Impreza 2.0 GX
Discussion
Hi all
Whats the Impreza 2.0 GX (2002) like to live with? The bugeye model.
An 02-reg, with full Subaru Service History, 59,000 miles, 12months mot, brand new cambelt, (one gentleman owner from new who lived in Ulverston in the Lakes, complete with towbar and roof rail brackets- part exchanged for a brand new suzuki... so clearly not been ragged) in silver, has come up for sale at a local garage who also offer 5 months warranty. Its at £3995 but he said for cash he'd drop down to £3700, but of course we'd probably try to drop it some more.
How are they to live with, performance wise, running costs, servicing etc? I know they aren't particularly quick for a 2.0, and like to drink a fair bit for the performance they deliver, but its a clean car, with the exception of some scuffs on the rear bumper, but being plastic it looks cheapish to change.
We took it out for a brief test as we arrived 10mins before closing, seemed a nice solid drive.
Any info would be great, thanks!
Whats the Impreza 2.0 GX (2002) like to live with? The bugeye model.
An 02-reg, with full Subaru Service History, 59,000 miles, 12months mot, brand new cambelt, (one gentleman owner from new who lived in Ulverston in the Lakes, complete with towbar and roof rail brackets- part exchanged for a brand new suzuki... so clearly not been ragged) in silver, has come up for sale at a local garage who also offer 5 months warranty. Its at £3995 but he said for cash he'd drop down to £3700, but of course we'd probably try to drop it some more.
How are they to live with, performance wise, running costs, servicing etc? I know they aren't particularly quick for a 2.0, and like to drink a fair bit for the performance they deliver, but its a clean car, with the exception of some scuffs on the rear bumper, but being plastic it looks cheapish to change.
We took it out for a brief test as we arrived 10mins before closing, seemed a nice solid drive.
Any info would be great, thanks!
Edited by Louisa911 on Sunday 23 May 23:17
If you're looking for a "decent, respectable looking runabout" with a "bit of poke" then I think there are probably a lot of better cars for the money. I've always thought the GX was neither here nor there. Whenever I see them I always wonder why the owner didn't get a Turbo. I've never driven one though, so my opinion counts for nothing. 
My brother had one for a year and a bit, was extremely disappointed, got used to it very quickly. very bad economy for what it is, not too bad for a little poke, but probably not too much off a 1.8/2l focus. Not much thrills if you're looking to have a bit of fun. Comfyish cruise, but dont expect good mpg even for motorway... Very little bang for buck, expensive repairs and need to be looked after well (servicing ect) Wouldnt particularly recommend one TBH. plenty of others you can probably get for that money while still being more economical and more poke. would recommend a bora or passat tdi or MG ZS 120 for a bit cheaper. only real plus of it over my other suggestions is its 4wd.
^that is purely my opinion, I haven't owned one but purely speaking of my brothers experience. After half a year of ownership he actually missed his Astra 1.6 SXI over it, ended up going for a RX8 after his Subaru ownership. He had lost quite a lot of money through resale, but most depreciation is probably already done on your example. It is very solid built. Quite comfy as a passenger. Not very supportive seats if looking to push it through some bends and country roads, but ok cruiser.
^that is purely my opinion, I haven't owned one but purely speaking of my brothers experience. After half a year of ownership he actually missed his Astra 1.6 SXI over it, ended up going for a RX8 after his Subaru ownership. He had lost quite a lot of money through resale, but most depreciation is probably already done on your example. It is very solid built. Quite comfy as a passenger. Not very supportive seats if looking to push it through some bends and country roads, but ok cruiser.
I've owned exactly that model. Brilliantly reliable cars. Pretty much nothing went wrong with ours, except for a lambda sensor. They're low 30s mpg at a steady cruise dropping to mid 20s in town. Servicing was cheap at an indy, and even main dealers seemed good value.
They are slow though, but fun enough across country. Funnily enough I had the bug eye estate version as a courtesy car a few weeks back when I had some work done on my Evo. I had a whale of a time driving it back across the moors - the skinny tyres made for some lovely 4 wheel drifts.
Re: the one you reference. I traded mine in for 2 or 3k - can't remember now - with circa 70k miles. I'd argue unless it's a minter, it's a little over priced.
In summary, Subaru spent their money where it counted in these cars - mechanicals, driver ergonomics and build quality. They are quite the ugliest things on the road and the wheels look too small, but you can't have everything. Don't be tempted to fit bigger wheels as it ruins the handling - you'd need to do springs, dampers, and geo with it which would cost more than the car is worth.
ETA - interesting the contrast between my post and above. I thought the seats were great. To add to my opinion - OP they are not at all a sports car so do not buy one if that's what you're after. They are a normal car, with exceptional reliability and 4WD system which is superb in winter.
They are slow though, but fun enough across country. Funnily enough I had the bug eye estate version as a courtesy car a few weeks back when I had some work done on my Evo. I had a whale of a time driving it back across the moors - the skinny tyres made for some lovely 4 wheel drifts.
Re: the one you reference. I traded mine in for 2 or 3k - can't remember now - with circa 70k miles. I'd argue unless it's a minter, it's a little over priced.
In summary, Subaru spent their money where it counted in these cars - mechanicals, driver ergonomics and build quality. They are quite the ugliest things on the road and the wheels look too small, but you can't have everything. Don't be tempted to fit bigger wheels as it ruins the handling - you'd need to do springs, dampers, and geo with it which would cost more than the car is worth.
ETA - interesting the contrast between my post and above. I thought the seats were great. To add to my opinion - OP they are not at all a sports car so do not buy one if that's what you're after. They are a normal car, with exceptional reliability and 4WD system which is superb in winter.
Edited by rhinochopig on Monday 24th May 15:52
Jayho said:
well there you go! two contrasting opinions (some similar points) one from a previous owner and one from a brother of a previous owner. Points which have probably came across quite frequently is the performance vs MPG is not great.
I think the difference if you buy one expecting WRX or STi performance. If you do, you'll be seriously disappointed. As I said in my edit, they are nor a sports car. That's not to say that you can't have fun in one on a wet slippery moor road.I was impressed as an all weather hack.
Slightly off topic, but I paid 3995 for my bug-eye WRX, so if you wanted you could probably find a model with a little more 'bang for the buck', depending on what you're after. Could be wrong as I haven't run an N/A version, but I shouldn't think the running costs would be too different. Hope you find something suitable 
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