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FOR SALE

2012 Subaru Impreza Cosworth STi CS400

£51,950

No 74 of 75 | Low Mileage | Near ~6 Year Ownership

  • Mileage~33,580
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.5L
  • LocationEly

£51,950

2012 Subaru Impreza Cosworth STi CS400

Premium Classified Sale

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

Already a powerful machine, the Impreza was taken up a notch when handed to Cosworth who upgraded and improved just 75 units.

When it comes to performance and pedigree, few cars ignite as much excitement as the Subaru Impreza and the CS400 is the crown jewel in this storied lineup. Born from a collaboration between Subaru and British tuning legends Cosworth, the Impreza CS400 is not just a car - it's a statement. Limited to a mere 75 units, this special edition is understandably rare, blending the Impreza's raw, rally-bred DNA with the surgical precision of Cosworth engineering.

This is a fantastic opportunity to own number 74 of the 75 Impreza Cosworth CS400s. Not only is this a rare car to come up for sale, but it also has only ~33,500 miles on the clock and a fully rebuilt engine that has covered under ~4,000 miles since. Coming to market from ~5 years and 9 month ownership, the vendor knows these cars well with a close friend having owned one also, bought mainly to marvel at rather than use in anger, covering just over ~1,000 miles in that time.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Paul the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Exterior

A factory body kit with Cosworth-tuned suspension brings the Impreza closer to the ground - giving it a more sporty look.

Wheels and Tyres

The original alloy wheels are in excellent condition with no noticeable signs of damage, a pair of Michelin Pilot Sport 3 are found on the front and a pair of Continental Sport Contact 3 are found on the rear, all tyres have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

At the time, the Impreza's shift from a saloon to a hatchback was a significant change in its appearance. Looking around the Subaru, there are no noticeable dings or dents to mention, and the panels align as you would expect. No signs of obvious corrosion either, this is a cosseted example, certainly for at least the last ~6 years.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in "Spark Silver", just one of three colour choices for the Impreza CS400, the paintwork presents well overall. There is a small amount of lacquer peel on the edge of the driver's door and wing and a few age-related stone chips, as you would expect for its age.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to make up your own mind about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

All of the windows are in good order, with no noticeable scratches. The seals are also in good condition, with minimal signs of age.

The headlights are in good condition, with no damage to the lenses, and the same can be said for the Lexus-inspired rear lights.

Interior

Cosworth-embroidered seats and piano black trim highlight that you’re in something special.

Seats and Carpets

Finished in black leather and Alcantara, the seats are embroidered with the Cosworth logo in white. The driver's seat bolster has a small amount of colour wear but is generally in very good condition with minimal wear. The passenger and rear seats are in good order and don't appear to have had excessive use.

The carpets throughout the cabin are in good order, and a set of all-weather and carpet mats has also been fitted. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in good condition, finished with piano black trim. However, some minor marks are inevitable with piano black, and fortunately, these are mainly around the lower sectors of the dashboard.

The instruments appear to be working correctly, and no warning lights are displayed while the car is running. The odometer reads just 33,573 miles at the time of our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original leather bound three-spoke multi-function steering wheel has a small amount of wear, which is in keeping with the age of the Impreza.

The gearstick for the 6 speed gearbox has a similar amount of wear to it too. Take a look through the extensive image gallery to see all the details.

Mechanics

Under the bonnet, the CS400 packs a reworked 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, churning out an astonishing ~395BHP and ~400lb-ft of torque.

Engine and Gearbox

The 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four fires up as it should and sounds fantastic. Paul reports no issues with the car's running, the engine having been rebuilt in 2018 by a former keeper, and having covered under ~4,000 miles since.

The six-speed manual gearbox translates the power to blistering acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of just ~3.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest Imprezas ever built. The gearbox operated with no issues, and the clutch was replaced in 2018 when the engine work was actioned. Watch the video to see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

Tuned by Cosworth, the suspension sits a touch lower than a normal WRX STI. The ride is firm, as you would expect from a car designed and bred in the world of rallying. There are no knocks or bangs coming from the suspension, and the large Brembo callipers bring the CS400 to a stop in a straight line with no issues reported.

The Drive

Visually, the CS400 distinguishes itself with subtle yet aggressive styling, a sport-tuned body kit, and Cosworth badging that hints at the beast within.
In the world of high-performance compacts, the Subaru Impreza CS400 stands as a testament to what happens when passion meets engineering excellence.

The enhanced suspension and braking systems ensure that this power is matched by unparalleled control, giving drivers the confidence to push the limits on any road - within the speed limits, of course.

Electrics and Other

A Pioneer double-DIN head unit replaces the factory option and includes Bluetooth compatibility and Satellite Navigation. The rest of the switchgear appears to be in good condition and is said, by Paul, to be working correctly.

History and Paperwork

Car number 74 of 75 built, it comes to market from near ~6 year ownership, 4 former keepers, and a low mileage of ~33,500, this car is well worth a look.

The previous keeper had the Impreza's engine rebuilt by a Cosworth specialist in early 2018, and since then the car has done less than ~4,000 miles. The car comes complete with the original sales brochure, service book, and two keys, and the V5 shows four previous keepers. Several invoices for work carried out and parts purchased are included, as well as a selection of photographs taken when the engine was being rebuilt.

It's not just a car—it's a collector's piece, a track-ready machine, and a nod to Subaru's rallying heritage, all wrapped into one. What a superb opportunity to take ownership of number 74 out of 75 produced.

We've done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5, and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above. However, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high-resolution detail. This has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time—we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car—just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
01.08.2024 Service 33,570
04.11.2023 MOT 33,552
29.10.2023 Service 33,523
23.10.2022 Service 33,467
22.10.2022 MOT 33,454
16.11.2021 Service 33,394
13.11.2021 MOT 33,382
27.11.2020 Service 33,325
29.10.2020 MOT 33,316
15.11.2019 Service 33,200
23.10.2019 MOT 33,194
30.11.2018 Service 32,641
22.11.2018 MOT 32,453
20.07.2018 Service 30,833
21.02.2018 Engine Rebuild
15.02.2018 MOT 29,729
12.05.2016 Service 28,680
24.03.2016 MOT 28,258
21.05.2015 MOT 27,420
30.01.2015 MOT 26,638
02.05.2014 Service 24,526
03.10.2013 Service 16,353
09.05.2013 Service 10,556
10.10.2012 Service 6,059
21.05.2012 Service 1,252
Key Details
  • ModelImpreza Cosworth WRX STi CS400
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date31.01.2012
  • CC2,457
  • Mileage~33,580
  • ColourSpark Silver
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #JF1GRFKH38G023789
  • Engine #534131
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOTYes Valid Until 21.11.2024
  • Former Keepers4
  • Tyre BrandMichelin & Continental
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~5 years, 9 months
  • Key FeatureLimited edition with low miles
  • Auction ID2083

Insurance Quote


Average annual insurance premium for a like this is via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

Vehicle Location

Ely

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