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SUBARU IMPREZA Used Car Review

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.

Pros

Cons

  • All-wheel-drive system provides assurance on wet, slippery roads
  • Roomy cabin, and particularly practical in hatch form
  • Improved driving experience from latest model (2016 onwards)
  • Build quality and mechanical reliability
  • 'Boxer' engines short on low-down pulling power
  • Extra weight, complexity of AWD hurts fuel economy
  • Design not as distinctive as it once was
  • Older autos short on gears; newer (CVT) auto can take acclimatisation
This is general information and should not be relied on as purchasing advice.
SubaruImprezaG3 WRX Hatchback 5dr Man 5sp AWD 2.5T [MY11]Clear all

Overview of the Subaru Impreza

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

SIMILAR MODELS TO SUBARU IMPREZA

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.