02017 Subaru Impreza

[RichZ]

My wife and I are considering getting a new car for commuting (57 miles each way), and we're considering the Subaru Impreza, because it gets good mileage (38mpg hwy) and is AWD. We have a 2004 Outback that's been great. But I've heard that new Subarus have problems with catalytic converters at about 80,000 miles. Does anyone know if this is still an issue? Does anyone have any experience with the Impreza?
Thanks!!

 

[94BULLITT]

The old ones had cat issues. Time will tell if the new ones do.

 

[California]

120k miles on my '99 Outback, no exhaust problems. Noisy timing belt idler (did the whole belt / water pump replacement while it was apart), valve cover gaskets, coil, alternator, speedometer, one wheel bearing, front brakes, and at 118k miles its third set of tires, are all the work it's had in 16 years. Still looks and runs like new. (A California car, there's no rust here and the factory paint is still excellent).

But I wish this thing got better mileage. Lifetime average around 23.5 mpg, no change since new. Our 2005 Focus Wagon is identical size and averages a little over 30 mpg.

Just based on my experience 38 mpg for an AWD sounds a little optimistic. Ford's C-Max hybrid, 2wd, is similar size to the Impreza and will barely do that.

 

[94BULLITT]

Subarus burn oil and the older one had head gasket problems. An engine that burns oil and or antifreeze is going to be hard on the cats. The ones I have seen with bad cats are up around 150k miles. I don't think you can complain too much about them at that mileage.

A new car has an 8 year 80,000 mile warranty on the cats and other major emission components.

 

[Jim Shooz]

Somewhere around 2005/6 or7 there were headgasket problems on US made cars when they widened the bore to take the 2L motor out to 2.2L. I think the 3rd redesign of the headgasket finally solved the problem. I had a 2L twin turbo 2002 wagon for 12 years and I changed the oil twice a year. (June & December) Never had to add oil between changes and the turbo was worked hard at times. No idea of gas mileage, too scared to look.

 

[thepumpguysc]

I know its not on your list but I just bought the wife her 2nd Kia Sorento 2016 25k on the odom..for 20k and can be switch to & from AWD.. she had the 2013 but liked to wreck it..
Its a 6cyl gets hi 20's and its comfy, all the bells & whistles, back up cam., satell. radio, blue tooth.. she got T-boned last month at 50mph in the 13', totaled the car and she didn't get so much as a bruise.. all air bags deployed.
She also drives 100 miles r/t.. theres a big diff. between the 4&6 cyls.. enough to sacrifice mileage for the 6.

 

[The Fred]

The new design Subaru engine came out in 2012, the one with the oil filter on top of the motor. They've had oil burning issues which should be straightened out by now as the dealerships are full of torn down engines in the service bays to remedy this problem.

I work on Subarus daily and the newer Subys have not been having Catalyst issues. Pay no attention to those who are posting about Subarus before 2012 because it's a completely different car then it's earlier design.

What you need to be concerned about in your area is rust issues as Subarus rust horribly in the salt areas. The Cat back exhaust system that you WILL be replacing in 8 years is about $1700 dollars and none of the aftermarket systems fit for crap.

Some Subaru parts prices are through the roof as are Toyota parts prices on exhaust and emissions devices.

Unfortunately most Asian cars don't hold up in the salt and most European cars that do work well in the salt are broken constantly electronics-wise.

Honda seems to have a decent product line and the parts prices aren't too bad either. You might look at the CRV.

The Subaru Impreza is an entry level vehicle and priced right to purchase new. I understand but have not actually seen it yet that the 2017 models should be direct injected for better fuel mileage.

Good luck whatever your choice, Fred

 

[Diamondpilot]

My wife and I are considering getting a new car for commuting (57 miles each way), and we're considering the Subaru Impreza, because it gets good mileage (38mpg hwy) and is AWD. We have a 2004 Outback that's been great. But I've heard that new Subarus have problems with catalytic converters at about 80,000 miles. Does anyone know if this is still an issue? Does anyone have any experience with the Impreza?
Thanks!!

We just bought a 2016 Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo L. It turned 3000 miles yesterday.

The Impreza was on my short list. It ended up being my #3 choice. To me it was just too dated compared to all the competition.

The Honda has had a recall on the Parking Brake but other than that has been perfect. It turns in consistent 40 MPG freeway and has averaged 33.7 MPG. Most of our driving with it is 3 miles or less at a time.

 

[rd_macgregor]

My wife covets a CrossTrek, which is based on the Impreza. For us living on a dirt road back in the hills, having AWD and a bit more ground clearance would be very helpful. The Impreza and CrossTrek offer both with relatively little sacrifice of fuel efficiency compared to my Elantra GT. However, my Elantra is paid for...

 

[jmc]

What I really wanted was an all wheel drive Audi A4 but I bought a 2013 Outback because it's US made. (In Indiana, no less) I think they just started making the Impreza here too. And maybe Honda's CRV, IIRC. Not a big deal for most people anymore but all other things being equal...