questions about possibly buying a new impreza

skifun · 11-21-2005, 09:52 PM

From looking around on the board, subarus look much more reliable then the pos nissan sentra ser specv I drive now. What are the known reliability issues with the impreza's? Im looking at a new impreza 2.5i with a 5 speed. what is the real world highway M.P.G. (not miles per tank)? I've noticed the impreza has no door window frame, after the car gets old, does the window seal get worn out and let air get through and whistle on the freeway? Does the sedan handle corners better then the wagon? If there are any former 02' up nissan ser or ser specv owners on the site, let me know. Thanks.

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Usaf*STi · 11-21-2005, 11:12 PM

most problems with subarus are petite... like he window seal that you mentioned. i have had this happen twice in three cars to me. (i'm waiting on the third to do it) MPG as far as the 2.5i goes, i would say 21-25. i have a STi and if i drive it resonably(not WOT all the time) i get about 20 MPG. yes the sedan handles better then the wagon but put some sway bars on the wagon and its handling better. only reliability issues i have run into is my clutch and that was completly my fault. to much power and not enough experience driving cause problems. i have also never owned a Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V but i have riden in a few and the subaru 2.5i is even more fun of a ride, mabye not faster but definetly more fun.

garie · 11-22-2005, 12:15 AM

I've had my 02 wrx wagon for 55k miles and have never needed to bring the car into the dealership. I've done all the maintenance by myself and the only parts I had to fix or replace were small parts broken by myself when installing mods.

24mpg on the highway
less when more stop and go driving, and when I drive fast w/ boost.

firedust · 11-24-2005, 09:53 PM

03 WRX. Yes, my car is Yellow and I like that.

I've got 31K, all self maintained. There's no reason not to with how simple the design of the entire car is with regards to maintenance (I mean, the fuel filter is under the hood!!). Some call that cheap. The newer ones are more refined I suppose.

The paint sucks on my car, but maybe something been done about that?

I get 27 mpg at 75 mph, and I average about 22 mpg in real life. I drive 25% city. I also don't get out of first gear until almost 4k rpm since I find the short/tall 1/2 switch lagging in power.

No door frame issues yet. Got some rattles now, but since I paid 22k for the car, I won't complain. Aftermarket speakers required modifying the door a little and adding a spacer. Got some play in the shift I can't get rid of. Nothing more.

Sean · 11-24-2005, 11:00 PM

As far as MPG it depends on how you drive it. My 2.2 NA rally car gets anywhere from 32 MPG transiting on the highway down to 12 MPH during all-out stage rally. Go figure.

NESIC Web Site | Trunkmonkey FAQ | Trunkmonkey Racing | Trunkmonkeys in Action

Acostafan · 11-25-2005, 04:51 PM

I'm on my second Impreza, first WRX. I baked my center diff from using the compact spare too long, but that was my fault.

Never had window seal issues on either car(first one was a 2-door L).

The paint does suck. Chips if you look at it the wrong way.

Have done all maintenance so far myself, ZERO issues other than the ones I spoke of. GREAT cars, very reliable, very safe, lots of fun. I won't drive anything else.

makanai · 11-25-2005, 06:04 PM

Real word gas mileage for me driving "reasonably" is about 25-29. I've gotten over 30 before (babying it), and put 415 miles on a full tank with probably a few miles left to spare. Driving much more aggressively I get around 22-25. Driving silly aggressive I get around 20.

22k miles, complaints? Let's see, I've got the creaking issues. Most of it comes from the back. I have an annoying rattle on my glove compartment that I could probably fix if I sat down and looked at it. Performance is still spot on, no mechanical problems and I do most of the maintainence myself. Paint SUCKS and I've got a bunch of chips already. I probably should have bought Rockblocker, and if they haven't changed the paint on new models I would *highly* recommend something like it if you car about looks.

Other than that, the car is great. My buddy has a 2002 with about 85k on it and the only problem he's had is having to get a new clutch.

So, my verdict (biased though it is) is they're great cars.

MAK

WRX Shenanigans · 11-25-2005, 07:55 PM

I have an 02' with 35,000 miles. My clutch had to be replaced before it hit 10,000 miles, not my fault, I got it for free (clutch shudder TSB)
Also I had to get my blower for my a/c fixed at about the 30,000 mile mark.
There have been a few TSBs and recalls, but very few and far between and mainly for the early models like mine.

also I get like 18-20 mpg (I drive lead-footed), but ya know what, its definitely worth it, go for it!

ALaDDiN · 11-25-2005, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WRX Shenanigans

I have an 02' with 35,000 miles. My clutch had to be replaced before it hit 10,000 miles, not my fault, I got it for free (clutch shudder TSB)
Also I had to get my blower for my a/c fixed at about the 30,000 mile mark.
There have been a few TSBs and recalls, but very few and far between and mainly for the early models like mine.

also I get like 18-20 mpg (I drive lead-footed), but ya know what, its definitely worth it, go for it!

I have a 2002 wrx sedan w/ 30k and I have noticed my clutch shudders too, but what do I actually go tell the dealership? Will this be covered under warranty ?

