2003 Subaru Impreza WRX SL PPP from UK and Ireland - Comments

The 4th gear syncromesh failed after 9500 miles had problems, namely crunching into fourth gear from third.

The boot release cable has failed, so I have to use the key in the boot lock.

I love this car. I didn't expect the gearbox problem after 9500 miles.

It has also begun to baulk when changing into first while driving slowly despite the clutch depressed to the floor.

I think the gearbox is not up to the Prodrive Performance Pack.

Also the brakes are not up to the extra performance given by the pack although a prodrive pad upgrade is available.

Sad to see the synchro and clutch shudder problems are still present - I have had a 1999 MY2000 WRX from new and it has now done 180,000km with several gearbox problems over the years, clashing from 3rd to 4th and difficulty selecting reverse. The cold clutch shudder also seems to be a common problem with other REX owners I've talked to. Apart from that it is a fantastic car that I love driving. For cornering, overtaking and grip in the wet I have never driven anything better.

I have just encountered a similar problem from 3rd to 4th gear in my 9400 mile STI with Prodrive and heading for the main dealer who has been helpful always,fortunately I still have 18 mths warranty. This is my 2nd Scooby and still love it every bit.

I am glad to hear this is not an isolated case

anil sweren.

Any gearbox will baulk when trying to engage 1st while still moving.

Dude, generally speaking, most stick shift car can't engage the 1st gear without double clutch during moving. so, do a double clutch when shift into 1st and save your synchromesh!

I don't think impreza gearboxes are that bad that they can't handle an extra 40 lbs ft of torque, it's a bit close to the line to sell them like that don't you think? I've had 2 scoobs, my second one a WRX PPP now has 30,000 miles, gearbox OK, and you don't generally hear about such impreza problems. Its just a case as with any car you get duff examples off the production line occasionally. (touch wood)

You said in your review about the brakes not being up to the job, I think your right about that, WRX breaks are rubbish, I've got an 04 PPP, and it doesn't take much to get them fading, keep pushing a little more and they start smoking, as I found out the other day. And this wasn't hours of abuse, it was a quick 5 min blast with another car from point to point. Break upgrade is definitely advisable.

There are big problems with the 03 Impreza's in Australia. 3rd gear seems to be breaking in a few of them, both turbo and non turbo. Mine screwed up when I dropped it back from 4th to 3rd doing 80km. I heard a crunching, then a bang, and now I don't have 3rd gear. It's going to cost about $5000 to fix. Only done 67,000 km.