Subaru owners, tell me all about them
- Thread starter imported_Gears
- Start date
Subaru reliability has gone WAY up in the past 7 years or so. They are one of the most reliable cars on the road and (if you get more of a base model) really hold their value well.
Whether I think the STi and upper models are worth it or not, the base models are still good cars for a good value, IMO.
Whether I think the STi and upper models are worth it or not, the base models are still good cars for a good value, IMO.
Accumulator
Well-known member
JohnnyDaJackal said:
Unfortunately my WRX was an automatic- *DO NOT* buy an automatic, the tight torque converter and turbo lag made it insufferable off the line (Accumulatorette called it "dangerously slow" from a standing start); this is one of those cars that simply needs to be a manual. (I bought it when temporary knee problems made an manual impossible
).The problems with it weren't nearly as bad as what I went through with the Outback, but I had a *LOT* of CELs that they could never correctly diagnose/fix and sometimes I got surging/etc. drivability issues that were probably related to whatever threw the CEL. One time when I really got ticked and insisted that they sort it out they said they'd have to ship the ECM off somewhere and that I'd be without the car for "at least a week" (I didn't do it). Note that a different dealer might've made all the difference.
I forget what else kept it in the shop so much, but it seemed like it was in for little repairs a lot more than it was for, say, oil changes. Sorry I can't offer better answers, but overall it was just a drag...when the CEL stayed off for a few days straight I sold it before it came back on.
The big thing that disappointed me with the WRX (besides the automatic/slow takeoff issue) was how crappy it was in bad weather compared to the Audi Quattros; terminal understeer that made me dial my driving *way* back. Tweaking the suspension would have probably fixed that to some degree but I wasn't gonna do that as it was a beater/spare car that I didn't want to get all involved with. Oh, and my wife, who usually likes firm sport seats, thought the driver's seat was horribly uncomfortable, she basically didn't want to drive or ride in it at all.
imported_shine
New member
Jason M said:
If you have enough $, anything can remain on the road for a long time.
I have driven Subarus for years. I have a 2002 Outback wagon, pretty basic edition. 2.5 liter 4-cylinder. In all honestly, I really think it's a great blend of power, fuel economy, stability and passenger/cargo space. You can gun it and you get plenty of kick, but still decent mpg.
The AWD is great in bad weather, plus the Boxer engine has a lower center of gravity, which adds to the stability and handling. I do a lot of highway driving, and the past few fuel fills, I've gotten 26.2 and 26.5 mpg. I just put nitrogen in the tires at the dealership, so we'll see if that helps any. In winter, gas averages 20-22 mpg per tank.
Previously, I drove a 1995 Legacy sedan. Went 200,000 miles with good care. Not major repairs. Previously I drove my parents' 1995 Legacy sedan. My parents have driven Subarus for the past 20 years or more. I have personally never ever had one break down yet.
Problems/Issues:
On 1995 sedan headlight had a glitch after 100,000+ miles, and would need a new bulb ever 6 months. Eventually (post 100,000 miles) had to replace shocks.
Currently, my 2002 Outback had a very slight leak in the head gasket. Dealership checked it out. Said it was not a problem, and within accepted, safe parameters. Car runs great. Am running Valvoline high-mileage oil, which may help seal it up.
Hope that helps. Overall, I would give them 8.5 out of 10.
The AWD is great in bad weather, plus the Boxer engine has a lower center of gravity, which adds to the stability and handling. I do a lot of highway driving, and the past few fuel fills, I've gotten 26.2 and 26.5 mpg. I just put nitrogen in the tires at the dealership, so we'll see if that helps any. In winter, gas averages 20-22 mpg per tank.
Previously, I drove a 1995 Legacy sedan. Went 200,000 miles with good care. Not major repairs. Previously I drove my parents' 1995 Legacy sedan. My parents have driven Subarus for the past 20 years or more. I have personally never ever had one break down yet.
Problems/Issues:
On 1995 sedan headlight had a glitch after 100,000+ miles, and would need a new bulb ever 6 months. Eventually (post 100,000 miles) had to replace shocks.
Currently, my 2002 Outback had a very slight leak in the head gasket. Dealership checked it out. Said it was not a problem, and within accepted, safe parameters. Car runs great. Am running Valvoline high-mileage oil, which may help seal it up.
Hope that helps. Overall, I would give them 8.5 out of 10.
Im an owner of 2007 STI.
There are many trims and models of their sedans... how many cars have a name this long? "Subaru Impreza WRX STI Limited". you start off with your TR model, next up is your WRX, and then an STI, and there are the rare (800) STI Limited.
