As an original owner of an MY99 WRX with 97k on the clock I really enjoyed watching this youtube. Back in the day WRX owners all waved at each other as we crossed paths on the road. It was the shared knowledge that we were driving an iconic car, which went on to be called the “Classic”.
Nice review. I own a 1997 wrx. Have owned it for 12 years now and it has been very reliable the whole time I have owned it. Love the car it’s great and would never sell it
Bought a blue MY99 new. Sold it after 2 years and bought a silver MY98. Modified it (VF22, Power FC, TBE, etc), had a ball - it was quick, then put it (almost) back to stock in 2010 and sold it. I missed it so much that I bought it again 2 years ago when it came on the market. Have only put 2,000k's on it but I still love it every time I jump in it. Great cars. Long live the Rex.
So nice to see the bugs, blobs and stink eyes still driving around on the roads. You rarely see any other similar older gen cars still running as good.
We purchased one new in 2000 , it was the last of its body shape , the only reason for us selling it was because it was marked by the local constabulary. My fault. What you didn’t touch on was they had a tendency to compress fifth gear synchromesh due to high speed gear changes and the timing belt must be changes every 100k kilometres. Fact remains they’re a lot of fun!
I owned an Evolution V for a few years before deciding to sell and move onto a GC8, and aside from the drop in stock power there is nothing I miss about the Evo. The Evo felt bigger, and felt more like a front wheel drive car with 4WD tacked-on. Where the Evo used trickery to make the 4WD system work well (AYC), the Subaru I feel has much more mechanical grip. I never read into the whole symmetrical-AWD marketing around Subarus before owning one, but compared to the Evo it feels like the drivetrain is always working in your favour, rather than having systems kick-in when needed on the Evo.
I love my GC8, I bought it as a future classic 5yrs ago having had one when they were new. It's such a pleasure to drive, a real drivers car, and stock ! I equate the WRX to the Mini Cooper S for 70's cars. The prices aren't through the roof like other JDM type cars but slowly moving up for good examples. Thanks for a great video.
Thanks Mitch, we are 4 weeks young so yes plenty more to come. Spread the word and thanks for your support. You can subscribe to our weekly email @ www.retrorides.com.au
I bought a MY00 GC8 WRX in WRC Blue over 23 years ago and I still own it! It is completely stock standard and unmodified (apart from genuine Subaru gold 5 spoke STi wheels). It has 159,000 kilometres on the odometer and has never been in any accident. It used to be my daily driver, but has been in storage for the last 7-10 years as my automatic SUV is more practical for me. I personally think the EJ20 engine was the best Subaru had built. I absolutely love this GC8 and am finding it hard to let this car go, but I'm getting older now, and renewing rego and CTP every year when I'm not using the car doesn't seem to make much sense. I may decide to sell it soon.
I just recently picked up a 1999 jdm GF8 with 103 kilometers and I love it espcially being a wagon. But the car is amazing hands down. We also have a 180sx which is amazing but both different play forms… AWD is nice for Mountain dirt rally fun… the RWD is fun just to slide around and hear that sr20 motor 😂 pshh stustustu hahah!
I don't think many non STi models are fetching $40k right now. You can pick them up as cheap as $5k with a boat load of issues like blown engines. Trouble is finding good ones is incredibly hard now. The 2 doors are cool, but not for GTR money. Which some have been asking. The GC8 had the best styling. The bug eye was a step backwards.
Every model is a step backwards when it comes to previous gen lovers. All of the chassis are unique for the STi/WRXs. Super clean low mile STi 15s and newer aren't selling for 25k. You can get them way under 40!
Hmmmm, Glenn Torrens, Samantha Stevens, a couple of names I remember from Wheels and Motor 20-25 years ago when I was an avid subscriber. I hope this content is regular! Maybe get your hands on some previous winners from PCOTY/BFYB (from Motor) from the 90s and 00's and see how they fare 20+ years later!
I have this exact spec car. Mine just has some paint work issue. Mine is stock apart from catless exhaust and Ive got some 17s on them. I just don't see it worthwhile getting any other car 😊
As an original owner of an MY99 WRX with 97k on the clock I really enjoyed watching this youtube. Back in the day WRX owners all waved at each other as we crossed paths on the road. It was the shared knowledge that we were driving an iconic car, which went on to be called the “Classic”.
The sound design in this video is just sublime. Love hearing those Subaru rumbles throughout the entire video, without covering up the commentary
I was so lucky to find a fully stock one owner 99 GC8. It puts a big smile on my face everytime i drive it.
Damn I wish companies could still make cars like this 😢
I still own one and have so since 2000 now has a 2.5 and 6 speed and is just perfect
Nice review. I own a 1997 wrx. Have owned it for 12 years now and it has been very reliable the whole time I have owned it. Love the car it’s great and would never sell it
Bought a blue MY99 new. Sold it after 2 years and bought a silver MY98. Modified it (VF22, Power FC, TBE, etc), had a ball - it was quick, then put it (almost) back to stock in 2010 and sold it. I missed it so much that I bought it again 2 years ago when it came on the market. Have only put 2,000k's on it but I still love it every time I jump in it. Great cars. Long live the Rex.
