on 100 Ron fuel and run ruff without. They also run rich easily. If the water temp ever overheats while driving, check the original radiators which can develop a hairline crack and can be difficult to spot as it only vents out under load. Don’t sell it!

[@RedJitter]

Thanks bud!

[@gavinfirm]

those wheels are god sent omg

[@RedJitter]

Right! Thanks Man

[@gavinfirm]

@@RedJitterwhat color did you get them? What color are they called if you don’t mind me asking?

[@Lamar96]

I’m guessing the previous owner or owners didn’t keep ontop of the maintenance, I‘m on my second Subaru now, I’ve just got a GC8 version 4, I’ve had a GRB spec c hatchback I used as a daily and didn’t have one problem, I done a lot of miles on it and drove it really hard, just keep ontop of the maintenance and they can be reliable, just don’t abuse it or do silly mods or bad tuning. At the end of the day it is a old car, if it was on the original turbo then I’m not surprised, I guess your that unlucky owner who got it when everything needs to be done😬. Over here in the Uk we got loads to choose from so it’s not really your fault, at least you got a type R in America, first I’ve seen so far. 👊🏽

[@RedJitter]

Thanks for writing! I’ve seen like 4 so far here at Costa Rica. Cheers!

[@Infinityl33t]

Those wheels are avaible with 5x100 for MY2004 if you want to loose the spacers in the future it might be something to look out for

[@RedJitter]

Right but the 5x100 are 7.5” while the 5x114 are by 8”. I might end up selling them, they are super expensive here.

[@thedon9670]

@@RedJitter you dont need 8" for your power level.

[@wain1962]

A lot of your failed parts are aftermarket unfair to blame Subaru. I have 2 Impreza combined ownership of 28 years and many mods. Head gaskets normally go when people don’t keep an eye on the coolant level and the car runs hot and they don’t like to admit they neglected this. If you go from a plain bearing turbo to a ball bearing turbo it requires a restrictor otherwise it can push oil out. The one problem Subaru’s do have is big end bearing failure or rod knock , this in my experience is mostly caused by the relief valve sticking in the oil pump. This happened to me a few mile into a drive coolant temp up but oil still only half way, I pushed the car and it started knocking luckily is just as I charged gear so I was able to turn the car off, I restarted it and was fine. My son wasn’t so lucky his was also under similar temp circumstances, no long long corners involved so can’t say the oil disappeared to one side. I fitted modified pressure relief valves. Nice car and they do have character

[@RedJitter]

Thanks for the feedback. Actually I’ve tried to keep a good maintenance on it and the motor has not presented any issues, nor gaskets. Still I keep on 14 psi no more. Still love the car even if it’s been a money pit.

[@Infinityl33t]

What scoop is that? Looks really good, most big scoops for gc8 does not blend that well with the hood but rather look glued on :)

[@RedJitter]

I actually bought the OEM one as the one I am using is made out of fiber. I feel it’s too much for a GC8 lol

[@Infinityl33t]

@@RedJitter might it be for sale? :)

[@Sqxire1248]

Sick car. I have a set of 17x7.5 +48 for my gc just wondering what tire size to run. Have any recommendations? I was thinking 225/45 in the front and 235s in the rear

[@RedJitter]

Always makes your wheels match due to it being 4x4 to avoid transmission issues. If it’s a usdm GC8 I would use 215/45, and a jdm 225/45 as the body work on the jdm is a bit wider.

[@luiseduardosilvamejia127]

a nameplate from costa rica !!! ,, Greetings neighbord from Nicaragua nice ride !

[@RedJitter]

Greetings bud, buena vibra desde Costa Rica!

[@andresgarcia7757]

Dude I had a 98 Camry and I had to do a lot of stuff to it. Steering rack leaking, brakes, window regulators, locks, shocks, shock mounts, thermostat, alternator, headlights… it was just too old.

[@RedJitter]

I had the same Logic, but then I met people with Bug Eye, Blob Eye, Hawk Eye, and it is all the same. The brand requires a lot of maintenance.

