Hey all knowing grm fans i need your help. I have recently graduated from welding school and procured a well paying jobs, and soon i will be splurging on a new to me car. Being a Canadian i am thinking about importing a gc8 impreza wrx sti from 95-97ish. It looks like i should be able to get a good clean low km model for about $4000 landed.
Any advice would be spectacular, thanks.
I miss my 97 WRX 
My advice would be to enjoy it!! I don't think they can be licensed in the states, imported yes, licensed no. I could be wrong, I haven't check into it in a few years.
Be careful, as I understand, in a number of provinces it is almost impossible to insure a RHD car.
I know the GC8's are among the lightest of the STi's being one of the few offered in a two door model. I also know they're a helluva lot of fun to drive. A friend of mine has one. Also- I HATE the fact that 4k doorstepped for an RHD STi is legit in Canada. Friend of mine has PRECISELY what you're asking for, and the thing was 17k on US soi.
Alternatively, you could find a non-rusted GC8 and swap in the drivetrain from a 02-07 WRX or 04-07 STi. From what I've heard it's not that difficult since 92-07 Subarus were built like Legos. The hard part is finding that non-rusted GC8. I used to own a 98 coupe and wanted to do that swap, but there was not a single suspension component on it that was not rotting away.
Feedyurhed wrote:My advice would be to enjoy it!! I don't think they can be licensed in the states, imported yes, licensed no. I could be wrong, I haven't check into it in a few years.
Legally, at least CURRENTLY, you're right. You can't license one here. HOWEVER, if one got in grey market under the old rules, you're good to go. Kit cars are fun like that.
Advice? Errr... Watch for rust, change the timing belt and whatever fluids you like upon purchase, and flog the hell out of it. I don't think there's too much else to say.
NGTD wrote:Be careful, as I understand, in a number of provinces it is almost impossible to insure a RHD car.
Its very legal in bc, my sister has a rhd celica alltrac turbo, and her boyfriend has a r32 skyline.
There is no hidden knowledge on GCs. If its rusty check the suspension, but I think that is true of any car, and you couldnt do that on any car you are interested in anyways.
I have always been skittish about importing a car because I would be buying a 25 year old car (isnt it 15 years up in Tim Horton land?) basically blind.
