Impreza 2.5I

laxaholic · 03-07-2013, 09:56 PM

Hey everything,

New to the forum, normally a 4x4 guy. Toyota. Looking at improving fuel consumption.

Found a nice aspen white 2006 2.5i manual trans. Looks good, interior is good. Previous owner was DoD. Car seems to be in great shape. It has 89,000 miles on it, how many more can I expect? I'm used to a Toyota with 175,000 that runs like it's brand new.

What kind of fuel mileage will I see out of this in the real world?
Won't get to drive it until tomorrow morning. What are some things I should look for? Car is originally from IL, should I be weary of rust?

Will I wish I went for a WRX (I'd rather have, but as a college student...it could be a potential empty wallet) It's very hard to find clean, stock WRX's that haven't been ridden hard and put up wet. Is there much difference between the 2.5 and the WRX other than the turbo and all it's components?

Any thing else I should know?

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

bball831 · 03-08-2013, 12:03 AM

you'll get better gas mileage out of the 2.5i. You'll get high twenties in mpg with mixed city and freeway driving. The wrx has quite a bit more power if you're looking for some speed. The 2.5i isn't a slouch for it's price point though. It all depends on what you want and what you can afford.
As far as what to look for, be on the lookout for rust or any damage that the seller has attempted to cover up.

Distant.Calling · 03-08-2013, 07:55 AM

It'd be a long-shot, but it wouldn't hurt to find out if head gaskets were replaced. An unfortunate, but inevitable thing about pre-'08 2.5i's is always going to be the dreaded hg replacement.

DaWhiteScoob · 03-08-2013, 10:10 AM

I usually get 21 - 18 mpg (06 2.5i) with mostly highway as well as my cousin with his 08 Legacy. Make sure the head gasket was done and timing belt, those are the most expensive jobs.

Distant.Calling · 03-08-2013, 10:23 AM

Would be nice if water pump were replaced as well, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.

boomhauer · 03-08-2013, 11:04 AM

I'm getting 28-29 mpg in mixed driving, mostly highway. Not too spirited, usually shifting by 3K rpm. 72K miles.

JohnM10 · 03-08-2013, 12:29 PM

I posted this in another thread for a similiar question:

I purchased my 2006 5 spd in March, 2010 with 47k miles from a private party sale. I have beeen lucky in that I have not had any problems with mine and have only had to perform regular maintenance to it. It now has 70k miles on the odometer.
If I had known what I have now learned prior to buying my Impreza, I would have spent more time checking the following things before buying it (although thankfully mine did not have any of these issues)

1. Pull the spark plug wires and check for oil pooling in the holes.
2. Check the seam on the top of the radiator for signs of leaks.
3. Check for oil seeping at the head gaskets
4. Check the tire pressure and if there is even wear on all 4 tires
5. Listen to the engine for excessive ticking or piston slap
5. After a long test drive(about 20 mins), go to a parking lot and drive in slow circles in both directions in 1st gear as well as in reverse. Check for any binding, clicking or other odd noises from the drivetrain to rule out a bad center diff or other drivetrain issues.

Of course, check any other generic stuff like the level and contamination of coolant, engine oil, transmission oil.

Update: had recently replaced clutch at 98k miles due to a squealling TOB

laxaholic · 03-12-2013, 04:59 PM

I ended up buying it, kept the land cruiser for now. Any quick mods or anything I should do to it?

Duvanator · 03-12-2013, 07:45 PM

Depends on if you're just think of appearance type mods, or handling type mods.
I would suggest to get a rear sway bar, everyone will agree in telling you it 100% transforms the feel of the car. making it more planted and reducing the body roll.

I recently put up a log thread in the members gallery, I've done quite a bit to my car

link: 2008 SWP 2.5i - My log

Loscaldazar · 03-12-2013, 08:45 PM

You can make the non turbo models excellent handlers. Then you don't have to deal with someone else's problem that they then sold.

boomhauer · 03-13-2013, 01:23 PM

My 2006 2.5i has gotten two enhancements so far - a oem rear sway from a WRX, and polyurethane shifter bushings. Very nice improvements. Next up are steering rack bushings to remove the slop. These all seem like good bang-for-buck mods.

laxaholic · 03-13-2013, 02:59 PM

What exactly do the sway bars do for the car? How does it affect road manners? Long highway commutes. Anything you guys have done to the interior??

Sorry for my
Lack of
Knowledge, i've always been into 4x4s. Just trying this out. Thanks!

Duvanator · 03-13-2013, 04:20 PM

Not my video, but it is the easiest way to explain it over the internet lol

YouTube (Short URL)

evilWagon · 03-13-2013, 06:09 PM

^He's wrong on the weight transfer, steady state the weight distribution is the same as without. The rate of weight transfer is affected.

laxaholic · 03-13-2013, 11:12 PM

How hard would it be to add heated seats?

