Oppopions?: 2019 Subaru Impreza 5MT

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley) 10/20/2019 at 15:40 • Filed to: None

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I actually think this would be a fantastic Kia replacement. I am still team Jeep, but realistically I need something that can do gravel roads, snow etc. but still be “urban”. You can get them from $20K CAD all day long. This would be a long term car... I would still prefer a Crosstrek but the money is more.

What do you know about them?

Safety, AC, AWD, Android Auto and a backup cam for double the list price of my Kia ($17,500 USD).

AestheticsInMotion > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 15:46

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I’ll say that after putting a ton of miles on my old Outback lately, and even more miles on my friend’ s Crosstrek to reach hike spots, Subaru has really nailed the “go-anywhere” feel.

They just convey this deeeeeep sense of complete and utter confidence in absolutely any terrain, any weather, the likes of which I haven’t found behind the wheel of any other vehicle. I've been looking at Crosstreks, which I never imagined I'd say. 

Maxima Speed > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 15:46

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I love  the design and and the idea. When they depreciate enough I want to get one.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 15:47

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My cousins got rear ended @40 and walked away with a sore wrist. Visibility great , just never understood why they don’t throw in the 6 speed.

vicali > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 15:47

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More rally than your rally car..

I don’t like eyesight- would avoid it if you can. Otherwise new subies are good to go.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > vicali 10/20/2019 at 15:49

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Yeah, eyesight not available with the manual. Hooray!

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 15:55

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Sweet choice.  Can’t go wrong with Subie.

CB > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 10/20/2019 at 15:55

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I found a 2015 Outback with the six speed and I’ve considered trading in the FiST for it.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 15:58

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Best AWD out there, I don't think you can go wrong here.

fintail > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 16:00

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Being in the PNW and being your general age demographic with a wifey and a couple doggos , I am surprised you don’t own one already.

Spaceball-Two > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 16:03

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My sister in law has one. Black on black. She takes it skiing and hiking all the time. It’s not super quick but when I drove it the manual really have it more zip. 

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > AestheticsInMotion 10/20/2019 at 16:13

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Idk my miata on real snow tires felt more sure footed than my subaru on my Nokians that are "basically snow tires". Well maybe I'm just more used to RWD squirlleness so tail sliding around turns still feels sure-footed. And I did make it through a Montana snow storm with only some ice braking woes to worry about versus just some roads in Vermont. 

AestheticsInMotion > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/20/2019 at 16:17

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I’m not really talking pure grip here. Because yeah, same here in terms of my Miata vs the Subies. More of an intangible, protective quality.

Or maybe that's just the solid roof lol

Boxer_4 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 16:40

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I know lots about them ;) The o nly true differences between this and the Crosstrek are added ground clearance , 6 speed vs 5 speed when talking manuals, and the various body cladding.  If you can live without those items, the Impreza will do fine.  If you have specific questions, you know where to find me...      

Throw a set of dedicated snow tires on it, and you’ll be questioning why you didn’t get one sooner.

Boxer_4 > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 10/20/2019 at 16:41

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The Crosstrek gets the 6 speed, too. I don’t know why the Impreza hasn’t received it at this point.

CompactLuxuryFan > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 16:50

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Boooriiing but you already knew that. And the omission of the 6 speed is downright insulting by now. You’ll probably love it.

Only thing I might do is look into resale vs a Crosstrek. The general car buying public can’t, for the life of them, seem to recognize that it’s the exact same car as a Crosstrek. I even helped a friend buy a Crosstrek and she refuses to believe it to this day, even after I did some photoshop and everything. She swears the Crosstrek is bigger. Anyway, see if resale makes the Crosstrek a better deal. 

Boxer_4 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/20/2019 at 16:51

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The only time my old Forester was at a loss for traction was in a foot of fresh snow on top of grass/mud; it didn’t want to reverse through and up a small ditch - it had minimal issue driving forwards through said small ditch*.

* on Blizzak WS-80s with VDC disabled - otherwise, results may vary.

wafflesnfalafel > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 16:52

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We looked at the Impreza Sport hatch before getting my wife’s 2016 crosstrek a few years ago. I honestly preferred the Impreza because it didn’t have the wobbly/tall CUV ride but my wife likes being up higher and it’s nice to have more ground clearance for snow or the occasional forest road - otherwise the Sport and the crosstrek were quite similar at that point. Agree about the comments on Eyesight - my experience is that it is quite effective, but still bugs the cr@p out of me.

