Questioning Subarus Reliability

[statick]

hey all , lookin at buyin an impreza hopefully, but i've heard they are not teh most reliable cars. if u kno anything about the reliability of subaru, please let me know. to be more specific i am looking at any generationof the 2.5RS.

thank you for your time.

-statick

[Bonka]

I've heard quite the opposite about the newer, post 99 Subarus (minus Baja). The Imprezas are suppose to be especially reliable.

A friend with an 02 RS only complains about the sensitive ABS system and the fact that it burns a little bit of oil. I think he also said something about the window seals leaking slightly in heavy rain but I'm not sure if it was him. Nevertheless, mechanically they are solid.

[statick]

thanks, anyone else got an opinion/fact for me?

[1badPT]

http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?s=&threadid=49695

[redline]

My friend is a tech for Subaru, i would rate them in the middle some where, they are not the best but they are far from the worst.

[statick]

^comparable to which other company

[awd]

My 02 Impreza WRX has been great, sure there have been a few issues that were all warranty related -- all of which were remedied by Subaru and did not cost me a cent.

I will continue to buy Subaru.

[toyboy88]

Originally posted by statick
^comparable to which other company

id say comparable to mazda?? :dunno:

my aunt has a forester from 99, has had 2 minor problems i think.

[Weapon_R]

Subaru isn't as good as the other Japanese manufacturers in terms of reliability. If you aren't covered by warranty, you might find yourself paying quite a bit for repairs/maintenance.

[Xtrema]

They are average but parts are expensive.

So are maintence items, I heard timing belt replacement is quite labour intensive and in the range close to $1K if you go to dealers.

The other being the boxer engine is quite unique so you won't find too many experts who are good with it.

Other than that, all Impreza rocks.

[awd]

Originally posted by Weapon_R
Subaru isn't as good as the other Japanese manufacturers in terms of reliability.

Thats a bit of a blanket statement IMO -- my impreza has been just as reliable, if not more than previous hondas, nissans and acuras I have owned in the past.

[carzcraz]

My bf owned an 02 WRX a few months back and by the luck of the draw, he had definitely purchased THE lemon of the bunch.

In the 1-1/2 months that he owned it, the repairs on the vehicle (though covered by Subaru's warranty) amounted to almost $8000.

The repairs included a rebuilt engine (caused by Subaru techs forgetting to reattach a hose), clutch, driver's side window, radiator and leaking oil.

[Fuji]

the car is ok. Subarus warranty and service SUX!!!!!

If you are planning on modding it. It is not cheap to mod.

[JAYMEZ]

Defiantly not cheap to mod lol , but no I find the subie really reliable.

[Chim]

I just rolled over 150,000km yesterday, and I've had it for roughly 10k's with no problems.

Depends what you are looking for, the 2.5RS doesn't have much for acceleration but it's fun in the twisties :)

If you're getting a GC model, buy from 1999-2001 as these aren't as notorious for head gasket problems.

[That.Guy.S30]

Originally posted by Bonka
I've heard quite the opposite about the newer, post 99 Subarus (minus Baja). The Imprezas are suppose to be especially reliable.

A friend with an 02 RS only complains about the sensitive ABS system and the fact that it burns a little bit of oil. I think he also said something about the window seals leaking slightly in heavy rain but I'm not sure if it was him. Nevertheless, mechanically they are solid.

most of that sensitive abs crap is due to the re92 tires. when most ppl change the tires it goes away. the window seal being leaky is found on ALL subaru's. its the fact that they dont have window sills and has somethin to do with mirrors. the oil i cant explain tho.

i have on 03 its been fine to me.

[Weapon_R]

Originally posted by awd


Thats a bit of a blanket statement IMO -- my impreza has been just as reliable, if not more than previous hondas, nissans and acuras I have owned in the past.

