Subaru Problems

You only have to mention the Subaru Impreza and images of the hot rod WRX come flooding to mind. The WRX rally rocket has come to define   the small Subaru, but to forget the rest of the range would be unfair.The Impreza has long been a well-built, reliable and popular small car and the new model introduced in 2007 was even better than those cars it replaced.There was a sense of change about the new Impreza, a fresh approach that spelt a change in direction for the Japanese carmaker that had built a solid reputation for quality, drivability and reliability.MODEL WATCHThere was always something off-putting about the way Impreza doors closed, a feeling of flimsiness that suggested a lack of quality.  That was before the new model in 2007, which for the first time had frames around the windows in the doors. Now, with the windows supported by frames, the doors closed with a solid feel that made the Impreza experience much more satisfying.You might think that adding doorframes is a small change, but in terms of the impact it had on the Impreza it was a major revision.  While it was a most welcome change it also seemed to signal a major change in thinking at Subaru.It was as if Subaru had decided to come in from the cold; it was the final step from being a somewhat quirky outsider to being a solid mainstream carmaker.Subaru only offered a five-door hatch at the Impreza's launch, but there were three models, plus the WRX, which we'll hold over for another story. The R provided the entry point to the range, with the RX and RS as you climbed the tree.With a look reminiscent of Europe the new Impreza was more attractive. It was also shorter, taller, wider, and lighter, with more cabin and boot space.Inside the cabin, there was a fresh new dash, upgraded seats and trim, better insulation and isolation, and a height and reach adjustable steering column.Under the bonnet was the familiar 2.0-litre flat-four, but with 20 per cent more power and seven per cent more torque. That meant that at its best it was putting out 110kW at 6400 revs and 196Nm at 3200 revs.On the road that translated into more urge and better drivability, and motor-noters reckoned it was also smoother.  Bolted to the back of the engine was either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed auto, while drive was directed through all four wheels.IN THE SHOPCarsguide has received few complaints about the Impreza, and those that have landed here have been of a minor nature and not to be too concerned about.Check around the engine for oil leaks and make sure the required servicing has been done. There is nothing more damaging to an engine than missing services. Oil can quickly clog an engine's vital internal passages, and blockages quickly wreck an engine. Brake and tyre wear doesn't appear to be an issue for owners, as it can be with some other makes and models.IN A CRASHANCAP handed the Impreza a five-star rating on the back of its array of airbags, which provided front, side and curtain protection, along with its impressive active safety package. In addition to anti-lock brakes the Impreza also boasted electronic stability control.AT THE PUMPSubaru claimed the Impreza would do 8.9-10.7 L/100 km and owners back that claim up, reporting that their cars are quite economical to run.OWNER'S SAYPam Baker loves her 2008 Subaru Impreza RS. She says it handles well on all terrain, particularly on wet dirt roads, it looks good, the fuel economy is good, and the bucket seats are comfortable. On the other hand she says the auto transmission is sluggish on takeoff, the body sheetmetal feels very thin and flimsy, and dents easily, and there's too much plastic on the interior. All in all she says it's about an eight out of 10.LOOK FORFresh Euro lookSolid feelMore powerful engineLarger cabinUncomfortable seatsTHE BOTTOM LINEThe popular small car got even better with new looks, an improved cabin and a more solid feel.

On a tight budget, you had four options: unsafe cars, unreliable cars, really boring cars or cars that combined all three characteristics.  In the past decade, though, it's become easier to find a tidy, safe, cheap used car, for several reasons.Firstly, used cars don't hold their value like they once did. New cars have become cheaper in real terms, and sales have boomed, so there's a lot more used cars on the market.Cars are also much safer than they used to be. Government legislation and independent crash test programmes like NCAP, (which publicises the results of its tests, much to the annoyance of the industry) have forced car makers to improve safety. A 2005 car, no matter what make it is, will be safer than a 1995 car. At the minimum, you want two front airbags and anti-lock (ABS) brakes.Unless it's French or Italian, in which case a weekly dummy spit is part of the "ownership experience," most cars from the last 10 years will be pretty reliable, as long as servicing has been done by the book.We are talking about ordinary, everyday cars here, that haven't been thrashed. If you're looking at some dude's slammed, chipped Subaru WRX and the price seems too good to be true, chances are it will self-destruct before you make it home. You pay your money and you take your chances.Immaculate, low kilometre cars owned by little old ladies do exist, and they are gold. So is a complete service record, especially if it's from the dealer who sold the car new.  Let's see if we can find a few to recommend. Bottom dollar in our search is $5000.There's not much joy at this money, but the last of the Mitsubishi Magnas, from 2004-2005, are great value and reasonably plentiful. Many will be ex-renters. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because serving will have been done to schedule. The 3.5-litre V6-four speed auto ES has four airbags and ABS.Another Mitsubishi, the Lancer, is the best small car we can find at this price. Toyota Corollas are fine too, though they're more expensive.  The Lancer's as sexy as a can of baked beans and completely bulletproof. Pay about $7000-$8000 or so for a 2005 model. Find one with optional ABS and six airbags.If you've got around $10,000 to spend, you have much more choice.  In 2004, Mazda made six airbags and ABS available across its entire range, as options or standard, so any Mazda2 or Mazda3 from 2004 on will be worth checking out. Mazda does blue chip quality, and if you find a good one, with a service book, buy it. You'll pick up a 2 for less than $10,000; a 3 will be $10,000-$12,000.If you need something bigger, this sort of money will also get you into a 2004-2005 Subaru Liberty, another top car from Japan's A league. All wheel drive, excellent handling and Subaru's class leading NCAP scores are pluses. The 2.0-litre four won't rip your arms off, but it will do the job. Wagons cost a little more.You might prefer a small SUV wagon instead, so look for a 2004-2005 Subaru Forester, or Toyota RAV4, at $12,000-$15,000.  If you need a big car for a big country, the Aussie six is hard to go past.You'll pay $10,000-$13,000 for the first of the VE Commodores from 2006. The 3.6-litre V6 sounds like 1000 leaf blowers on maximum thrust, however it's durable enough. Holden got serious about safety with VE, so you get stability control as standard.  It might take a while to find the right car, but in the end, it pays to be fussy. Second hand doesn't have to mean second best.WHERE TO BUY?DealerPros: On cars under 10 years old, most states require a warranty, typically 3 months or 5000 kilometres. You also get guaranteed title. Franchised dealers (ie those who also sell new cars) usually have the best selection of used cars; the trade-ins they don't want are unloaded to non franchised dealers or auctions.Cons: Can be more expensive than a similar car bought privately. Beware of non-franchised dealers selling flood damaged or rebirthed (ie cars written off by insurance companies but then repaired) from Queensland.PrivatePros: The best way to find a bargain.Cons: You have to do plenty of legwork, and finding the right car, in a place that's close to where you live, can be a time consuming process. There's no guarantee of title or provenance, and no comebacks if it drops its guts on the way home. Buyer beware.AuctionsPros: Ex-government or fleet cars, usually properly serviced, with low kilometres. Guaranteed title. Many dealers buy cars at auction, take them to their car yard, and jack the price up by thousands of dollars. Buy it yourself, and pocket the difference.Cons: You can't test drive the car before you bid. It's also easy for an amateur to pay too much, so go to a couple before you buy to get an idea of prices and how it all works.