[@rayt7961]

What was the process for importing your car to costa rica? Im looking at doing the same soon.. maybe even export one from costa rica to the US as well

[@RedJitter]

Actually I don’t know. It was imported back in 2010 where they still allowed importing right hand drive models. In Costa Rica they stopped allowing it in 2012. I understand in the US you can now import JDMs that are 25 years old.

[@rayt7961]

@RedJitter ahh good to know. I didn't realize they stopped allowing rhd. Is getting parts or tuning easy? I'm very interested in getting a sti there or just importing my mk3 focus RS if the taxes aren't insane

[@scoobysean555]

Its previous owners neglect that your paying for now

[@RedJitter]

That or bad luck, thanks for watching!

[@scoobysean555]

@@RedJitter those jobs that get put off then next thing cars sold an so on ..lovely car 👌

[@RedJitter]

Thanks bud!

[@DuplexIty1421]

The practical and easy to drive car...

[@RedJitter]

It is easy to drive

[@张意-l3d]

the engine hood switch still in the right side,i have a gc8e TR swap lhd too,what streering rack ru using ?im looking for the 13:1 qucik rack for my LHD gc8

[@RedJitter]

I actually don’t remember, but I bet it was just a normal USDM one taken from another GC8.

[@WesSites]

Ehh, like you said, it's an old car... I spent about 6k on my STI hatch over the past year too, it's 16 years old with 174k miles on it, needed a new clutch and slave and master cylinder, steering rack went out, and it needed new rear wheel bearings. That's just how it is. Any other car with the mileage my STI has on it would have the same issues or worse. If you want to have a cool car, you've gotta pay the cool car tax. I hope your car is trouble free from here on out!

[@RedJitter]

Agreed! Hopes it just gets to a point of just scheduled maintenances.

[@goofymcadams]

Damn, give me these models over the newer ones any day of the week...... 2 or 4 door, sedans or wagon lol

[@RedJitter]

Agreed!

[@kev60625]

How much was the car? I didnt see you mention it, if you dont mind sharing

[@RedJitter]

I rather not say. It was stupid expensive because only 6 have been imported to Costa Rica

[@lewisfletcher4016]

Had the same issue with my Type R.. now its ruining well 👍

[@RedJitter]

Yeah, I feel that anyone that buys an old Subaru just do all maintenance as possible and not wait for surprises

[@RamblyZamby]

how is this LHD?

[@RedJitter]

It was imported in 2010 before a law in CR where you were able to convert it to LHD in order to make it street legal.

[@Christosan88]

where did you get the block off plate for the egr valve?

[@RedJitter]

that was actually made in a metal shop, so it doesn't have any brand or anything

[@george.g5184]

how hard is to find this subaru sti 2 doors in 2024;;

[@RedJitter]

There is a lot of USDM ones that came basic and people just do sti swaps on them. A JDM Type R is a bit hard to find, and the 22B is just a dream since only a little over 400 were made.

[@eyes2338]

Wait till the piston goes and gearbox syncro.

[@RedJitter]

Lol, yeah we’ll eventually everything fails

[@eyes2338]

@RedJitter but overall the parts you have changed is considered general maintenance for the age of the car. You would of most like paid x3 to maintain tje car if it was a European car.

[@mynopensd]

Wheels should be gold imho

[@RedJitter]

agreed, they should be gold, I just bought them a few days ago and they came that way

[@mynopensd]

@@RedJitter lovely car though, don't mean to be negative.

[@高野真人-o9v]

😟

[@RedJitter]

Agreed

[@occamsrazor1285]

LHD JDM car? I don't believe you...

[@RedJitter]

Converted LHD.

[@occamsrazor1285]

@@RedJitter Why?

[@bla855]

All impreza gc8s are reliable in the right hands .. its the clowns that don't know are the ones that screw them up

[@RedJitter]

Scheduled maintenance checks have been key in my case.