Thanks for all the input guys! Greatly appreciated. I will be sure to post up what I find out this sat.

If you want a real tidy wagon for $12k I have one that's going to be for sale in a few weeks. V3 STI driveline that's done 33k, new paint job etc

Is it possible they've put the 2.2l Legacy motor in?

I have previously dropped a couple of Liberty/Legacy RS motors in early WRX's to get a car going again. The engine swap is straight forward enough, however there are some differences. Realistically the idea is to put later model running gear into a car, not earlier model. The motor may have been built by using the Legacy/Liberty RS closed deck block with later model heads.
Sounds like you need a lot more info before committing any money at all to buying it. There's a lot of bad jobs and half baked WRX's out there, especially in the GC8's as they are getting on a bit.

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Hey guys, found out a little bit more about the car. Has full pedders extreme coilover suspension, anti lift, sway bars (unsure of brand), bump steer kit. Has low ks tranny with about 50000kms (5 speed, im not really to keen on the six speed as I am not wanting to be pushing massive power out of it or launches) has the higher compresion legacy/liberty motor in it but unsure of kms as it was done before he got the car but should be only 100000k-150000ks. He only ever run 9psi as isnt a big fan of over boosting (fairly older guy) so I would say its a fairly stock engine. Also was wondering for when the engine goes, hopefully not till a few years would a v6 sti drop straight in without any wiring work and without changing ecu.

what turbo, intercooler?

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Does hugely depend on what's in there at the moment, but I'm going to say highly unlikely. The V1-V6 were much more than a new bunch of stickers and bodykits, mechanical changes (and smaller stuff like sensors) did change between them.

Not to sure about turbo, but I think its got the stock tmic. I much prefer the top mounts. So would you say it is much better and easier to get a 207 short block and work the heads would be a decent upgrade for when the motor goes.

I would say do not buy that car.

Well most definitely not at 17k

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it's worth 7 to 8k. pay more and you're a sucker.

good luck with the purchase.

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