Impreza Analysis...Need Advice

Lately things in my life seem to be changing for me and im probably getting married soon. That being said... project "Turbocharge My 240sx" looks like it is going to come to an end. I will have to sell my 240sx it seems and I have been looking at the subaru. I need something reliable, family capable, and sporty all at the same time. I do not think that the turbo charged model is an option, because of the expense if it breaks. I would however want the 2.5 liter four cylinder engine. I need to know from you guys if these cars are reliable and easy to work on. In the past I have always worked on my own cars, and my 240sx is a dream to work on. If I got a Subaru, I would probably do some minor modifications to it such as intake, header and exhaust, as well as shocks, but that is probably it. Do any of the models have a child seat built in to the rear seat? Is there ample utility space for one or two kids. There is already one kid...she doesnt fit in the back of the 240sx well. Even with the kiddie seat, when i flip back the front seat, her little feet are pushed up against the back of it and the GF just gives me a look. Im just looking for opinions and any input would help me choose which Subaru to get. I will consider the Outback trimline also, but I want something that will get a little respect on the AVE also. Thanx

I need something reliable, family capable, and sporty all at the same time. I do not think that the turbo charged model is an option, because of the expense if it breaks. I would however want the 2.5 liter four cylinder engine. I need to know from you guys if these cars are reliable and easy to work on.

Congrats. So you need a reliable, family capable and sporty car....well that sums up some of the subaru line up. I have a 2001 2.5 RS with ~100k really really really hard miles on it. I've never had any maintenance issues with the car what so ever. The only thing I really keep on top of are the oil changes. I've gone through a few clutches however, but that's far cheaper to replace than a transmission. The engine is laid out very simply in the engine bay and working on the car is pretty easy, even changing the clutch was not difficult at all. Everything is pretty much accessible from the top of the car, A/C, alternator, and pulleys, belts are all at the front of the car which makes changing those items very very easy.

I don't know about built in kiddie seats, but I can say being 5' 11" and ~260 I can very comfortably fit in the backseat of my friend's '04 Legacy GT. What also surprised me about the car was how stiff the suspension was stock, but I guess '02+ Suby's got a healthy dose of chassis stiffening.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Eric