Subaru Impreza LONG TERM Review after 9 YEARS and 138,000 MILES 

Thank you for the comments! If anyone needs help repairing their Subaru - head gaskets, timing belt, maintenance, etc - this will help: ru-vid.com/group/PLl6xt4Pyay3DCdqelfXU09jKAThu8dhtW

this car saved my life inna 4 car crash on the freeway getting hit from behind at 85 mph ornmore from a dodge srt8. It shot me into the fast lane and I got hit by a giant ford suv. I walked away with not even a scratch on me. The car was totalled.

Just bought this as my first car, I'm proud as hell!

Just picked up a 2014 impreza with 80k miles...definitely a HUGE upgrade from my 2002 mitsubishi eclipse rs...fun to drive and I love the AWD for the area I live that gets lots of rain in spring and fall and plenty of snow in the winter.

Just bought an 08 2.5i 5 speed manual and this is super informative, great vid!!

most of those problems seem to be easily fixed if you know what you're doing, great for us DIY guys😁

Good, informative video. An elderly friend needs a new car and we came across a 2010 Impreza Premium that looks good but you addressed some of my concerns, i.e timing belt, long term maintenance/reliability, etc. Thank you!

thank you for the great review! have been trying to find advice like this all day. Im planning on buying a 2009 impreza outback sport with 120k miles. Apparently not much other than the clutch has been repaired/replaced so this was helpful to know what I will have to plan on fixing shortly after buying it!

I have a 2008 Impreza 2.5i 5Dr MT with 98 000 km, and I just love this car. I can't stop watching your video? Extremely usefull and helpfull to save some cash and do it right. Especially enjoyed the one on the fuel filter replacement!

The perfect video for what I needed to hear, thank you

Thnx for this video. Just ordered a 2022 Impreza and the more I look I'm glad we chose Subaru.

Really helpful, thanks. And greetings from Oz.

Fan & Subaru owner here, from Dominican Republic. I love Subaru, specially Outback, Impreza & Forester. That Impreza HB (2008-2011) is a beauty, his body is just perfect for all kind of accesories. Hard to find in my country.

I have a red 2008 5MT hatch as my first car and absolutely adore it.

Just bought a 2011 Subaru Impreza for my first car. I love it!

I have a 2010 automatic one of these and its a little beast to autocross.

Great honest &insightful review. Thanks, man.

I have a 2005 Impreza RS. 109k miles. Love my Subie!

Great video, very nicely done by well mannered, mature and knowledgable presenter.

WoW great video and you convinced me to get the same model. Thanks.

Watching this video after getting to Okinawa, Japan and just buying a car. Never gonna have snow, but I'm excited to get into this car. 2 year warranty, not concerned with any type of maintenance. Thanks for talking about oil, coolant, and rust. Also, I saw how you said "wourder" pump. I say it the same way 😂

have a 09 2.5i hatchback, has 88k on the odometer still runs great the old transmission is just something you have to deal with , but did replace head gaskets , timing belts and alternator just to make sure she will go that much longer

I have a 2014 impreza with 60k. It does not burn any oil but the coolant does go down a little. It is noisy on the hwy. The transmission takes a second or two to engage "CVT". My sisters 2019 shifts better than mine. Driving alone it has plenty of power. 32 mpg around town/hwy. It came with 460 amp battery which was not enough. Exhaust pipes rot out in the back but not the muffler. It handles well. Interior plastic makes noises. Big windows make it easy to see outside. Cloth seats are easy to stain. Not enough ground clearance. Body panels are thin metal easily dented. Seats are not very comfortable. Easy to work on. After all that I like the feel of it. Very dependable. It's great for scooting around town and short hwy trips.

I just bought this same car and it also has 138000 miles. This video was tailor made for me haha. Great video

I still zip around in my 2010 impreza R hatch. Replaced the radiator, no temp gauge, other than that no real issues.

I am thinking to acquire a Subaru since I live in Canada and do a lot of fishing up north and really I really appreciatted that review

Really nice review thanks a lot man!

Have a 2012 Impreza I bought new & only has 55k miles on it. Replaced tires at 30k, brakes at around 50k & just replaced the battery after 7 years at 55k. Definitely agree about the cheap interior. Still feels new to me & plan on driving it over 100k miles

Nice video. I'm an '06 owner since new with same engine and no issues outside of PM except for an A/C problem, which was a grand. I live in an area with no snow so that may be a factor. Super-reliable vehicle. My wife's '09 Civic - although an excellent car and gets better gas mileage - is lethargic compared to the 175 HP EJ25. The AWD keeps the vehicle on rail-road tracks around corners. Agreed on the transmission: I actually thought there was something wrong with it when I got the vehicle but now I don't notice the odd gear changes. It's a quirk.

