How to import a Subaru WRX STI to Brisbane
The Subaru WRX STI is a high-performance compact sports sedan with Japanese origins, designed for enthusiast driving and rallying.
About the Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI is a high-performance compact sports sedan with Japanese origins, designed for enthusiast driving and rallying. It suits buyers who want a capable, all-wheel-drive machine that handles both the daily commute and spirited weekend drives on winding Australian roads. Our team helps you source these cars from Japanese auctions, ensuring you get a well-maintained example that meets local standards.
If you have a specific series, colour, or condition in mind, let us know and we’ll tailor the search to your needs. We can look for the exact example you want and provide a landed estimate before you commit.
For compliance, newer cars are approved under SEVS for specific chassis codes and build ranges. The VAB chassis (STi variants with 2.0 litre turbocharged EJ20 motor only) built from July 2014 to December 2021 is covered, as are the GRF (WRX STi A-Line) built from February 2009 to February 2010, and the GVB/GRB (all variants) built from October 2007 to August 2014. We confirm the exact car's SEVS eligibility before you bid.
Why import the Subaru WRX STI to Brisbane & Queensland?
AI-generated insights
All-wheel-drive performance ideal for Australian road conditions.
Enthusiast-focused design with a strong rallying heritage.
Wide range of SEVS-approved chassis codes for recent models.
Sourced directly from Japanese auctions for better condition.
Compliance handled by our team at a RAW workshop.
Inspection watchouts & mechanical notes
Commonly reported on the Subaru WRX STI: worth checking on the auction sheet, the inspection report or the service history before you bid.
Worn clutch on a hard-worked example
What to check: Look for low auction-sheet interior grades and heavy pedal wear, and have the drive checked before shipping.
Commonly reported rust under the body and around the wheel arches
What to check: Read the auction sheet's rust notes and ask for underbody photos; cars from snowy northern Japan are more exposed.
Worn suspension components or bushings
What to check: Check the auction sheet for suspension condition notes and look for uneven tyre wear during physical inspection.
Brake pad and rotor wear
What to check: Check the auction sheet for brake condition and look for excessive wear on the rotors during physical inspection.
Accident repairs or bodywork
What to check: Check the auction sheet for accident history and look for paint mismatches or panel gaps during physical inspection.
Gearbox or transmission issues
What to check: Review the auction sheet for transmission notes and listen for unusual noises during a test drive if available.
Estimated landed cost breakdown (Brisbane, QLD)
- Expected auction hammer & export docs
- Market variable
- Shipping (Japan to Brisbane)
- $4,000 AUD
- Port to dealer transport
- $250 AUD
- Compliance & roadworthy
- $1,500 AUD
- Rego & stamp duty (approx.)
- $350 AUD
- Import service fee
- $1,500 AUD
- Est. total drive-away
- Contact us for an estimate
At today's rate of ¥110.46 per A$1: the same estimate as the import calculator. Japanese-built cars are generally duty-free under JAEPA. An estimate, not a quote.
Approved SEVS register variants
From the federal ROVER register of published approvals (checked 31/08/2026).
| Chassis code | Variant / spec | Build range | SEV approval |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRF | WRX STi A-Line | 02/2009 – 02/2010 | SEV-000581 |
| GVB/GRB | ALL | 10/2007 – 08/2014 | SEV-000954 |
| VAB | STi variants with 2.0 litre turbocharged EJ20 motor only | 07/2014 – 12/2021 | SEV-001017 |
Subaru WRX STI import FAQ
- Can I import a Subaru WRX STI to Australia?
- Yes, if the car falls within the SEVS build ranges. We can import VAB chassis (STi variants with 2.0 litre turbocharged EJ20 motor only) built from July 2014 to December 2021, GRF (WRX STi A-Line) built from February 2009 to February 2010, and GVB/GRB (all variants) built from October 2007 to August 2014. We confirm the exact car's SEVS eligibility before you bid.
- How do you find a Subaru WRX STI for me?
- We can search the Japanese auctions for a Subaru WRX STI for you and work out a landed estimate for the exact car before you bid. Just tell us your budget, preferred colour, and condition requirements.
- Which Subaru WRX STI models does the SEVS approval cover?
- The SEVS approval covers VAB chassis (STi variants with 2.0 litre turbocharged EJ20 motor only) built from July 2014 to December 2021, GRF (WRX STi A-Line) built from February 2009 to February 2010, and GVB/GRB (all variants) built from October 2007 to August 2014.
- What should I check before buying a Subaru WRX STI at a Japanese auction?
- Check the auction sheet for engine, transmission, and body condition notes. Look for signs of wear on the clutch, suspension, and brakes. Also, verify the odometer history and export certificate details.
- What happens after we buy a Subaru WRX STI for you?
- We handle the shipping from Japan to Australia, then the car is complied at a RAW workshop. Finally, it is registered in Queensland, ready for you to drive.
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Important pricing and vehicle availability disclaimer
The figures, auction results, specifications and images on this page are for information and feasibility guidance only. They are historical Japanese auction data, compliance estimates and general market benchmarks. Unless a car is marked as in stock at CarStrike, the vehicles described here are custom import sourcing possibilities from licensed Japanese vehicle auctions. Final drive-away costs vary with the exchange rate (JPY/AUD), the hammer price, the condition grade and roadworthy requirements.