I saw the 5-door Impreza yesterday in person for the first time. I was kind of surprised at how small it is. The backseats looked like the barely hold an adult. I am finding myself leaning toward the Legacy. Any comments on size from the peanut gallery?
The Impreza is a compact and is quite roomy inside given its size.
Peggy, if you want more space the Legacy may just fit the bill, as it is cavernous in comparison. The price tag reflects that difference. There's no wagon/hatch option unless you opt for the Outback.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
The mudflaps on the sport model look like the side strake kit. How well do they actually work compared to the normal mudflaps on the touring and limited models?
Took a 2 hr trip to a casino with 3 others in my 5 door. The back seat had 2 adult males, one was about 5' 9" tall an slender, the other was 5'7" stocky. Both felt pretty good after the trip,no complaints or pains. Gas mileage was around 30 mpg, weather raining n the beginning but clear after.
Besides having reasonable room, the new door layout really does it make it much easier for entry and exit. I was in my colleague's Mercedes E-Class last week, and its rear seat was not easy to enter and exit. The Impreza does a better job of it. Also, I thought the Impreza had more backseat leg and head room than the E-Class. This was the previous generation E-class (I think a 2008), just to be fare, but I still expected it to have more room than the Impreza. My colleague is shorter than me, so I am assuming that the seat was further forward than if I were in the driver's seat.
I'm 6'0" and find front and back seats comfortable in our new 5-door. Much more so than the Mazda 3 and the Ford Focus, the closest competitors in the compact hatch category. Keep in mind it is a compact, so if you're expecting limo accommodations you're going to be disappointed. Yesterday my wife squeezed in four kids and our golden retriever, with a 6-foot 15-year-old in the passenger seat and 7, 8, and 12 year old kids in the back seat. Everyone but the middle kid, squeezed between two booster seats, was comfy.
Buy what works for you. The Impreza will be the roomiest 5-door compact you'll find, so if that's too small, then you need to upsize and take the advantages and disadvantages that come with doing so.
looks like everyone answered the roomiest questions about the Impreza...I would agree with all said...and when you drop the back seats down on the HB....it has a great deal of cargo space as well.....I added the seat back protectors...easy install as a DIY....no complaints about the back seat as well....6-1 here.....
as for seat comfortable...not complaints at all....with the limited..the leather is a good if not better than what is in my 09 CTS and just as comfortable.....I do a round trio 2 plus hour commute daily....and love the car!!
I will post a short review of the Impreza Sport Wagon (if its there) after I get done checking it out at the Phialdelphia Auto Show on 1/29/2012. I like being able to toy with all the stuff, look under the hood and basically become a vehicle proctologist without having a sales person breathing over me. After the Auto Show, if the vehicle survives the "Cut List" I then do a road test at a local dealer. I have about 15-20 vehicles on a list as a replacement for "The Beast" (my '06 Honda Pilot EX-OR) and plan on cutting the list down to about 5 after the Auto Show. I will post a link to a photo album (will be public) on my facebook page after I get done uploading pictures.
Cool to hear you are enjoying your Impreza, thanks for all the info.
I'm in my 2nd week of an 6 to 8 week order of a Sport Limited, and excited to own my first Subaru. I also like the fact that you enjoy some aspects of the Impreza over the CTS.
Also, I'm 5ft 4, so I guess I won't be having any leg room problems, front or back.
no problem, about to roll over 3000 miles in 6 weeks of ownership and to the dealer on Sat for the first oil change.....this is our second subaru as my wife drives a 11 Outback....its the dog car for our old english and her daily driver.....
Oil change already? I thought these Imprezas get changed at 7500 miles. I believe that's what's scheduled for me. These engines use synthetics, right? :confuse:
I'm glad I saw this...called the service and yes, they recommend coming in at 3000 miles or 4 months. The sales person is still saying to bring it in at 7500. :confuse:
I've had my Impreza Sport Premium wagon 5 speed for about 1.5 weeks and have put almost 500 miles on her. I am totally in love though I expected a much better MPG. I'm averaging about 22-23mpg with slightly more city than freeway. Not really driving too rough, but definitely not a grandma.
