2006 Subaru Impreza - Love it
This is a great car to have for normal, in-town driving, highway driving and outdoor adventures. Subarus are well known to be marketed toward outdoor enthusiasts and even the sedans, like this one, fit the bill. The all-wheel drive combined with seasonal or quality all-season tires means you know you'll be safer than most in snow and ice. My particular Impreza has a manual transmission, which is even better for getting out of packed snow or mud and is generally more fun to drive! It also is easy to carry your gear. You can purchase all-weather mats, and while it doesn't have built-in tracks for a roof rack, it's easy to buy roof racks from places like REI or Thule. In the back seat, the center of the back rest folds down to allow access to the trunk--which is also another way to store ... (more)
This is a great car to have for normal, in-town driving, highway driving and outdoor adventures. Subarus are well known to be marketed toward outdoor enthusiasts and even the sedans, like this one, fit the bill. The all-wheel drive combined with seasonal or quality all-season tires means you know you'll be safer than most in snow and ice. My particular Impreza has a manual transmission, which is even better for getting out of packed snow or mud and is generally more fun to drive! It also is easy to carry your gear. You can purchase all-weather mats, and while it doesn't have built-in tracks for a roof rack, it's easy to buy roof racks from places like REI or Thule. In the back seat, the center of the back rest folds down to allow access to the trunk--which is also another way to store skis or a snowboard if you don't want to use a roof rack. Subarus are also well built and have a reputation for maintaining value, and I have found that to be true with this car. It feels solid and has just the right amount of resistance in the wheel, if that makes sense (I don't like how many newer cars feel... not enough feedback in the steering for me, it's too sensitive). The only point at which I would say there is a problem is with the head gasket--this generation of Subarus has a well-known tendency to have the head gasket leak, and this can be an expensive repair at around $2000. My head gasket has just begun to leak, so I will likely need to replace this in the near future. This car is on the small side, so it works well for folks with short or small builds like me. It's also easier to parallel park and fit into tight spaces. Also, I think it's a pretty cute car. There is the slightest upturn on each side of the rear trunk area that gives it an almost "cheeky" look, and this year of Subaru still uses the "cheep cheep" tone when locking and unlocking (newer Subarus use a more traditional honk).
My favorite memory is just a month or so after getting the car, it snowed 8 inches in town (which is very unusual for my location). We decided to help a friend get to his parents house. As we turned onto his street, which had an ever so slight grade to it, we zipped right past a Prius that was struggling on this tiny grade in just a few inches of snow.
My favorite memory is just a month or so after getting the car, it snowed 8 inches in town (which is very unusual for my location). We decided to help a friend get to his parents house. As we turned onto his street, which had an ever so slight grade to it, we zipped right past a Prius that was struggling on this tiny grade in just a few inches of snow.
My top reason for purchasing a Subaru was the relative ease in finding a manual transmission, and the availability of all wheel drive. I also enjoy Japanese cars; they tend to be on the smaller side, as I am, so the Subaru works well for me in that the sedan version is fairly small. The gas cap is on the right side of the car, which is unusual compared to most cars in America, and sometimes beneficial because you don't have to wait in line as much. Other minor things: the light turns on automatically in the cab when you take the key out of the transmission after driving; the fold-down piec... (more)
My top reason for purchasing a Subaru was the relative ease in finding a manual transmission, and the availability of all wheel drive. I also enjoy Japanese cars; they tend to be on the smaller side, as I am, so the Subaru works well for me in that the sedan version is fairly small. The gas cap is on the right side of the car, which is unusual compared to most cars in America, and sometimes beneficial because you don't have to wait in line as much. Other minor things: the light turns on automatically in the cab when you take the key out of the transmission after driving; the fold-down piece in the rear seat back rest, allowing access to the trunk; adjustable headrests; a tachometer, sometimes left out of newer, automatic cars; the ease with which one can replace simple things like the headlights, air filter, washer fluid and oil. I also enjoy what some call the "cult of Subaru." You feel like you have secret friends everywhere, and are likely to get peace signs and waves as you drive along from other Subaru drivers. You can also request free stickers from Subaru that say things like "my 1st/2nd/3rd Subaru" with little additional stickers for your hobbies, such as hiking or skiing.