WRX Shenanigans · 11-25-2005, 08:17 PM

I'm not sure if its covered under powertrain warranty or if you still need the regular warranty but it should be covered (you have an 02' so you may not still have your original bumper to bumper warranty, but if you do then it shouldn't be a problem).
Call your nearest Subaru dealership and tell them that you have had a problem with clutch shudder since new and that you just thought it was part of what the car does. They should tell you about a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin which is different than a recall because its not safety related, so they don't HAVE to tell you like they would have to tell you about a recall, you have to bring up the issue for them to do anything about it).
I am not sure how long these TSBs are good for though, they may expire, I know this one was put out in early 03'. Good luck Aladdin!

ALaDDiN · 11-25-2005, 08:50 PM

Thanks a lot WRX Shenanigans ! I think I will be paying my dealer a visit sometime this week with a list of complains like the brake pedal to the floor, driverside window making noise, clutch shudder, ac/heat vents making noise, etc . . .

Thanks a lot once again. Any additional comments would be much appreciated!

Uncle Scotty · 11-25-2005, 11:37 PM

....i had an '02 for 60k....heavily modded for 45k of that.....the '06 is SOooooooooooooo much MORE car than the earlier ones if isn't even funny.

To get the '06 into the 'fast car'(overall---NOT just the engine performance) club is gonna be a LOT cheaper and easier than the previous 2.0's, no doubt at all.

ALaDDiN · 11-26-2005, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Scotty

....i had an '02 for 60k....heavily modded for 45k of that.....the '06 is SOooooooooooooo much MORE car than the earlier ones if isn't even funny.

To get the '06 into the 'fast car'(overall---NOT just the engine performance) club is gonna be a LOT cheaper and easier than the previous 2.0's, no doubt at all.

I dont doubt that for one second . . I test drove a 2006 WRX w/ the intentions of buying it, but then decided it would be smarter for me to settle w/ a 2002 w/ 27k for $15,000 since I am a college student. I dont regret it at all, but miss that torque I felt in that 10minute test drive.

BTW Uncle Scotty, how would you compare the 2002 vs. the 2006 as far as the "looks" are concerend ?

Uncle Scotty · 11-26-2005, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALaDDiN

BTW Uncle Scotty, how would you compare the 2002 vs. the 2006 as far as the "looks" are concerend ?

....if 'looks' are a hangup.......on a SUBARU, for gods sake

....I mean they are ALL ass ugly....who buys a Subaru for 'looks', anyway?????

....screw the looks......gimme AWD and a turbo and get the hell out of my way.

....I HATED the 'Neon' look of the bugeye.

Sean · 11-26-2005, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Scotty

....I mean they are ALL ass ugly....who buys a Subaru for 'looks', anyway?????

Ha. Too true. But the old-gen RS is the least ugly in my useless opinion.

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Uncle Scotty · 11-26-2005, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean

Ha. Too true. But the old-gen RS is the least ugly in my useless opinion.

....I will agree on this point......I would kill many young children and small furry animals for the right GC, no doubt.

11-21-2005, 09:52 PM	#1
skifun Scooby Newbie Member#: 101242 Join Date: Nov 2005	questions about possibly buying a new impreza From looking around on the board, subarus look much more reliable then the pos nissan sentra ser specv I drive now. What are the known reliability issues with the impreza's? Im looking at a new impreza 2.5i with a 5 speed. what is the real world highway M.P.G. (not miles per tank)? I've noticed the impreza has no door window frame, after the car gets old, does the window seal get worn out and let air get through and whistle on the freeway? Does the sedan handle corners better then the wagon? If there are any former 02' up nissan ser or ser specv owners on the site, let me know. Thanks. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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11-21-2005, 11:12 PM	#2
UsafSTi Scooby Specialist Member#:* 88063 Join Date: May 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Nikki Beach Vehicle: 06 STi Black as night	most problems with subarus are petite... like he window seal that you mentioned. i have had this happen twice in three cars to me. (i'm waiting on the third to do it) MPG as far as the 2.5i goes, i would say 21-25. i have a STi and if i drive it resonably(not WOT all the time) i get about 20 MPG. yes the sedan handles better then the wagon but put some sway bars on the wagon and its handling better. only reliability issues i have run into is my clutch and that was completly my fault. to much power and not enough experience driving cause problems. i have also never owned a Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V but i have riden in a few and the subaru 2.5i is even more fun of a ride, mabye not faster but definetly more fun.

11-22-2005, 12:15 AM	#3
garie Scooby Specialist Member#: 26607 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: socal Vehicle: 2002 wrx wagon	I've had my 02 wrx wagon for 55k miles and have never needed to bring the car into the dealership. I've done all the maintenance by myself and the only parts I had to fix or replace were small parts broken by myself when installing mods. 24mpg on the highway less when more stop and go driving, and when I drive fast w/ boost.

