Faults:

33k: Fuel shutoff valve.

41k: Head gaskets, oxygen sensor, L/F tie rod.

48k: Front lower control arm corrosion, ECM re-programming.

56k: Ignition coil, spark plugs and cables.

67k: Water pump.

78k: Exhaust heat shield.

81k: Transmission gearshift linkage frozen, ignition coil, spark plugs and cables.

General Comments:

I bought this car used from the original owner who is a good friend, so I knew what I was getting going in. The car has been 100% dealer-serviced since day one. My friend shouldered most of the costly inherent design defect issues, although some of them have revisited.

All told, the Impreza is a solid car that performs well, but it doesn't inspire much enthusiasm. It's a good appliance. I bought the car for sure-footed handling in foul weather and it has managed that admirably, although the broad 36 foot turning radius in a small car is an annoyance.

Reliability is disappointing with significant and expensive repeat repairs of primary systems. Hopefully Subaru has gotten their hands around issues such as failing head gaskets, water pumps and ignition coils with their newer cars, but for 2007 cars, these items are major red flags.

The added complexity of AWD and a flat four engine, coupled with short maintenance intervals, makes the Impreza a relatively expensive car to keep on the road, averaging over ten cents per mile for maintenance costs (almost five times higher than the Mazda 3, the Subaru replaced at similar mileage).

Unlike the Mazda, customer support from Subaru is quite good. Subaru understands the importance of customer support for client retention. The car and the company are solid; I'd buy another Subaru without reservations.

I'd recommend this specific car as used only if you can be assured that the persistent issues have been addressed.

Faults:

Clutch thrust bearing now noisy, gearbox bearings now noisy as well.

Petrol tank way too small, but space underneath is limited, and for a small 4x4 it's thirsty.

Sun visor gaps.

High load lip for an estate car.

Still an expensive car to run and tax.

General Comments:

Easy to drive, and easy to change the oil and oil filter.

Headlamp bulbs are a whole different matter. Not much legroom in the back, but it will do for short journeys.

Carpets are not very good; too thin.

Speakers made from rice paper.

Dead easy to get in and out of with the windows down.

Tyre wear OK; 2 on the front so far.

Very good traction; grippy in the wet.

Full sized spare wheel.

Faults:

Well, let's see, so far I've had the catalytic converter replaced twice, the powertrain had $3000 worth of work done on it over the summer, and the car is currently in the shop for a gas leak, and the head gasket is starting to go. There have been some other things, but I can't remember them off the top of my head. I just hit 70000 miles last week.

Thankfully, much of what I've had done to it has been under warranty. But as far as I'm concerned, having to take a car that's less than five years old, into the shop every three to six months for a major repair or some sort of check engine light problem is pretty insane. My mom didn't start having these kinds of problems with her Subaru until it was 10 years old.

Ultimately, I'm probably going to try to sell it this summer. Hopefully the next car I get won't have so many problems.

General Comments:

Overall, I've liked the car. It handles nice and mostly does what I ask of it. While it's had problems, it's never actually broken down on me.