Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

What can I say, other than this is a great car!

This car really does tick all the right boxes. It's fast, can seat 5, has 4 doors for easy access, a big boot, reliable, has all the mod cons (air con, electric windows/mirrors, isofix etc) and has 4 wheel drive, so can pretty much get past most things that mother nature can throw at it.

The fact remains that this is a performance car, and it does excel at that. Handling is predictable, grip is immense, performance is right up there, and reliability is better than what you would expect for a 260 BHP car.

Granted MPG is not the best, but even then I average 28-30 MPG, which isn't bad for a car that has a turbo and drives 4 wheels. The car itself is easy to drive; even my mother in law could drive this to the shops and back without any problems.

It's pretty comfortable too; the only issue is that the thigh supports could be ever so slightly further apart, but we're talking only a few cm here!

With the Prodrive Performance Pack (PPP), this boosts BHP up to 262 BHP (the same as an STi) from 225 BHP, and the torque is very slightly higher than the STI, and comes in slightly earlier in the rev range. It's said that for the track the STI is better (bigger brakes, firmer suspension, adjustable differential), but for the Joe Public on the roads, the WRX is the best version to have.

The 2.5 version that came afterwards has slightly higher torque and perhaps slightly better looks (opinion is divided here), but with it came reliability issues with the head gasket (see other reviews on here), whereas the 2.0 unit is well proven, super reliable and (in my opinion) the better option.

Cabin quality is good, the doors shut with a nice clunk and servicing is every 10k miles for the turbo model, so running costs (bearing in mind its level of performance) are more than reasonable. Beware examples that have been modified though.

I've owned all sort of cars and makes (from Peugeots, to Nissans, to BMWs). Would I recommend a Subaru - yes, without hesitation.

Faults:

The only really known fault for my car is the rear shocks tend to knock. I was delighted when this happened, as it meant I had the perfect opportunity to fit coilovers. I replaced the standard suspension with BC Coilovers, which cost £700 new. They are superb quality, and I can set them to be softer than the original shocks. They also came with a 2 year warranty, which so far I've not had to use.

The other known problem with this car is the battery doesn't charge unless the sidelights were on (Proven fact by Subaru). It's easily solved; just imagine it as a Volvo, and drive everywhere with the sidelights on. I have also bought a new Bosch battery, which cost £130 as the original one was cheap crap.

General Comments:

Well mine's is a 2005 JDM model, which is much superior to the already great UK car. The car comes standard with Forged pistons, Forged con-rods, crossed drilled nitride crankshaft, closed deck block, twin scroll turbo. So as you may guess it was purpose built to be a tuners car; well the gearbox is known to handle 700hp+ and the engine 500+.

Mine's is slightly modified. Full Blitz Nur Spec R exhaust system, panel filter and an Andy Forrest remap to 355bhp 342lb ft.

My plans are to fit a bigger turbo, injectors, clutch and get it mapped to 400bhp.

I do all of the oil changes myself, and get the belts changed at my mate's garage. I just don't trust car dealers and the fact that they charge crazy money.

Now on the performance. It's unbelievable, the twin scroll turbo is a must have on a Subaru. UK Evo's are better than UK Subaru's, but JDM Subaru's are something else. It's a matter of personal preference at the end of the day. This is my 3rd Subaru and my last car was an Evo, I do prefer Subaru, but love Evo's as well. At Crail drag strip I recorded a whopping 12.4s at 109mph, which is very quick for a 1.4 tonne car with only 350bhp. You've really got to abuse the gearbox to get the most out of the car, as it's really close ratio'd; I needed 5th gear to finish the 1/4 mile.

They also hold their money better than the UK cars, but are a pig to insure. My only regret is that I never got one in white, but I can't have everything my way.

I've noticed that it's a lot better on the fuel than the classic shape Impreza, especially after the remap. I'd highly recommend a remap, especially from Andy F.

I'm planning on owning it for another couple of years, then I want a white Hawkeye Spec C.

Get a JDM car, you'll thank me for it later!