Thoughts/comments/suggestions 2003 Impreza RS

[yohy]

Looking at a 2003 Impreza RS with just over 50,000 miles, only issue is it’s a long distance purchase. The seller (a Mini dealership) is taking it to the local Subaru dealership tomorrow for an inspection, but hoping you folks could provide some detail on the various trouble spots. I research the dreaded head gasket issues, but seems the turning point is the 2003 MY. Also, I know the Foresters of that period had some issues with rear wheel bearings, would this hold true with the Impresas?

 

I have the CARFAX Vehicle History Report and everything looks fine but I don’t have any maintenance history as of yet. I am hoping the Subaru dealership will be able to provide some detail.

 

Again, any issues to focus on?

[EVOthis]

from what it seems all subarus have had wheel bearing problems......especially the newer legacys and outbacks....we get them all the time at work.....i think the svx was also prone to wheel bearing failures.....anyways yes i would def. check the wheel bearings.....

[yohy]

EVOthis,

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Other than the wheel bearings/HG any other areas of concern? In Consumer Reports, they showed "Transmission", "Paint/Trim" and "Audio Systems" as having a higher than normal problem rate for the '03 Impreza (non-turbo). Not really concerned with the audio, but curious if you have any info on the tranny or paint/trim issues.

 

Again, thanks for your input and anything else you might think of, please advise.

[OB99W]

[...]Also, I know the Foresters of that period had some issues with rear wheel bearings, would this hold true with the Impresas?[...]

The Forester and Impreza are built on the same chassis, and therefore tend to share certain problems.

[OB99W]

Since it's going to a dealer for a look, why not have them verify that at least the things listed in the following link have been addressed?

http://www.autobuyguide.com/2003/12-aut/subaru/impreza/recalls/index.html

[yohy]

OB99W,

 

I was aware of the Forester/Impreza heritage. I drive an '04 Forester so am familiar with the platform but didn't know if there were specific issues unique to the Impreza. And not certain how much tweaking there is between the two lines.

 

And thanks for the tip on the recalls. I am hoping the dealership will be able to give me some good background on the maintenance history. Interestingly, CARFAX started tracking maintenance history in '07, so I do have two instances of oil changes (from an independant) but nothing prior. I am hoping they have at least the 30K service records with evidence of coolant system service.

 

Thanks again for your input.

[OB99W]

[...]I am hoping the dealership will be able to give me some good background on the maintenance history. Interestingly, CARFAX started tracking maintenance history in '07, so I do have two instances of oil changes (from an independant) but nothing prior. I am hoping they have at least the 30K service records with evidence of coolant system service.

 

Thanks again for your input.

You're welcome.

 

If the cooling system records are unavailable,

or don't indicate Subaru Cooling System Conditioner

( http://www.artsautomotive.com/SubaruCoolingSysCond.jpg )

having been added, you might consider it.

[yohy]

OB99W,

 

Thanks again for the tip. One of my biggest worries is running into any HG issues. In researching I found this:

 

It has been acknowledged by Subaru in the form of a "Service Campaign" #WWP-99 which applies to certain '99 to '02 cars. It involves adding a "Coolant Conditioner" to the coolant and if this is done the owner's head gaskets are covered against external coolant leaks for 8 years or 100K miles.

 

regarding the above, I guess if it's an '03 or newer you don't get the 8yr/100K but am curious if the problem still exists or is it "Eliminated" by the use of the additive?

[OB99W]

As far as I know, Subaru currently recommends that the Conditioner be used in all phase-2 EJ engines, and recent (well past 2003) owner's and service manuals include that information.