I will post up some pictures soon, should be throwing my stereo in it from my other vehicle. Nice pioneer headunit, kickin' door speakers/1000w amp and a kicker 10. (as I get older, the 10 seems to sound alittle loud for my taste, may be time for an 8 soon.)

Still, should rock this little car. Especially with some Rolling Stones!

Do I need to throw on some mud/gravel/dirt flaps? Whatever y'all call them. If i felt obliged, where would I find some?

Thanks!

laxaholic · 03-18-2013, 12:38 AM

Have been doing some long distance driving in the subie. Not impressed thus far. Manual trans is great, but check engine light came on at 3:35am and cruise control blinking and no longer working. Interior just feels baren and already noticing some rattles.

Eyedoc Orlando · 03-18-2013, 01:55 AM

Probably just the gas cap

boomhauer · 03-18-2013, 11:02 AM

What you see is pretty much what you get. It's a seven year old 2.5i, and it doesn't pretend to be a loaded sports sedan. It is, however, a highly economical awd vehicle with adequate power and the potential for superior handling.

Tightened gas cap is always the first check, though that wouldn't explain the cruise control.

Rudgers73 · 03-18-2013, 11:51 AM

If you have a CEL that automatically makes the cruise control light blink. It's a way to encourage you to get it figured out. When the cruise control light is blinking it will not work. There is nothing wrong with your car past whatever turned on the CEL

boomhauer · 03-18-2013, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudgers73

If you have a CEL that automatically makes the cruise control light blink. It's a way to encourage you to get it figured out. When the cruise control light is blinking it will not work. There is nothing wrong with your car past whatever turned on the CEL

Good to know, thanks.

laxaholic · 03-18-2013, 09:18 PM

I agree, it is what it is. How could i better exploit the potential or handling??

boomhauer · 03-19-2013, 01:03 PM

I started with a larger rear sway bar. The stock one is 13 mm diameter, and you can pick up a 17 mm stock bar from a WRX for cheap (got mine for $40 shipped). Easy swap, nice difference. Rear endlinks are another typical upgrade. Or do both front and rear bars. Sky's the limit on these cars. See the stickies in the suspension section.

gdoggmoney · 03-19-2013, 01:25 PM

Headgaskets, headgaskets headgaskets. I just did mine at 78k this weekend, they were leaking a hair at 40k when bought and were finally bad enough last week to find a light brown coating in my radiator.

If you look under and see them leaking external oil, it is a short matter of time before it starts getting oil into coolant -- once coolant is in the oil, bearing problems and trashed motor. That said, my motor has perfect compression, did before the headgaskets and other than a leaky valve cover gasket/spark plug well, has been bulletproof never leaving me stranded.

I used the fel pro MLS gaskets, and my own torque procedure guided by the subaru procedure and other posters experience.

laxaholic · 03-20-2013, 02:51 PM

Thinking about some rally armor mud flaps; which ones? Just for DD and dirt roads.

The subie has been idling a little low, even cutting out a few times, when driving and then shifted into neutral to coast to a light. Any ideas?

How can i get the best mpg out of it?? Any little things?? Other than driving style, i've got that down.

laxaholic · 03-22-2013, 02:14 AM

How resistant to abuse are these subarus??
Just watched the Top Gear Africa Special and it had me wondering.

How many miles is too many on a used WRX?
Any good places to locate stock radios for an 06 impreza?

It seems like most guys with the wagontake the roofrack crossbars off... Any reason why?

03-07-2013, 09:56 PM	#1
laxaholic Scooby Newbie Member#: 338950 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Georgia Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Aspen White	Impreza 2.5I Hey everything, New to the forum, normally a 4x4 guy. Toyota. Looking at improving fuel consumption. Found a nice aspen white 2006 2.5i manual trans. Looks good, interior is good. Previous owner was DoD. Car seems to be in great shape. It has 89,000 miles on it, how many more can I expect? I'm used to a Toyota with 175,000 that runs like it's brand new. What kind of fuel mileage will I see out of this in the real world? Won't get to drive it until tomorrow morning. What are some things I should look for? Car is originally from IL, should I be weary of rust? Will I wish I went for a WRX (I'd rather have, but as a college student...it could be a potential empty wallet) It's very hard to find clean, stock WRX's that haven't been ridden hard and put up wet. Is there much difference between the 2.5 and the WRX other than the turbo and all it's components? Any thing else I should know? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by laxaholic; 03-07-2013 at 10:08 PM.

