Faults:

Engine had a misfire, mechanic sorted it for a fairly cheap price, nothing serious.

Done the cam-belt and kept it serviced.

Usual mechanicals for age and miles - exhaust, suspension, brakes, etc.

Body work has some small signs of rust, but nothing major and no MOT failures.

Air con stopped working long ago, never bothered to fix. CD player (original) also a bit dodgy. Passenger mirror slow to operate.

General Comments:

Bought this as an interesting second car, always liked 1990's / early 2000's Subaru's.

Fairly standard GL model, do not confuse this with the faster rally bred versions. This car is slow. 2.0 petrol is not that economical either! It does have AWD though. Great in winter.

Alloy wheels are too small in proportion with the rest of the car, otherwise quite good looking for a family estate car. Mine is silver.

Very spacious, simple and comfortable interior, much better design than earlier models. Still a bit too dull and grey however for most peoples liking.

A bit expensive to run, but a typically reliable, fun and simple Japanese car.

Faults:

Failed knock sensor at 69000km.

Brakes replaced for WOF at 70000km.

Failed O2 sensor at 88000km.

R/hand wheel bearing replaced for WOF at 90000km.

Clutch shuddering at 105000km.

ABS fault code 29 at 105500km.

Clutch/water pump/cambelt/sparkplugs replaced at 106000km.

Wind noise at 107000km.

Drive shaft vibration under heavy load and ABS fault code 29 at 108000km.

All ABS sensors replaced for WOF.

Rocker covers leaking at 111000km.

Oil seals went on one of the turbos at 133000km (was using half a litre every 1000kms).

Diff vibration at 145000km.

Coolant leak at 158000km (needed topping up weekly).

Blown head gasket at 160000km.

My Impreza had 175000km, and I put about 100000 more on it and had nothing go wrong.

General Comments:

Serviced every 8000km. Always used Mobil 1 oil.

Bridgestone Potenza (Subaru Original Equipment Fitment) are rubbish and and wear down 3mm after 10,000km travel (at 3mm they have no wet grip).

Tried Supercat tires; terrible wet grip, but lasted for 25000km travel.

Recommend Uniroyal tires as they are quiet and and last a good 35000km, and have better wet grip than the Potenzas.

I was told the O2 sensor failed because of the aftermarket blow off valve venting to atmosphere causes the engine to run rich (which also explained why the car was backfiring now and then when changing gears).

Purchased for $6000 NZD from Turners Auctions. Over 2 years cost $6000 NZD in repairs (excluding oil changes and tires).

Fuel economy was good on the open road at about 10.5L/100km (as long as you stay off boost, which makes for very boring and tiring driving), but in Auckland city traffic it's more like 14L/100km.

Found out that if you don't use the Subaru antifreeze, you will end up with a blown head gasket (according to several sites on the internet).

Low marks for performance due to understeer and lack of feel in steering. Sure it's quick off the line, but in rolling starts it's a whale. Brake performance is inconsistent.

My old Impreza, although not as quick off the line, was faster in most cases, handled better, braked better, and was more comfortable.

Low marks for comfort because of suspension and driver fatigue setting in after only 40 minutes at the wheel if driving like a nana.

I've now got a Forester XT, which is more comfortable, more economical in city driving, and quite fun to drive.