Blanket statement? Most fellow subaru owners in this thread have outlined some pretty big problems with their cars. No one said that they are bad cars - in fact, the awd platform is a fantastic idea, but it still doesn't change the fact that subaru never scores as high in reliability reports as other japanese manufacturers.

[awd]

Originally posted by Weapon_R


Blanket statement? Most fellow subaru owners in this thread have outlined some pretty big problems with their cars.

Yes, a blanket statement -- making a mass generalization, ie. " Most fellow subaru owners in this thread have outlined some pretty big problems with their cars." -- when in reality there are seven direct/indirect subaru owners in this thread and only one of them mentioned major problems with the car.

[statick]

thanks for all the info guys, if u got more opinions/facts keep em coming. anyone wanna sell there 2.5RS or kno of 1 for sale???

[awd]

Originally posted by statick
thanks for all the info guys, if u got more opinions/facts keep em coming. anyone wanna sell there 2.5RS or kno of 1 for sale???

My nextdoor neighbour has a nice blue 2door 2.5RS for sale -- it is MINT. I will pm you his phone number when I get home.

[statick]

:D thanks A LOT man:thumbsup:

[Chim]

Originally posted by statick
thanks for all the info guys, if u got more opinions/facts keep em coming.

I might be a little biased, but I think Subaru makes great cars.

Have you test driven an Impreza, as well as the other cars in your sig?
Although this is the right place to ask for some opinions, ultimately it's your decision so just pick the car that feels "right" for just you.

The Subaru community is just awesome though, there's a whole lotta lovin among most owners. Every Subaru owner I pulled up beside at a stop light has thrown me a thumbs up (with the exception of older non-enthusiasts). I even got into a conversation with a GC8 driving mom in a parking lot once :D

[Fuji]

Originally posted by awd


Yes, a blanket statement -- making a mass generalization, ie. " Most fellow subaru owners in this thread have outlined some pretty big problems with their cars." -- when in reality there are seven direct/indirect subaru owners in this thread and only one of them mentioned major problems with the car.


hmmI know including my self when i was stock. Blown head gaskets. cracked heads, burning oil at 80,000km, replaced tranny.blown hub bearings, etc

i have experienced all these BONE STOCK. not to mention 1000 in MAF sensors.

My friends have had similar to identical problems with various versions.

Car is not bad when stock. You start modding it kiss it all good bye. I guarantee it

[awd]

Originally posted by Fuji
hmmI know including my self when i was stock. Blown head gaskets. cracked heads, burning oil at 80,000km, replaced tranny.blown hub bearings, etc

i have experienced all these BONE STOCK. not to mention 1000 in MAF sensors.

My friends have had similar to identical problems with various versions.



Don't get me wrong, just like any other car imprezas have their fair share of problems, although I am pretty sure the guy behind the wheel has alot to do with premature wear n' tear.


Originally posted by Fuji
Car is not bad when stock. You start modding it kiss it all good bye. I guarantee it

I have many friends that have been running Stage II WRX's for well over a year -- no problems.

[That.Guy.S30]

subaru, compared to the other japanese manufacturers do seem to have more problems, next to mitsu lol

[statick]

Originally posted by Fuji



hmmI know including my self when i was stock. Blown head gaskets. cracked heads, burning oil at 80,000km, replaced tranny.blown hub bearings, etc

i have experienced all these BONE STOCK. not to mention 1000 in MAF sensors.

My friends have had similar to identical problems with various versions.

Car is not bad when stock. You start modding it kiss it all good bye. I guarantee it
all i'd do is i/h/e at most, would that also kill reliabilty?

[That.Guy.S30]

Originally posted by statick

all i'd do is i/h/e at most, would that also kill reliabilty?

to answer your question. no. you might get a cel or burn up some o2 sensors but i doubt it will affect reliability unless you installed it wrong. and it might burn abit more gas lol

what year do you plan on buyin? 99?

fuji has a turbo impreza. very nice.