11-24-2005, 09:53 PM	#4
firedust Scooby Specialist Member#: 38795 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: West Midtown Atlanta Vehicle: 2003 WRX Sonic Yellow	03 WRX. Yes, my car is Yellow and I like that. I've got 31K, all self maintained. There's no reason not to with how simple the design of the entire car is with regards to maintenance (I mean, the fuel filter is under the hood!!). Some call that cheap. The newer ones are more refined I suppose. The paint sucks on my car, but maybe something been done about that? I get 27 mpg at 75 mph, and I average about 22 mpg in real life. I drive 25% city. I also don't get out of first gear until almost 4k rpm since I find the short/tall 1/2 switch lagging in power. No door frame issues yet. Got some rattles now, but since I paid 22k for the car, I won't complain. Aftermarket speakers required modifying the door a little and adding a spacer. Got some play in the shift I can't get rid of. Nothing more.

11-24-2005, 11:00 PM	#5
Sean Scooby Guru Member#: 518 Join Date: Nov 1999 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Pelham, NH USA Vehicle: 762 PGT Impreza L, Elantra GT Sport	As far as MPG it depends on how you drive it. My 2.2 NA rally car gets anywhere from 32 MPG transiting on the highway down to 12 MPH during all-out stage rally. Go figure. NESIC Web Site \| Trunkmonkey FAQ \| Trunkmonkey Racing \| Trunkmonkeys in Action

11-25-2005, 04:51 PM	#6
Acostafan Scooby Specialist Member#: 67398 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Chattanooga, TN Vehicle: 2002 Now with 100% RDA of 2.5l Goodness!!!	I'm on my second Impreza, first WRX. I baked my center diff from using the compact spare too long, but that was my fault. Never had window seal issues on either car(first one was a 2-door L). The paint does suck. Chips if you look at it the wrong way. Have done all maintenance so far myself, ZERO issues other than the ones I spoke of. GREAT cars, very reliable, very safe, lots of fun. I won't drive anything else.

11-25-2005, 06:04 PM	#7
makanai Scooby Specialist Member#: 65277 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Columbus, Ohio Vehicle: 2004 WRX Wagon Platinum Silver	Real word gas mileage for me driving "reasonably" is about 25-29. I've gotten over 30 before (babying it), and put 415 miles on a full tank with probably a few miles left to spare. Driving much more aggressively I get around 22-25. Driving silly aggressive I get around 20. 22k miles, complaints? Let's see, I've got the creaking issues. Most of it comes from the back. I have an annoying rattle on my glove compartment that I could probably fix if I sat down and looked at it. Performance is still spot on, no mechanical problems and I do most of the maintainence myself. Paint SUCKS and I've got a bunch of chips already. I probably should have bought Rockblocker, and if they haven't changed the paint on new models I would highly recommend something like it if you car about looks. Other than that, the car is great. My buddy has a 2002 with about 85k on it and the only problem he's had is having to get a new clutch. So, my verdict (biased though it is) is they're great cars. MAK

11-25-2005, 07:55 PM	#8
WRX Shenanigans Scooby Specialist Member#: 101378 Join Date: Nov 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: VA Vehicle: 2022 Ioniq 5 SEL AWD Matte Baby	I have an 02' with 35,000 miles. My clutch had to be replaced before it hit 10,000 miles, not my fault, I got it for free (clutch shudder TSB) Also I had to get my blower for my a/c fixed at about the 30,000 mile mark. There have been a few TSBs and recalls, but very few and far between and mainly for the early models like mine. also I get like 18-20 mpg (I drive lead-footed), but ya know what, its definitely worth it, go for it!

11-25-2005, 08:17 PM	#10
WRX Shenanigans Scooby Specialist Member#: 101378 Join Date: Nov 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: VA Vehicle: 2022 Ioniq 5 SEL AWD Matte Baby	I'm not sure if its covered under powertrain warranty or if you still need the regular warranty but it should be covered (you have an 02' so you may not still have your original bumper to bumper warranty, but if you do then it shouldn't be a problem). Call your nearest Subaru dealership and tell them that you have had a problem with clutch shudder since new and that you just thought it was part of what the car does. They should tell you about a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin which is different than a recall because its not safety related, so they don't HAVE to tell you like they would have to tell you about a recall, you have to bring up the issue for them to do anything about it). I am not sure how long these TSBs are good for though, they may expire, I know this one was put out in early 03'. Good luck Aladdin!

11-25-2005, 08:50 PM	#11
ALaDDiN Scooby Specialist Member#: 98294 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Clarksburg, MD Vehicle: 2004 Honda Civic 2006 Acura TL	Thanks a lot WRX Shenanigans ! I think I will be paying my dealer a visit sometime this week with a list of complains like the brake pedal to the floor, driverside window making noise, clutch shudder, ac/heat vents making noise, etc . . . Thanks a lot once again. Any additional comments would be much appreciated!

11-25-2005, 11:37 PM	#12
Uncle Scotty * Banned * Member#: 16200 Join Date: Mar 2002 Vehicle: OK buy Nates beans westcoastroasting.com	....i had an '02 for 60k....heavily modded for 45k of that.....the '06 is SOooooooooooooo much MORE car than the earlier ones if isn't even funny. To get the '06 into the 'fast car'(overall---NOT just the engine performance) club is gonna be a LOT cheaper and easier than the previous 2.0's, no doubt at all.