I'm a Toyota/Lexus/Mazda fanboy but I prefer the Impreza over the corolla and mazda 3, bang for the buck!

just bought a 2011 hatchback ( impreza ) at 132,000 miles excited to see what comes the car is in great shape and came with fresh saftey a few knicks and chips but its great

2017 Impreza spot 214k miles still drive it hasn’t gave me to many problems grate car for long distance commuting although the seats could be more comfortable

Hi. Very nice review. I'm interested, which model is this specifically?

Recently bought one at 95k and am now at 107k. Great handling but an underpowered engine. I’ve done front bearings and brakes. Burns some oil but coolant is ok. Keeping an eye on the head gasket but so far now signs of failure. Going to do the timing belt & water pump soon. I live in upstate ny and the rust is terrible. Exhaust pipe and rear muffler rusted apart. Put POR15 on problem areas and it will live.

Nice review i have owned a Subaru Forester STI for 6 years currently on 125,000 miles starts every time never had a engine light. I did change the stock head gasket to a triple layered Cosworth upgrade and as double stacked radiator as precaution as i know there chocolate head gaskets from factory. Wheel bearing, new brakes and tyres is all i have needed oh and a lot of fuel haha.

Watched your original video 1st and my daughter just purchased a 144k mileage and I had to replace few things that were needing. Replaced sway bar links, then CV driver side axle, and struts, along with lower ball joint. Timing belt don't know if it was replaced but keep an eye on it.

just bought me one i love it great on gas

Thanks man!

My friend has the 2012 Impreza hatchback and its definitely a roomy and fun car. I think it looks great, especially after it got BF Goodrich COMP-2’s

I bought an 08 back in 2013, when the legacy died. I didn't want a 2012 i wanted the fat 2.5 I bought mine full well knowing it was involved in an accident, why i was able to grab it for 10k vs 16k. the HG went last year but really what can you expect otherwise its great. i bought mine with 26,000 miles on the clock i don't drive alot so i only got 68k now.

In Europe a group of engineers did rather exhausting traction control tests on many 4x4 and all wheel drive vehicles (not including diff locks ) and out of all the contenders only 3 vehicles had really well functioning traction control systems . Subaru , Nissan X-trail and Mercedes .

I'm thinking of buying an Impreza. I've heard that Subaru are very reliable and sturdy cars.

Helpful. Thank you

Seems like quite a few parts have failed for only 138k. Im looking at a 2011 for my boys to take up to school. Im a long time honda toyota guy. I dont expect much if anything to fail 150k plus.

Boght my first Subaru with 225,000 on it, exact same model as yours, and its the best car i have ever had: i was a so excited. Only problems ive had: battery replaced with the same problem you had, a/c leak at the valves and right now the compressor is beginning to fail ($900 to replace thereabout) but im okay with that. I love this car for its stability on the road and its reliability but i wish the radio was better.

Love makes a subaru bc if you don't love it, you're gonna let it go to shit and then you'll HATE IT. With my 2003 Legacy wagon that I purchased with 136k in 2018, I've replaced control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, ball joints, strut assemblies(one of which I subsequently damaged :/.) 4 continental tires and front wheel bearings. Not bad for my driving style, needs and environment. Car has very good looking paint for it's age. I installed an OE plastic front deflector and AVS vent visors. She's getting a new Alpine android head unit with amp, backup cam, new speakers, and window tints next week. Love my sturdy wagon.

Just bought a used 2017 clean Carfax. I'm happy I made that choice over the Hyundai, though it had more bells and whistles. But the reliability and safety rating along with the milage pulled me in. Plus that awd gives it a nice kick!