[statick]

any 98-01 (GC8 its called?:dunno: ) , but i hear a 99-01 would be better. wutever comes along i'll do:D

[That.Guy.S30]

Originally posted by statick
any 98-01 (GC8 its called?:dunno: ) , but i hear a 99-01 would be better. wutever comes along i'll do:D

lol you just said 98-01 and then 99-01 hahahaha. one of the years come with a limited diff. i think that is the 99. the only major thing with those cars are the headgasket issue, which is covered by warrenty. if you ever do buy a rs check out cobbtuning.com. IMO they are the best tuners for the n/a subies. but their shit is expensive

[heavyD]

Originally posted by Thi_Thi Subs
subaru, compared to the other japanese manufacturers do seem to have more problems, next to mitsu lol

There are alot of 1990 - 1994 Talons/Eclipses still running with over 200 000 KM's on original engines & trannies. My Eclipse has been fairly reliable and parts are dirt cheap through Mitsubishi.

We will see how reliable WRX's are after 10 - 15 years on the road. If the trasmissions keep failing at the rate they do on the WRX, I don't think they will fare well.

[benyl]

just get the 6-speed ;)

[statick]

Originally posted by Thi_Thi Subs


lol you just said 98-01 and then 99-01 hahahaha. one of the years come with a limited diff. i think that is the 99. the only major thing with those cars are the headgasket issue, which is covered by warrenty. if you ever do buy a rs check out cobbtuning.com. IMO they are the best tuners for the n/a subies. but their shit is expensive
only reason i mentioned 98-01, then 99-01 is cuz i heard that in 99 they fixed ( or sumwut made better) the headgasket problem...and as u mentioned, lsd on post 99's.


how long is subarus warranty? cuz if i buy 99, i may be out of luck.

[awd]

Originally posted by statick

how long is subarus warranty? cuz if i buy 99, i may be out of luck.

You would be SOL with a 99 as far as warrantys go.

sidenote: my neighbour was out last night and his car was gone this morning -- I will pm his number when I get it.

[statick]

if i purchased 2000/2001 i'd have warranty tho rite? 5 yr warranty, or wut ?

[awd]

Originally posted by statick
if i purchased 2000/2001 i'd have warranty tho rite? 5 yr warranty, or wut ?

In essence yes, but....Bumper to bumper warranty, 3 yrs/60,000 km and Powertrain warranty, 5 yrs/100,000 km.

Have you seen any 2000-2001's with less than 100,000 kms on them?

[statick]

i've barely seen any to begin with:rofl: , any1 else kno any for sael, let me kno:thumbsup:

[Azn-T-REX]

I've had my subbie for over a year now, no problem what so ever *knock on wood* they are reliable if you treat it well, plus subbies trannies and the clutch is very different that most other imports like honda or toyotas. You have to handle them different and delicately and the car will might out last the driver. :D

[awd]

Originally posted by statick
i've barely seen any to begin with:rofl: , any1 else kno any for sael, let me kno:thumbsup:

230 - 9409, give him a call.

[benyl]

Lots of snow this morning to play in!!!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[awd]

Originally posted by benyl
Lots of snow this morning to play in!!!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

haha I went to Indigo Books in Westhills this morning to pick up the new copy of Subiesport mag there -- wasn't in. :thumbsdow

So instead I did donuts in the empty parking lot.

Off to Chapters.

[statick]

my choices are now down to awd's neighbours 2.5rs or a 98 pathfinder...opinions?

and thanks for all ur help ppl:thumbsup:

[benyl]

The pathfinder will be a pig on fuel.

[awd]

Originally posted by statick
my choices are now down to awd's neighbours 2.5rs or a 98 pathfinder...opinions?

and thanks for all ur help ppl:thumbsup:

What is he asking for it and how much mileage?

[finboy]

go for the 2.5 rs :thumbsup:

[t-im]

2.5 2.5 2.5!!!!!!!!!!

[statick]

Originally posted by awd


What is he asking for it and how much mileage?

