When sold new on June 18 2003, the window sticker on this 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI read $34,526. The top-tier STI had all the right options including World Rally Blue paint, gold BBS wheels, and Brembo brakes. It was a real performance car of its era, equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged EJ257 boxer engine pumping out 300 HP and 300 TQ through a 6-speed manual transmission to its all-wheel-drive system. But none of this is news; there are hundreds of these cars driving around town every day.
What makes this particular vehicle interesting is that it’s in as-new condition, completely unmodified, with only 880 miles on it’s odometer. Seems that 20+ years ago, the owner ordered exactly the model he wanted, drove it home to Boca Raton FL from the dealership in Greensboro NC, and never touched it again. Since then, the car has been stored, waiting for its day in the sun. That day was February 26 2026. What must be the most original, lowest mileage Blobeye WRX STI in existence just sold for $107,000 on Cars & Bids.
Used Subaru WRX models from this era normally sell for around $10,000 in good condition. But the wild card is always the level of modification. A fast, affordably priced, all-season sports car is a sought after item. Extensive aftermarket parts and support from shops like Can Jam Motorsports can take a mundane Impreza and tun it into a WRX, or push the performance envelope of a WRX to beyond the specs of an STI. Blown head gaskets are expected, replacement engines are commonplace, and modified models on lowering springs with wild body kits are all the rage.
The fact none of these fates have befallen this particular WRX STI is what makes it unique. Everything is stock, the interior is showroom fresh, the tires are from 2003, and there’s still a removeable warning label on the glovebox. When it comes to modifying cars, they always say “…it’s only original once…” and they must have meant this Subie. It may be the most original car of its kind in the world. But in a way, that’s what makes this story so sad. This was a driver’s car, built to be enjoyed on snowy backroads, driven on race tracks, enjoyed. Now its scarcity means it will never be let out of the garage again. The window sticker is never coming off. It’s just an object now, an investment.
Over here at Demaras Racing, we shed a tear when the car sold. A performance car that never reached redline, never did a powerslide. We’re so much happier with our Bugeye WRX with its replacement EJ257 engine, STI ‘pink’ struts and shocks, oversized hood scoop. It still looks very stock but it had a lot of fun along the way!