2007 Impreza

[mr_tw]

I'm looking at getting a new subaru and have herd a few bad things about them in some of the forums, so i was cuirous as to what the general reliability of them is, I live in Canada and want AWD in my next car (currently a 02 Focus) but I also need a car that will start everytime in -35C do these cars use a timing bet or chain? I maintain my cars very well with oil changes every 4000km, i also tend to have a bit of a spirited driving style i'm not slow but i wouldent be the guy going 130 down the highway ether, any comments on this would be appricated, also a focus vs impreza driving impression would be nice thanks again!

[2turboimports]

I've got a 2k1 and I've been very nice to it (maintenance wise) and it's only been nice back. I do ALOT of spirited driving and it's not broken once (other than stupid stuff that was my fault).

What bad things have you heard about in the forums? I'm 99% sure it's a driver fault, either tooo abusive, or doing something retarded (like 7k rpm clutch drops to 'launch').

I don't know what focus you get in Canada, the only Focus I would take over an Impreza is one I got a ride in when I was in Europe. That's hardly the case in the states though. The Focus here is like a 10 yr old girls car when comparing it to the Impreza.

[freakray]

Nearly every 'problem' I've read about on forums to do with Subaru has been the result of driver error or abuse.
I'm on my third Impreza and not once have I had a problem.

As for the Focus vs. Impreza, I've owned both, the Focus is slow and handling sucks compared to the Impreza.

[mr_tw]

CS states something about the electrics (no idea what specificly) and i have herd about tranny problems too I herd that is related more to stupidity than anything else, but more specificly what goes on the tranny when doing whatever it is you need to do to break it (I have a 2k2 Focus SE Zetec W.5spd)

[2turboimports]

The transmission is due 8/10 times to driver abuse. You can rag the piss out of a Subaru, but you have to do it in a somewhat more gracefully than some other cars. If you are a good driver you'll know what I'm talking about since I cant really explain it. Like you cant dump the clutch and slam the gears, but you dont have to pussy the shifts and slip the clutch every time.

From what I've done, seen and heard there are a couple things that can go wrong. One, and I think this is the most common, are the synchros. I can say that's 100% from being too abusive. Two, snapping a gear, which comes from being a jackass and either just dumping the clutch at 7k repeatedly, or installing some ACT Stage 3+ and again dumping the clutch at 7k.

I'm sure there are a few exceptions to this (lemons and used cars) but this will cover a large majority of the ppl who bought an impreza and want to to treat it as some all out race car and be too hard and careless.

[mr_tw]

the peticular car I'm looking at is a 2k7 2.5i SE with the 5 speed, if the 5 speed is used in the Turbo WRX why does it still have flaws in a car with 55 less hp I always thought that on a stock car with a manual the tranny was bullet proof (one of the reasons i like standards) and does the 2.5 use a timing chain or belt? Thanks again for all the responses i appricate it!

[Jay!]

The transmissions are fine. Don't beat the snot out of it, get some decent oils in the transmission case and differentials, change those oils when you're supposed to, and you'll be good for 100,000+ miles.

Timing belt. It's under the plastic covers at the front of the motor. Depending on the model, it's good for 60k - 105k miles.

You might want to make sure to pick up the battery heater option for your climate.

I've actually had a couple electrical gremlins in my 2000 Impreza, but the car was 5 years old with the original battery. Since I replaced the battery, everything's been fine.

[freakray]

The transmission is just as solid as any other car on the road, for some reason the myth has been perpetuated that they are not - the problem is DRIVERS not the car.

If you can drive your Focus SE with 5 spd without an issue, you'll be fine with the Impreza. If you're heavy enough on a car to cause undue wear on the Focus, you'll have the same issue in the Impreza.

Now, stop listening to the haters that claim the Subaru transmission is weak.

[4Wheel]

Even in the relm of abuse the subbies take it astonishing well!
Check the resale values! This speaks for itself!
Enjoy your search.

[mr_tw]

one of things i really enjoyed about my focus was the agility of the car, it has really precise sharp steering, (anyone who has driven one knows what i mean) how does the Impreza drive in compairison? i would test drive one but I don't test drive cars untill i'm ready to write the cheque (which will be a year or 2) when does the new impreza come out? Will a new one be worth waiting for? Thanks for all your input guys i really appricate it!

[SabreKhan]

Originally Posted by mr_tw

one of things i really enjoyed about my focus was the agility of the car, it has really precise sharp steering, (anyone who has driven one knows what i mean) how does the Impreza drive in compairison? i would test drive one but I don't test drive cars untill i'm ready to write the cheque (which will be a year or 2) when does the new impreza come out? Will a new one be worth waiting for? Thanks for all your input guys i really appricate it!

The Subaru far outshines the Focus as far as precision steering goes. Every iteration of the Impreza thus far has been worth waiting for, so my advice would be to buy it when you can so you can go ahead and drive it. You'll always drool over the next version down the line. Having driven both the Focus and the Impreza, I would choose the Impreza every single time.

[mr_tw]

when does the new Impreza come out my one beef with it is the tiny back seat (even smaller than my focus!) will the next gen be any larger in that respect? are there any changes to the powertrain? does anyone know where i can find more information on the next gen car? and thanks again guys i appricate it

[freakray]

The next gen car is due in 2008, all pre-release spy photos indicate it may be more compact than the current gen, more Audi A3 size even.

As for rear seat space, I have to say BS to it being smaller than the Focus. As previously mentioned, I owned a Focus and it was tight back there.

[SabreKhan]

I dunno. The Foci I've ridden in have had OK back seats. Then again, I haven't ridden in the back seats of many WRXs. I'm usually either in the driver's seat or the coach's seat (front passenger). Ditto for the Focus, really, though. If you want a spacious back seat, get a Honda Civic coupe. My sister's is like a compact town car back there. Minus the leather and the comfort. But plenty of leg room.

[mr_tw]

are there any changes to the 2.5 in the new car? is it all new or just a refresher? and lastly, are they getting rid of the sedan body style?