03-13-2013, 11:12 PM	#15
laxaholic Scooby Newbie Member#: 338950 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Georgia Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Aspen White	How hard would it be to add heated seats? I will post up some pictures soon, should be throwing my stereo in it from my other vehicle. Nice pioneer headunit, kickin' door speakers/1000w amp and a kicker 10. (as I get older, the 10 seems to sound alittle loud for my taste, may be time for an 8 soon.) Still, should rock this little car. Especially with some Rolling Stones! Do I need to throw on some mud/gravel/dirt flaps? Whatever y'all call them. If i felt obliged, where would I find some? Thanks! Last edited by laxaholic; 03-13-2013 at 11:37 PM.

03-20-2013, 02:51 PM	#24
laxaholic Scooby Newbie Member#: 338950 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Georgia Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Aspen White	Thinking about some rally armor mud flaps; which ones? Just for DD and dirt roads. The subie has been idling a little low, even cutting out a few times, when driving and then shifted into neutral to coast to a light. Any ideas? How can i get the best mpg out of it?? Any little things?? Other than driving style, i've got that down. Last edited by laxaholic; 03-20-2013 at 03:15 PM.

03-22-2013, 02:14 AM	#25
laxaholic Scooby Newbie Member#: 338950 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Georgia Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Aspen White	How resistant to abuse are these subarus?? Just watched the Top Gear Africa Special and it had me wondering. How many miles is too many on a used WRX? Any good places to locate stock radios for an 06 impreza? It seems like most guys with the wagontake the roofrack crossbars off... Any reason why? Last edited by laxaholic; 03-26-2013 at 12:16 AM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-08-2013, 12:03 AM	#2
bball831 Scooby Newbie Member#: 210139 Join Date: Apr 2009 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, Or Vehicle: 2007 2.5 NBP	you'll get better gas mileage out of the 2.5i. You'll get high twenties in mpg with mixed city and freeway driving. The wrx has quite a bit more power if you're looking for some speed. The 2.5i isn't a slouch for it's price point though. It all depends on what you want and what you can afford. As far as what to look for, be on the lookout for rust or any damage that the seller has attempted to cover up.

03-08-2013, 07:55 AM	#3
Distant.Calling Scooby Newbie Member#: 230167 Join Date: Nov 2009 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: MD Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i CGM	It'd be a long-shot, but it wouldn't hurt to find out if head gaskets were replaced. An unfortunate, but inevitable thing about pre-'08 2.5i's is always going to be the dreaded hg replacement.

03-08-2013, 10:10 AM	#4
DaWhiteScoob Scooby Specialist Member#: 211268 Join Date: May 2009 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Upstate NY Vehicle: 2006 Impreza AW	I usually get 21 - 18 mpg (06 2.5i) with mostly highway as well as my cousin with his 08 Legacy. Make sure the head gasket was done and timing belt, those are the most expensive jobs.

03-08-2013, 10:23 AM	#5
Distant.Calling Scooby Newbie Member#: 230167 Join Date: Nov 2009 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: MD Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i CGM	Would be nice if water pump were replaced as well, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.

03-08-2013, 11:04 AM	#6
boomhauer Scooby Newbie Member#: 51283 Join Date: Dec 2003 Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Silver, 5MT	I'm getting 28-29 mpg in mixed driving, mostly highway. Not too spirited, usually shifting by 3K rpm. 72K miles.

03-08-2013, 12:29 PM	#7
JohnM10 Scooby Newbie Member#: 244231 Join Date: Apr 2010 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Providence, RI, USA Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i 5M Crystal Grey Metallic	I posted this in another thread for a similiar question: I purchased my 2006 5 spd in March, 2010 with 47k miles from a private party sale. I have beeen lucky in that I have not had any problems with mine and have only had to perform regular maintenance to it. It now has 70k miles on the odometer. If I had known what I have now learned prior to buying my Impreza, I would have spent more time checking the following things before buying it (although thankfully mine did not have any of these issues) 1. Pull the spark plug wires and check for oil pooling in the holes. 2. Check the seam on the top of the radiator for signs of leaks. 3. Check for oil seeping at the head gaskets 4. Check the tire pressure and if there is even wear on all 4 tires 5. Listen to the engine for excessive ticking or piston slap 5. After a long test drive(about 20 mins), go to a parking lot and drive in slow circles in both directions in 1st gear as well as in reverse. Check for any binding, clicking or other odd noises from the drivetrain to rule out a bad center diff or other drivetrain issues. Of course, check any other generic stuff like the level and contamination of coolant, engine oil, transmission oil. Update: had recently replaced clutch at 98k miles due to a squealling TOB

03-12-2013, 04:59 PM	#8
laxaholic Scooby Newbie Member#: 338950 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Georgia Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Aspen White	I ended up buying it, kept the land cruiser for now. Any quick mods or anything I should do to it?

