Is the 1993 Subaru GC8 Impreza WRX a JDM legend you should BUY?

[@PF_ROB]

I had an STI in the 90s. No, not the kind Subaru made, but the kind I didn't learn about in health class.

[@RaitisRides]

Ouch! I hope you were able to get rid of it!

[@PF_ROB]

@@RaitisRides Nope! I still have it if anybody wants it! 🤪 (obviously just kidding 🤫)

[@malachilatroy]

@@PF_ROB how about now bro?

[@RBLXUSER_alzen14525]

Still on stock for a few thousand?

[@2loco]

The best looking imprezza ever made. I especially love the 2 door STI version we had in Australia. Rare as hens teeth and worth a fair amount.

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@coopsnz1]

$40000 the cheapest

[@2loco]

@@coopsnz1. Cheapest on carsales was 65k. Only 12 for sale Australia wide.

[@coopsnz1]

Fk the sedans still start at 35k @@2loco 65k the dreaming for a coupe tho

[@coopsnz1]

@@2loco in Japan the price difference is 500,000 yen

[@benburu58254]

Loved you leaving it in 2nd gear when you got on the speed bump at 15:26 then accelerated after the bump…that sound is heavenly

[@sneakyfoz3692]

We got these in Australia, awesome car in the day, cops couldn’t catch these, criminals loved them, had the power and handling nothing could catch this thing back then. More of this stuff please.

[@RaitisRides]

I will bring more!

[@aaronwilkie6574]

gc8 rexy the ram raid car of choice back in the day in aus , part of the appeal was that it was often used as a getaway car which was sort of a PR nightmare for subaru australia but actually worked out in their favour with record sales in the late 90s. Grew up around them in south west sydney , was my dream car and have owned one for 6 years, love them

[@NK259]

Just picked up an all original 93 WRX last week. All I can say is WHAT a driving experience! Awesome video

[@user-daviddog]

Like it when you do these earlier cars from Japan. 👍

[@RaitisRides]

More to come David!

[@shannonharris2816]

Super-cool review, again, Joe. I love your enthusiasm and value system. The GC 8 was the beginning of an era. Go Subi, go. Shannon Harris

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Shannon that is so awesome of you to say!

[@carlraymondgrenier787]

this is a v6 sti front end its not all original

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that extra info Carl!

[@schorschix6227]

one of the most commonmistakes when people talk about GC8s is that they don´t mention conversions. Or they name cars the wrong specific model (like calling a WRX an Sti). Or they relate the wrong parts/attributes to a model (like saying that a WRX Type RA has IC-Spray).

[@foo4572]

Schorschix the WRX RA should have ic spray .. I’m picking one up today 👍😅

[@austinamaya1139]

Should be a ver2 going by the dash. Bumper and grill were probably swapped out

[@martinmalone6324]

first thing i said as soon as the vid started.

[@Pietro931]

Love it when you do the early Japanese cars. Lots of history and cars that are really starting to come into their own.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right! Stay tuned because there are more to come!

[@chefinavan1]

That car has a facelift front end , the version 1 had different hood & scoops and also different headlights, sidelights and grille.....and maybe more that I haven't mentioned , I'm no expert but I am reverting a version 1 to original spec from someone's facelift mods .

[@aaronwilkie6574]

nice video the og wrx. We have had them here in australia since 94 . have owned mine for 6.5 years. the ealry gc8s came with the bigger mitsubishi td05 sti turbos and the later gc8s came with the less laggy smaller td04. the 2 door stis have gone through the roof over here $$

[@eyesofisabelofficial]

I actually said "MoMo" .... then ran around the room screaming " Yaaaaay I got it right !!"

[@RaitisRides]

LMAO! You are so awesome Andy!

[@Rookheimer]

The one car that can look the most boring, but also the coolest

[@RaitisRides]

I know how you feel!

[@phillipchan9125]

I believe that the rarest was the 1998 Sti 22b which had the 2.2 litre EJ22 engine with turbo. Only 400 numbered units were built and 25 unnumbered built.A truely awesome car even to this day.

