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New Subaru Impreza Owners - Give Us Your Report!

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  • impreza2008impreza2008 Member Posts: 30
    Mike,

    The dealer charged me $39.95 for rotate and balance.. do I really need both.. or a rotate only...

    Also, what are you doing about the paint? What year is your Impreza and how bad did it get?

    Sol
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Rotation should be enough, unless you feel that they are out of balance.

    Just get a can of touch-up paint. I've had one for every car I've owned for as long as I can remember. Dings are unavoidable.
  • joerandjoerand Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a '08 Impreza 5dr w/premium package. Yes the VDC is part of the package, along with rear discs (vs drums), plus more goodies. I think its well worth the $1,500 package price. :)
  • nathansnathans Member Posts: 15
    The dealer gave me a little bottle of touch up paint in the same color. It doesn't look great, but it does cover the chips. I also got the rock shield on the front of the hood, which seems to help prevent some chips on the hood.

    Mine is a 2003, and for a while it was chipping quite a bit, and I was painting over them like once every month or two. I think the rock shield helps, and I also don't pay as much attention as I used to as the car has gotten older.
  • impreza2008impreza2008 Member Posts: 30
    Dan Perkins Subaru came through again. The manager looked at the paint flaws and I showed him how I can scratch the paint with my nails.. even a light scratch produced a mark. He took the car and in five hours he completely cleaned the car and applied a hardner. The paint looks better than new and no longer mars with my nails. He really made my day.. we will be ordering a new Forrester with confidance now.

    To get me to work while they were fixing the paint on my Subaru Impreza, they rented a car for me. The car I got was a Chrysler with the identical paint. The paint was all scratched up, just like my Subaru. I think the quality of paint is on the decline...or maybe the dealers try to sell you a hardner to make a few more bucks. This is my first experience with getting an incomplete product. I will be very careful with the next purchase. Buying a new car today seams full of pitfalls.

    Sol Briks
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    No more solvent-based paints. So we make that trade-off but it's less harmful to the environment.
  • dl1934dl1934 Member Posts: 3
    My 2008 Impreza 2.5i has dimmer headlights than my old Acura Integra. Subaru says they are working fine. How do I get better headlights?

    Dana
  • polarnavigatorpolarnavigator Member Posts: 1
    I purchased a new Impreza last November, this is the Canadian Sports Model (similar to the US sold "2.5i with Premium Package, VDC". A great car to drive, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. We had a severe winter that had snow on the ground over a 6 month period - and this is definitely a fantastic car for these conditions (added snow tires for winter driving). Only negative was when I noticed rust on the rear panel (around the license plate) in a number of spots in June. The dealer has been very helpful and concurred that yes, this is rust, and this should not happen. Have seen other comments on the paint job in this forum and wonder if Subaru has a Paint Quality problem with this new vehicle. My prior car, a Ford, used under similar conditions, did not show any exterior rust until it was nine years old - including all the snow and salt that Canadian winters throw at a vehicle.

    Not sure what the next step is to deal with the rust issue. The dealer has proposed body shop work, but my experience with prior cars that this only buys a few years in Canadian conditions, and the rust returns. Any feedback / comments are invited. I really like the feel and drive of this wonderful car.

    Thanks
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I hope it's just one panel?

    I would let them fix it.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    '08 Impreza Premium package
    Manual transmission
    Dark, dark gray with black cloth
    Also had some port installed options:
    STi metal pedals (sporty, but out of sight, mostly)
    Mesh sport grille.. Instead of the normal bars.. looks really good.
    STi short-shift kit.. this is awesome... really short throws..

    Traded in my '02 CR-V, and leased this one for two years...

    Only 200 miles so far.. but, here goes.

    Likes

    Shifter
    AWD
    Better handling than expected
    Supportive, sporty seats
    Great visibility
    Decent power
    6 disc CD in-dash (part of premium pkg)
    Steering wheel stereo controls
    Comfortable rear seating (for two)
    Plenty of fore-aft room (leg room for adults in rear)
    Alloy wheels (part of premium pkg)
    Fog lights (premium pkg)
    Stability Control (premium pkg)
    Nice size trunk w/fold down rear seats
    ABS and a half-dozen airbags
    Dash appearance and layout (step up from Civic and Corolla)

    Dislikes

    Throttle.. hangs on to revs too long.. shifts aren't smooth (yet.. I'll get it)
    Engine.. I'm partial to Honda in-lines in comparison.. a little rough
    EPA fuel mileage estimates.. 20/27. Hopefully, I'll do better
    Cloth interior... relatively unattractive.. doesn't look durable

    That's about it... It is a little more mature looking than the last model, though I wouldn't say it's pretty.. Metallic paint is very rich looking... I can't tell if the engine is noisy, or if it's the dual exhausts... Doesn't bother me, either way, though.. I'm happy with it, and very happy with the lease payment..

