The 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi remains one of the most exciting performance cars of the new millennium. Few machines blend rally-bred capability with daily driver usability as effectively as the STi. This particular example is truly exceptional due to its incredibly low mileage, showing only 14k miles from new. Finished in Midnight Black Pearl, this coupe presents a rare opportunity to acquire a pristine, first-generation US-market STi. The car was initially sold in California and remained under its original ownership for a long period, which contributed to its preserved condition. It is a genuine time capsule from the height of the import tuner scene.
Rally Styling and Exterior Details
The exterior of this 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi is finished in its factory Midnight Black Pearl paint code 45A. This color complements the STi’s aggressive, functional aerodynamic design perfectly. Features include a pronounced functional hood scoop that feeds cool air directly to the intercooler. The car also sports a prominent rear wing, instantly identifying its motorsport roots. HID headlights provide powerful forward lighting, and aftermarket fog lights have been added for extra illumination. The overall look is instantly recognizable and entirely purposeful.
Chassis and Stopping Power
The car rides on gold-finished 17-inch BBS alloy wheels, which are wrapped in Toyo Extensa HP II tires installed in 2025. This wheel design is a signature element of the WRX STi aesthetic. Crucially, stopping power is provided by a formidable braking system. The Brembo four-piston calipers are featured at the front axle, matched with two-piston calipers at the rear. These large antilock disc brakes deliver exceptional fade resistance and short stopping distances. The combination of strong brakes and precise steering is central to the STi’s performance character.
Functional and Purposeful Cabin
The interior of this 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi features an attractive black and blue upholstery scheme. The front bucket seats and the rear bench are trimmed in black cloth with blue perforated Ecsaine inserts. These seats offer excellent bolstering, necessary for spirited driving. Creature comforts include automatic climate control for consistent cabin temperature. Power windows and all-weather floor mats further enhance the daily usability of the STi. An updated Alpine CD stereo replaces the original unit, offering better audio quality.
Driver Instrumentation and Focus
The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a suite of performance-oriented gauges. A central tachometer with a 7,000-rpm redline dominates the cluster, indicating the engine’s operational limits. A 160-mph speedometer is also present, alongside gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. Additionally, a column-mounted boost gauge allows the driver to monitor the turbocharger’s performance instantly. The digital odometer shows just 14k miles, a rare reading for this type of enthusiast vehicle.
Engine, Power, and Symmetrical AWD
Propulsion comes from the turbocharged 2.5-liter EJ257 flat-four engine, a cornerstone of the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi. This renowned motor was factory rated to produce a robust 300 horsepower and an equal 300 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a closely spaced six-speed manual transaxle, demanding driver engagement. The core of the STi’s handling is its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This advanced system includes limited-slip differentials at both the front and rear axles. It also features a driver-controlled center differential, or DCCD, allowing the driver to adjust the torque split manually. An oil change was recently performed in preparation for the sale.
Drivetrain and Performance Technology
The six-speed manual transaxle offers precise, mechanical shifts, contributing significantly to the car’s enthusiast appeal. The DCCD system represents sophisticated performance technology. It allows the driver to optimize the car’s traction balance between the front and rear axles for different road conditions. This level of control gives the STi its legendary grip and confidence in all weather. The combination of the potent EJ257 and the highly technical all-wheel-drive system ensures thrilling, rapid acceleration and exceptional handling.
Summary of the Low-Mileage WRX STi
This 14k-mile 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi offers a unique opportunity to own a preserved example of a true performance icon. Its rarity is compounded by the low mileage and desirable Midnight Black Pearl finish over the blue and black interior. Featuring the powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four, six-speed manual transaxle, and advanced DCCD system, this STi delivers an uncompromised driving experience. It remains a highly relevant machine for enthusiasts who value authentic rally-derived engineering and outstanding performance capabilities.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
