Overview of the Subaru Impreza
Subaru was renowned for models such as the Leone and Jumbuck until a new small car appeared in 1993.
The Impreza would take Australia by storm during the 1990s, and a turbocharged performance model called the WRX continues to be a huge cult car (and now its own, separate nameplate).
Across several generations, however, regular versions of the Impreza have proven to be sensible compact family cars - with a segment USP of standard all-wheel drive and their distinctive horizontally opposed 'boxer' engines across the range.
SUBARU IMPREZA GENERATIONS (SINCE 2000)
2000-2007
2007-2012
2012-2016
2016-present
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption (excluding WRX models)
2.0L 4-cylinder petrol: 6.6-7.2 litres per 100km
(2012-2016) 2.0L 4cyl petrol: 6.8-7.2 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 12,500km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs between $348.30 and $604,49 for the first three years or 37,500km (depending on schedule). Subaru Impreza parts and equipment can be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO SUBARU IMPREZA
Ford Focus
Holden Astra
Mazda 3
Toyota Corolla
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: SUBARU IMPREZA (2012-2016 MODELS)
Check that the timing belt has been replaced at 125,000km intervals. A broken belt will destroy the engine. A second belt change also requires water pump, pulleys and tensioners to be replaced as well.
Check for water in the oil and vice-versa. Subaru had big head-gasket problems in previous years.
Due to poor machining and iffy quality piston rings, some cars from around 2012-2013 had high oil consumption. These should have surfaced by now and been fixed.
Subaru engines can last a long time but require strict maintenance to do so. Small, intricate oilways in the engine won't tolerate the sludge created by skipped oil changes. A ticking engine is one that is already damaged.
Like many modern CVTs, their alien feel and sound made some owners think there was something wrong. Drive one first to make sure you could live with its characteristics.
