Subaru Impreza Wagon 1998
| Reviewed by: | Vergile, San-Remo | | Year: | 1998 | | Engine and transmission: | EJ15, AT | | Period of ownership: | 1 year |
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REVEIW:
General impressions:
I bought my Subaru Impreza Cz in August 2004 from Japan with mark 4. The run was 75 thousand km. By the present time (July 31, 2005) I made more than 21 thousand.
What can I tell about the car? In the whole, this is a comfortable car, pleasant in driving, quite dynamic in spite of 1.5l motor. Controls are convenient. I got accustomed to the button on the wiper switch lever (when it’s pressed, water sprinkles out and wiper goes to and fro after a time-out) :) A retractable glass-holder is located very handy, just under the air nozzle (it cools down a water bottle in summer time very well). Spacious glove compartment. Perfect vision in all directions from the driver’s seat, good mirrors. The trunk holds 29'' TV set without the carton box :)
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What I like in this car: |
I was buying my Impreza in a hurry; lack of experience was the reason. In the result, I have a very disagreeable hammering in the engine when it’s cold and a cautious slap in the idle. The noise disappears with a load. The engine repair costs more than its replacement from an auction, so I decided to use the car while it runs. In the result, I made 21 thousand; the engine runs as before. It pulls perfectly, no smoke, no fuel over-consumption... I think, this will keep on. I’m tired of gossips about the chronicle disease of EJ15 engine, sort of hammering is normal for this engine.... I’m not sure...
I use synthetic Shell Helix Ultra 5w40 oil.
Shortly after I bought the car I changed all liquids (ATF, brake fluid, antifreeze, oil in reduction gear and engine) and replaced the air-conditioner belt.
The antenna broke off almost immediately after the purchase, it stopped retracting and closing. I changed it for Arabian "Al Katim" (think, this is a correct name), because I could not obtain a genuine part (perhaps I wasn’t looking hard). It installed with some problems, but the use of a hammer and screw-driver solved the problem.
I was in a minor car accident and had to replace the left wing. Installing new genuine wing was only $30 more expensive than straightening and leveling the old one. I installed a new wing.
The rear left shock-absorber leaked quite recently. I installed "Êyaba". I bought the shock absorbers in the first spare parts shop for Japan cars which I got in (maybe I was lucky). The servicemen said that genuine stanchions perform longer than Kyaba. But I already bought Kyaba by that time ;)
No more repairs so far :) Impreza runs cheerful and easy. It gives me pleasure. I will hope that same situation will remain for a new owner as I’m going to change it for Mitsubish Galant (Aspire, to be exact). I just want to have a more spacious and powerful car :)
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What I dislike in this car: |
Of minuses, I can tell that the interior is noisy. When driving on tarmac with macadam ingrained (worn out pavement) frameless windows in the doors start vibrating. Not a very pleasant sound. Ventilation system air intakes make noises at high speeds. With my height (182 cm), the seat can be easily adjusted. However, for taller people the space is a bit too tight.
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