2003 Subaru Impreza WRX from UK and Ireland - Comments

I have just test driven an Impreza 2003 WRX which I am going to purchase.

I drove a 2003 Honda CIVIC Type R earlier in the day and Celica T Sport a couple of weeks previous.

I was sold on the looks of the Celica inside and out, granted I didn’t drive it hard out on the test drive; but I never felt the urgency in the 189BHP engine. Sure it kicks at 6000 RPM, but that means you have drive like the devil every where to get performance, which is good. I got up to 80 MPH in no time. Fine on the motorway, but not a daily commute to work for which I do. Even if driven to the 6000 RPM band that Oh yeah factor is not quiet there. As there so many cars offering better performance namely the WRX and Type R. I can’t see how Toyota can’t justify £19,500 (£21,000 list) price tag. I think £18,000 is more like it while these other cars exist. I am going for one last test drive in the Celica in a weeks time were am going to drive it like hell to see if It might change my mind, but I don’t think so.

The Type R; pulls from early so it feels faster compared to the Celica. Similar to the Celica test drive it was short, but long enough to tell me that this car is bit of an animal. But that could be its downfall. Cabin noise from both road and engine noise were OK maybe even nice. But on daily basis hmm? The Celica on the other hand; though not feeling as fast is probably going as quick. But in much more refined fashion, this includes its handling, which for me is good especially as that devilish 6000 RPM can have near or better performance than the Type R at this end of the rev range. But if you do like the Type R at a little over £15,000 (a good deal) you can’t argue.

Yes this is Subaru review.

At £19500 this isn’t a pretty car; I’d like though, to think it has a rugged handsomeness? Inside, I‘d have to say its looks good especially compared to the Type R’s truly plastic look.

But forget these aesthetics, yes on paper the Impreza has better performance with 225BHP it should, but as it is in the same price range as the Celica you may think its performance might be close.

No. This Car is manic, pure driving pleasure; after a momentary wait for the Turbo to spool the WRX launches like a rocket which implanted a manic grin on my face. You don’t have try to get this car going like the above models, it just moves, no fiddling about with rev ranges and ratios, though if you want I’m sure there is more performance to be had.

Like the Celica it is refined while driving, but at the same time making you know you’re moving at serious pace. I won’t dwell on all wheel drive; control and breaking.

All are good if not great! I would also point out this car was not even on my short list originally, just a what the hay test drive.

Sold it self and that’s it; great car.

Subaru still don't sell their top-of-the-range Impreza in the UK. I'm resident in Japan, and visiting the auctions I see six-speed, 2.5-litre models. Suspect you don't have those yet. Presumably Subaru think UK owners couldn't afford them or more accurately couldn't afford to insure them. You are offered the somewhat lower spec. UK models, and then being blackmailed over warranty and service history. Paying through the nose on the understanding that perhaps you will get a better trade-in or secondhand-sale price. And the dealer's got a new excuse for every day of the week when you do try to claim. UK Subaru dealers are expensive, but not always that good. Independent specialists are better and more knowledgeable.

And spares: In Japan a genuine Subaru timing belt for a 4-cam engine is around Stg.30. Last time I asked the price at a UK Subaru dealer it was Stg.160. I mean, come on. Where does mark-up stop and rip-off begin?

Bottom line: Take the plunge and buy a grey import. So many people have done it. Government propaganda on the perils of buying a grey are largely myths. Essentially quid-pro-quo for the UK motor trade's support of the government. But with MG-Rover now history, it becomes a little difficulty to see just what UK vital industry is being protected.

I need a new battery for my 54 plate WRX as it will only last a few days if undriven; but I'm not sure what type to go for, how many amps, etc. I've been told to pay a bit more and go for a heavy duty one, but I had a look in the shop and they range from about 200-500 amps. I don't want to go for the higher amp ones and connect it, only to blow all the fuses. What sort of battery do I need? Any advice would be appreciated.

To Mr 3rd Dec.

If your car only lasts a few days without running flat then there is a problem with your car. Getting a bigger battery is surely only masking the problem and you would be better getting the root cause diagnosed.

Anyone (scooby owner) got some useful info on reliability?

Ta.

Oh yes that would be just masking it if it was some other problem, but this was soley the old battery causing the problem, the new one is great, I was just unsure as to what one to get. As for reliability, my WRX has been perfect apart from the flat battery. a lot of people like to do an oil change between services, about every 5000 miles, I just ran some slick 50 fuel system cleaner through mine at 35,000 miles, it does seem to have restored some lost power, my commute home from work is one big traffic jam every day, it probably got a bit coked up.

Why do you drive an impreza for your comute home then? Surely it would be more sensible to drive something low powered or even a diesel if you are always in traffic.

I'm not paying to own 2 cars, and I don't want to drive around in a small diesel all the time.

You aren't the only person who does this sort of thing, but I guess I just find it a waste. If you own an impreza I'm unlikely to persuade you to switch to something less powerful like a BMW diesel 330d or an astra 888 diesel or leon cupra diesel...

I've got to say after owning a WRX for a while now the brakes really could be better, after a few long hard stops approaching roundabouts or lights they can fade quite a lot, gets a little worrying.