2003 Subaru Impreza · 6,510 MOT tests
2003 Subaru Impreza reliability
2003 Subaru Imprezas fail 25.9% of first MOT tests, 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 13 Impreza years (6,510 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Imprezas: 25%)
- 25.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Subaru Imprezas: 25%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 40% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 105,752
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,510
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 44% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 8.8% of tests fail here (15% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 61% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Subaru Impreza
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.2%
- Suspension10.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.8%
- Brakes6.3%
- Body, chassis and structure6.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.3%
- Seat belts and airbags3.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.01%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.06%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Position lamp not working 2.67%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.67%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.07%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 1.87%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.83%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.57%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.73%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.1%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.96%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.76%)
Other years
Every Subaru Impreza year
The full picture: Subaru Impreza reliability. Before you pay for any Subaru Impreza, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Subaru Impreza reliable?
2003 Subaru Imprezas fail 25.9% of first MOT tests, 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 13 Impreza years (6,510 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Subaru Impreza MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.01% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (3.06% of tests), position lamp not working (2.67% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Subaru Impreza have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Subaru Impreza shows 105,752 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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