[@RaitisRides]

You are correct! I would love to have one of those!

[@Byu50]

I loved it. Modern cars today made to throw away to the junkyard after 3 to years. Awesome review Joe,

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@chriswoods1983tx]

Just got me a 2019 WRX my second WRX. Maybe next time I'll get a Sti. Love my Subie!

[@RaitisRides]

Nicely done Chris!

[@Vision33r]

Don't buy a STI until 2021+ when they really get rid of the old engine. STI needs a 400HP+ engine. When I can buy a used V8 400+ Vette or Camaro these days for less than the price of used WRX.

[@forexautomatedtrading148]

I used to go stare at the Impreza WRX during the night at the local Subie dealership in Bloomington, Minnesota! I have always loved that version of the Impreza!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Same here!

[@morallyemptycorruptedmaggot]

Love the variety of cars you do. Cars like these that weren't available in the US are so esoteric to me, but I freaking love them!! Super interesting to see.

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate you saying that! You are so very right!

[@mrraheel8875]

I own 3 of these in the U.K. and they are all 1993 models they are going up in value hear in the U.K. if I sold them now I would double my money right away👍 absolutely brilliant cars to drive and have fun the same time👍

[@RaitisRides]

They really are!

[@kenny-d3944]

Thanks Joe that was fun...Surprised me with this one...Love This channel.. Keeps getting better !

[@RaitisRides]

I want to keep you on your toes Jenny! ;-) I really appreciate your dedication!

[@2loco]

What an excellent review! Thanks for your hard work Joe. You took me back to my teenage years when we would attend street shows and dream about owning a Japanese 4cyl pocket rocket. I especially love that your car is right hand drive 🤭🤭🤭

[@RaitisRides]

That really means a lot! Thank you for letting me share it with you!

[@joshuabatt2494]

Great video Joe! This makes me miss my 2000 Impreza 2.5RS so much, best 13 years and 200,000+ miles of driving I’ve ever had, I regret selling it every day! Now that these JDM WRX’s are turning 25 and have started showing up here, I’m really wanting to pick one up. Hope to see more videos like this!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Joshua! You are lucky to have owned that car! I would be like you though and miss the heck out of it. As soon as more come off the boat at Montu Motors I will bring it to you!

[@priztucker]

This WRX design and model has aged better than all the other ones. No Zonks given 👍

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@klasseact6663]

It's great how you mix it up on your channel! Looking at an SUV...covered, perf car...covered again and then a curve ball this one, pretty cool👍👍

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for recognizing that! I love to bring the variety!

[@gen3v8]

I could not afford these when they were new and I`ve always lusted for a wrx. Researched and developed as R/H drive so you`re in its natural state.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for letting me share it with you!

[@pruett89]

Don't be hating on airbags ...😉 Really awesome video for a Subaru owner to watch. I've got a 07 WRX Wagon seeing a RHD one is so cool.

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

02-07sedan is wider, but 02-07 is the same width as a gc impreza. My gc is running 03 sedan rears

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you! You have a keeper on your hands!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for your great info!

[@michaelw2263]

One of my all time favorite Subarus!

[@RaitisRides]

Same here Michael!

[@RaitisRides]

@@NetomaMusic Yes sir!

[@RoadPatina]

Yes Sir the GC8 is an ICON! I love mine, especially since it's STI swapped. Just how Subaru should have made them with 400+hp. Well, if only them made more 22B's...

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for sharing you input and perspective! I really appreciate you watching!

[@RoadPatina]

Raiti's Rides thanks for the content. Keep it coming!

[@tonyjcool5314]

Thanks ,that was super badass showing the older hot car .

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you enjoyed it!

[@BluntObject89]

I dig your enthusiasm about this car.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for taking the time to say that!

[@RustyGrapes]

always loved the gc8, my faveourite subie

[@RaitisRides]

I am right there with you!

[@RipStikSnyper19cal]

Omg THANK YOU! You finally got a GC8 OMG YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS my dream car I live in Canada so we have the 15 year import rule I want a 95-99 GC8 Sti

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@ethanol1305]

I know it’s been a year since you commented but wanted to tell you that I’ve got one, it’s my dream car too! I live in Canada as well!

