I may be going to look at an '03 2.5 TS soon. It's out of state though and I want to be sure I'm as educated about this variation of the Impreza as I can be, so as to not waste mine or the seller's time. Why is this a good Impreza? Why might it suck (other than not being a WRX)? What kinds of maintenace items should I be watching out for or planning ahead for? Any specific wear or failure items to be wary of on this particular car? EPA fuel figures seem to suck, what could I expect real-world? Any sense in planning to put Outback or WRX suspension under it? Anyone got a link that will direct me to everything I ever wanted to know about GD Imprezas? I've owned two Loyales and currently have a '95 Legacy. I'm not a complete noob to Subies, but this would be the newest one yet to grace my garage. TIA.
I may not be the all-knowing Subaru god, but I do own an '02 2.5RS which is VERY similar to the TS. ~ My main concerns would be maintenance history (timing belt, 02 sensors, etc.). ~ MPG-wise, I have been getting 19-20 city and up to 24 highway. ( Auto tranny if that helps) ~ If I remember correctly, putting wrx suspension on the TS shouldn't make too much of a difference as far as ride height. The rear end may sit a bit lower as it is more back heavy. As I said before, not claiming to know everything there is to know. Still learning everyday, but this is just from my experiences so far. Take it for a drive and see how she does, if you like it and things seem to check out ok, then enjoy
I had an 02 TS for six years. It was a great car, very reliable. Answers in order: 1. Only lacks power compared to the WRX. 2. Timing belt is due at 105k. Check the head gasket. 3. Again, head gasket. 4. I got 27-28 real-world. Manual Transmission. (Even with an auto, the above poster's figures seem abnormally low.) 5. Suspension mods are worth it, but you cannot just throw anything under there. The front track is narrower than a sedan of the same year. It is basically the same front suspension as the GC Impreza. You will need wagon-specific struts and the N/A wagon front endlinks and sways are different than the WRX wagon. Also, 02-03 rear springs, struts and tophats are not the same as 04+ of the GD, but a complete assembly from 04+ will fit.. 6. No. Search.
Thanks guys. Turns out the car I was going to see wasn't going to be worth my time. Seller thinks the car is worth about $1200 more than it is and refuses to negotiate. He can keep his car, I'll move on.