16 g's obo...80 k...2000...awsome condition...checking it out on sunday afternoon....i'll let u guys kno how it goes

i saw some volvo s70's today, i'm really liking those but prolly wont buy one ...2.3 liter I5 turbo 236 hp:D , even the 2.4 liter I5 turbo 190 hp wis pretty wicked:thumbsup:

[That.Guy.S30]

Originally posted by heavyD


There are alot of 1990 - 1994 Talons/Eclipses still running with over 200 000 KM's on original engines & trannies. My Eclipse has been fairly reliable and parts are dirt cheap through Mitsubishi.

We will see how reliable WRX's are after 10 - 15 years on the road. If the trasmissions keep failing at the rate they do on the WRX, I don't think they will fare well.

^^ true. but alot of the failing trannies is probbaly due to mods or driving style, or tryin to get the rex to do 0-60 m/h in what? 5.7 secs, not sure? i believe the newer trannies are alot better.

[awd]

Originally posted by statick


16 g's obo...80 k...2000...awsome condition...checking it out on sunday afternoon....i'll let u guys kno how it goes



nice, it looks mint dude -- 80kms for an '00 is really low, I know guys selling '02 WRX's with more than that.

[t-im]

BUY A S70 (i think those volvo's are hot)

then let me drive it~

but serious, those are pretty tight (imo)

[statick]

but rarely find the awd version:thumbsdow , and cost more...we'll see how it goes. i'll post whats goin down once i kno.

[A790]

Originally posted by heavyD


There are alot of 1990 - 1994 Talons/Eclipses still running with over 200 000 KM's on original engines & trannies. My Eclipse has been fairly reliable and parts are dirt cheap through Mitsubishi.

We will see how reliable WRX's are after 10 - 15 years on the road. If the trasmissions keep failing at the rate they do on the WRX, I don't think they will fare well.

Right. They run, but they don't run well. Every Talon/Eclpise I've been involved with (four now- a 92, two 93s and a 96) that has more than 150K on it runs like ass. My talon had 180.xxx when I bought it and at 217 it died. I maintained it, replaced what needed to be, and in the end it just died.

Yep... that's reliability for you. :thumbsup:

... Oh, and the trannies on the WRX- that might have to do with how they are being driven. Power shifting = goodbye tranny..

[Chim]

Originally posted by A790

... Oh, and the trannies on the WRX- that might have to do with how they are being driven. Power shifting = goodbye tranny..

Same with many 4k+ launches ;)

[statick]

checked out awd's neighbours impreza 2.5 rs today...and i loved it. 80 k, some warranty left, nothing wrong other than a dent on drivers side fender, amazing awd:thumbsup:, fits 5 ppl but its a coupe, dark blue...hes asking 16. but after inspection we'll see how it goes. if that fails, looks liek it'll be a pathfinder.

[statick]

which dealership should i go thru for an inspection???
and i'd have to replace the fender, so how much would that be approx. ?

fyi - he got his servicing done at subaru of calgary, so maybe i should go to centaur subaru:dunno:

[awd]

Originally posted by statick
which dealership should i go thru for an inspection???
and i'd have to replace the fender, so how much would that be approx. ?

fyi - he got his servicing done at subaru of calgary, so maybe i should go to centaur subaru:dunno:

I would stick with SoC -- I will never take my car to the hacks at Centaur again.

His dealership would have nothing to gain by BS'ing you.

[statick]

kno the estimate for the fender?

[awd]

Originally posted by statick
kno the estimate for the fender?

No clue, and to be honest -- I drive by his car every day and I never noticed the ding :D

[statick]

:eek: its pretty huge actually...he sed he didn teven kno who u were tho:rofl:

[Fuji]

Both dealers are crap. they couldn'e even find a cracked head and worn cylinders even AFTER i paid them wads of cash to look at it and do a leak down test. They are idiots. I had my mechanic pull it apart and he found the problems within a day. Oh ya they never honoured thier warranty ((i had 94000km) either cuz they said it was normal.