[@stonecobra95]

Excellent review! Love classic subies

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Dan for saying that!

[@crustysherrifsbadge]

Bumper, bonnet (hood) and grill are all from a later car. The slanted intercooler on early cars are to allow room for the 90° turbo elbow inlet and chimney. The intercooler under tray is also missing, probably due to it having the wrong "hood" later cars which the "hood" belongs have a front entry turbo and bigger intercooler. The scoop is not directing air to the cooler. The skirts and spats don't belong on a 93 car. The brakes on early cars are shocking, you're the only person I've ever heard praise them. Honest John car sales. Dunno where you're getting your info from.

[@p.e.r.c.y]

also has facelift tail lights and colour coded side mirrors and door handles

[@deanwharepapa8561]

Awesome car they were available in New Zealand great videos 👍

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Dean! You are guys are lucky down there!

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

4-Door. I sold my GM6 after 15/16 years. Subie should have brought the WRX to the US, prior to 2002.

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

I own a swapped gc

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right!

[@RaitisRides]

The best!

[@OfDaSouth]

I own a JDM swapped GM!

[@rasta77-x7o]

Just got a GC8 and stoked with it, the original was the best and always will be! My insurance company told me it's a "high risk vehicle" lol.

[@eyecontrol4900]

whereabouts do you live? you get quoted very high for insurance ?

[@matiaskarjalainen7968]

I have an opportunity to buy a 1993 wrx for 4000€. Steering is on the left side because it is EU model (GT). It's not in mint condition and it has recently been painted black. The paint job isn't very good, it has some mistakes here and there. But the car has been serviced quite well and it looks OK. Driven 168k km (104k miles). Should I go for it?

[@coopsnz1]

1994 wrx sti with 69000km in Japan 2,800,000 yen + Compliance plate in Usa = $32,000 in Usa . high mileage examples will be $18000 in Usa . Depends if you can still find them for 700,000 yen in Japan

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that Ben!

[@coopsnz1]

You're going to be pissed off how cheap these are down under 3 k , but a 88 Corvette start at 17k aud so it evens out

[@RaitisRides]

Oh I know they are!

[@brucerobertson5919]

Not cheap down under any more. $3k might get you an absolute piece of junk, but really good original cars are $20k plus and rising. They are still an under-rated car, so much fun to drive and easy/cheap to maintain.

[@Smithy67]

Really enjoyed this one Joe and Tom

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much for letting me share it with you!

[@everything3106]

I was buy one the same from japan and everything original so happy about that.

[@Tsang_racing]

Haven't had these for years but doesn't that have a 1999 front end and bonnet scoop as 1993 is the older style??

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for sharing you input and perspective! I really appreciate you watching!

[@nomeru_0]

correct, the grill, headlights, bonnet and bumper have all been swapped from a later model.

[@_allandiaz]

It’s crazy to think I saw one of these last week for the first time

[@kevinjenkins9212]

do any one know what the top speed on this car was. my mate had a two litre wrx turbo and was a 1993 model looked like the one in this video, but when you turned the engine off. there was a fan that would keep running to cool the turbo down. im sure it was this model and year because of the color and small spoiler fitted on the back. and i think he said it was 240 BHP standard.

[@kerrydonovan6472]

The front bumper, fogs and lip are not stock, they're off the a ver5 (98'-01').

[@eminye1]

Exactly was just about to comment on the front, it is from later models

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

Um, ver 5 is 98. It's a very 4-6 Front end. That bumper was only used in America from 00-01. -subieguy87

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Kerry for that great info!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for commenting!

[@jadegc8160]

That actually has a front end conversion lol that is a face lift hood, grille, headlights and bumper/lip.... so the early 90s did not look like that actually. That is most likely the 2.5RS hood, you can tell how different the silvers were between the hood and fender. Plus the wheels came mostly 16in. This car is also missing the main "WRX" decal on the back, and those aren't original taillights. The lights were all red and orange back then. Just thought people should know so they're not surprised when car shopping. The car is really clean though, especially the seats.

