Possible Purchase of '03 Impreza Wagon

[PlayfulSpirit]

I've been looking at a '03 Impreza Wagon for sale at the
local Subaru dealership. I'd appreciate any comments
on the following items I noticed during the test drive;

- when I tried emergency stops on snow and dry pavement,
a noticable "whirring" noise was evident - it seemed to
come from the front end - when I test drove a '04 the
noise is not there - what do you suppose could cause this?
( I spoke to the salesman about it and he said he will talk
to the service dept but I'm not expecting too much truth
from him - if his lips are moving he's usually lying )

- after a test drive on a cold snowy day, the rear and side
windows fogged up quite badly - some reviews say that
Subarus have substandard air circulation in the back -
have any of you noticed this problem in your vehicles?

It's a great car to drive and only has 11,000 kms (7000
miles) BUT it was used as a service vehicle for their repair
dept. for several months. Do you think it's too risky to buy
a vehicle that was used for these purposes?

Any constructive comments would be appreciated.

 

[Fuzzy Logic]

[posted and mailed]

I've been looking at a '03 Impreza Wagon for sale at the
local Subaru dealership. I'd appreciate any comments
on the following items I noticed during the test drive;

- when I tried emergency stops on snow and dry pavement,
a noticable "whirring" noise was evident - it seemed to
come from the front end - when I test drove a '04 the
noise is not there - what do you suppose could cause this?
( I spoke to the salesman about it and he said he will talk
to the service dept but I'm not expecting too much truth
from him - if his lips are moving he's usually lying )

ABS? My previous vehicle didn't have ABS and the first time it kicked in
stopping at a slippery intersection the noise was a little troubling. Once I
realized what it was it doesn't concern me any longer.

- after a test drive on a cold snowy day, the rear and side
windows fogged up quite badly - some reviews say that
Subarus have substandard air circulation in the back -
have any of you noticed this problem in your vehicles?

I have an '03 Impreza Wagon and we have already had some -20C weather here
in Edmonton, Alberta. I have not had any issues with windows fogging as long
as the fan is actually running.

It's a great car to drive and only has 11,000 kms (7000
miles) BUT it was used as a service vehicle for their repair
dept. for several months. Do you think it's too risky to buy
a vehicle that was used for these purposes?

Any constructive comments would be appreciated.

I am very happy with the car so far (got it in August).

 

[powertrain]

I've been looking at a '03 Impreza Wagon for sale at the
local Subaru dealership. I'd appreciate any comments
on the following items I noticed during the test drive;

- when I tried emergency stops on snow and dry pavement,
a noticable "whirring" noise was evident - it seemed to
come from the front end - when I test drove a '04 the
noise is not there - what do you suppose could cause this?
( I spoke to the salesman about it and he said he will talk
to the service dept but I'm not expecting too much truth
from him - if his lips are moving he's usually lying )

The sweet sound of ABS working for you...

- after a test drive on a cold snowy day, the rear and side
windows fogged up quite badly - some reviews say that
Subarus have substandard air circulation in the back -
have any of you noticed this problem in your vehicles?

Air circulation was probably set to recirculate. To avoid fogging up of
the rear you must set it to suck in outside air.

It's a great car to drive and only has 11,000 kms (7000
miles) BUT it was used as a service vehicle for their repair
dept. for several months. Do you think it's too risky to buy
a vehicle that was used for these purposes?

You mean as a loaner? I'd be very cautious about buying one of those.

 

[Father Guido]

[posted and mailed]

I've been looking at a '03 Impreza Wagon for sale at the
local Subaru dealership. I'd appreciate any comments
on the following items I noticed during the test drive;

- when I tried emergency stops on snow and dry pavement,
a noticable "whirring" noise was evident - it seemed to
come from the front end - when I test drove a '04 the
noise is not there - what do you suppose could cause this?
( I spoke to the salesman about it and he said he will talk
to the service dept but I'm not expecting too much truth
from him - if his lips are moving he's usually lying )

ABS? My previous vehicle didn't have ABS and the first time it kicked in
stopping at a slippery intersection the noise was a little troubling. Once I
realized what it was it doesn't concern me any longer.

Shouldn't be the ABS, since the '04 definitely has ABS too.

I have an '03 Impreza Wagon and we have already had some -20C weather here
in Edmonton, Alberta. I have not had any issues with windows fogging as long
as the fan is actually running.

How much di dyou pay in Canadian Pesos? Did the dealer have a fixed
price, or did you negotiate 10% off or what? Thanks!

I am very happy with the car so far (got it in August).

Father Guido
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
I plan on living forever... so far, so good

 

[Beefcake]

I've been looking at a '03 Impreza Wagon for sale at the
local Subaru dealership. I'd appreciate any comments
on the following items I noticed during the test drive;

- when I tried emergency stops on snow and dry pavement,
a noticable "whirring" noise was evident - it seemed to
come from the front end - when I test drove a '04 the
noise is not there - what do you suppose could cause this?
( I spoke to the salesman about it and he said he will talk
to the service dept but I'm not expecting too much truth
from him - if his lips are moving he's usually lying )

As others have said, most likely the ABS. I had a bad reaction the first
time I heard it too, sounds like a grating/whirring noise from the front
end. As soon as you realize what it is, it's pretty comforting As for
not being there in the 04, perhaps they have changed the way it works/sounds
in later models? I have an 02 Impreza wagon, that noise is there for sure.

- after a test drive on a cold snowy day, the rear and side
windows fogged up quite badly - some reviews say that
Subarus have substandard air circulation in the back -
have any of you noticed this problem in your vehicles?

Interesting you mention that, I have noticed the same in my wagon. We don't
get snow or cold (Vancouver), but when it rains and is very humid, I get the
same effect. I don't know about "quite badly" - I can still shoulder check
fine, and see out the back window - but its definatly more fog than I would
expect to have. Depends on what you're willing to live with, it has not
made much difference to me. If that happens, just turn the fan up past 1,
or turn on the A/C for a bit, the compressor for A/C is normally more
powerful.

It's a great car to drive and only has 11,000 kms (7000
miles) BUT it was used as a service vehicle for their repair
dept. for several months. Do you think it's too risky to buy
a vehicle that was used for these purposes?

I personally would never touch a service vehicle. I've had service vehicles
before, and know how I drive them Again, up to you as to what you're
willing to live with.

Any constructive comments would be appreciated.

That being said, the Impreza wagon is the best car I've ever owned, on a
bang-for-buck scale. I would buy one again for sure.

 

[Edward Hayes]

Service vehicles are given to the lowest person on the food chain to run for
anything and the wash boys have their daily fun at my Subaru dealer. If you
really want it get a free 100,000 mile "Subaru" service plan or pay only
used trade-in price (not invoice) if they car is being sold as "new). eddie

 

[PlayfulSpirit]

PlayfulSpirit wrote in message ...

I've been looking at a '03 Impreza Wagon for sale at the
local Subaru dealership. I'd appreciate any comments
on the following items I noticed during the test drive;

Thanks to all who responded...