2003 Subaru Impreza: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Subaru Impreza?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Subaru Impreza than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)1.9× usual
  Subaru Impreza

  5.8% All 2003 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints1.9× usual
  Subaru Impreza

  3.3% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2003 Subaru Impreza MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Subaru Impreza MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  29% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  24% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  16% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Rust and bodywork
  9% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Subaru Impreza

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Subaru Impreza as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Subaru Impreza as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?