[@jadegc8160]

@@davidjacobs2507 yeah I'm not sure on the wheels, I just know that most are 16s. And yeah that grill is like v6, i had one on my RS.

[@davemcguigan218]

Joe you drove that right hand drive Subby just find. It takes getting use to the right hand drive position!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Dave! You are so very true!

[@SEGASaturnLad]

Not having an undertray into the intercooler will be doing that car no favours.

[@Holmesson]

I'm in the process of importing a left hand drive '96 Impreza GT Turbo from Germany. It's basically a WRX sold by a different name in Europe.

[@nicoshee7941]

Not true, Ej205 Engine, smaller Turbo( td04) , longer Gearbox ratio and much more other small details. The jdm version of the GC8 is more aggressive than the GT´s from Europe. But its also a very great car! GTs have a HP range betweend 211 - 218 HP. The JDM Gc8´s WRX/STI´s have 240,250,260,275 and 280HP.

[@eyesofisabelofficial]

In the UK we used to call them "Sleeping policemen" when they first came out. In India they are known as " Speed breakers"

[@RaitisRides]

That is fascinating! I never knew that!

[@johnrae4633]

But a 1993 WRX & Sti Impreza had a different set of lights and bonnet/hood, the ones on the car in the video are from the first very minor facelift from 1996-97!

[@RaitisRides]

That is ver interesting isn't it!

[@OrchidEleven]

damn the front (and everything) looked amazing for the early 90s

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate you sharing your perspective and input! Thanks for watching!

[@nomeru_0]

the whole front end is from a 97-00s model GC8 NOT a 93. the bonnet, grill, headlights and bumper all from the later model

[@boss290t]

1993 Camry had a very similar looking front end.

[@remissiveslave]

Regardless which ej boxer you get, there's certainly a great risk you will blow a gasket trying to drive it the way it was meant for. Coming from a impreza and wrx owner myself.

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

Lol 205 gc8 owner

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate you sharing your perspective and input! Thanks for watching!

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

He's not wrong though

[@AndreasInGreer]

Awesome review! Cool car! This is Raiti's Rides!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@TecDLogic]

Any legendary car for sale, I will buy it no matter what car brand it is, btw sir can’t wait for you to review the Lincoln Corsair

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you! Lincoln's are coming soon!

[@Adamdub612]

Hey my friend has that car buried in his garage now I'm gonna buy it cuz I've liked it since 98.

[@jsafrit0717]

I'll acquire one of these one day...but first lets do this 2018 STi on some corn juice!! One more week buddy and the keys are yours!

[@RaitisRides]

Yes sir! Sounds good to me!

[@theoneuafter]

Love this car. Great review!

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much for letting me share it with you!

[@Rafael-ql4dd]

Cool video, I have the same car version 2000 STI, congratulation from Dominican Republic.

[@koreyhimself]

I love the jdm classics

[@RaitisRides]

Same here!

[@coopsnz1]

1997 Type r v3 start at 1.5 million yen in Japan now

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow!

[@LS1007]

Nice little blast from the past. It would definitely take some time to get used to righthand drive. It’s a good thing they don’t reverse the pedal layout, that would be a nightmare. Thanks for sharing it Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Larry for watching!

[@mgcspark]

Gc8 all day

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@nomeru_0]

3:09 uh no its 100% not... The bonnet, Grill, headlights, front bumper are all off a 97-00 model WRX/RS (version 5/6 swap) its clean but its far from original. Take a look at the phase 1 GC8 (how this car came from factory) than look at the version 5 wrx.

[@vipbeef2174]

Bunta's car from Initial D

[@RaitisRides]

I totally see it!

[@cristhosanchez5050]

That looks amazing!!

[@RaitisRides]

She is pretty!

[@OnIyTony]

I’m lovin the subbie love recently! Can’t wait to see that STI !

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Anthony for letting me share it with you!

