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Exterior photo of 2003 Subaru WRX Sedan (Bug Eye)

2003 Subaru WRX Sedan (Bug Eye)

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Details

Price: $18,400

Mileage: 105,700 Miles

Engine: 2.0-Liter EJ205 Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine

Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission

Exterior color: Aspen White Exterior

Interior: Black / Blue Cloth Interior

VIN: JF1GD296X3G502277

Additional features:

Limited-Slip Rear Differential

Momo Sport Steering Wheel

Cloth Bolstered Sport Seats w/ Blue Centers

Pioneer Touchscreen Stereo

Subwoofer

Air Conditioning

Cruise Control

Cup Holder

Power Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors

Fold Down Rear Seats

Rear Center Armrest

Turbo Boost Gauge

Fog Light Delete

Factory Aero Kit

KYB AGX Shocks

Apexi AFR Gauge

Cobb Tune

Cobb Cold Air Intake

Cobb Tuning Down Pipe w/ Cat

Grim Speed Gaskets

18-Inch Volk TE37 Wheels

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ Tires

Car Cover

Original Family-Owned Vehicle

California/Colorado Car

Clean Carfax

Background

2003 Subaru WRX Sedan (Bug Eye) exterior photo

In the early 1990s, Subaru continued on the limited rally success of its prepped Legacy models with the newly minted WRX (World Rally Experimental), and a legacy was born (pun intended). The WRX was based on the new GC generation Impreza and put into the hands of legendary World Rally Championship driver Colin McRae. Wearing the blue and yellow livery of a certain cigarette brand, the pair became an iconic duo that cemented Subaru’s position in motorsport and McRae’s dominance of one of the greatest eras of World Rally Championship ever. When the WRX was released to the U.S. Market for the 2002 model year, based on the GD generation Impreza, a decade of envy of Japanese and Euro-market envy was rewarded—we had a WRX to call our own! The first two years featured the “bug-eye” headlights and lead what would become a fun, practical and potent WRX institution for generations of American enthusiasts. The importance of the original WRX is huge in the brand’s heritage, and finding one that has not been abused, molested, or neglected has become a rare feat.

Summary

 exterior photo

This Aspen White second-year 2003 Subaru “bug-eye” Impreza WRX is an outstanding example. Owned by the same mature owner/family, it comes with every record since the original purchase. Options include a turbo gauge, Cobb tune, Cobb intake, Cobb downpipe, Pioneer touchscreen stereo with subwoofers, Apexi AFR gauge, KYB AGX shocks, a fog light delete, and the factory Aero kit, over Volk TE37 wheels. The original sale paperwork shows it being purchased at Irvine Subaru on September 14, 2002, for $29,253.85 and being serviced there and at several independent shops in Southern California afterward. In 2018, it came to Colorado and has been serviced here by Super Repair, Valley Subaru, and In Boost Performance. Notable maintenance includes the clutch being replaced at 37K miles and the entire short block in 2018 at 70K miles, along with a fresh head gasket job, timing belt, water pump, oil cooler, thermostat, oil pump, and all other related components. In 2022, the power steering lines were replaced, along with a transmission shifter and fluid flush. The air conditioning compressor was replaced, and the system recharged last summer. We are selling it for the original owner/family on consignment. As it sits, this is an excellent example of an early WRX that has been properly owned and maintained while so many of its contemporaries have succumbed to age, neglect, and abuse.

Exterior

2003 Subaru WRX Sedan (Bug Eye) exterior photo

The exterior of this WRX is very presentable, but it does have the typical flaws and imperfections that would be expected of its age and miles. Aspen white is an excellent color. There is an invoice in 2005 that shows some panels being repainted, and the owner had the hood painted in preparation for sale. There are moderate rock chips and several scuffs on the lower front splitters. There are also small cracks in the side skirts and damage to the right rear lower trim. The windshield glass has slight pitting but no cracks. The headlight lenses are in good condition, with no cracks and only slight opaqueness. The foglights are deleted with nice covers. The taillight lenses are clear and crack-free. The Volk wheels are presentable, with minor curb rash. They are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ tires with 9/32 tread remaining and 2018 DOT dates. A second set of unmounted snow tires are included in the sale.

Interior

 interior photo

Overall, the interior is in great shape. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpet has no rips or tears, and the floor mats are in good shape. The steering wheel leather is in good shape; there is no failed stitching. The gauges all function correctly, including the turbo gauge. The headliner is in excellent condition. The heat blows hot, and the air-conditioning blows cold. The Pioneer stereo sounds great, however the front speakers are inop. There is very light wear on the center console trim. The driver’s door card has some scratches on the bottom. The driver’s seat has some wear on the outer bolsters, but is generally in good condition. The passenger and rear seats are in very good condition. All interior functions, options, power accessories, and controls work correctly. The cup holders are functional. Two keys are included with the car, along with the owner’s manuals.

Mechanical

 engine photo

The list of recent maintenance outlined in the summary paragraph makes this an excellent WRX. It also benefits from being owned its entire life by a mature owner who did not abuse it—a rare commodity for a twenty-year-old WRX. There are no warning lights or check engine lights. The EJ205 engine starts on command, idles smoothly, and pulls very strongly to redline (once the oil temp is warmed up, of course). The turbo is healthy, and it does not smoke or leak excessively. The transmission shifts smoothly, and the clutch take-up is correct. The suspension and steering are tight, with no clunks or noises. The brakes are fantastic, and there is plenty of pad and rotor thickness remaining. We ensure it passes and pay for emissions in the State of Colorado. As it sits, this is a great example of a modern classic and the first WRX that made it to our shores.