Thinking Of First Impreza

[m07801]

      Hello All,

                   I own a 2004 Honda CRV. Im not here to bash Honda. The vehicle just has some major issues and Im thinking of buying a new vehicle. I live in New Jersey. I dont want to spend a lot of money. The new Impreza base models with automatic transmissions seem pretty reasonable. I know everyone has an opinion of what they like and dont like. But i just have some general questions.

                   I have read from owners and car reviews that the car is noisy. I have read that it is almost like a vibration within the car from the engine. I have also read that the interior seems somewhat cheaply made.

                    Im kind of concerned about the vehicle in snow. I have a job where you are expected to be at work in a snow storm. The CRV has about an 8 inch ground clearence. I believe the Impreza has a 5.4 inch ground clearence. Im wondering if this will have any major effect driving in a decent snow storm. My drive by the way is on highways and streets. No country backroads or anything like that.

                   I know I could look at used Subarus of other models to save money. But to be honest I purchaed my CRV Certified Used in 2007. Now I have 84000 miles on it. My mechanic says it has some sort of engine issue. About a month ago it developed some sort of rear differential issue. Both are expensive to repair. Who knows how the previous took care of the Honda before I bought it. So you see why Im reluctant to buy another used vehicle.

                  Any advice, opinions, on the Impreza specifically, or Subaru in general would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[heartless]

subaru.com lists the 2014 Impreza ground clearance at 5.7 inches - with the Outback at 8.7 inches, Forester the same - Legacy would fall somewhere in between 6 & 7 inches (they didnt have ground clearance posted for the Legacy - no idea why not...)

 

regardless of which Subaru model, they are all very capable cars in the snow.

My biggest concern with the Impreza would be the front fascia getting beat up/damaged in deep/heavy snow

[1 Lucky Texan]

Does the XV or the Forester have enough clearance? they are both 'Impreza' chassis.

 

 

I drove a Honda for 19 years, no bashing from me - Have you considered getting a different opinion from another mechanic on your Honda?

 

Anyway, consider a used Forester - 2012 I think is the first year with a timing chain instead of a belt.

Edited June 9, 2014 by 1 Lucky Texan

[MilesFox]

The AWD system osn a subaru is superior to that of a honda, as it is  a true AWD and not a FWD with auxiliary power to the rear when needed such as the honda.

 

The o4 honda likely requires an engine oil meeting api sm standards, as to not foul. Drain schedule should be 6 mo or 5000 mi and should use a semi-synthetic. Having engine trouble at 85,000 mi is unusual.

 

With older hondas, i see clogged pcv valves pushing oil out of seals, but this is lack of service to that part.

 

Hond also requires the proper fluids in the driveline. If the rear end is having trouble, i could imagine the fluid was changed, but perhaps was the wrong stuff.

 

Buying low mile used cars is a gamble as it can be likely a car is traded in at 60,000 mi and never serviced, missed oil changes, been run out of oil, or consumer insists on cheap bulk oil when the vehicle requires a semi or full syn oil. Generally, high mile vehicles reflect a leel of maintenance to acheive that mileage. Good luck