Rebuilt vs Reconditioned Subaru Impreza Engines: A Mechanic’s Honest Comparison

Having worked with countless Subaru engines for over 20 years, I’ve seen the confusion around reconditioned Subaru Impreza engines and rebuilt Subaru Impreza engines. A reconditioned Subaru Impreza engine gets a basic overhaul — it’s cleaned, inspected, and fitted with new seals or gaskets, but not all parts are replaced, and it might not meet factory standards. A rebuilt Subaru Impreza engine, however, is fully disassembled, machined to precise tolerances, and fitted with new critical components like pistons, bearings, and timing belts. This makes it far more reliable for long-term use.