The 2008 Impreza has arrived, and it's bigger, quieter and less expensive than the model before it. That's good news if you're after a new, all-wheel-drive sedan or hatchback- but it's also good news if you're looking for a used one. Previous generation Impreza's are bound to be hitting dealer lots as trade-in's, so if you want a sporty and capable used ride that's not afraid of snow, you'd best get looking.
Impreza has always been an enthusiast's car. Quirky styling often started debates, and towards the end of the last generation it seemed as though Subaru was always tinkering with the front end- before stopping the generation in 2007 when it wore a three-eyed-insect grille.
What's always stayed the same was the offering of a fully automatic all wheel drive system driven by a horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder boxer engine. This sort of powerplant sets the pistons against one another in a flat, wide configuration which lowers the car's centre of gravity for more nimble handling. It sits closer to the road than a traditional in-line engine, and is easily dislodged in the case of an accident- making it a safety feature as well.
The engine was updated in 2006, bumping horsepower slightly to 173. Additionally, models from 2004 and on were fitted with updated suspension components for a better ride, as well as added convenience features. You'll find the used Impreza's interior falls notably short of exciting or cutting-edge for its time, though it was always the driving experience that sold the car, not its looks. Depending on the year and model, look for standard equipment including power windows and mirrors, power locks, air conditioning, cruise control and tilt steering.
Subaru has a reputation for building a solid and reliable car- though like any brand, older models do have their known issues. A possibly faulty clutch line and slave cylinder may result in a limp clutch pedal- the fix being to replace the fluid or the entire line assembly, depending on the model. Squeaks and rattles are the next most commonly reported problems. Other than these small issues, Impreza comes off largely as a bulletproof machine- except in one area.
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| 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon |
Impreza has always been an enthusiast's car. Quirky styling often started debates, and towards the end of the last generation it seemed as though Subaru was always tinkering with the front end- before stopping the generation in 2007 when it wore a three-eyed-insect grille.
What's always stayed the same was the offering of a fully automatic all wheel drive system driven by a horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder boxer engine. This sort of powerplant sets the pistons against one another in a flat, wide configuration which lowers the car's centre of gravity for more nimble handling. It sits closer to the road than a traditional in-line engine, and is easily dislodged in the case of an accident- making it a safety feature as well.
The engine was updated in 2006, bumping horsepower slightly to 173. Additionally, models from 2004 and on were fitted with updated suspension components for a better ride, as well as added convenience features. You'll find the used Impreza's interior falls notably short of exciting or cutting-edge for its time, though it was always the driving experience that sold the car, not its looks. Depending on the year and model, look for standard equipment including power windows and mirrors, power locks, air conditioning, cruise control and tilt steering.
Subaru has a reputation for building a solid and reliable car- though like any brand, older models do have their known issues. A possibly faulty clutch line and slave cylinder may result in a limp clutch pedal- the fix being to replace the fluid or the entire line assembly, depending on the model. Squeaks and rattles are the next most commonly reported problems. Other than these small issues, Impreza comes off largely as a bulletproof machine- except in one area.
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| 2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS Sedan |