Any thoughts on this? I've read the mpg should get better as I get more miles.
Also, this is my very first new car and I've been told I should go above 4000rpms until I reach at least 1000 miles, some have said this is not necessary though...
One more question, should I throw a coat of wax on her or is this already done/unnecessary? Any other nuggets of wisdom for a 1st time impreza owner?
Subaru recommends 3,000 miles as the first oil change interval for certain motors. The 2.0 non-turbo is not one of them, therefore 7,500 miles is the recommended interval, at least according to the owner's manual (and Subaru engineers).
I'd like to know also about the above 4000 rpm. I've been driving below 4000 rpm since I bought the car...it just hit a little over 1000 now. A lot of freeway but steady at below 70mph...so rpms were near 3000 and mpg were closer to 33.
I am getting about 25.5 mpg myself with just under 300 miles on my car and about a 1/4 tank left. The computer is telling me I have about 100 miles left in the tank. I drive about 70 miles a day and its about 75/25% highway/city. I think it will get better but my goal and expectations when I bought the car is 30mpg. I have been varying speeds while driving and definately not driving aggressively. Im in a Sport Premium CVT.
I always change the initial oil at the halfway point of the OEM recommedation...its also follows that severe service maintenance thread.....after that will do 7500 mile intervals.....just a personal preference...and yes...5.3 qts of 0-20w synthetic....
Im averaging 29 plus MPG.....the car doesnt get it best mileage until fully warmed up and on hwy miles.....seems any city driving takes it down to 25 minus....on the NASIOC forum...lots of statements about lower that expected MPG, but some are now getting 30 plus....beleive we will see higher mpg this spring and summer after breakin periods and getting over winter fuel blends....
I track my MPG on a spreadsheet. For my first Subaru, I did not hit peak efficiency until about 15k miles. By then it was about +2mpg average compared to my first few weeks.
I like the spreadsheet idea. I am not too worried about the mileage. I am currently at the exact point where I would be filling up on my last car and I should get at least another 30 miles before the light comes on. And did I mention this tank is 2 gallons smaller?
Personally, I think this is a good idea. I rarely have a new car, but when I have, I change the first oil at 2500-3000 miles, the second at 7500, then run extended intervals (with a used oil analysis to benchmark) thereafter. On that first change, metal wear levels tend to be as high as the 7500-mile change following it, then they taper off dramatically, even on longer intervals. Given the consistency of high "wear-in" metals on those early miles, following the severe-duty schedule on the first change is prudent.
As for fuel economy, for those in colder climates (even if just-below or near freezing temps), using 75W-90 gear oil versus 80W-90 will result in better economy. Even better, use a synthetic with superior cold-flow properties. Subarus are, moreso than a two-wheel-drive vehicle, highly prone to less-than-stellar winter fuel economy due to the additional points of resistance within the drivetrain.
Even with synthetics, my Subaru tends to average 25% lower fuel economy during the six coldest months of the year versus the six warmest. The difference for my 2wd is about 15%.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
My wife and I have an Impreza Premium hatch with all weather package on order. ALMOST got a Prius.... Anyway, per the thread discussion on oil changes... A local Subaru shop feels strongly that oil changes should be done with the official OEM Subaru filter AND the official Subaru branded 0-20w ( I think that was a range) synthetic oil. I am coming from owning Hondas which are VERY picky about the fluids you put through them, so I have generally been using OEM fluid and can go along with it, EXCEPT I have generally gravitated towards an aftermarket filter, which I can see that requires caution, and a good quality of aftermarket oil. So do I REALLY need to use Subara BRAND oil (which I am guessing is just a rebranded oil) or would it be plenty good to use a good correct range viscosity synthetic in a Mobil 1 or similar aftermarket synthetic oil? Any thoughts, opinions or actual knowledge/facts? Thanks! :shades:
right now...I have only found Mobil 1 with a 0-20W synthetic....in the stores....saw the large size container at Wal-Mart.....Im sure other brands will begin to show soon.......Im not one to change my own oil at this point in my life......did all that in my younger days.....so now..I have a great dealer...who does it timely and reasonably priced (at least for our Outback) ......my first Impreza oil change is this Sat....so will see what the cost is...
