2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS review from North America

First problem is the car doesn't like to go into reverse a lot of the time. Have to put car in neutral let clutch out, then push clutch in and try again. Usually works, but very frustrating. I always wonder in the back of my mind what would happen if I needed to reverse quickly to avoid an accident and couldn't get it into reverse! Dealership tells me that this is normal operating behaviour.

Second problem. Got stuck in some major stop and go traffic, starting smelling terrible hot metal / hot rubber smell. Once out of stop and go, smell disappeared. Took to dealership, was told it was the clutch getting too hot and is also apparently normal operating behaviour as well.

Third problem. When taking off in first gear, after car had started moving and is past point of stalling because of lack of gas, the car makes a shuttering movement - like it's going to stall. Best way to describe is - feels like you're taking off in second gear and not giving enough gas. Haven't ventured to the dealership to try and explain this problem yet, but dreading that I'll get the "normal operating behaviour" line again.

Overall, despite all of our problems, I love my car. Sporty and lots of fun to drive - when it's working properly. Sick to say, but I'd buy another despite the nightmares I've encountered with this one.

Has anybody else had any of these problems or did I get a lemon?

J