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sweet, congrats!

    The Premium package is a bargain. In fact, per car_man it actually increases the residual values as a %, so it basically pays for itself.

    I think the whole hangs-on-to-revs issue is for emissions purposes, but that's just an educated guess.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    I think the whole hangs-on-to-revs issue is for emissions purposes, but that's just an educated guess.

    That's what I thought, as well.. This is the first stick that I've bought since '98, so I'm sure they've changed... I'm learning to get off the gas just before I shift.. It's not as weird as it sounds, and I'm getting smoother... The shifter is great and the clutch is good.. It's not Honda-like, but I'm still glad to be back rowing my own gears...

    The premium package is $1500 more.. It would be a bargain, even if it didn't improve the residuals... A lot of stuff for that amount (stability control.. didn't even know I was getting it, until I read the sticker)..

    Now.. having to hang out with the Subaru Crew? :surprise: ;)

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    :D
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Welcome back Juice!

    -mike
  • tonka9764tonka9764 Member Posts: 21
    Hey! I just got an 08 Black Impreza and put black alloy rims, Kuhmo tires, front and rear lower bumpers, 2 tone leather, a 5 position dual vent sunroof and Momo shift knob. It looks fantastic. I considered a WRX but didn't want to sacrifice the fuel mileage, or use premium. Will try to post pix soon.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yes, pics please! Bet those wheels look sharp.
  • tonka9764tonka9764 Member Posts: 21
    Here are some photos...! Not the best shots, but I love the car.

    Exterior

    Interior

    looking In
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Looks really nice. :)

    Bob
  • tonka9764tonka9764 Member Posts: 21
    Thanks Bob!

    I love the stuff i got to pick out better than factory options. The sunroof I got is amazing! Double vent, multi position one touch auto close option... I think customizing a base model has a lot of advantages if you don't want to go with premium fuel and hood scoop etc. on a wrx. I think i got something different and it was about $22.5K total. Granted, I did give up wrx performance. But I live in Minnesota, so I am focused on the AWD and heated seats!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I like the two-tone seats. Very nice.

    We had an aftermarket moonroof on our 2002 Legacy and we were happy with it.

    Our 2009 Forester Limited had the huge moonroof standard, so I can't complain.
  • rascal99rascal99 Member Posts: 54
    Were all of these mods purchased through the dealer? The seats I assume were done by a leather shop?

    Looks great! :shades:
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'm go over show, so I'll refrain from comment :)

    -mike
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I have been posting in the Impreza WRX Board. I traded my 1999 Isuzu Trooper in for $3000 on a STI. I had a friend get me into the subaru VIP program so I got Invoice - holdback...There was a STI short throw shifter added at the factory for $300ish. Other than that stock. Out the door (tax, title, etc) it was $35,300 - $3000 trade in. I did 5 years of financing at something like 4.9% financing, if I recall correctly (not very good at internet abbreviations). 850 miles so far.

    Likes
    * Great handling
    * oodles of power
    * more fun to drive each day...I am hoping this continues after the break in period.
    * I fit in it comfortably, actually 4 grown ups fit comfortably.
    * Radio - MP3 jack, 6 disk MP3 via CD functionality, good sound.

    Dislikes
    * Jerky power delivery under normal driving conditions in "Sport Sharp Mode".
    * Cheap headliner - see edmunds long term test blog
    * Summer tires - this isn't so bad, they are great, but I cannot expect to use them year round...so I need to spend $$$ on all seasons later on.
    * Radio - Poor radio performance and sound while running stock radio.

    Neutral
    * cheap interior overall...I knew I was buying a base subaru with 18K worth of performance enhancements...there are no major luxury add-ons to this car. I was shopping against Lexus IS-250, Infiniti GX35x..so I chose all out performance vs. leather wood grain appointments.
    * Gas mileage isn't great, but not the worst. I average 16-17 around town, 23 Highway...however it is as advertised and my Isuzu got 9 mpg...so it is almost double.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Our Forester has the same cheap headliner material. Sadly it's par for a mainstream brand nowadays. They're trying to save weight and cost so say bye-bye to the padded fabrics.

