1998 Subaru Impreza RS Coupe 2.5 rs from North America

Summary:

Horrible, expensive to buy and maintain

Faults:

I bought a 1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS in 2000.

With the overpriced tag when I bought it from the dealership, and grossly overpriced repairs for inferior parts, it was a struggle to keep it on the road.

Ran OK until I reached 90,000 miles. Now I am smack dab in the middle of the Subaru cooling system malfunction. 4 thermostats, 1 waterpump, 2 radiator flushes, about 20 gallons of antifreeze, and a negative carbon monoxide test; still no answer.

I have missed so many days of work stuck on the side of the road overheated (the car and myself). No garage can give me a straight answer other than that they think it's this or that, until they fix it and it still overheats.

Head gasket? All set with that! For the $2,000 dollars that will cost, it will go towards a vehicle not named Subaru. It's a shame and disgrace they would destroy their reputation they once had. Subaru needs to man up and take responsibility for inexcusable ignorance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd November, 2007

3rd Jan 2011, 01:47

Sounds like you got a lemon. Subarus are still one of the best values on the used market.

3rd Jan 2011, 16:02

I don't think it's fair to blame Subaru, I had some older Subaru's that were bulletproof.

The problem is that all the newer cars are disposable junk, nearly impossible to fix with all the computerized fuel injection, and all the other stuff that requires expensive diagnostics. They are throw away cars, simply put.

30th Jun 2013, 00:50

To the two writers above, yes Subaru makes very reliable cars. BUT those don't include the infamous cars known to have head gasket problems. The early 2.5 RS is the one to watch out for. Had some different later ones in early 2000's. It's a shame Subaru let it happen over multiple years. But they did.

1998 Subaru Impreza 2.o turbo 4wd from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fantastic piece of machinery

Faults:

I've had my turbo for a week now and I can't fault anything.

General Comments:

This car is fantastic to drive, extremely quick and holds the road whilst cornering...I've not known anything like it!!

The only thing I have gotta say I was a bit unimpressed with the suspension as it felt hard comparing it to a honda prelude, but hey it's a rally car so I have to live with it and I would not get rid of it.

Does anyone know of a sevice centre within Bolton or the surrounding areas?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2006

1998 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport Wagon 2.0 from North America

Summary:

A great all-purpose car for a fun person!

Faults:

My rear bearing went out at 85,000 miles.

Aside from that no other problems other than normal maintenance.

General Comments:

This is a great car. I have loved it's practicality and low costs. The wagon body style in a small car allows me to haul a lot of items normal sedan of this size would not.

It has driven through very bad weather and I wouldn't trade the 30mpg AWD system for anything! Extremely safe and handles nicely.

I take a lot of gravel roads and this car loves to grip around the corners no matter how loose the surface. It has a ton of clearance for a car!! Fire service roads in the foothills are no problem (even better than my wife's Escape) It also climbs up and down the Rocky Mountains with ease carrying me, my friends, the dog, and skis religiously on weekends.

The body integrity is fair. Seems to dent easily and the paint chips. Mine has a full under coating which has helped tremendously.

Tune-up for this model are still easy. Platinum plugs and synthetic oil have helped the horizontally opposed engine idle more smoothly.

I love this car and am a Subaru fan for life.

I've owned Jeeps, Toyota's, and other Subaru's, but this is my favorite for it's pure reliability, safety, mpg, and all the practical ways to use it.

Highly recommended vehicle for anyone with multiple hobbies and an adventurous lifestyle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 2006