2001 Subaru Impreza WRX 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Excellent overall package

Faults:

The a/c was "serviced" when I bought the car.. obviously this cause the a/c to stop working for 2 months. Since then the only other fault has been an exhaust hanger that keeps coming loose and makes a banging noise during hard acceleration or deceleration. Also, the juddering clutch which only used to happen during cold - now happens when the car is warm too.. Subaru service in Spain is average at best.

General Comments:

Excellent handling, body control and damping for Spanish roads. Very soft compound on OE spec tyres - not a bad thing, but I need to change them every 6 months at 400 Euros a pop.

Excellent seats.. steering wheel is too big and they should just delete the stereo as I NEVER use it - the flat four boxer sound and turbo wailing is far better than any music.

It is immediately evident that the money spent on this car's development was spent on the important things that enthusiasts enjoy - engine, gearbox (nasy clutch though), chassis and exhaust note. Every enthusiast MUST own one of these once in their lives - nothing is as quick on real roads cross country (Mitsu Evo lovers... you have a great car, for race tracks and rally special stages - suspension is rock hard for daily use and kids!).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th August, 2003