It is said that the 2007 STI is the last year of the best looking STIs ever, thanks to the hideous new 2008 STIs (hatchbacks) that replaced them. However, the imprezas themselves in the 08s are actually ok looking.
The interior is so-so, very minimal. whats worse is the sound, there is almost no sound dampening. the ride is harsh. the handling is sharp. but these are all turn ons for enthusiasts, hearing the boxer rumble, the feeling of knowing what your tires are feeling, the cars response is limited by your own. the boxer rumble is unique, you can hear an WRX/STI a block away with confidence that it is in fact a boxer engine.
FYI the STI is nothing more than a beefed up WRX. better transmission (more solid), 6speed vs 5speed (?), more horsepower (~50 more), the best brakes you can buy (14" Brembos), Subarus STI rear spoiler. what enthusiast WRX owners do is end up spending so much money modding their car to be an STI after the handling, braking, transmission (and more) upgrades and realize they could have bought an STI for a lesser price
The STI is the u.s.a. flagship version of subarus sportscars... ie, totally different in japan, which includes a 400hp+ model.
looks... these cars are not "pretty", nor do they look like sportscars. they are... boxes on steroids. However, there are a limited number of quality body kits that can enhance the looks, I would say several actually make the car better than stock. STI will rip a good amount of cars off the line, however they are limited by their small turbos. ie any evo will take out an STI (equivalent year) due to the larger turbo size... however, when both are on the same turbo, its another story as the STI boasts 2.5litre vs mitsubishis 2liter.
imo, if i could do it again, i would have bought the recently released 2008 Evolution X as mit$ubishi took a nice step forward in their design, what $ubaru did... i cant figure it out with the new hatchbacks. killing its 4door box heritage and replacing it with what looks like a ma7da3.
There are many trims and models of their sedans... how many cars have a name this long? "Subaru Impreza WRX STI Limited". you start off with your TR model, next up is your WRX, and then an STI, and there are the rare (800) STI Limited.
It is said that the 2007 STI is the last year of the best looking STIs ever, thanks to the hideous new 2008 STIs (hatchbacks) that replaced them. However, the imprezas themselves in the 08s are actually ok looking.
The interior is so-so, very minimal. whats worse is the sound, there is almost no sound dampening. the ride is harsh. the handling is sharp. but these are all turn ons for enthusiasts, hearing the boxer rumble, the feeling of knowing what your tires are feeling, the cars response is limited by your own. the boxer rumble is unique, you can hear an WRX/STI a block away with confidence that it is in fact a boxer engine.
FYI the STI is nothing more than a beefed up WRX. better transmission (more solid), 6speed vs 5speed (?), more horsepower (~50 more), the best brakes you can buy (14" Brembos), Subarus STI rear spoiler. what enthusiast WRX owners do is end up spending so much money modding their car to be an STI after the handling, braking, transmission (and more) upgrades and realize they could have bought an STI for a lesser price
The STI is the u.s.a. flagship version of subarus sportscars... ie, totally different in japan, which includes a 400hp+ model.
looks... these cars are not "pretty", nor do they look like sportscars. they are... boxes on steroids. However, there are a limited number of quality body kits that can enhance the looks, I would say several actually make the car better than stock. STI will rip a good amount of cars off the line, however they are limited by their small turbos. ie any evo will take out an STI (equivalent year) due to the larger turbo size... however, when both are on the same turbo, its another story as the STI boasts 2.5litre vs mitsubishis 2liter.
imo, if i could do it again, i would have bought the recently released 2008 Evolution X as mit$ubishi took a nice step forward in their design, what $ubaru did... i cant figure it out with the new hatchbacks. killing its 4door box heritage and replacing it with what looks like a ma7da3.
I've been driving an 05 STi since new and while it's become more of a track car than a daily driver, I've been really happy with it. Before I went crazy with the engine mods it was extremely reliable. The only complaint I had with it as a daily driver was the lack of sound deadening and interior quality but the regular models are much quieter and more comfortable. I drove the 08 WRX and STi. The regular WRX wasn't really my style but it was definitely more comfy than past models. The thing I like about Subarus is they are so versatile, you can throw a set of snow tires on them and they will go just about anywhere in bad weather.
I own two Subaru's. A 2000 Impreza 2.5Rs and a 2002 Legacy GT Wagon. I really like them, I love my impreza (5 speed), but the Legacy is for my wife is a auto (and its gutless). I have not had any engine issues with either and my impreza is over 100k miles.
the issues areas I have noted:
- thin paint
- Cheap Cheap Cheap interiors (especially plastics and carpet)
- Clutch shudder (cheap pressure plates in the pre WRX impreza's)
- Soft breaks, even with upgraded pads.