Subaru's Forester was at the head of the pack during the SUV stampede 10 years ago and the latest model sought to build upon the huge success of earlier models by pushing for market leadership.  The light SUV has become the go-to car for families looking for flexible transport to haul kids to school or sporting events, handle the regular motoring chores and the occasional weekend away.Along the way the market for light SUVs has become one of the most crowded and competitive segments on the local scene and the new Forester was pitted against other hugely popular models like the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.MODEL WATCHIt's no great secret that the Forester is based on the Subaru Impreza passenger car, so the release of a new Impreza heightened anticipation of a new Forester.When it landed it was larger, fresher and more affordable than those that had gone before.  It looked more like a serious four-wheel drive than ever before and was 110 mm taller, 60 mm wider, 75 mm longer, and rode on wheelbase that was 90 mm longer.The increased size was great news for owners wanting more space inside as it delivered more room for rear passengers and more luggage space out back.Overhangs were shortened and ground clearance increased to improve its manoeuvrability.  Power for the regular X and XS came from a 2.5-litre 'boxer' four that boasted more power and torque, while the XT had a turbocharged version that was unchanged.At its twin peaks the 2.5-litre gave 126kW at 6000 revs and 229Nm at 4400 revs, enough to make it a lively drive. The turbo meanwhile delivered 169 kW at 5200 revs and 320 Nm at 2800 revs, which made the XT even livelier.Buyers could choose between a four-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual, which featured low-range gearing.  As with all Subarus the drive went to all four wheels, varying from 95 per cent front and five per cent rear to a 50/50 split depending on throttle, load and speed inputs.Three models were offered in the range, starting with the X and climbing through the XS to the 'Rex-like' XT.  Standard equipment on the X included four-speaker sound with steering wheel controls, 16-inch steel wheels, a full-sized spare, as well as air, and power windows and mirrors.In addition the XS boasted front fog lights, alloy wheels, auto air, a CD stacker and six speakers and MP3 compatibility.  The range-topping XT got a body kit, larger alloys,and auto-levelling headlights with pop-up washers.There was also a Premium Pack, which added leather,a power driver's seat and a sunroof to the XS, but when added to an XT there was also a touchscreen sat-nav system with DVD/CD player and Bluetooth compatibility.IN THE SHOPWell built and fundamentally sound like all Subarus there is little that goes wrong with the Forester, and that's reflected in the very small number of complaints received at CarsGuide headquarters.There has been the odd question from owners regarding the head gaskets on the Forester's boxer engine, but we're assured by a Suby service specialist that the gaskets themselves are quite sound. While they don't blow as such it is not uncommon to find minor oil leaks around the gaskets, but again we're assured that they are not something to be overly concerned about.Otherwise the Forester is a sound and solid car.  Like all used cars it's worth checking for a service record, and consider having an expert check them over.IN A CRASHThe Forester was well equipped to handle a crash situation with standard stability control, anti-skid brakes with brake assist for emergency braking, hill-start assist, and front, side and head airbags.  ANCAP's testing gave the Forester five stars out of five.UNDER THE PUMPThe new Forester packed a little more pork than its predecessor but still delivered a little more fuel economy across the range.  Those with the regular engine and manual gearbox were a little over three per cent more efficient at 9.3 L/100 km, the auto around one per cent better at 9.6 L/100 km.  The turbo improved the most over the previous model, but still guzzled gas at 10.5 L/100 km.LOOK FOR . Fresh look. More cabin space. Improved fuel efficiency. Zippy performance