Subaru Impreza WRX STI GDB
Import a Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GDB) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 2000–2007
- Engine
- EJ207 2.0 L turbo flat-four, all-wheel drive
About the GDB
The GDB Impreza WRX STI launched on 24 October 2000 with the EJ207 2.0 L turbo flat-four, rated at 280 PS, a six-speed manual and all-wheel drive. Torque rose over the run from 373 Nm to 422 Nm. The blobeye revision arrived on 1 November 2002 with a twin-scroll turbo, and the hawkeye on 16 June 2005. The run ended in 2007.
The spec C and the S-series are the Japan-only lightweight and high-power specials.
The GD-shape Impreza carried Subaru’s two later World Rally Championship drivers’ titles: Richard Burns in 2001 and Petter Solberg in 2003. Those were World Rally Cars, but the road STI shares their body shell and badge. The 2000 launch car was a 280 PS, six-speed STi weighing 1,430 kg and priced at ¥3.198 million new, with the Type RA as the competition base.
- Power
- 280 PS at 6,400 rpm (2000)
- Torque
- 38.0 kgm (373 Nm) at 4,000 rpm
- Weight
- 1,430 kg (2000 STi)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual
- Drive
- Full-time all-wheel drive
- Model code
- GH-GDB (2000–2001)
Can a GDB come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on a GDB
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Recall 1920
A July 2007 recall covers the gearbox oil-cooler hose clamp. Confirm it was done.
Rear struts
Check the rear struts for stiction.
Leaks
Check the cam covers, sump and intercooler for leaks.
Rear diff
Listen for rear differential whine.
Rust and belt
Check the front radiator support for rot. The timing belt is due every 100,000 km.
Tires
All-wheel drive needs four matching tires.
What we check on every GDB
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What a GDB costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| GDB STI, JDMBuySell median of seller-reported sales (5 cars, May–Oct 2026) JDMBuySell, Oct 2026 | US$23,995 | JDMBuySell , Oct 2026 |
| Impreza STI built October 2000–June 2007 (GDB), Carsensor average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥2.78 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
GDB buyer questions
Which GDB years can go to the US?
In October 2026, bugeye cars built from October 2000 up to October 2001 are eligible. Later 2001 and 2002 builds follow month by month, blobeye cars into 2027–2030, and hawkeye cars from June 2030. Every GDB is already eligible in Canada.
Bugeye, blobeye or hawkeye?
The bugeye is the first to be US-legal. The blobeye from November 2002 brought a twin-scroll turbo, and the hawkeye from June 2005 has the most developed drivetrain. In Canada all three are open, so choose on condition and spec.
Are parts available in North America?
The US and Canadian STI used the 2.5 L EJ25, so JDM EJ20 engine parts come from Japan or specialists. The six-speed gearbox, much of the suspension and body parts are shared with North American cars, which keeps running costs reasonable.
Want a GDB?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.