SUBARU IMPREZA (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 3,280 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Total Tests (2024)
3,280
Avg Mileage
108,355 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 21 years old, 82% of SUBARU IMPREZAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 3,280 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,355 miles.
How does the 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA has 108,355 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a SUBARU IMPREZA?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2003 sits between the two at 82%.
How much does a 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SUBARU IMPREZA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 72% | 82 | 74,592 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 128 | 75,896 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 343 | 53,725 mi |
| 2018 | 91% | 329 | 44,855 mi |
| 2017 | 91% | 210 | 60,514 mi |
| 2016 | 92% | 325 | 62,451 mi |
| 2015 | 88% | 346 | 66,732 mi |
| 2014 | 84% | 234 | 65,423 mi |
| 2013 | 90% | 134 | 77,231 mi |
| 2012 | 88% | 154 | 64,127 mi |
| 2011 | 84% | 417 | 77,422 mi |
| 2010 | 85% | 1,591 | 88,108 mi |
| 2009 | 83% | 1,498 | 88,078 mi |
| 2008 | 81% | 1,984 | 95,457 mi |
| 2007 | 81% | 3,447 | 94,086 mi |
| 2006 | 82% | 3,346 | 99,363 mi |
| 2005 | 82% | 4,111 | 104,834 mi |
| 2004 | 84% | 3,460 | 104,585 mi |
| 2003 | 82% | 3,280 | 108,355 mi |
| 2002 | 84% | 1,991 | 109,552 mi |
| 2001 | 82% | 1,688 | 113,881 mi |
| 2000 | 83% | 1,600 | 107,364 mi |
| 1999 | 83% | 2,069 | 110,144 mi |
| 1998 | 84% | 1,185 | 107,969 mi |
| 1997 | 83% | 731 | 102,415 mi |
| 1996 | 85% | 347 | 111,892 mi |
| 1995 | 87% | 209 | 102,719 mi |
| 1994 | 81% | 124 | 113,726 mi |
| 1993 | 86% | 36 | 92,697 mi |
Checking a specific SUBARU IMPREZA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA
The 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA is a family car with a 1994cc petrol engine. 3,280 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 2003 cars for reliability.
With an average of 108,355 miles at 21 years old, SUBARU IMPREZA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 SUBARU IMPREZA Fuel Costs
The 1994cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUBARU IMPREZA Reliability Trend
Newer SUBARU IMPREZAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA
At 21 years old, the SUBARU IMPREZA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
Alternatives to the 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA
The SUBARU IMPREZA is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-11%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (-11%) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (2005) 76% pass rate (-6%) from 19,418 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-15%) from 18,423 tests