2003 Subaru Impreza - Consumer Discussions

Buying a 2003 Impreza Automatic?

• Buying a 2003 Impreza Automatic?

  Written by: sbgoree on May 18, 2013 4:33:16 PM

  I'm a brand new driver. I bought a 2002 Impreza 2.5TS Manual. Got in an accident two days later, and the damage was enough to total the car even tho it was drivable. I bought it through a private sale. I'm thinking of buying a 2003 Impreza 2.5TS Automatic that is at a Subaru dealership here. But I know my Mom and Aunt who had 90's Subaru's w/ automatic transmissions had ... Read More

Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

• Re: 08 Legacy seat and hood paint chip [ateixeira]

  Written by: snoogs51 on Sep 25, 2010 6:51:49 PM

  I don't know. I paid 24,000 for my Impala in 1996 and paid 20,000 for my Outback sport in 2003. Can't say price is that much different. Age, yes, I'm talking about a 14 year old car verses a 7 year old car and the Impala wins hands down, in the normal wear and tear department. And the Impala was been driven a whole lot harder in it's early years, compared ... Read More

• Re: thinking about buying a subaru [kaie]

  Written by: snoogs51 on Aug 1, 2010 8:42:27 PM

  Outstanding handling in the snow. But my 2004 Impreza Outback Sport (bought new) developed piston slap at 11,000 miles. Dealer said they all do that. I was told that problem was corrected in 2003. Have seen postings about piston slap in models as late as 2005. Had a rebuild on the motor ar 29,000, which then lead to a short block at 32,000 miles, all covered under warrenty. Has been fine ... Read More

2008/09 Subaru Impreza STI

• Re: '09 WRX tease :) [aaykay]

  Written by: paisan on Jul 17, 2008 9:28:26 PM

  Anyway, better late than never ! The only question is, why does it take Subaru more than one try, to get it right ? New to Subaru are yah? ;) 1998 2.5RS = 2.5L DOHC, small fogs, whacky interior, different brakes 1999 2.5RS = 2.5L SOHC, large fogs, white face gauges, different brakes, normal interior 2002 WRX = same brake pads as the 01 RS, bad 2nd/3rd gear trans issue, no ... Read More

Subaru Impreza Clutch questions

• PLEASE HELP! NEED HELP CHOOSING NEW CLUTCH

  Written by: danb616 on Sep 28, 2007 11:07:27 AM

  I drive a 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX with a few small mods like uppipe, downpipe, ypipe, turbo catback exhaust, unichip, unfortunately I'm at about 80,000 miles and need a new clutch. I have a full warranty on everything except my clutch until 100,000 miles. I'm wondering if I should replace my clutch with a stock one,or if I should upgrade to Exedy,or ACT??? I'm looking for something that will keep my ... Read More

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

• Went yesterday to see it

  Written by: dino001 on Sep 23, 2007 6:38:20 PM

  Local salesman called me about GTP, checking if I wanted something. I told him I didn't plan to, but "since you called..." ;) . So I went yesterady and drove new WRX. Of course this dealeship is so fussy about driving any turbos that I can see why they can't sell too many, but it's another issue. All I could see was oboviously increadible pickup at lower gears. Hard to gage ... Read More

• Re: LSD [ateixeira]

  Written by: stevecebu on Jul 20, 2007 11:56:10 AM

  I didn't assume anything at all. I was asking you, hence all the question marks. I made that very clear. I didn't know you had an early WRX, I didn't know you have a BRAT, I didn't know anything, nor did I imply that I did. All I know is that you've been making a big deal about them dropping the rear viscous limited-slip differential. You did imply it tho and ... Read More

Subaru Impreza and Impreza WRX STI Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• 2005 left-over 2.5RS sedan AT

  Written by: chipkarsicker on Apr 15, 2006 11:34:02 PM

  Found a left over 2005 Impreza 2.5RS auto sedan,Crystal Gray Metallic/black interior, at a local dealer's website. MSRP $20,147, including ARMREST EXTENSION, and SPOILER as the options, according to their website. Left my email address, got a message from them below: "Hello CKS, I'm BB from WJ Subaru in xxxxville. I wanted to thank you for your response on the 2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS. Great news! I still have this ... Read More

Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

• Re: Stock 2003 2.5L pistons vs updated oversized pistons [locke2c]

  Written by: zubaru on May 18, 2006 3:54:17 PM

  Thanks for the reply. My Impreza Outback Sport just had the #2 & #4 pistons replaced and the Subaru mechanic told me that the diameter of the updated piston is a bit larger and also that the skirt is moly. It even said oversized on the W/O. I was also talking to a customer service rep and was told the skirt is longer. This to me doesn't make any sense unless ... Read More

• Re: Forester Piston Slap [mb789]

  Written by: b10609 on Apr 14, 2006 12:45:41 PM

  Even though we've had the piston replacement done on our 2003 Forester I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one. The latest engines are revised and the current 2.5L is better and more powerful to boot. My daughter drives an 2005 2.5L Impreza and the motor is very quiet and smooth.The Forester AWD with automatic is excellent and if you drive on wet or/snowy roads there are few AWD's better at any price. ... Read More

• Re: Also [tremere]

  Written by: lfdal on Sep 22, 2005 8:14:17 AM

  Tirerack list's 205/55-16 as the OEM tire size for the 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan . If they're the original wheels and you're hearing / feeling a tire rub, something is worng. For yucks I'd get thr rear diff fluid checked. HTH Larry

• Subaru Impreza Reliability and Questions.

  Written by: paulcudlip on Jul 25, 2005 8:30:28 PM

  I have always pruchased Toyota products which have been very reliable and problem free. I am considering a Subaru Impreza Sedan or a Toyota Matrix XS. How reliable is the Impreza as Consumer Reports Magazine gives it an average rating and JD Powers gives it two out of 5 stars from you owners. I live in the Northeast and currently drive a 2003 RAV 4 L on lease which expires in ... Read More

Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

• Hours at the gas pump

  Written by: pselover on Jan 7, 2004 2:00:54 PM

  In September 2003 I Purchased a 1999 Impreza Sport. Overall I am very satisfied with the vehicle. One annoyance I have is that for some unknown reason, I cant begin fueling and fill up the tank without the pump clicking off constantly. First I tried positioning the fuelling nozzle in various places. I virtually have to try to keep the flow at a trickle in order to fill the tank. My ... Read More

Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

• Thrubbing/thrumming sound esp at low speed and accelerating.

  Written by: golem on Dec 6, 2003 8:17:52 AM

  I have a 2003 Impreza TS, 15 months old, 7500KM (4500Miles). When the car's engine and drivetrain are cold (not driven for long enough so everything is cooled down to ambient temperature), it makes a very noticeable thrubbing/thrumming noise, with a low level vibration, seemingly from the drivetrain, when accelerating from a stop and continues while driving. As speed increases, the frequency of the sound and vibration increases but the loudness ... Read More

Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

• lotboy

  Written by: cbmorton on Sep 23, 2003 12:56:34 PM

  TS=Impreza 2.5 TS, OBS=Impreza Outback Sport. If you go to the Subaru website (subaru.ca) it shows what the differences are between them. Same body & mechanicals but the OBS has more equipment. The price didn't change for 2004 on the TS, it's still $22,995, same as 2003. Just noticed that you're also from London. Have you talked to anyone at the dealer here yet? If not, if you call or go ... Read More

Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

• 4384 doctoro1 - Contis

  Written by: stoner420 on Jul 30, 2003 1:38:42 PM

  They make some noise taking a really hard corner, but it feels very progressive. Wet handling is awesome -- I seek out giant puddles on purpose. Check out 9903/9904 in the Subaru Impreza WRX board: prayerfor "Subaru Impreza WRX" Jul 21, 2003 2:08am . I'm about to purchase an OEM sedan rear sway bar from a guy on one of the WRX boards, should help improve the handling too.

Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

• The Reason for My Question,,,,,,

  Written by: joybell on Jul 17, 2003 12:10:46 PM

  ...about DOHC and SOHC is that last night while surfing the net I can across a website called "The Ultimate Subaru Message Board", where there appeared to be a large number of complaints on blown head gaskets on 2.5l late model engines. No problems with the 2.2l Impreza engine, just the one they put in Foresters, Legacys and OBs....even one on a 2003 Forester! Also engine block problems...What's happening with Subaru? ... Read More

• wrx chirp

  Written by: wrxcowboy on May 18, 2003 5:22:30 PM

  I just bought a 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX. At about 2,000 miles I noticed a chirping noise coming from the exhaust. I brought it to the dealer and they said they could not find the problem. Anyone else have this problm?

• Road hazard blues...

  Written by: sensei1 on May 12, 2003 2:54:11 PM

  Pls. excuse the link. I posted this at the WRX site too. sensei1 "Subaru Impreza WRX" May 12, 2003 5:45pm Any constructive input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Subaru Impreza WRX

• chirping noise

  Written by: wrxcowboy on Apr 30, 2003 7:55:31 PM

  I just bought a 2003 Subaru impreza WRX last month and the car drives great. However, when I back into a parking spot or rev up my engine I get a chirping sound when the RPM's go down. Has anyone had this problem?

Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

• no title

  Written by: ateixeira on Mar 3, 2003 8:15:24 AM

  Actually, Bob, to correct your math: Accord < Legacy/Outback. Civic < Impreza/Outback Sport. :-) By the way, I contacted Subaru about the rear disc brakes on the OBS, they said the 2003 still had drums. I forget which topic we were discussing that, but they even checked their web site and thought the info was correct, and to let me know where I'd seen otherwise. 1995 was the year that Subaru ... Read More

Subaru Impreza WRX

• These ones?

  Written by: redkey1 on Feb 26, 2003 9:59:49 AM

  http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/subaru/impreza/100161055/photos.h- tml?tid=edmunds.n.prices.leftsidenav..13.Subaru*

• re: financing

  Written by: bluesubie on Feb 14, 2003 9:22:17 AM

  Subaru.com doesn't specify length, they just say length is limited. "...Now through February 28, 2003, all 2003 Subaru Legacy®, Outback®, Impreza® and Baja® models are available with special financing as low as 0.0% APR*. All 2003 Subaru Forester models are available with special financing as low as 0.9% APR. In addition, any Dealer Incentives available may increase the savings on select models! ... Hurry, you must take delivery from dealer stock ... Read More

• Sorry I am off the topic. I was wonderin the prices people paid for WRX

  Written by: nano317 on Feb 12, 2003 9:17:37 AM

  I apologize again if I am at the wrong section. I am interested in purchasing a 2003 WRX wagon Auto, and was wondering what people are paying for theirs? especially in the NYC area. I went to carsdirect.com and the price was $22,608. And it seems there is a special going on with 0.0% financing with dealer incentives. and I went to www.car-prices-costs.com and saw the invoice prices for the 2002. ... Read More

• STI

  Written by: qualityguy on Feb 7, 2003 1:48:39 PM

  Year ago (or even more) I wrote, that Subaru should build Turbo H6 Impreza. I've heard a lot on this forum that this will not happen 'cuz of this and that, etc. Guess what: read Autonews.com or http://www.autogazeta.com/index--n-396-r-27-a-10611.html, http://www.lenta.ru/auto/2003/01/29/impreza/ for those who can read some other languages or http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=33562 who doesn't (for whatever reason, the last link doesn't come up blue from beginning to the end, but you should copy and ... Read More

Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

• Incentives on the WRX!

  Written by: jaserb on Jan 15, 2003 9:53:06 AM

  Has anyone else noticed that Subaru is now including ALL Imprezas in their new round of incentives? Low financing and $500 dealer cash. Is this a sign of the times? Any bets on whether the incentives will get better on '03s when the '04s come out? It's enough to make me wish my Alfa would break something extremely expensive so I could rationalize a new car. Here's a link: http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/subaru/impreza/100161063/incentives.html?tid=edmunds.n.prices.leftsidenav..3.Subaru* -Jason ... Read More

Subaru Impreza WRX

• Just saw on Subaru.com...