03-12-2013, 07:45 PM	#9
Duvanator Scooby Newbie Member#: 217257 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Thunder Bay, Canada Vehicle: 2008 2.5i hatch white pearl + HID retro	Depends on if you're just think of appearance type mods, or handling type mods. I would suggest to get a rear sway bar, everyone will agree in telling you it 100% transforms the feel of the car. making it more planted and reducing the body roll. I recently put up a log thread in the members gallery, I've done quite a bit to my car link: 2008 SWP 2.5i - My log

03-12-2013, 08:45 PM	#10
Loscaldazar Scooby Newbie Member#: 300007 Join Date: Nov 2011	You can make the non turbo models excellent handlers. Then you don't have to deal with someone else's problem that they then sold.

03-13-2013, 01:23 PM	#11
boomhauer Scooby Newbie Member#: 51283 Join Date: Dec 2003 Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Silver, 5MT	My 2006 2.5i has gotten two enhancements so far - a oem rear sway from a WRX, and polyurethane shifter bushings. Very nice improvements. Next up are steering rack bushings to remove the slop. These all seem like good bang-for-buck mods.

03-13-2013, 02:59 PM	#12
laxaholic Scooby Newbie Member#: 338950 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Georgia Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Aspen White	What exactly do the sway bars do for the car? How does it affect road manners? Long highway commutes. Anything you guys have done to the interior?? Sorry for my Lack of Knowledge, i've always been into 4x4s. Just trying this out. Thanks!

03-13-2013, 06:09 PM	#14
evilWagon Scooby Newbie Member#: 128739 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ontario Vehicle: 07 2.5i SE Wagon OBP	^He's wrong on the weight transfer, steady state the weight distribution is the same as without. The rate of weight transfer is affected.

03-18-2013, 12:38 AM	#16
laxaholic Scooby Newbie Member#: 338950 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Georgia Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Aspen White	Have been doing some long distance driving in the subie. Not impressed thus far. Manual trans is great, but check engine light came on at 3:35am and cruise control blinking and no longer working. Interior just feels baren and already noticing some rattles.

03-18-2013, 01:55 AM	#17
Eyedoc Orlando Scooby Newbie Member#: 146216 Join Date: Apr 2007 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Birmingham, AL Vehicle: 2007 Impreza 2.5i SE Newport Blue Metallic	Probably just the gas cap

03-18-2013, 11:02 AM	#18
boomhauer Scooby Newbie Member#: 51283 Join Date: Dec 2003 Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Silver, 5MT	What you see is pretty much what you get. It's a seven year old 2.5i, and it doesn't pretend to be a loaded sports sedan. It is, however, a highly economical awd vehicle with adequate power and the potential for superior handling. Tightened gas cap is always the first check, though that wouldn't explain the cruise control.

03-18-2013, 11:51 AM	#19
Rudgers73 Scooby Newbie Member#: 141433 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Obsidian Black	If you have a CEL that automatically makes the cruise control light blink. It's a way to encourage you to get it figured out. When the cruise control light is blinking it will not work. There is nothing wrong with your car past whatever turned on the CEL

03-18-2013, 09:18 PM	#21
laxaholic Scooby Newbie Member#: 338950 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Georgia Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Aspen White	I agree, it is what it is. How could i better exploit the potential or handling??

03-19-2013, 01:03 PM	#22
boomhauer Scooby Newbie Member#: 51283 Join Date: Dec 2003 Vehicle: 2006 Impreza 2.5i Silver, 5MT	I started with a larger rear sway bar. The stock one is 13 mm diameter, and you can pick up a 17 mm stock bar from a WRX for cheap (got mine for $40 shipped). Easy swap, nice difference. Rear endlinks are another typical upgrade. Or do both front and rear bars. Sky's the limit on these cars. See the stickies in the suspension section.

03-19-2013, 01:25 PM	#23
gdoggmoney Scooby Newbie Member#: 158150 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: some place Vehicle: 2007 Impreza 2.5i Newport Blue pearl	Headgaskets, headgaskets headgaskets. I just did mine at 78k this weekend, they were leaking a hair at 40k when bought and were finally bad enough last week to find a light brown coating in my radiator. If you look under and see them leaking external oil, it is a short matter of time before it starts getting oil into coolant -- once coolant is in the oil, bearing problems and trashed motor. That said, my motor has perfect compression, did before the headgaskets and other than a leaky valve cover gasket/spark plug well, has been bulletproof never leaving me stranded. I used the fel pro MLS gaskets, and my own torque procedure guided by the subaru procedure and other posters experience.