So nice to see the bugs, blobs and stink eyes still driving around on the roads. You rarely see any other similar older gen cars still running as good.
I owned a used MY00 WRX with 13,000kms from 2001 - 2011. One of the best cars I've ever owned. I've never had the chance to drive an EVO.
Great review! Clear with lots of useful info and really class production, more please!
We purchased one new in 2000 , it was the last of its body shape , the only reason for us selling it was because it was marked by the local constabulary. My fault. What you didn’t touch on was they had a tendency to compress fifth gear synchromesh due to high speed gear changes and the timing belt must be changes every 100k kilometres. Fact remains they’re a lot of fun!
I owned an Evolution V for a few years before deciding to sell and move onto a GC8, and aside from the drop in stock power there is nothing I miss about the Evo. The Evo felt bigger, and felt more like a front wheel drive car with 4WD tacked-on. Where the Evo used trickery to make the 4WD system work well (AYC), the Subaru I feel has much more mechanical grip. I never read into the whole symmetrical-AWD marketing around Subarus before owning one, but compared to the Evo it feels like the drivetrain is always working in your favour, rather than having systems kick-in when needed on the Evo.
Thanks Brett, great insight on the AWD
I love my GC8, I bought it as a future classic 5yrs ago having had one when they were new. It's such a pleasure to drive, a real drivers car, and stock ! I equate the WRX to the Mini Cooper S for 70's cars. The prices aren't through the roof like other JDM type cars but slowly moving up for good examples. Thanks for a great video.
Stock everyday vehicle - GC8. Tuned track vehicle - CP9A….
the classic and best looking WRX!
I had a beautiful Micah Blue 2000. Such an iconic shape. Only bested by the 2006 STi. I miss the Mitsubishi / Subaru rally battles.
Thanks Mitch, we are 4 weeks young so yes plenty more to come. Spread the word and thanks for your support. You can subscribe to our weekly email @ www.retrorides.com.au
I bought a MY00 GC8 WRX in WRC Blue over 23 years ago and I still own it! It is completely stock standard and unmodified (apart from genuine Subaru gold 5 spoke STi wheels). It has 159,000 kilometres on the odometer and has never been in any accident. It used to be my daily driver, but has been in storage for the last 7-10 years as my automatic SUV is more practical for me. I personally think the EJ20 engine was the best Subaru had built. I absolutely love this GC8 and am finding it hard to let this car go, but I'm getting older now, and renewing rego and CTP every year when I'm not using the car doesn't seem to make much sense. I may decide to sell it soon.
Whoever does your audio deserves a RAISE. Better than many top YT channels and TV Productions
very kind of you to say, we are focused on creating great videos. subscribe for more at www.retrorides.com.au
Subscribed based on the OG Wheels presenters.
And the GC8. Drove one as a daily for 24 years.
I just recently picked up a 1999 jdm GF8 with 103 kilometers and I love it espcially being a wagon. But the car is amazing hands down. We also have a 180sx which is amazing but both different play forms… AWD is nice for Mountain dirt rally fun… the RWD is fun just to slide around and hear that sr20 motor 😂 pshh stustustu hahah!
Finally a well Informed presenter who knows her stuff. Great video. Cheers Michael
I don't think many non STi models are fetching $40k right now. You can pick them up as cheap as $5k with a boat load of issues like blown engines. Trouble is finding good ones is incredibly hard now.
The 2 doors are cool, but not for GTR money. Which some have been asking. The GC8 had the best styling. The bug eye was a step backwards.
Every model is a step backwards when it comes to previous gen lovers. All of the chassis are unique for the STi/WRXs. Super clean low mile STi 15s and newer aren't selling for 25k. You can get them way under 40!
Reddish blue was a lovely hue.
The best shape WRX ever made!
Nice review! Now do a story on the base platform model, that led to the GC8, the Liberty (Legacy), especially the RS Turbo we got in Australia!
Beautiful car, the GC8 WRX is definitely one I would love to add to my garage one day!
Thinking of selling my 2 door but love it every time
I drive it and change my mind 😂
me too!..
One of the best cars in the 90’s
First generation GC Impreza, CLASSIC 😍
What a beautiful beast!
Hmmmm, Glenn Torrens, Samantha Stevens, a couple of names I remember from Wheels and Motor 20-25 years ago when I was an avid subscriber.
I hope this content is regular!
Maybe get your hands on some previous winners from PCOTY/BFYB (from Motor) from the 90s and 00's and see how they fare 20+ years later!
Love mine ❤
I have this exact spec car. Mine just has some paint work issue.
Mine is stock apart from catless exhaust and Ive got some 17s on them.
I just don't see it worthwhile getting any other car 😊
Should reveiw a liberty rs turbo
Thanks Tom we have only just begun so will add that to the list
Who wants to buy my 2 door 99 sti 😊 only 76k on it, I've owned it 10 years!
Hello my friend, what the colour is?
Scooby till I die.