1997 Subaru Impreza UK Turbo Wagon review from UK and Ireland

Front brake discs warped.

All brake calipers seized requiring rebuild.

Gearbox failed.

Exhaust cat melted.

Corrosion of suspension components compromised structural integrity.

Engine suffered "piston slap" when cold, finally suffered big end failure @ 165,000 miles.

I had the car for 3 years and 52,000 miles; because of its cult status I paid over the odds to buy it. With its thirst for fuel (16 mpg was the norm), frequent service intervals (3000 miles), and appetite for repairs, it bled me dry financially. And if I had the choice to relive my life, I would do it all again!

If you have a list of 100 things to do before you die, the Impreza Turbo must be on it. For anyone with even a hint of petrol in their veins, it is a must. I thought I had driven some capable cars, but nothing prepared me for the Impreza; in performance and handling it defies the laws of physics. I would go for a drive just for fun, 2 seconds of throttle was sufficient to relegate most cars to second place, and from a standstill even motorbikes were no match. The noise sends cold shivers, kids worship it, it's a crowd puller.

I drag raced it @ 13.9 seconds and 100mph, and drove it to work every day for 3 years.

I'm sure plenty of people will say their car is faster, or more satisfying, or handles better, but as a packaged all rounder at (now) a bargain price, it's unbeatable.