    I drove an IS250 AWD on a short track at the Audi Driving Experience and I have no doubt you choose the better performing car - in every way. The Lexus did have plush leather and nice wood, but you could do circles around one.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Road Trip Report

    Likes
    * fits a good amount of stuff and comfortable
    * handling, power

    Dislikes
    * Constant plastic popping noise from the trunk area going over highway expansion joints - This is caused by the removeable trunk cover - I wiggle it like crazy and cannot hear it...take it off and there is no popping. Annoying, my kids even said it was annoying - not just an OCD thing.
    * HID low beams - Adjusted as high as possible, they are not really good over 35 mph. They are so sharp and cutoff into dark that you cannot see very far. Lots of flipping between low and high beams on dark curvy country roads.

    Interesting
    * some reviews have called this car front heavy...I noticed downshifting into a corner that the front does feel heavy and the back light...it almost feels like the car is ready to have the back swung around to do one of those rally turns with the car flying sideways. I wonder if on the road I should have the center diff adjusted more towards a rear wheel drive car while hitting winding country roads.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Try some self-adhesive foam on that cargo cover. I used some on my old Ford Escort and it helped.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The lights are HIDs and they have to have a sharp cutoff so they don't blind oncoming traffic. Flipping to highbeams on country roads is fairly common.

    Put some Hella 4000s on the front :)

    hee hee.

    -mike
  • dl1934dl1934 Member Posts: 3
    I'm a new 2008 Impreza 2.5i owner. I find the headlights pretty dim. What are HIDs and how do you get better headlights? I presume they are "after market" but where do you go for them and what are the downsides of doing this?

    Thanks for any information.

    Dana
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I recognize the need to cutoff to not blind oncoming traffic. However they seem to not meet the driving requirements. I would almost rather not have them and old style 9004/6's.

    I grew up driving country roads and never experienced low beams that are this short, though I never drove with HID's. I haven't had enough chance to get used to them, so I will let time tell for now.
  • tonka9764tonka9764 Member Posts: 21
    Hi,
    Well, the customizations were done at Automotive concepts here in Minneapolis. the leather is Katskin, and is basically a kit. So there really isn't a lot of difficult chores to make the base 2.5 really cool. I think it was a great way to go, and stay under $22,000. By the way, the seats are heated. If you need any more info, just holler!
  • nathansnathans Member Posts: 15
    You can buy brighter bulbs at an auto parts store. I did that, and I think it helped. I'm not sure how much of a difference it is, though.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I recognize the need to cutoff to not blind oncoming traffic. However they seem to not meet the driving requirements. I would almost rather not have them and old style 9004/6's.

    I grew up driving country roads and never experienced low beams that are this short, though I never drove with HID's. I haven't had enough chance to get used to them, so I will let time tell for now.


    Low beams are not made to be any kind of distance lights. If there is no oncoming traffic you are supposed to use the highbeams. Also don't forget that you are coming from the Trooper that has the lights significantly higher off the ground, so by default they will have a wider-further pattern.

    I dunno, I have projectors in my LGT that I've since converted to HIDs and they seem to be ok for normal driving in the country, but I do use my highbeams when there isn't oncoming traffic.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    28.2 mpg.. '08 Impreza with stick-shift..

    So far..

    26.1
    26.6
    27.1
    28.2

    Is it because there is a gauge, telling me my mpg? I think so.. :blush:

    The gauge is actually about 1.5 mpg off on the optimistic side.. My numbers are from the actual calculation..

    I'll probably get tired of this game, soon, and just drive at my normal rapid pace... I'll be happy with anything at 26 mpg or above, as the car was only rated at 20/27..

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Those are fine numbers.

    We just filled up our 2009 Forester automatic and it got 25.5mpg in mixed driving, mostly around town.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    I've been having problems shifting smoothly... When accelerating, the revs hang up high, even once the clutch has been pushed in.. Have to count 1 mississippi, 2 mississippi, before letting out clutch in next gear, giving time for the revs to drop, or car lurches as the revs are higher than what they should be..

    If revs are too low, you can feather the throttle to get a smooth shift, but nothing you can do if revs are too high..

    So, made an appointment and took it in this AM..

    Good news: There is a service bulletin for this exact problem, dated Sept 5th. The cure is a reflash of the ECM programming files.

    Bad news: Service having a problem with their computer, and it hasn't dowloaded the new files. Have to bring it back, after they have the download. :(

    At least I'm not the only one.. :)

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They must do that for emissions reasons.

