lowlander

Hi there,

Do the New Age Impreza's have a good reputation for reliability. I'm taking specifically about a standard 2001 MY Impreza WRX. Herd some horror stories but not sure about this particular model.

Cheers.

Martin.

corradoboy

Pretty bomb-proof really.Occaisional issues with the odd sensor (o2, MAF, lambda) but as long as it's been serviced properly at the correct intervals then it should be OK. In 18 months (2 1/2 yr old car) I've had an O2 sensor fail, the Prodrive I/C pipe slip off and the dreaded 03 flat battery, all fixed on warranty. Oh, and my local dealer treated me to some new front discs on warranty too

pmarch

I had one wheel bearing (but this can happen to any car) and the clock on the dash done under warranty. I also had the battery problem last year after I had left it at Gatwick Airport for two weeks - wish I had disconnected the battery now as the alarm system drained it and irreporably damaged it. Funny, my son's FTO had the same problem just after we had come back from that holiday - again, these more sophisticated alarms drain a battery very quickly and leaving a car for more than one week is courting trouble.

corradoboy

The battery problem is more to do with the "smart" alternator, which only gives the battery a charge if it detects a reasonable voltage draw. Unfortunately, in everyday running there simply isn't enough, so it doesn't get charged whilst running, and then sits there with the security systems pulling power for hours on end overnight. The best remedy is to simply leave your sidelights on all the time, which if you put a meter across the alternator seems to do the trick. Engine running with no lights, 0V. Engine running with sidelights, 14.4V Not too "smart" I'd say.

matt-c

iTrader: (5)

Of course if the alternator is not producing any current then that power can go towards driving the transmission - which is nice.

mgcvk

Yep, battery drain. Nothing else.

New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

Very reliable indeed (typically Japanese) with the following provisos:

-Driven with mechanical sympathy- warm up before extending, cool down etc..
-Serviced properly and on time by Subaru or 3rd party Scooby specialist
-Decent petrol and the right grade oil!
-No dodgy mods! Sensible modifications by Subaru (e.g.PPP) or by a reputable specialist (have a look on here) should be fine though.

NS04

Squadron-Leader

04 WRX Wagon new in April 04. Problems so far....

a) Gearbox changed at 10K. The original was very noisy and had to much '****** and play' in it. The new one still whines a bit in 2nd (don't they all?) and has some play, but a vast improvement over the original.

b) With the AC on and driving at low speeds (traffic jams etc) the engine is very jerky. Each time the compressor kicks in the engine jolts. Up at 70-80 with the AC on it's fine. Subaru tweaked the engine idle to be a bit higher when the AC is on (which helped) but did not cure it. To be honest the AC acts in exactly the same way as my old MY99, so I'm used to the 'feature'.

c) 5 or 6 times since new, the car has not started strongly. It sounds like it fires up on 3 cylinders for a few seconds and then settles down. Subaru could not find any problems, but did say if it keeps happening they'll raise the issue with IM. It always seems to happen when it's cold... not damp... so I'm guessing it's a sensor, lead or plug problem. 20K service is around the corner so I'll get them to check these parts out.


Point 'A' was a problem that needed fixing in my eyes, but 'B' and 'C' are me just being picky

The car has been serviced by Subaru on the dot, had 95% use of Optimax since new, had a few sensible mods here and there.... and it's turned out a 'Nice little runner'.

I did 750 miles last week (some with the Mrs and the 1 year old) and the Scoob just ate the miles up, and was a pleasure to drive.

J.

MJW

I have an MY02 WRX which will more or less be the same as a MY01 and have not had any significant problems, it's built pretty solid. There should be no engine-related problems as has been noted with older models. My only complaint was that the clutch judders a bit when its cold. Other than that it hasn't missed a beat. Serviced twice a year and run on Optimax all the time (because it's PPP'd) and also warmed up and cooled down properly before / after 'spirited' driving.

RANDY

MY01 clutch judders when cold, is this the norm.....?

MJW

Yes. It can be temporarily cured with a 5,500 rpm launch, but this isn't really recommended due to potentially damaging the clutch of course. I heard somewhere that fitting STi release bearings cured this, but have yet to confirm it. I am thinking of swapping mine (which is nearly at the end of its useful life anyway) for an AP racing one or similar.

RANDY

I just think i'll live with mine till the clutch needs doing.... was just a little concerned for any damage it may do to mounts but as i pull straight on to the A12 every morning its warm by the time i need to stop and pull away again.

C2forWRX

I recon they are very reliable. my mates dad has a standard turbo 2000 thats done 114,000. drives well sweet. FSH. still on original clutch and turbo! i cant believe it my self but he has been the owner from new. goes like stink too

Nigel H

50 000 miles from new on my MY01. No warranty work required, I just replaced consumables, like the battery , brakes and tyres.

New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

They all do that sir!

A god way of negating this unwanted judder is to let the car idle for a few minutes before driving off, usually makes it go completely! If not, the judder should be far less pronounced. It should go quickly under normal driving conditions as it gets warm; if it only does it when cold for a few minutes its not a problem at all.

NS04

pmarch

The judder seems to occur mostly in colder damper conditions. I'm not worry about it any more - it usually goes once you have got round the block - it probably helps to use a few more revs and ease the clutch up more slowly for the first couple of minutes.

fastfrank

Absolutley ziltch wrong with my WRX03 mechanical wise although I can conclude with what Squadron leader stay about the jerkyness while A/C is on. Just need to adapt the driving style a bit e.g. more right pedal when engaging the next gear.

Oil always changed every 5000miles or 6months - drives mint and kicks out 265bhp on basic backbox and airfilter mods

Top motor

Roblad

If it helps....

I am in my 8th year as an Impreza turbo owner, 3 Years MY97, 5 Years MY00.

In That time apart from the odd wheelbearing and consumables (discs,pads)
I have NEVER broken down once.

That is over 180,000 miles.

The secret is.... quite boring actually

The Cars have all been BOG STANDARD. Not "Cool" I know, felt very left out at the recent NBO Meeting with all those modified cars. But I wouldn't change one mile of driving.

and believe me they have not always had an easy life. Glowing brake discs through the back lanes of yorkshire on a regular basis

So if the car is standard - no problem
The Japanese know how to build a turbo car.