M.T. Blake > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 16:52

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I know you’d be much happier with the WRX. 

Boxer_4 > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/20/2019 at 16:53

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What Nokians?  

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > CompactLuxuryFan 10/20/2019 at 17:17

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I'd probably keep it for a long rime

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > M.T. Blake 10/20/2019 at 17:17

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I still have the fiesta though 

Z > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 17:22

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Subaru's are bad ass, dependable cars with the ability to tackle all the weather's... 

Z > Boxer_4 10/20/2019 at 17:25

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Snow tires on a Subaru is BLASPHEMY!!!

Boxer_4 > Z 10/20/2019 at 17:28

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Guilty as charged!

Wacko > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 17:49

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Wagon right?

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/20/2019 at 18:02

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Hopefully in 2020

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Z 10/20/2019 at 18:17

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No, snow tires on a Subaru is the car equivalent of a mountain goat.

small, but damn near impervious.

I would go with the Crosstrek, though, for the 6MT and not having to plow the snow with the front fascia.

I had a Legacy GT... an Outback XT would have been more practical and capable, but I wanted a more mature WRX at that point in my life.

Now, I wish the Crosstrek had a WRX engine, and STI drivetrain, but short of that, Subaru doesn’t interest me.

My ‘14 Grand Cherokee Overland does quite well in that department.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 18:20

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If the Corolla Hatchback wasn’t as good as it is I would have bought a 5MT Impreza Sport. They are nice cars and very capable.

The Snowman > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 19:13

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I drove one before buying a Crosstrek and I thought the manual felt slower than the CVT. I don't know how that is possible but I didn't even try to convince my wife to get the manual after driving it.

pookiedacat > M.T. Blake 10/20/2019 at 19:29

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Everyone’s happier in a WRX.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > AestheticsInMotion 10/20/2019 at 19:55

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Oh I 100% agree. All of those times in the miata a slight grade and heavy enough snow meant insta stuck requiring gratuitous throttle to unstuck. Meanwhile on WAY worse conditions the Subaru just goes like it's dry lol

TorqueToYield > Boxer_4 10/20/2019 at 20:03

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The only time I got my Impreza a bit stuck was trying to reverse through about 3 feet of snow and mud with the nose down a bit of a grade . Just not enough traction and something wonky with the AWD and reverse gear.

The car happily snow plowed forward through windshield tall drifts to get out though.

Khalbali > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 20:07

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Have only driven a previous gen Crosstrek but I've read that the new 6-speed makes the Crosstrek worth it over the Impreza. And if it's a long term car like you say, I'd spend a little more and get what you really want, for me at least cheaping out is more expensive when I get unhappy after 6 months and want something new.

benjrblant > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 20:08

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I drove one for a bit, it had this really annoying rev-ma tching thing going on and would hold at 2k rpm when shifting into first. Otherwise, it’s ok. Not super exciting but a good car. I really wish  it had a 6spd.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 20:14

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Keep the FiST, ignore the noise boi

BonrHappy > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 20:56

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I would definitely buy one. If it had a 6 speed manual, or at least any other option than the garbage CVT transmissions Subaru  is throwing in all their cars. Any car with a CVT transmission is destined for the scrapyard in a few years.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 21:02

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100% yes. The best way to own a subbie is with a warranty 

BonrHappy > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 10/20/2019 at 21:04

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Horribly ugly, though. You’re driving around an eyesore, even if you enjoy driving it.

AestheticsInMotion > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/20/2019 at 21:06

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Exactly! It’s like the Subaru is just infinitely bored with snow, torrential downpours, hurricanes, etc.... Just another day. Drives the same as always.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Boxer_4 10/20/2019 at 21:22

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And the wrx gets a 6. I think subaru wants to kill the impreza after getting that sweet sweet crosstrek money for the same amount .

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > AestheticsInMotion 10/20/2019 at 21:28

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Thankfully I have at least 150 extra hp on the outback you are talking about so entertainment was still had. There were a few empty parking lots where steering with throttle was entertaining. Although it problematically liked to just grip and start driving diagonally where I pointed it instead of spinning lol. But with enough throttle the RWD bias helped a bit. 

