Faults:

So far the driver's window does not go up properly, it doesn't seal correctly unless you open the door when you put the window up.

The boot is leaking water.

General Comments:

I don't really write many reviews, but I just wanted to let all you people out there thinking of buying one of these cars to go and just do it! This car is the most fun I've had on 4 wheels ever. I usually get a new car every couple of years, but I think this one will be with me for a long while.

The WRX is a driver's car. It doesn't have a lot of features in the cabin like my Outback did, the stereo is pretty crap, the interior very basic, cup holder is a joke and there's not much storage space, but put your foot down on that accelerator and all these minor gripes are forgotten.

The car handles like nothing I have ever driven, and the power is amazing! My car has an aftermarket exhaust system, and I have gone from listening to a blaring stereo to listening to the engine purr away.

The gear changes are easy and swift, the brakes are very responsive, the car is just a pleasure to drive. I know this particular model (bug eyes) was not loved by many people, but I personally love the look of it.

If you're the kind of person who loves to drive a car, and can live without the little luxuries, then this is the car for you!

Faults:

Front light bulb failed. Fog light bulb failed. Interior bulb for front and rear fog light switches blew. Bulbs, bulbs, bulbs, basically.

General Comments:

Great car. I used to own a '77 Toyota Corolla which was thrashed within an inch of its life. Years later, the '01 Impreza has taken its crown. It's very average in terms of acceleration (driving four wheels requires more power than a regular rear/front wheel drive), but the boxer engine layout and four wheel steering makes it unflappable when handling. I had rear sway bars installed and uprated brakes - the car now handles like a Scaletrix toy. It just corners like nothing else. In the rain, it's unstoppable - you never feel unsafe, no matter how much oil there is on the road. When pushed hard, instead of oversteering or understeering, it just floats sideways with barely a grumble - so predictable and an absolute joy to drive.

Fuel consumption is okay - I usually get around 10K a litre, which includes driving at 140km/h every day on a freeway. So, not too bad.

Effectively, it's a gem. I've kept it serviced since I've had it - it has a WRX clutch installed - but my God, I've thrashed it. It's response appears to be: bring it on. There's nothing it hasn't got or won't do. It even has low range AWD for those times when the car park is full ;)

All round, a brilliant car and throughly recommended. Get one and you'll smile every day.

Faults:

My first WRX had spot welding in the boot that would 'pop' out each time a corner was being taken. This gave out an annoying 'pop' sound each time.

The 'Power' light indicator would flick on and off intermittently, indicating low voltage.

The paintwork, although it had been 'Minged' suffered from serious hard-water spots after the first week, and had to buffed out.

The brakes started screeching only after a few weeks of driving.

All these problems occurred on my first WRX - my current WRX suffers only from the brake screeching condition.

The service from Westpoint Subaru is appalling - I had brought the car in for each of these problems - but when I took the car back home I would find that NONE of them had been resolved. This has spoilt my experience in a way. Just be sure to buy your Subaru from a reputable dealer.

General Comments:

The performance is second-to-none on this vehicle. No other car for under $50K will give that 'pin-you-to-your-seat' acceleration. Does suffer from turbo lag from time to time.

The handling is brilliant due to the AWD - this is truly a driver's car which gives a driving experience like no other car can.

The interior is very basic - luxury is certainly not the point with this car (try the Liberty/Legacy B4 if you want luxury...)