Faults:

Just some exterior bulbs.

General Comments:

Bought the Scooby just before a big winter storm came through. Best decision I've ever made. I was powering out of my driveways with 2ft of snow piled on top of it before the roadways were even opened up.

The engine has enough grunt to get it around. It's not a speed demon by any means, but you'll hardly be NEEDING more power. It's just a lower output very solid 4cyl.

During the summer, I can admit that driving the Scooby isn't the most exciting thing to do. However, when winter comes, I have never had so much fun with a car! It's simply amazing how easy it is to control when drifting around turns and curves! You can be a horrible driver, but it makes you look like Colin McRae when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Faults:

Nothing unusual (I have changed timing belt, the 4 shock absorber, and shaft at 150000 kilometers for first time).

The engine goes noisy at speed of 90km/h, but it is normal at higher and lower speeds!

General Comments:

First of all I`m SUBARIST, I love the shape and style of all SUBIES.

My Impreza ran 160000 kilometers,and still runs well.

However it is a reliable car there are 3 mistakes. First and biggest problem for me is the position of the gas pedal. To operate the vehicle, the driver needs to position the foot slightly angled to right. With long driving time, the leg gets tired.

Second problem is that the air condition is too strong for a 1600cc engine, so when it is turned on every thing goes noisy inside and outside the car. besides the engine loses too much power.

Third and last headache is coming from behind this time. the noise which comes from the plastic parts in the inner back side of the car! (mine is wagon).I will solve this problem someday.

Except what I mentioned above, the car is excellent, funny to drive, and so well designed.

Faults:

Clutch worn out 159000 miles.

Misfire code, turned out to be worn spark plugs at 179000 miles.

Rear wheel bearings at 210000 miles.

Rear struts at 210000 miles.

Front brake rotors at 210000 miles.

Transmission synchros worn, grinds gears when downshifting presently at 248000 miles; transmission will need to be replaced or repaired soon!

All other preventative maintenance done at home by owner; includes timing belt and other normal wear items.

General Comments:

Subaru got it mostly right with this car; since we've bought it we've never been let down. This car always starts, always gets 25-27 mpg (combination city, freeway, and mountain driving; usually all during my commute), has ample power, and is always surefooted in the snow and on wet roads.

Reasonably comfortable inside, my only complaint is the center console interferes with my right leg (I'm 6 foot 4 inches tall), but it's only a minor nuisance.

Mechanically, my only complaints are a notchy transmission with failing synchros (I plan to replace the transmission this fall), and the rear wheel bearings failed. These both seem to be common problems with newer Subies.

At this point, my Impreza is a science experiment; the original engine uses NO oil between changes (every 5000 miles), has never overheated, and just plain keeps running great. Breezes through smog checks, too. I'll keep driving it once the new transmission is installed for as long as I can. Maybe it'll go another 250,000 miles!