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Boxer_4 10/20/2019 at 21:30

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Wrg4 so it’s a proper snow tire in Europe but the US would consider it an all season tire. Overkill for living in LA so it was perfect for a few trips to mammoth and the longer ut/wy/mt trip. Plus they actually have a 50k treadware rating so I’ve been driving them all summer and will easily make it through the next winter too. Much more economical than destroying real winters on dry pavement 90% of the time. 

Boxer_4 > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 10/20/2019 at 21:37

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I’m sure the Impreza is their lowest margin car that they sell, at least in the US. It also doesn’t help that the Crosstrek sold almost double the Impreza last year. Not almost double Impreza hatchback sales, but total Impreza sales. The Crosstrek is a winner for Subaru, so they are willing to spend a bit more on it.

50ford500 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 21:51

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I’m really torn for my next automotive adventure. On one hand I want a small truck (like Ranger/Colorado size even thought those are hardly small anymore) on the other I want to go WRX/STi or Civi Si type vehicle. I have the Charger which is at 5 years old probably almost worthless in trade in but I already have my first car hot rodded out so its not a big deal either way but the Charger has about 50,000 miles on it, is paid for, and I need that money to buy new house stuff while I get back to single life.

I’m sure eventually I’ll end up with some sort of project or something since well I’ll have a house with a shop all to myself

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > 50ford500 10/20/2019 at 22:04

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You need a racecar!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Wacko 10/20/2019 at 22:07

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Yeah!

thl543 > 50ford500 10/20/2019 at 22:42

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I went with a 2019 WRX (to replace my current gen Impreza Hatch - I absolutely hated the CVT unfortunately). It is absolutely a car that you will find excuses to drive, and with gentle commute driving it’ll do 30+mpg. The only downside is the road noise on highways is definitely more than an average new car . I still have Tacoma/Ranger dreams though since it would be fun to have that level of off-road capability. Trucks are just fun, your passengers will love it and they hold value incredibly.

M.T. Blake > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/20/2019 at 22:45

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You know what’s better than one fun car?  Two fun cars.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > M.T. Blake 10/20/2019 at 23:11

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I have 4 cars..maybe one too many

Mace John > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/21/2019 at 00:45

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I personally own a 2018 I mprezza 5mt sport hatch , great car! The tires which I thought were summer only actually were all season tires that gripped in the snow very well!! I’ve put 48,000 miles on it since May ‘18 and absolutely love it! Highly recommend sport, much stiffer and more enjoyable on the pavement while still kicking ass on the gravel, and it’s seen quite a bit! If you want to know more don't hesitate to ask!

I initially came here to grab the pic, as I would love a bullbar with some mud flaps! Also spring for the LED lights they look way better, not sure if they offered them when I got mine but I see them on simar looking models and it gives me regret knowing down the road I'm going to spend to upgrade it. 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Mace John 10/21/2019 at 01:01

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Rally innovations is where the pic is from. I have their product on  my ST!

BonrHappy > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 10/21/2019 at 01:11

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The Corolla is so damn ugly though. You may like it and there's nothing wrong with that, but you're driving an eyesore.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/21/2019 at 07:09

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Very cheap interiors. Subpar engines.

If you can live with the garbage interior and the need to stick thousands into it yearly once it’s out of warranty ( even while under warranty when they deny claims ) it’ll be a great car!

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > BonrHappy 10/21/2019 at 09:49

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I get lots of compliments on it and it looks worlds better than the Civic so ¯\_()_/¯

davidj211 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/21/2019 at 10:53

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I’ve got a 2012, manual, hatchback. Not the same generation as the one you’re looking at, but mechanically similar enough.

152,000 miles on it. Two major mechanical issues , both of which I believe are results of design flaws that have since been addressed— excessive oil consumption, fixed under warranty, and a clutch/tranny issue that left me unable to disengage the clutch at 110k miles.

With snow tires, I’ve driven through two feet of unplowed snow without getting stuck. It really is extremely impressive in the snow.

NVH in my car is bad. I think I’m getting hearing loss from my highway commute. Newer cars are probably a bit better.

Acceleration is weak, new gen isn’t meaningfully better.

Probably replacing with a GTI soon.  Wife’s Equinox can cover our all-weather needs well enough.

M.T. Blake > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/21/2019 at 11:01

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More the better!

50ford500 > thl543 10/21/2019 at 23:08

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Good infos there. Honestly since I can use my work vehicle for 75% of my commute endeavor as I work in the field exclusively  my personal vehicles get to enjoy little wear/tear outside of personal driving and fun stuff