El Camino All Things: 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Yes. The Subaru WRX STi was this fantastic rally machine that is sublime to drive on or off road. But how could you haul home the furniture you find on the side of the road. Or a side of beef. The trunk on the STi was small and the rear seats didn’t fold down (something about structural integrity)…so if you need a pickup, you’ll need to convert your STi with a Smyth Performance kit and enjoy the classic lines of an El Camprezza, Subarute, Ranchrx, or El Camwrxstio. This is a winner. Find this 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi via THIS IS Doug Demuro’s Cars&Bids in Huntington Beach, CA bidding for $11,211 with a few hours to go. Tip from James.

From the seller:

Make
Subaru
Model
WRX STI
Save
Mileage
178,400
VIN
JF1GD70626L518317
Title Status
Clean (MT)
Location
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Seller
jimm246
jimm246
Engine
2.5L Turbocharged Flat-4
Drivetrain
4WD/AWD
Transmission
Manual (6-Speed)
Body Style
Truck
Exterior Color
Crystal Gray Metallic
Interior Color
Black/Blue
Seller Type
Private Party
Doug’s Take
This is so cool! Subaru never turned the WRX STI into a pickup, of course, but there’s a kit from Smyth Performance that lets enthusiasts make one. The end result is both practical AND surprisingly cohesive – this little truck almost looks factory-built. The clean, accident-free Carfax report that mostly lists registrations in California is a major benefit, too – and this WRX STI also features a 6-speed manual transmission, permanent all-wheel-drive, AND numerous modifications intended to improve performance – so this looks like a quick and quirky way to make a hardware store run. Plus, it’s offered with the thrill of no reserve.

Highlights
THIS… is a 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, finished in Crystal Gray Metallic with a black and blue interior.

The attached Carfax history report lists no accidents in this WRX STI’s past. It also shows that this Subaru was California-owned until 2019.
This sedan has been converted into a pickup using a Smyth Performance Ute kit. The list of modifications reported by the seller also includes a Turbo Tek Tuning ECU tune, a COBB Tuning boost control solenoid, a high-flow catalytic converter, 18-inch fifteen52 Integrale wheels, an IAG Performance engine skid plate, an aluminum tonneau cover, a Kenwood touchscreen, and Alpine speakers.
The second-generation Impreza made its debut for 2001, and it spawned the first WRX sold on the American market. Like the standard Impreza, the WRX was offered as a sedan and as a station wagon. The range-topping STI variant gained rally-bred upgrades including a more powerful engine, a firmer suspension system, and a more muscular design. Production ended after the 2007 model year.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4, rated at 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque when left stock. The modifications might increase those figures, but a dyno sheet is not available. Part of the EJ family of engines, it spins the four wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.
Equipment
Brembo parts in the braking system
Front and rear mechanical limited-slip differentials
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
HID headlights
Cloth and Alcantara upholstery
STI-design front seats
Power-adjustable door mirrors
Air conditioning
Modifications
Modifications reported by the seller include:

Drivetrain:

Turbo Tek Tuning ECU tune
COBB Tuning Accessport tuner
COBB Tuning boost control solenoid
COBB Tuning turbo blanket
Intercooler sprayer tank removed (wiring still present)
High-flow catalytic converter
3-inch stainless-steel exhaust system
Wheels and Underbody:

18-inch fifteen52 Integrale wheels
IAG Performance engine skid plate
Exterior:

Smyth Performance Ute conversion kit
Front splitter
Rally Armor mudflaps
Gray finish on the A- and B-pillar trim
Aluminum tonneau cover
Custom-made bed mat
LED third brake light
LED license plate and reverse lights
Interior:

Kartboy shifter bushings
Ultrasuede upholstery on the headliner
Extra sound-deadening material
Kenwood touchscreen
Alpine speakers
Wiring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Known Flaws
Some exterior scratches and chips (shown in the gallery)
Ding on the passenger-side rear wheel arch
The tonneau cover and tailgate straps need to be adjusted
Some wear on the driver’s seat’s outer bolsters and on some of the interior touch points
Some rust on some of the suspension and exhaust system components
Recent Service History
Some service information appears in the attached Carfax history report. Recent work includes:

July 2019 (177,613 miles): Engine oil and filter changed
December 2018 (177,214 miles): Engine oil and filter changed
The seller states that the engine oil was last changed in April 2023 at 178,322 miles, and that the spark plugs, ignition coils, engine air filter, tires, steering system O-rings and linkage bushings, shifter joints, shift rod, shifter spring pin, headlights, headlight ballasts and bulbs, windshield, and cabin air filter were recently replaced. He adds that used factory suspension components were recently installed, that the timing belt was replaced in April 2018 at 173,114 miles, and that the clutch was replaced in 2017.

Other Items Included in Sale
2 keys and 2 key fobs
Owner’s manuals
Available service records
Car cover
Rubber floor mats
Removed intercooler fluid reservoir
Spare steering wheel, sunvisors, B-pillar trim, and shifter lock mechanism
Spare engine oil filters, downpipe gasket, HID bulbs, and cabin air filter
Scosche Industries antenna adapter
Mirror mount adapter tool
Ownership History
The seller purchased this WRX STI on Cars & Bids in October 2022, and the previous auction can be viewed here.

Seller Notes
The seller states that this WRX STI has been repainted in its factory color.
Due to the modifications, this car may not pass emissions testing in some states. It’s the buyer’s responsibility to check whether this car can be registered in their home state prior to placing a bid.

See a better way to drive a Imprezel Camubaru? tips@dailyturismo.com