1997 Subaru Impreza

Outback Sport Wagon

2.2L 2212CC H4 GAS SOHC Naturally Aspirated

Automatic

JF1GF485XVH822355

Clear

GAS

Up for auction is a well-maintained 1997 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport that has been customized with several rally/autocross options which give this car both enhanced performance and heightened visual characteristics for a ride simply like that of no other. With its increased clearance and longer travel suspension, the model borrows design successes from the same Subaru Impreza taking the World Rally Championship title in 1995. This car was built in Japan at a time when these manufacturers were known for producing highly reliable and superb quality vehicles. This impressive one-of-a-kind ride features: Genuine VIS Racing carbon fiber vented hood with original hood scoop that dramatically reduces weight while also helping to keep the engine and transmission running cool. The carbon fiber hood vents have metal grills to keep out debris which is a big improvement over the stock plastic ones. Moroso Racing hood pins that tightly secure the lightweight hood for extra safety. Primitive Racing underbody skid plate armor protects the oil sump and manifold from debris and distributes forces away from these and other vulnerable components while also providing stiffness to the front end. Features louvered vents for cooling and oil drain plug access. DEPO JDM/Euro-style clear beam headlights with complex reflective surfaces have replaced the original Fresnel lens headlights for stylish modern looks and performance. Pilot Navigator driving/fog lights stealth-mounted hidden in the grill and wired high/low beam independent for off-road versatility. Optima Yellow Top sealed deep cycle starting battery will not spill or leak and provides for engine starting even after hours of accessory usage. These batteries are simply the best money can buy. Installed less than 18 months ago and has never yet been heavily cycled. Wieland custom CNC machined tiedown tray securely holds the Optima battery. Dual horn added for greater audibility. At the time I acquired the vehicle at around 115k miles, the timing belt and rear wheel bearing were replaced by the dealer along with a clean tranny flush. All service beyond oil changes (which I do myself every 3000 miles using only quality oil/filters), tire replacement/balancing, new rotors and brakes, and a minor exhaust repair have only been performed by a local and trusted Subaru dealer by Subaru-certified mechanics with genuine Subaru parts. Included in these services have been replacement of all four struts (important and expensive work for a subaru with +100k miles at $1400, but this has now been done for you), both front CV drive axles, the additional rear wheel bearing, and engine cam seal. It was noted by the service technician during its last visit to the dealer that the car is in excellent condition. The vehicle runs great with no problems and has passed all emissions tests and it is currently compliant and registered in CT state. You can find from the CARFAX report that this Subaru has a squeaky clean title and there have been no accidents, no air bags were ever deployed, and the car has enjoyed regular maintenance throughout its ownership. In fact, because of this history, the CARFAX recommends a price adjustment of $680 above current book value. Contact me for a link to the report if you wish. I have only done any of the listed modifications to the car as a hobby for my own enjoyment and have not done any autocross or racing of ANY sort in the car. The most action this vehicle has seen has been some pleasure driving on twisty gravel roads while camping in the summer and navigating snowy roads in the winter. I have always been careful not to incur any damage to the car whatsoever as it has also been my daily driver. The car handles beautifully with the lowered center of gravity (lightened hood above plus skid plate below) and the 4-cylinder Boxster engine which distributes force laterally rather than vertically to really make the tires stick. It is confidence-inspiring whether corning on dry, wet, dirt, or snow-covered roads. The tires currently are smooth-riding soft rubber B.F. Goodrich Touring T/As with only 6000 miles having been run on them. Now while it may not be a pro circuit class rally car, it does offer several creature comforts you would not usually find in such a vehicle like cold-blowing A/C, keyless entry, power windows, and a Virtual Reality aftermarket stereo head that features CD/DVD audio playback, MP3 decoder, SD card slot, RDS display, detachable face with case, and even a USB port for powering and playback from devices. It also features the 4EAT electronic auto transmission which uses a computer to gauge your driving behavior and adjusts shift points depending on your style for either better performance or economy. The drivetrain features a finned rear differential (presumably for cooling) which appears to be somewhat rare on these models, and I believe may be a limited-slip type, but I have not verified this. The 40/60 split fold-down seats offer a spacious cargo area that can haul anything from furniture items to eight foot long 2x4 studs within the interior. Included is a genuine Subaru protective rubber boot for the cargo area which is just like new. The load-bearing roof rack can be adapted in many ways as well. I added a locking gas cap but still have the original if you wish to use it for the convenience. Also included are two full sets of keys and two remote fobs for keyless entry along with the original owners manual for the car. You can review Edmunds or KBB specs to find that standard equipment on this particular model is well above the base for Imprezas of this year. Of course this vehicle is not new, so it has minor blemishes like door dings and a few superficial scratches, a very small chip in the windshield, little indents under the doors from a rock and perhaps a service lift I suspect but nothing affecting the function of the door or frame at all, a couple minor marks on the bumper, tears just in the driver-side carpet below the control pedals from the previous owner (I myself use floormats), and a tiny hole in the seat but overall the car is in very nice condition inside and out. There was a crack in the driver’s side mirror so I just put a convex blind spotter mirror on and a couple inches of trim has fallen off in front of one rear wheel. Another very minor imperfection is a vent adjuster wheel is missing on the driver side interior but the vent still works fine and is contollable. It does not burn any oil in the motor, but I detect that it leaks a couple of ounces between changes which is common for this engine. Surprisingly however, the body has no rust at all! No rust inside the doors or hatch. This is unusual for a model of this year. The regular hand washing and waxing it received certainly played a part in maintaining its condition. If you are familiar with the EJ22 engine found in this car, you know that it has a reputation for being bulletproof and highly reliable. It starts in all weather, never hesitates, and happily complies with any demand. The AWD system and ABS brakes keep you safe and locked to the road in all conditions. The car is renowned for its amazing handling and is simply a pleasure to drive. In fact this is the best driving car I’ve ever owned and with tight steering and suspension, and no vibration or shimmy at high speed whatsoever, feel assured that the vehicle is safe and reliable. I have regularly taken this car on out-of-state trips without any concern at all of having a problem. With proper care, these Subarus often go well past 200k miles. I am only selling it due to the need for a larger vehicle to accommodate my expanded family. As is assumed with any private-party used vehicle sale, no warranty is expressed or implied and the vehicle is sold as is. The buyer is responsible for checking and/or complying with any local regulations. A $300 deposit (non-refundable) must be made by the winning bidder via PayPal within 48 hours of the auction ending or that bidder may lose the right to purchase the vehicle. The remainder of the balance of the winning bid amount is due in cash or cashier's check at pickup at which time the title will be signed over to the purchaser after payment is bank verified. See payment information for additional details. Feel free to ask questions. Thanks for looking and good luck to all of the bidders!