    Hopefully they sort it out with the reflash. Keep us posted.
  • flambflamb Member Posts: 7
    I have a 2008 impreza hatch w/auto. Wondering how to accurately record/calculate gas mileage, kilometer per litre in canada here. Appreciate your info !
  • vchengvcheng Member Posts: 1,284
    Record number of litres to fill up. Next fillup, do the same. Interval between the odo readings divided by the number of litres used for that fillup = your consumption in km per litre. A small notebook as a log may come in handy.
  • flambflamb Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the info. I am finding the gas mileage very disappointing even though I seldom have spirited driving. Starting from the traffic light takes a million year, even at sport mode.
  • vchengvcheng Member Posts: 1,284
    .. are not known for their gas mileage. All the extra AWD hardware saps mileage, especially in the city, and more so in the winter. (But that is also when the AWD comes in real handy!) "Sport" mode implies an automatic, which is somewhat worse than the manual shift gearbox in terms of consumption.

    However, you should still be close to the official consumption figures once the car is fully broken in.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Especially depending on the type of driving.

    Our new Forester Limited auto gets 22-24 or so around town, 27-33 on the highway (more at lower speeds, less going fast).

    Ours did improve with break-in, as vcheng mentioned.

    Your Impreza is lighter so you should be able to match or beat our numbers.

    Enjoy the new set of wheels. :shades:
  • kwunschelkwunschel Member Posts: 6
    Purchased an '08 Impreza Outback Sport in August. Love it but brakes feel like they're pulsating especially coming down a hill. Feels like bad rotors but I've heard this may be common with Subarus. Anyone else experiencing this?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I would re-torque the lug nut bolts. They may be overtightened.

    Still, you should not have that problem on a brand new car. Take it in before the rotors get any worse.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    Found out that the anti-lock brakes are definitely functioning properly... :surprise:

    Big time panic stop... made it by about six inches.. :)

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The more even weight distribution helps on Subies. They're usually around 55/45 rather than the usual front-heavy FWD 60/40.

    The rear brakes actually can do something to help.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    The tires are the biggest limiting factor, though they aren't terrible on dry roads....

    But, snow or even just wet roads.... Subaru should be ashamed to put them on an AWD vehicle...

    Kudos to the kid.. "Dad! Watch out!" :P

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  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    I followed your example of last year and picked up a new Impreza yesterday, an OBS. Love it so far, a little noisier at speed than my Matrix was, but a much gutsier engine, better handling, and all-around better ergonomics. And I have jettisoned that awful driver's seat in the Matrix which in the end I could never quite make peace with.

    Plus, a revelation that I really wasn't expecting - this is the first Subaru I have ever driven with a factory sound system that was not only decent but actually quite good (mine has the 10-speaker circle sound dealie, not the base stereo)! :-)

    I remember how bad the Potenzas on my previous Sube were in snow or rain....I'm glad summer is approaching! When these are worn out I will certainly be changing brands.

    How many miles do you have now? I forget, yours is a 2.5 Premium, right?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    Yes... 2.5 Premium... '08..

    I'm somewhere around 12,500 miles, I think...

    Other than than the weird look of the cloth, I think the interior is one of the nicest in the small car category... The dash layout, console, etc. look like they came from the next model up the line.. Seat comfort and adjustability is good, as well..

    The engine is definitely torquier than most inline-4s, but not so great at the upper reaches of the tach..

    I'm not in love with mine.. but, it's a nice, short, cheap lease... with just 15 months to go... :)

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  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    Well I really wanted back into an AWD, I missed it. As an inexpensive car, I reckon you could find your way into a lower-end Civic for about the same lease money, no? Which would have a better interior and a more revvable engine (but less power and no AWD).

    I am used to Imprezas not wanting to rev much - my old one was the same way. But while they are not especially fast, they are very torquey - going up steep hills at highway speed in top gear is usually not a problem. It's a great curvy-hilly-road car.

    I'm still not sure if I will forgive Sube for cheaping out and deleting the coolant temp gauge, but it's a trend that's spreading among all automakers, so I guess I can't fight it. :-(
    I guess if I had WRX money, Subaru would have deemed me worthy of a temp gauge.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Our 09 Forester has that. The blue light works fine. Goes out once the car is warm.

    You won't miss it after a while.

    Put it this way - my Miata has one, but no average mpg readout like the Forester has. I miss that trip computer function in the Miata, but I do not miss the temp gauge while in the Subaru.
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