But I will admit I am never owning a car again that doesn't have AWD. I will be looking at Audi's when I think about my next car, but I am a Subaru fan. I have been mixed on some of the new Subaru styles, and really they have added weight, at the scarifice of performance.
chris
the issues areas I have noted:
- thin paint
- Cheap Cheap Cheap interiors (especially plastics and carpet)
- Clutch shudder (cheap pressure plates in the pre WRX impreza's)
- Soft breaks, even with upgraded pads.
But I will admit I am never owning a car again that doesn't have AWD. I will be looking at Audi's when I think about my next car, but I am a Subaru fan. I have been mixed on some of the new Subaru styles, and really they have added weight, at the scarifice of performance.
chris
Accumulator
Well-known member
cshorey said:
Interesting. My older Outback was out of service for ages while I tried to convince the dealer the pressure plate was bad; when I finally told them to just R&R it and charge me if I was wrong, they said "gee, it really *was* defective" and replaced it under warranty....many months after the problem first surfaced. They later admitted that they'd *never* worked on a Subie with manual transmission problems before, as if that justified their cluelessness
back around 2k it was common topic of frustration regarding the subaru's on the subie specific forums. I did get my 2k's clutch replaced under warrenty due to shudder.
I have a really good service shop. I reported the issues for quite a while, though they said they couldn't reproduce it. Eventually my clutch got worn down way too early and they took care of me and covered it all under warranty. Ever since its been fine.
chris
I have a really good service shop. I reported the issues for quite a while, though they said they couldn't reproduce it. Eventually my clutch got worn down way too early and they took care of me and covered it all under warranty. Ever since its been fine.
chris
Accumulator
Well-known member
cshorey said:
Glad to hear it, that's *so* important with *any* marque :xyxthumbs
superstring
New member
Accumulator said:Interesting. My older Outback was out of service for ages while I tried to convince the dealer the pressure plate was bad; when I finally told them to just R&R it and charge me if I was wrong, they said "gee, it really *was* defective" and replaced it under warranty....many months after the problem first surfaced. They later admitted that they'd *never* worked on a Subie with manual transmission problems before, as if that justified their cluelessness
I own a 98 Impreza 2.5RS. Bought it new. During the 5 year warranty period the clutch was replaced 5 times and the clutch master and slave were replaced twice. I also put in special hydraulic lines and a aftermarket throwout bearing assembly. These were all attempts to cure persistent clutch shudder and a very weird "soft clutch" issue (I won't bore you with the details, I'd run out of bandwidth!!). Nothing worked and I learned to live with it. The gearbox is also VERY notchy despite experiments with different gear oils and additives.
But, having said all this, I really enjoy driving the car (it does have some "sensibly chosen" modified suspension bits). I've taken it on a half dozen long road trips through the mountains and it was a blast (except the time I blew a head gasket
). Would I buy another? Well, I'd buy an Sti if I could afford it and the gas to put in it, but otherwise no.
Deanski
STUTTGART'S FINEST
Holden_C04 said:
Right there that's a good thing!!:grinno:
Deanski
Holden_C04
New member
Deanski said:
Of course it's a good thing.
thesacrifice
New member
NSXTASY said:
Sorry, but you're talking out of your ***.
Toyota slips in Consumer Reports' reliability rankings - Oct. 16, 2007
ConsumerReports.org - Who makes the best cars?
^ 2007 and 2008
I have a moderately modded WRX, and despite the 2007 owner who thinks I have a want to be STI, I absolutely love the car (and there is no 400hp STI in Japan.) To play devil's advocate, do you even track your car? or does the DCCD get its use on onramps?
Anyways, stock, the silly over induced "safey" understeer was ridiculous but easily remedied. The car is a tank. It has high safety ratings, is a blast to drive, and keeps on going. Sure its low on creature comforts and its styling is subjective, but it is what it is.
Accumulator
Well-known member
superstring- Sounds like you have a higher Subie-frustration-acceptance threshold than I do Though I will say that notchy gearboxes usually don't bug me much, at least as long as they're "rifle bolt notchy" if you know what I mean.
Though I will say that notchy gearboxes usually don't bug me much, at least as long as they're "rifle bolt notchy" if you know what I mean.superstring
New member
Accumulator said:superstring- Sounds like you have a higher Subie-frustration-acceptance threshold than I do
More like clak-clak-clak notchy, Accumulator! That would be 1st-2nd, 2nd-3rd up or down. When cold, first refuses to be engaged unless at a complete stop. When warm, double clutching does the trick. A small price to pay for your driving pleasure, huh?