Subaru Impreza diesel 2009

jimmythedivil

Just looking around for a post -08 diesel to replace my aging TDi Golf and have a seen a beautiful looking Impreza diesel 4wd with an impressive spec and just 56k miles. It's not cheap @ 9000 Euro but there may be some room for haggling and it's still much cheaper than say an equivalently specced Golf. The 4wd would be v handy for where I live too.

However I was doing a bit of research online and this particular Subaru engine seems to come in for quite a bit of criticism. Apparently they are not as tough as they should be and the crankshaft can go on them at around 60k. On carzone though there are plenty of examples with over 200k kms on them. I was wondering if anyone on here would have direct experience of either owning or working on one of these Subaru's? They are a rare car so prob unlikely but I said it was worth a shot.

mph_96

Hi,

I have had a Subaru Legacy diesel since 2008. Currently has 150K km on the clock. But it has had its problems. Big end bearing went at 20k, turbo at 40k. Both covered by warranty. Clutch is not made for any abuse!!

Injectors also give trouble and are a nightmare to get at.............engine needs to come out!!!

But it is a fabulous car to drive and I would buy another Gen IV Legacy if they were still being made.

H.E. Pennypacker

Have a read through this:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057524363


It's the same engine as the Impreza and is a common problem with the boxer diesel. Sadly, Subaru Ireland don't provide the same level of support that owners in other countries get. I had a Legacy diesel from new, loved the car and sold it before I knew of the issues with the engine but I wouldn't buy another one with that engine under any circumstances even if it had been rebuilt. Its an engine failure waiting to happen and might well be tricky to sell on even if all goes well.

As the previous poster mentioned, access to injectors and glow plugs is difficult without engine removal. Glow plugs are prone to snapping on removal and even changing the clutch & DMF involves a hefty labour charge.

Great cars let down badly by the importer IMO.

H.E. Pennypacker

I should also add that the AWD is great but without winter tyres its not much help when trying to stop. If conditions can be bad where you live then a good set of winter tyres will make a big difference to your ability to get around, even without AWD.

Muppet Man

Bought one from new in 2010. The pulling performance was great from a standing start with 4 wheel drive system and over a five year period, I would say the 4 wheel drive system got me out of trouble on ice and mucky fields about a half dozen times. 99% of the time I didn't need 4 wheel drive but was glad I had it when I did needed it.

From about one year old the dpf regeneration light kept coming on... Fairly consistently. No amount of "regeneration" or reprogramming or cleaning or "drive it hard once a week to burn off the soot" would fix it (last one was dealers advice....). Apparently the dpf is a known issue.

It's a pity cos its a comfortable car to drive, and with 150 bhp, it was abe to perform when you needed to over take. Ride was firm / liveable, and not hard, and handled round abouts well when driving lively.

Towards the end of year 4, the catalytic converter gave up the ghost. "Disintegrated" was the word the dealer used. Advice was either a new cat at 3000 euro, or bypass the cat and reprogram ecu for 1000 euro. I went with the cheaper option which made the car noticeably quicker. (More room for exhaust leaving system)

Sold it shortly after with somewhat of a heavy heart, but I could not recommend one. Even with 5 years of dealership services, the dpf light wouldn't stay off.

Muppet man

Nb, not sure if it was the cat or the dpf that " disintegrated", apologies. Either way it was 3k for a new one

jimmythedivil

Well that's fairly conclusive. Think I will be looking at other cars. Thanks for the feedback.