  Written by: bruticus on Jan 2, 2003 3:09:10 PM

  0.9% Financing available on all 2003 Impreza (etc) now until March 3rd. No statement that the financing is not available on WRX. Anybody have backup info? DjB

Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

• FYI. Better be safe than sorry

  Written by: lspiva on Nov 12, 2002 7:18:45 AM

  Hi. This message was posted for my vechicle on www.mysubaru.com website. Be safe, apply parking brake. Subaru of America Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2001, 2002 and 2003 Model Year Vehicles with Automatic Transmission. On November 7, Subaru announced a forthcoming voluntary recall for a possible defect in the automatic transmission parking rod. Subaru is taking these prudent measures to ensure the safety of our owners, which is our top priority. ... Read More

Subaru Impreza WRX

• Pic of new Subaru

  Written by: wkhan9 on Oct 4, 2002 2:37:48 AM

  Shows a pic of the new WRC car based on the production 2003 Impreza. http://www.worldrallynews.info/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1033482034,82758,

• NEW IMPREZA FOR EUROPE (and USA??)

  Written by: 4wdisfun on Sep 29, 2002 4:25:04 PM

  This is a fresh news release from the Paris auto show. This is not just a facelift. I'm speechless. " Subaru Introduces a New Impreza for 2003" Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), announced the New Impreza for Europe at the Paris Auto Salon 2002. The Impreza is the model that is developed to be the base car for vehicles participating in the World Rally Championship (WRC). It is also the model ... Read More

• New Headlights??

  Written by: stevern on Sep 2, 2002 8:54:57 PM

  Hi all, I just wanted to pass on an observation from the subaru.com website. If you click on the request a brochure link, a menu pops up on the right side of the screen of .pdf online brochures. If you look closely, the impreza headlights are indeed different from the current model. However, when you click on the link, the 2002 brochure pops up. Very interesting. It looks like the Subaru ... Read More

Subaru Impreza Outback Sport & TS

• Today

  Written by: orangelebaron on Apr 6, 2002 5:47:57 PM

  I finally test drove the Mazda P5 and Subaru OBS, both auto. I now drive a 2.5 auto LeBaron covertible and a Saturn SL2. Both cars have good pickup. The 91 Saturn has very strong pickup. I was somewhat disappointed with the P5. Apparently it's mostly show and no go. Not enough passing power on the highway. The steering wheel was too small for my liking. The steering was too tight ... Read More

Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

• Hank, et al

  Written by: subaru_team on Mar 6, 2002 2:03:42 PM

  I do have the facts. Sorry I was not clear on this earlier. From what I have found, the Impreza Owner's Manual does list a towing capacity but it does not exclude WRX. In checking with our technical group and our product planning group, they did not make an accessory hitch available because they did not feel that there would be a major market for it. We have provided information about ... Read More

• Hank, et al

  Written by: subaru_team on Mar 6, 2002 2:03:39 PM

  I do have the facts. Sorry I was not clear on this earlier. From what I have found, the Impreza Owner's Manual does list a towing capacity but it does not exclude WRX. In checking with our technical group and our product planning group, they did not make an accessory hitch available because they did not feel that there would be a major market for it. We have provided information about ... Read More

Subaru Impreza WRX

• Adding more frosting to an already delicious cake...

  Written by: rsholland on Mar 18, 2001 9:50:12 AM

  OK, OK,... I know, here the vehicle has been on sale less than a week, and already I'm complaining. Well, not really... The WRX, as it currently stands is a monumental achievement for Subaru, and for American enthusisists. However, as good as it is, it could be just a "bit" better. Here are some suggestions for MY 2003 to make an already great product even greater: • Make the 17"x7" rims ... Read More

• 2003 WRX?

  Written by: rblader on Jan 15, 2001 8:43:06 PM

  I think I'm gonna sit and wait for the 2003 WRX. I've read from a UK car magazine (can't remember which one) which just tested the UK version (215hp, 0-60 in 5.7, 14.5 quarter mile) that Subaru will be exporting a limited edition WRX STi model which will come with AVCS (Subaru's VTEC/8500rpm redline?/at least 280hp stock) next year. I'm hoping that we'll be getting it here in the US too. ... Read More