i got this car but from 2009 5MT.. i bought it with 228000km's (140k miles) for 3500$CAD + tax (not bad considering they usually go for 4500+ here with more kms... dealer mentioned no problems with it except bad abs lines causing the cel on so he changed them. I heared nothing on the test drive. On the way home from the dealer, as i accelerated into the highway the bearing immediatly started to whine.. so i changed both front ones the same week. early this year i started hearing a ticking noise from the engine so i went to check the coolant and oil, which was lower than min and started to freak out as i recently had learned that our n/a's are built with cheap paper headgaskets wich tend to rip easily (and even easier if you never use the oem subaru blue coolant that helps preserve the head gasket) and after i saw that the coolant was greenish/orange i freaked out even more, because i could tell right away that the previous owner never used the oem coolant and hadn't changed it way over 60k miles. I took my car to a subaru shop and they estimated me a 900$ job that requiered a valve cover gasket replacement and new coolant. They checked the engine around the headgasket on both sides and no leaks except one side that was weeping the tiniest of oil but that coul've been dripped from somewhere else. So far so good. the coolant is still the same and everymonth i add about 8 ounces and it burns 1L of oil every month but that's because i do spirited driving every weekend. Since then i've changed only 4 struts (200$ all 4 brand new from guy that bought them an never installed cuz he trashed his), disks and pads in the front and the main o2 sensor. other than that just cosmetic mods and some sti uel headers+muffler delete and cold air intake to get that sweet rumble. also got a 93 octane tune+ burble tune so it pops and bangs through each gear.. but.... it now has 260000km's (161k miles). I'm fearing for my life as the oil and coolant consumtion is getting higher each time i drive it so the engine one day is just going to grenade on me either with no oil, no coolant or chocolate milk oil... either way, i'm planning already to buy either another n/a engine and build it with pistons and rods for turbo kit or straight buy a wrx engine from 2010+ models (before that they had problems and made less power than 2010+ ones did).. can't afford to buy another car and wrx/sti insurance is insane in canada, and i've put in so much work, sweat, tears, love and dedication into this car and it's exaclty how i envisioned this car to be so i can't get rid of it. i absolutly love the way it drives, handles,looks and overall has an enormous fun factor even though it has only 195hp (after my tune/stock is 170hp). i rate this car 7/10 as a first car and daily driver

08 Subie Impreza Sport 2.5 owner here, bought at 77k, replaced front bushings, fixed leaking A/C & noisy compressor, sound system is dead, crooked steering wheel, will replace ball joints soon, sometimes engines vibrates a bit too much when idle so i shift to N cuz that scares me, bit of gas smell under gas tank that i need to check & that’s about it, my daily & fun to drive.

You have a new sub I'm getting a 2010 hatchback sport with 78k miles in Alaska. I wanna lift it.

Thanks for the video. I am from Africa (Uganda) and I want to get this Subaru Impreza 1.5R AWD 2009/10/11 non-turbo. However, my other thoughts were directing me to Toyota Corolla Fielder the same year (though a bit expensive compared to Subaru). I am worried about the Subaru's maintenance vs fielder since that will be my first car. Any advise? Should I stay at peace with that Subaru? will it give me the best I desire over the Toyota fielder?

I have a 08 Its a great fun car to drive 210000kms

Yeah your point on the automatic transmission when I leave it in drive and not in sport sometimes it shifts weird like it jerks me back and pushes a little before it jerks me back but with sport mode on it doesn’t jerk at all whatsoever could it be a transmission issue or a Subaru thing ??

I'm at ~118k with an 09' and all the front issue you are describing have finally peaked its ugly head minus the bearings. I replaced the OG battery at ~110k. It was my fault, I left the aux radio on for 10 hours. I forgot about it while I was doing yard work. And that pretty much killed it. Had to jump it twice, so I replaced it and I'm happy now. I no longer have sluggish winter starts since battery replacement. So maybe that's a sign. I dunno. But, nevertheless everyone, 110k-130k expect the front end to need parts like you said. If you're harder on your vehicle, maybe less. I have yet to do my timing, but I know it's coming. This car has been a saving grace these last few winters in Detroit due to us getting more of an ice layer than snow. Great review!

My mans going in circles.

I walked away from a head on in a 11 Forester, bought a 19 Outback. Son needs a AWD and I’m on the fence. HRV and Imprezza seen to be best deal. Your thoughts? Best/worst years?

2008 Impreza, love it!!!

I have a 2011 WRX, and I'm certainly not getting 33mpg...to be expected. But if you're burning coolant at a quart/month, that sounds like a head gasket leak.

Ive somehow ended up with the next generation Impreza hatchback, with the 1.6 engine and manual transmission. 112bhp, it does okay once you get it moving and although not a fast car it sounds fantastic. Comfy motorway cruiser, you need to get the revs up a bit but at least it has character unlike traditional four cylinder engines which are bland as you like. Mine is a Dec 2015 model, only has 26,000 miles on the clock. It was the lowest mileage example for sale in the country. Had to downsize from an Outback which I miss.

I love the accord but I'm on team subaru now! I do gig apps and the subaru does great.

I have a 2008 Impreza Outback Sport. 170,000 miles! Great car! Only had to fix a wheel bearing, and exhaust line over the last 20,000 miles. The dreaded head gasket may be on the list here pretty soon.