To answer your question...as long as you do the changes per the owners manual using like materials.....there shouldnt be a problem.....certainly with the oil..and when in doubt on the filters....you can order them on line usually cheaper than the parts department.....and in the Impreza...they are very easy to change!!!!
So after getting pricing from about 7 dealers, i submitted my order for the premium hatch with cvt and several accessories. Now the wait begins.....thanks all for the valuable information from this forum!
I don't like that move. The best part of good MPG is that you get extra range, and can go eons between fill-ups. That bummed me out.
Others do it, too. I think to save weight. The Cruze Eco has a smaller tank than other Cruze models, how silly is that? Extra cost of engineering a *smaller* gas tank for the fuel sipper?
fog lights rear spoiler exhaust tip side molding splash guards hood protector cargo protector
I'll end up doing the remote start next winter and maybe a dedicated set of winter tires as well. A roof rack and bicycle carrier is something i'll do in the months ahead. Other than that, will do the window tint on the back, but worried about the front. Cops in my town liked to pull me over in my current car so much, i ended up taking them off.
Just ordered a Sport Ltd. in dark grey with the following options: side sills, body side molding, pop. equipment pkg, and splash guards. In Southern Cali and the dealer where I ordered it had zero 5-doors and 10 sedans in stock; they said they were selling the hatches practically as soon as they came in. They quoted me 6-8 weeks but they said it could be sooner. Paid invoice (around $23.1K before ttl) thru the Costco Auto program. Said Subaru was offering free 2 year maintenance on vehicles purchased by 1/31/2012. Subaru finance rate is also at an astoundingly low 0.9% thru the end of January (hope they extend it). Must take delivery by those dates to get benefits noted.
Of note is that I visited two dealerships and the sales staff were extremely professional, courteous, and helpful. Also of note is that I found the power to be adequate and the cvt transmission to be smooth and well connected. Handling and cornering were a plus, seating was comfortable, liked the arm rest extension capability on the center console, and noise was not intrusive during normal driving on streets and on the highway. I am coming from a 2007 CRV and my wife drives a 2011 Hyundai Accent.
I got the 5-door sport premium 5spd in white satin pearl with all-weather floor mats, heated seats, fog lights, side body moldings, strake kit and splash guards for $20,287. I'm in Portland , OR but from what I see on here that is a decent deal, right? :confuse:
I've gotta say, I'm someone who always wondered why people buy white cars, especially in the NW, but this white satin pearl looks amazing with the 17" gunmetal wheels and beige interior. It was love at first sight. However, when I was in the showroom finalizing all the paperwork, there was a sport premium in the Camelia red pearl with black interior sitting next to me. She looked gorgeous too! :shades:
I do! I have the 5-speed too. I really enjoy the performance. I love down shifting and taking corners faster than anyone else. I have yet to feel any slippage, even on our super wet roads here in the NW. I realize that a lot of people are no so happy with the smaller engine and lesser hp with this Impreza, but I woud take that for the gas milage alone.
I did have a 2001 Mazda Protege automatic for the last 5 years, I don't think it would take much to beat that. I really didn't drive any other cars before I got the Impreza either. I have always had a thing for Subaru's and though when I started looking, I was set on a 2008ish Legacy sedan 5-speed. Needless to say, it was difficult to find but as soon as I saw the new style Impreza sport I was sold.
seems like a darn good price, for a Sport Premium! And in the Northwest no less. We have found it seems a challenge to negotiate in the greater Seattle area. Most everyone will hit a so-called "invoice" pricing, although their idea of invoice seems to be higher than the usual sources. Below that is REALLY rare, especially for the hatches, as you noted. A couple of pricing tricks we have noted is that in Washington state the "documenation fees" are added on AFTER the deal is set, and are at the legally set high limit of $150 EVERYWHERE. and they claim they are mandatory and are fixed, which they are NOT.
