USED Subaru Impreza Saloon (02 - 07)

My car

Currently own a 2007 Impreza WRX. Great drivers' car but I had to replace the rear shock absorbers recently because one had seized (on a 17,000 mile car? hmmm). Cost to obtain a replacement part from a Subaru dealer - £450 each!! and part is only available from a Subaru dealer, there's no aftermarket part available because Subaru hasn't or won't supply independent parts suppliers which is illegal. At these parts prices I won't buy another one. So much for supposed bullet-proof reliability.

My car

I bought my impreza just 2 months ago second hand (55 plate) and am blown away...i just love driving it, the performance is astounding with phenominal road holding and breath taking speed. Its also practical, even has cup holders for the kids! On the advice of a subaru mechanic friend i bought the wrx instead of the sti, the differance in performance is not worth the extra cost for the sti, which is a fraction of a second on 0 - 60 and about 5 mile per hour extra top speed! If your considering geting one then go get one! You will not regret it!!

My car

I've owned this car for 3 months following the sale of '04 2.0 WRX. It is noticable how much more power there is available low down the rev range on the 2.5 STi than the 2.0 WRX, but the downside to this is the dramatic reduction in economy. 2.0 WRX would achieve 30mpg on a run and 2.5 STi barely 25mpg. Also the 2.5 sits in the group M tax band pushing the yearly cost to a massive £400. Just had major 50k service and came in at £400, at Cutlers Subaru, which I thought was very reasonable.

The D spec tones down the exterior and adds leather and smart nav inside. Apart from the subtle STi stamp on the exhaust and wheels there are no other clues to the cars potential, and generally goes unnoticed, which I prefer. It's a shame that Subaru didn't add a sunroof as standard though.

If you can handle the fuel and tax costs, you can't beat the Impreza as an everyday performance saloon. The acceleration is addictive and even makes the latest hot hatches feel sluggish. The 6 speed box in the 2.5 is a big advantage over the 2.0 for motorway cruising as the engine revs and noise are kept low.

My car

This car is a legend with good reason. It's the second Scooby I have owned, and performance is absolutely mind-blowing. Everytime you drive it, you grin like a Cheshire cat.

I have owned this last one for six months and have just part-exchanged it for an Audi A3 diesel sport.

Don't buy this car on a whim - it will cost you dear. 20mpg is realistic and at £1.10 a litre... you get the picture. Servicing is also expenisive, although this car is bullet-proof.

Think of the WRX as a gorgeous girlfriend you start dating only to find three months later she is irritating, then three months later you're thinking how to drop her...