Faults:

A well-known fault: AWD solenoid in automatic gearbox failed at about 110,000kms. Cost about $800NZD for the dealer to fix.

ABS electronics glitched and shut down the system - although there was physically nothing wrong. Apparently rare occurrence, though, but expensive to diagnose.

Other wear-and tear items e.g. CV boots and brake pads.

General Comments:

The engine itself is very reliable if properly serviced with good synthetic oil at 10,000kms intervals max.

Top-end (above 5000rpm) performance suffers compared to its sedan stable-mates due to the smaller TD04 turbo used. However that is more than compensated by the quick low-down response in everyday situations.

The auto has unusual gearing that matches the engine at 2500rpm when doing 100kmh at top gear + OD. This makes it a surprising nice highway cruiser and you can leverage that fact to gain better than average fuel economy.

The chassis exhibits typical understeer followed by snap oversteer if the throttle is lifted. Recommend driving around with snow tyres first to fully learn its behaviour.

Once good tyres are fitted, traction is second-to-none - until handling limits are broken at very high speed.

The interior trim feels cheap, nasty, and generally unrefined. However, rattle is minimal for a car of this age as it is generally well put together. The front bucket seats are an excellent fit for me - but they are not for everybody. There is little leg room for rear passengers. The rear seats can be folded down for extra cargo space, which becomes just long enough to sleep in diagonally.

Modding is relatively simple and there are plenty of guides on the Internet, so I won't repeat myself here.

Faults:

Coolant temperature sensor - 136000km. Replaced under warranty.

Crankshaft and camshaft front oil seal leaks - 190000km. Replaced at 200000km timing belt change.

Front cv boots split twice (never actually had to replace the joints!)

I think the clutch is starting to wear down a bit now - might be time for a new one.

General Comments:

I specifically bought the Impreza for the AWD, and having felt the difference in handling, I'll only ever drive AWD!

The 1.8L is a little lagging in power, especially below 3000rpm, but it is acceptable. Fuel economy is good, probably a little down with engine wear. The engine starts first time, every time, doesn't blow smoke. I find the gearbox to be a bit notchy, but it shifts quick if you need to.

My wife and I love the car. Its all wheel drive handling is superb, and it is a joy to drive, equally around the city and on long highway trips.

The only negative - insurance. Even for a "next door to a corolla" car, it costs me more than a V8 to insure. Why? One insurance company said simply: "Because it has a Subaru badge on it." No, more like "Just because we like to fleece you."

Faults:

Nothing so far, although the synchronisers in the gearbox are getting lazy.4wd turbo puts a lot of strain on them.

General Comments:

Turbo power with faultless four wheel traction, its safe and an adrenaline rush at the same time!

Faults:

Nothing major yet.

General Comments:

Great car with awesome acceleration and handling.