Subaru Impreza
SOHC boxer engine, 2.5L naturally aspirated — Subaru's bread-and-butter powertrain. The head gasket cliché is real: external oil/coolant leaks from ~80k miles on 1999-2011 models. From 2012 with MLS gaskets, no longer a systematic issue. Solid base design, 200k+ miles possible with regular maintenance.
Compact boxer with AWD — the entry into Subaru
Standard AWD in a compact — nobody else offers this at the same price. No sporting character, but a compelling argument in snow and rain. The base Subaru.
Engine Weaknesses 2
The Subaru cliché: composite gasket fails, oil and coolant seep externally along the cylinder head. Affects 1999-2011 models. From 2012 with MLS gaskets, no longer a systematic issue.
Symptoms: Sweet smell at exhaust manifold, oil/coolant traces under engine, slow coolant loss
Oil consumption increases slightly at higher mileage — normal for the EJ series. Regular oil level checks between service intervals recommended.
Symptoms: Oil level warning between intervals, minimal oil film at exhaust during cold start
Vehicle Weaknesses 4
Recall WUE-90 (2008–2017): silicone-based household spray residue on switch contacts prevents brake lights from illuminating. CVT vehicles cannot be shifted out of Park.
Synchro rings in the manual gearbox wear at higher mileage — 2nd and 3rd gear become notchy or crunch when shifting.
Typical Subaru wear item for this generation. Rear wheel bearings fail earlier than expected due to corrosion in salt regions.
Impreza GE is considered underbrakered for its drivetrain — brake pads need replacing unusually early. Front axle most affected.