The top problem with any Subaru is that repairs tend to be more difficult and therefore more costly. The biggest one is that this generation of Subarus tends to have frequent head gasket failure. The head gasket is an expensive repair--up to and around $2000. As mentioned, the head gasket on my car has begun to leak, and a friend of mine, who has the same car but one year newer, has the same problem. In addition to the head gaskets, the spark plug wires are a bit more costly and difficult than similar-sized cars, such as a Honda. The oil is easy enough to change yourself when you are used ... (more)
The top problem with any Subaru is that repairs tend to be more difficult and therefore more costly. The biggest one is that this generation of Subarus tends to have frequent head gasket failure. The head gasket is an expensive repair--up to and around $2000. As mentioned, the head gasket on my car has begun to leak, and a friend of mine, who has the same car but one year newer, has the same problem. In addition to the head gaskets, the spark plug wires are a bit more costly and difficult than similar-sized cars, such as a Honda. The oil is easy enough to change yourself when you are used to it, but there is a challenge there: the oil filter is recessed amongst some other components, so it is difficult if not impossible to get most oil filter wrenches around it and you must use your hands, which can be difficult if it was overtightened. Related to changing the oil, the car is a little low, so it needs to be put up on ramps or a jack in order to do even this simple repair. This lowness also means you may be more likely to scratch the bottom when approaching tall speed bumps or, as is common here in the northwest, steeply graded driveways, parking lot entrances or other divisions between the street and parking lots. The final negative is that the gas mileage on this model is not the greatest: my best tank ever was around 30 mpg. It is lower due to the all-wheel drive, which tends to lower fuel efficiency due to weight, and the simple fact that it was made before we started really getting more serious advancements in fuel economy.
2006 Subaru Impreza - Excellent choice, reliable, and economical
The quality of the interior is very good, premium sound including subwoofer and six-CD changer. Lots of options including a tow package and roof racks. Small size but enough interior room to move medium-sized furniture. AWD system gives peace of mind and exceptional handling. To me it's been a perfect compromise between usability and luxury.
The quality of the interior is very good, premium sound including subwoofer and six-CD changer. Lots of options including a tow package and roof racks. Small size but enough interior room to move medium-sized furniture. AWD system gives peace of mind and exceptional handling. To me it's been a perfect compromise between usability and luxury.
I was able to tow a loaded 4x8 U-Haul trailer from Montana to Portland with no issues. I was honestly surprised at how well the car did on the mountain passes during the trip.
I was able to tow a loaded 4x8 U-Haul trailer from Montana to Portland with no issues. I was honestly surprised at how well the car did on the mountain passes during the trip.
Solid build, excellent usability, more capable than the average hatchback. Capable of towing a small U-Haul trailer and moving furniture such as computer desks or bookshelves. Extremely reliable. I've had very few mechanical issues during the seven years I've owned this vehicle. On the same note, it's easy to work on Subaru vehicles. AWD System is very nice, I've been able to drive this vehicle from Texas to Montana to Oregon, and it's handled every road condition beautifully. Holds its value. I've been amazed at the prices some used Subarus go for.
Solid build, excellent usability, more capable than the average hatchback. Capable of towing a small U-Haul trailer and moving furniture such as computer desks or bookshelves. Extremely reliable. I've had very few mechanical issues during the seven years I've owned this vehicle. On the same note, it's easy to work on Subaru vehicles. AWD System is very nice, I've been able to drive this vehicle from Texas to Montana to Oregon, and it's handled every road condition beautifully. Holds its value. I've been amazed at the prices some used Subarus go for.
Fuel economy is lacking. I only average around 18-20 in city. Not the most exciting vehicle to drive with the four-speed automatic transmission. Cup holders are present, but they are in an odd position behind your elbow. They work but aren't the most convenient.
Fuel economy is lacking. I only average around 18-20 in city. Not the most exciting vehicle to drive with the four-speed automatic transmission. Cup holders are present, but they are in an odd position behind your elbow. They work but aren't the most convenient.
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