A used Subaru Impreza WRX wagon from the 2003 model year is a pretty unique find these days. These older rally-inspired Subarus are becoming modern classics. It’s safe to say they are popular for a reason. Whether you get your hands on a sedan or a wagon, you’ll end up with a raw little racer that’s ridiculously fun to drive. Even the high mileage examples bring up to $7,500, according to Motor1.

Because of what they are, it’s common to find one that’s been loved and taken care of by a fellow Subaru enthusiast. At this point in time, a used Subaru Impreza WRX is a collector car––especially with the iconic blue paint color. It’s likely worth the time and effort spent searching for it. The 2003 WRX wagon isn’t just a fun collector car. It’s the perfect daily driver.

Is the WRX all-wheel-drive?

Like other Subarus, the 2003 Impreza WRX wagon comes with an all-wheel drive system. It gives the WRX nimble handling and the ability to handle conditions like snow. As dated as this model is, it is still fun to drive. It is the kind of car that auto enthusiasts enjoy and drivers love to drive. The 2003 WRX experience is engaging and promotes the connection between car and driver.

According to MotorTrend, the standard equipment for the 2003 Subaru WRX was a nice 2-liter turbocharged four. This is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and sits atop 16-inch aluminum wheels. Additionally, four-channel ABS joined with four-wheel disc brakes were standard on the 2003 WRX. Standard safety features included dual front and front-side airbags. The original WRX also featured standard cruise control and a Momo steering wheel. You’ll see power windows, power-adjustable mirrors, and power locks standard on the 2003 model year as well.

However, many used Subaru Impreza WRX wagon owners to modify their WRX. One of the best things about these used Subarus is that they are cheap and easy to modify. So, you can add new tech and upgrades to customize your 2003 WRX into a personalized hobby car.

Is the WRX a good daily driver?

With its punchy turbo engine, a used Subaru Impreza WRX wagon gets up to 227 hp. When it was new, MotorTrend wrote that the 2003 WRX is “as fast as German sport sedans and sports cars costing at least twice as much.” So, that’s the fun part. It’s not a boring car with an overly practical handle.

However, it does have practical aspects that contribute to its being a good daily driver. It has pretty good fuel economy, too. According to MotorTrend, “the WRX is EPA-rated for 20 mpg city and 27 highway.”

Additionally, a used Subaru Impreza WRX wagon has plenty of cargo space. It’s a fun rally-inspired road racer with good fuel economy and the utility of a wagon. It’s almost difficult to find things wrong with this particular Subaru model. As long as you keep up with appropriate regular maintenance, these older WRX models easily rack up the mileage and keep chugging on.

Is the 2003 WRX wagon a good used car?

Owners of this particular model are pretty die-hard––and for good reason. On Edmunds, consumers rate this car 4.6 out of 5 stars. Owner comments include high praise like “this car is fast, handles great, drives well, and has been a reliable workhorse. I only wish I had hills, curves, and snow to drive it in.” Other positive comments include “very responsive and nimble for a wagon” and “this is the best car I have owned bar none.” Overall, it’s a unique and versatile car that can maneuver up the mountain pass with all your gear in tow.