The best deal we could find on what we wanted was a special order (6-12 weeks wait, but "it might be sooner") Premium(NOT the Sport), hatch, Marine blue, CVT with the REQUIRED extra PZEV smog stuff in our state, and JUST the all-weather package. Deal is for $20,500, including destination charges and they tacked the $150 "documentation fees" on top of that,( we gave them flack for that but it still beat the next best deal) which I am not sure if people are including that in their prices quoted. TTL extra of course.
One thing that people MIGHT want to consider is the price and availability of of replacement tires. That was one of the driving reasons for us going with the 16 inch Premium wheels instead of the 17" wheel packages. Selection in 17" is a LOT less (but maybe sufficient) and a SET of GOOD replacement tires costs anywhere from $150 to $400 MORE(at least) for the 17" tires. Maybe not a deal breaker for many, but something to be aware of.
Comments
I'm 6 feet tall. I sat up front, adjusted the seats so I was (very) comfortable, then went to sit in the back. And was comfortable.
Peggy, if you want more space the Legacy may just fit the bill, as it is cavernous in comparison. The price tag reflects that difference. There's no wagon/hatch option unless you opt for the Outback.
Buy what works for you. The Impreza will be the roomiest 5-door compact you'll find, so if that's too small, then you need to upsize and take the advantages and disadvantages that come with doing so.
as for seat comfortable...not complaints at all....with the limited..the leather is a good if not better than what is in my 09 CTS and just as comfortable.....I do a round trio 2 plus hour commute daily....and love the car!!
What I liked that I haven't seen mentioned is the toe room under the front seat. That actually makes it more comfortable.
It would be tight for 3-across seating, but that's probably true for any compact.
How does one accomplish this? :P
Odie
Can you share with me which dealer you went to. I'm in SF and I'm interested in ordering a Subaru sport limited.
thanks
I'm in my 2nd week of an 6 to 8 week order of a Sport Limited, and excited to own my first Subaru. I also like the fact that you enjoy some aspects of the Impreza over the CTS.
Also, I'm 5ft 4, so I guess I won't be having any leg room problems, front or back.
Any thoughts on this? I've read the mpg should get better as I get more miles.
Also, this is my very first new car and I've been told I should go above 4000rpms until I reach at least 1000 miles, some have said this is not necessary though...
One more question, should I throw a coat of wax on her or is this already done/unnecessary? Any other nuggets of wisdom for a 1st time impreza owner?
-Ty
I think it will get better but my goal and expectations when I bought the car is 30mpg.
I have been varying speeds while driving and definately not driving aggressively.
Im in a Sport Premium CVT.
Im averaging 29 plus MPG.....the car doesnt get it best mileage until fully warmed up and on hwy miles.....seems any city driving takes it down to 25 minus....on the NASIOC forum...lots of statements about lower that expected MPG, but some are now getting 30 plus....beleive we will see higher mpg this spring and summer after breakin periods and getting over winter fuel blends....
I track my MPG on a spreadsheet. For my first Subaru, I did not hit peak efficiency until about 15k miles. By then it was about +2mpg average compared to my first few weeks.
I am not too worried about the mileage. I am currently at the exact point where I would be filling up on my last car and I should get at least another 30 miles before the light comes on. And did I mention this tank is 2 gallons smaller?
As for fuel economy, for those in colder climates (even if just-below or near freezing temps), using 75W-90 gear oil versus 80W-90 will result in better economy. Even better, use a synthetic with superior cold-flow properties. Subarus are, moreso than a two-wheel-drive vehicle, highly prone to less-than-stellar winter fuel economy due to the additional points of resistance within the drivetrain.