Take it elsewhere

[CRXguy]

Only other option is All-Makes?

[statick]

anyone else had bad experiences with subaru of calgary ?

[statick]

Originally posted by CRXguy
Only other option is All-Makes?

what:confused:

[CRXguy]

Allmakes Auto Repair
Bay 125 1725 32 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E7C8
(403) 291-2291

They do work on Subaru too, so I guess they can do a inspection for you as well.

[awd]

I wish we had Rally-Subaru in Cgy, those lucky bastards up north.

[benyl]

Originally posted by statick
anyone else had bad experiences with subaru of calgary ?

If their services is anything like their sales department, it will be one big shit show.

Centaur is the better of the two. Both aren't that great.

[CRXguy]

Originally posted by benyl


If their services is anything like their sales department, it will be one big shit show.

Centaur is the better of the two. Both aren't that great.

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've never had a problem at Centaur.

[awd]

Originally posted by benyl


Centaur is the better of the two. Both aren't that great.

With my experiences with the two, I completely disagree. Paul M. at SoC has been great to me -- but in saying that neither of them have a great reputation, but the consensus is SoC > Centaur.

[Fuji]

ok. SOC is dogshit.

I had a blown headgasket. stock. They took 4 weeks to get parts int to fix it. Then 2 to fix it. I complained about burning oil after the fix and it got worse. Paul did nothing. He said its fine to burn 1L of oil every 3000km. I got centaur to look at it and they said log it and they can look at it.

i like centaur better than SOC, but both are not that great

[Weapon_R]

I don't understand why dealerships give people a hard time for warranty work. It's the easiest money. I know for a fact that if you contacted the owner and told him about the situation, chances are he will completely snap and shit will fly, because warranty work is both profitable and easy to do.

[awd]

Originally posted by Fuji
ok. SOC is dogshit.

I had a blown headgasket. stock. They took 4 weeks to get parts int to fix it. Then 2 to fix it. I complained about burning oil after the fix and it got worse. Paul did nothing. He said its fine to burn 1L of oil every 3000km. I got centaur to look at it and they said log it and they can look at it.

i like centaur better than SOC, but both are not that great

ok. Centaur is dogshit.

I had a severe clutch shudder that should have been covered warranty, Centaur told me to go shit in a hat. I told them to blow me and I got in my car and drove to SoC -- Paul had me in and out of there with a brand new clutch in 6 hours, no charge, no problem.

I like SoC better than Centaur, but both are not that great.

[That.Guy.S30]

both are shit. lol i moved from centaur to SoC. hahaah i get the same exact treatment at both. bot places dont do warrenty work that i asked to be done. they are fuckin crooks i tell you.

Allmakes is a good place to take your car for an inspection. they do alot of subaru work and are trustworthy unlike those bastards at centaur

[benyl]

For my major service, I am going to Edmonton. I have heard nothing but good things about Rally Subaru up there...

[awd]

Originally posted by benyl
For my major service, I am going to Edmonton. I have heard nothing but good things about Rally Subaru up there...

Agreed.

And Statick, it might be an idea for you to spend some time here:

www.nasioc.com

[Drew]

see i can't say that the work at centaur is all that special, cause i asked them to look at my windows, they fucked the tint on one and then when they put my doors back on you could tell immediatedly there was no care in how there were mounted cause now my lines arn't factory perfect which is a pisser for anyone whos worked in a body shop. HOWEVER i will say that centaur has hooked me up huge on warrenty, i mean basically gave me a new engine under warrenty. so for warrenty they treat me well but as far as the work they do, i'd rather read a book and try myself if that was an option.

[statick]

all this info on subarus was great:thumbsup: , but awd's neighbour didnt accept my offer of 14,500, so at the oment its guna be one of a couple of pathfinder i hav looked at.

thanks for all the help.