[@coopsnz1]

$8000usd in Australia , Probably $18000usd in Usa

[@dagger_4d]

A little misleading. The front bumper is off of the v5-6 models

[@hokimoki3677]

Dont forget kiwi legend possom Bourne

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@Oliver-h8i]

Ive actually got one of these sitting in my driveway waiting too be resurrected lol

[@Tony-112]

We've had these since they were released (Australia) 👍

[@RaitisRides]

You guys are lucky!

[@dannyalvarez1512]

Where can I find parts for a 94 Impreza?

[@carlostrejo100]

The hood on that gc8 is not original 93 model! That's 97- 99 model!!

[@NoOne-py5or]

This will be my next car

[@andriusakinis3219]

Did Europe get this car?

[@coopsnz1]

Yep its called a Gt

[@RaitisRides]

Yep

[@RaitisRides]

@@coopsnz1 Thanks Ben!

[@OfDaSouth]

I need that steering wheel/shifter setup in my GM6...anybody got links?

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

The silver from jdm land was different than the usdm silver The new rain guards won't work on a gc, we got half doors Those heat extractors are non functional, they have the backing plates on still Those aren't ver1 seats. V4/5 seats

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

Those aren't 93 jdm taillights either

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

I have a 2004 momo in my 98

[@RaitisRides]

You are my in-house expert!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man for that info!

[@RaitisRides]

Momo wheel is a great wheel!

[@connorconway2021]

Very cool car but not completely original for a 1993 that’s the 1999 facelift bumper with the lip.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that great info Connor!

[@insxmnia_exe]

where were u in 93 is a good ass album, check it out sometime haha

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your input and perspective!

[@zackikhwan2515]

In my country malaysia..we spend a lot money to buy a jdm cars..

[@RaitisRides]

Same here Zack!

[@krzyolskool]

Yes, the answer is yes.

[@martinmalone6324]

omg that cars pedestrian compared to my 98 265bhp, 239bhp you sure more like 139? nearly redlining in 3rd doing 50?

[@sumblwnup8695]

Plan on getting a 94 or 92 soon

[@RaitisRides]

Great question!

[@manonmoon7721]

1993 with face-lift front end, my heads in my fucking hands! Sacrilege.

[@marnix484]

im sticking with my 98 sti type R

[@RaitisRides]

Now that is HOT!!!!!

[@marnix484]

@@RaitisRides it is,it really is

[@Demon_6788]

Man I will own a 2 door sti one day

[@RaitisRides]

You can do it!

[@rudolfgolez3241]

How much?

[@l33boiakamaishish]

That's a 93 wrx, with a 2000 grill, lights and bumper.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for the great info.

[@stoneimage666]

Beautiful!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Dax! It's been a while since I've seen you comment! Thanks for being here!

[@seliiiiiim]

“No airbags, none of that garbage”... ok 👍

[@frontlineltdfrontlineltd4072]

I want mine back.

[@jdm89edition]

That's not all original. Gen 1 and gen 2 wrx's had a completely different front bumper, lights, grill and bonnet vents.. Have a google... I have a 94 wrx, completely different.. This example has had a face lift to post 95 gc8 front 👍

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that extra info!

[@corz299]

Needs the wing

[@estpst]

Montu has some great unusual cars

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@kennyphun1946]

Anyone think the front looks a little bit like the skyline R34? Who’s with me?

[@RaitisRides]

Kenny I'm not to sure!

[@moxon80]

Facelift front end, WRX sticker missing from rear end, Interior is from a red STI Just saying

[@markosbourne5967]

The interior is original

[@HansDelbruck53]

Great little vintage WRX except for one thing: the steering wheel on the wrong side. I drove right-hand drive cars when I was stationed overseas with the military. I got used to shifting gears with my left hand, but it never felt natural. Also, I gotta zonk your anonymous passenger on his bony knees, Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@fenwa592]

That's how they're made in Japan.

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

All 93-07impreza were made in Japanland The 5speed glass transmission shifts good? Lol

[@MidwestDankAlumni]

That scoop is tiny compared to my seibon!! It's an 04 replica in cf.

[@RaitisRides]

It was shifting good for the time I had it.

[@RaitisRides]

This is very true!

[@Nick-xx9wz]

I love this car so much I don’t fucking know how to get one tho lol