Even with synthetics, my Subaru tends to average 25% lower fuel economy during the six coldest months of the year versus the six warmest. The difference for my 2wd is about 15%.
Anyway, per the thread discussion on oil changes... A local Subaru shop feels strongly that oil changes should be done with the official OEM Subaru filter AND the official Subaru branded 0-20w ( I think that was a range) synthetic oil.
I am coming from owning Hondas which are VERY picky about the fluids you put through them, so I have generally been using OEM fluid and can go along with it, EXCEPT I have generally gravitated towards an aftermarket filter, which I can see that requires caution, and a good quality of aftermarket oil.
So do I REALLY need to use Subara BRAND oil (which I am guessing is just a rebranded oil) or would it be plenty good to use a good correct range viscosity synthetic in a Mobil 1 or similar aftermarket synthetic oil? Any thoughts, opinions or actual knowledge/facts?
Thanks! :shades:
To answer your question...as long as you do the changes per the owners manual using like materials.....there shouldnt be a problem.....certainly with the oil..and when in doubt on the filters....you can order them on line usually cheaper than the parts department.....and in the Impreza...they are very easy to change!!!!
What was the range between low and high from dealers?
And if it helps...I was told 6 weeks and got mine in 3!!!
I don't like that move. The best part of good MPG is that you get extra range, and can go eons between fill-ups. That bummed me out.
Others do it, too. I think to save weight. The Cruze Eco has a smaller tank than other Cruze models, how silly is that? Extra cost of engineering a *smaller* gas tank for the fuel sipper?
Considering my last car was a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix...the 2 gallons less I can live with!!
I filled up yesterday...I got 362.1 miles on my first tank. I think I averaged 27 mpg. Not too shabby.
fog lights
rear spoiler
exhaust tip
side molding
splash guards
hood protector
cargo protector
I'll end up doing the remote start next winter and maybe a dedicated set of winter tires as well. A roof rack and bicycle carrier is something i'll do in the months ahead. Other than that, will do the window tint on the back, but worried about the front. Cops in my town liked to pull me over in my current car so much, i ended up taking them off.
Of note is that I visited two dealerships and the sales staff were extremely professional, courteous, and helpful. Also of note is that I found the power to be adequate and the cvt transmission to be smooth and well connected. Handling and cornering were a plus, seating was comfortable, liked the arm rest extension capability on the center console, and noise was not intrusive during normal driving on streets and on the highway. I am coming from a 2007 CRV and my wife drives a 2011 Hyundai Accent.
I've gotta say, I'm someone who always wondered why people buy white cars, especially in the NW, but this white satin pearl looks amazing with the 17" gunmetal wheels and beige interior. It was love at first sight. However, when I was in the showroom finalizing all the paperwork, there was a sport premium in the Camelia red pearl with black interior sitting next to me. She looked gorgeous too! :shades:
I did have a 2001 Mazda Protege automatic for the last 5 years, I don't think it would take much to beat that. I really didn't drive any other cars before I got the Impreza either. I have always had a thing for Subaru's and though when I started looking, I was set on a 2008ish Legacy sedan 5-speed. Needless to say, it was difficult to find but as soon as I saw the new style Impreza sport I was sold.
The best deal we could find on what we wanted was a special order (6-12 weeks wait, but "it might be sooner") Premium(NOT the Sport), hatch, Marine blue, CVT with the REQUIRED extra PZEV smog stuff in our state, and JUST the all-weather package. Deal is for $20,500, including destination charges and they tacked the $150 "documentation fees" on top of that,( we gave them flack for that but it still beat the next best deal) which I am not sure if people are including that in their prices quoted. TTL extra of course.
One thing that people MIGHT want to consider is the price and availability of of replacement tires. That was one of the driving reasons for us going with the 16 inch Premium wheels instead of the 17" wheel packages. Selection in 17" is a LOT less (but maybe sufficient) and a SET of GOOD replacement tires costs anywhere from $150 to $400 MORE(at least) for the 17" tires. Maybe not a deal breaker for many, but something to be aware of.