Faults:

Coolant temperature sensor - 136000km. Replaced under warranty.

Crankshaft and camshaft front oil seal leaks - 190000km. Replaced at 200000km timing belt change.

Front cv boots split twice (never actually had to replace the joints!)

I think the clutch is starting to wear down a bit now - might be time for a new one.

General Comments:

I specifically bought the Impreza for the AWD, and having felt the difference in handling, I'll only ever drive AWD!

The 1.8L is a little lagging in power, especially below 3000rpm, but it is acceptable. Fuel economy is good, probably a little down with engine wear. The engine starts first time, every time, doesn't blow smoke. I find the gearbox to be a bit notchy, but it shifts quick if you need to.

My wife and I love the car. Its all wheel drive handling is superb, and it is a joy to drive, equally around the city and on long highway trips.

The only negative - insurance. Even for a "next door to a corolla" car, it costs me more than a V8 to insure. Why? One insurance company said simply: "Because it has a Subaru badge on it." No, more like "Just because we like to fleece you."

Faults:

Nothing so far, although the synchronisers in the gearbox are getting lazy.4wd turbo puts a lot of strain on them.

General Comments:

Turbo power with faultless four wheel traction, its safe and an adrenaline rush at the same time!

Faults:

Electric window switch failed.

Power steering reservoir leaks.

Unresolved intermittent loss of power.

4 coil packs + leads (£400 pounds - ouch!).

Everything rattles.

General Comments:

For an 8 year old high performance car I cannot really complain about the few faults I have had in the last 2 and a half years.

It is such a shame that I cannot resolve the intermittent loss of power, otherwise I would class this car as perfect.

My local garages have little experience on this type of car, and the main dealers refuse to touch it because it is a grey import. To me this is very childish and only damages their image - especially as there are so many grey imports now in the UK.

When it runs well, it is a pleasure to drive, but the 17 inch rims and hard suspension can rattle a few fillings.

If you drive it hard, it will drink fuel at a sickening rate, but the grip is unbelievable, so it just begs to be pushed.

When parts wear out, they are very expensive from Subaru.

Faults:

A/C makes a banging sound every once in a while when turned on.

Power steering makes ringing sounds when it is cold.

Wind coming in from the front doors' side-mirrors areas at about 100 km/h+.

General Comments:

A very weak car for i's engine, all Japanese 1.6 liter cars are faster, it does 0-100 in twenty years and has a top speed of only 160 km/h!

On the other hand, it's mechanically reliable, smart in overall design, drives very comfortably and the engine will never drown.

If you buy a Subaru, make it a 1.8 liter at least! This one's too weak.

Faults:

A few exhaust heat shields - but that's only because I was having too much fun.

Ignition coil.

It was a lease car and it had to go back last week :-(

General Comments:

The best car I have ever driven.

It may be a little more thirsty than the average family hatchback, but then its performance is closer to a supercar!

Faults:

Nothing major yet.

General Comments:

Great car with awesome acceleration and handling.