Subaru Impreza 2005-2007 - Are they good cars?

CiniO

I just looked over ads, and they seem to be reasonably cheap to buy.

Currently I have 04 Mazda 6 2.0 petrol, and I thought maybe about changing to Impreza 2.0 non-turbo 160BHP something between 2005 and 2007.

It's only slightly faster than my mazda, and probably bit better handling. Surely fuel economy will be worse, but 4x4 is really tempting. But are there any other drawbacks of that car?

I'm perfectly happy with Mazda, as mechanically it's really great and very reliable. Generally I didn't have any problems with it so far, maybe apart from fact that it's getting a bit rusty.
Are those Imprezas also that much reliable?
Any known issues with them?

I know I'll be told to ring my insurer, but would Impreza be considered of more risk for the insurer than my current Mazda, considering they both have similar performance?

Would cost of maintenance of this Impreza be higher than of Mazda 6? (Like would spare parts be more expensive or sth)?

I'm not changing my car yet. I'm just thinking about it in nearer or further future, and wanted to get a bit of advice.

Cheers.

CJhaughey

CiniO wrote: »

I know I'll be told to ring my insurer, but would Impreza be considered of more risk for the insurer than my current Mazda, considering they both have similar performance?


Cheers.

Check the insurance first, its almost impossible very difficult to get these insured for some people.

Henry Ford III

They are relatively heavy on fuel, and have a low rent interior.

CiniO

CJhaughey wrote: »

Check the insurance first, its almost impossible very difficult to get these insured for some people.

I believe that STI or even WRX version (both over 200BHP) might be difficult to insure, but standard 2.0 with performance comparable to other vehicles in this class with 2.0 engines, should be allright I was thinking.
But surely - with Irish insurers you never know.
I'm 30 with 9 years NCB and full licence for last 13 years. I think I should be OK anyway.

CiniO

Henry Ford III wrote: »

They are relatively heavy on fuel, and have a low rent interior.

I read reports on fuel consumption. It's heavy (heavier than my Mazda), but not tragical. Considering I don't drive it that much, and that nearly half of mileage is done abroad where LPG is widely available, I might try to convert it and avail of fuel for nearly half price at least for some part of mileage.


I've seen interior and I'm pretty much happy with it.

But I couldn't find too much information about reliability and maintenance cost, so thats what I'm interested in the most.

Tubbs4

Best to go to Irish subaru club -www.isdc.ie
The 2 litre you get insurance for no problem. It is just the wrx and sti are hard to insure and cost more on maintenance.
The 2 litre is the same price for services and done 1 a year.
The sti if I remember correctly the old need changing ever 5000 miles.

ShadowHearth

Why not to get a legacy?

The only impreza worth getting is wrx/Sti. All those non Turbo ones are "you doing it wrong" section.

Have you been in one m8? I know impreza is 4 door car, but I honestly have no idea why it has those 2 extra doors. Space in the back is shiet m8. 2 normal size adults in front and rear is only for children.
Legacy would be waaaay better option if you buying Subaru as sensible car. More space, very cheap, lots of toys and comfort.

Anan1

CiniO wrote: »

I believe that STI or even WRX version (both over 200BHP) might be difficult to insure, but standard 2.0 with performance comparable to other vehicles in this class with 2.0 engines, should be allright I was thinking.
But surely - with Irish insurers you never know.
I'm 30 with 9 years NCB and full licence for last 13 years. I think I should be OK anyway.

As you say, with insurers you never know. Aviva have me covered on a Forester 2.5 turbo, but they flat-out refused a temporary transfer onto an Impreza 1.6 while my car was being serviced. I ended up going home in a Fiesta.