Helpful video! I'm looking into a 2009 Impreza Outback Sport with a manual transmission. It's at 98k miles but it's just a basic daily/ beater car. My only concern is reliability such as head gasket failure or other major issues.

N ice video, I have 2012 Impreza 2.0 dual six-speed transmission with paddle shifter,.. i love this,!.. does not burn oil or coolant just over 101,000..;.can you tell me if this particular model has a timing chain or belt,?.. thank you Advance.

Found one with 115k has a broken timing chain 1500 should I buy?

the 4 speed auto is way better then the CVT, I had the 2008 Impreza auto and currently a Impreza 2017 auto CVT

Just curious much did you pay for it from the dealer?

I own a 2018 with 60k on it. Its,a great car. My only complaint is the weak 2.0 engine. It is gutless. It won't get out of its own way. Subaru needs to at least offer the 2.5 engine. It would give the car another 30 horses. My car is,a hatchback. We just ordered a 2022 Impreza. Because we already have the hatchback, we opted for the sedan. My daughter wants the sedan. The CVT is getting a bad rap. The CVT is fine. Nissan cvt us the worst.

Still drive my 2001 bugeye G...non turbo...300 thousand Ks,,,the best car !!

*This car had any head gasket problem?Thanks*

I was wondering I got 2009 Subaru Impreza sedan automatic transmission have you had issues with park/neutral switch connect? Mine has 178k miles

this is my first car :)) love her

My 2010 has 235794 miles put tires on a battery and brakes has always stared

Good video

Could you sleep in it for camping? For a 5 11 height person?

I have 2011 Impreza since new. The only complain about it is the car is too noisy.

i find the suspension really good on them as for the transmission same thing weird shifting sometimes horrible basically those models overall are pretty good as for subaru days of reliability is pretty much over with thos cvt /head problems better stay away those are expensive repairs already swapped transmission gonna get rid of it soon :(

im driving a 2.0 Boxer diesel MJ2010, Gen3 engine, 120.000km on it and no problems yet All my problems i have with the diesel version is the active cleaning system of the DPF which will be anyways soon disabled in the ECU, including the removal of the DPF itself and blocking the AGR.

I have a 2009 subaru impreza 2.5i, I removed my mufflers and a exterior mods, I have about 135k miles, and I had a misfire in cylinder 3 and 4 so I changed all my spark plugs with ngk plugs, and all the wires. My other problem I have is my steering at low speeds vibrates and shakes like crazy, but I also leek coolant, I have to replace my coolant hose from the radiator, because it has a small hole.

Best price for value

Looking at one w. 192k I'm pretty handy no lights on dash 5speed manual

Best review so far. Just a question @CarsnToys does it have a paddleshift for the AT variants?

I guess I got a dud. My 08 hates winter stops or won't stay running.

My head gasket went, transmission solenoids went, it was nothing but problems lol I think mine was a lemon though

I’ve got 1.5 petrol and fuel consumption was terrible

Things under cars in the US rust out because of salt on the roads during winter .

I have a 2010 impreza outback sport. I got screwed from the dealership I bought it from 2 months ago. I have seen my check engine light a lot. I hope my final part coming in the mail fixes it, and I hope it brings my trust back for it

Thank you

Any rust?

I'm looking at getting an impreza outback sport 2011, is this car worth it?

33MPG?!?! Mine gets 25 max...

I have this same car - I will no longer buy subarus. This was my second impreza wagon I owned. Had to replace wiring harness, head gasket, transmission lines (which left me stranded when they leaked all over the place), bushings, and a host of other issues. I don't undertsand why Subaru has a reputation for delivering reliable vehicles; my next commuter will be a Toyota.

I’m looking to buy a 2012 hatchback Impreza asking price is 3100$- manual - 200k mi - is this a good deal?

Hi, hope you doing well! I do have a set of st suspensions by KW Available to let go. Model ST-X. Let me know if you interested! Thank you.

Im getting a 2009 subaru 5mt with 108k miles, what problems should i watch out for?

Do these have the legendary head gasket problems?

way to go. you didn't start with 'whats up guys" like all the goofs. your car review is for old ones no one are buying now as i am looking at a '21. not sure how your 'likes and don'ts" would carry over.

Looking at getting an 09 Impreza wagon auto for $6600 with 103k miles. Worth it?

biggest problems w these cars is the head gaskets and the piston rings. I have 160k on mine and I'm on my 3rd power steering rack. that'd another issue. just be aware. otherwise love the car.

What engine is it

My transmission shifts funny sometimes to