Where have all the Imprezas gone?
Discussion
I've noticed in the past year or two, that Subaru Imprezas are becoming a very rare sight on our roads. For a while the hatchback versions were relatively common, but now in mid-2019 I can only remember seeing four Impreza WRX/STis this year - and one of them belongs to a colleague of mine.
Evos are still somewhat familiar on the roads, but 90% of them are the new shape Evos. I also haven't seen an Evo 5/6/7/8/9 for a few months.
I mentioned this to a few (petrolhead) friends in the pub earlier. They were of the opinion that a lot of ex-Subaru/Mitsubishi drivers ended up in Focus STs or Golf Rs. I own an Impreza WRX and I do sometimes think - when my car was new 18 years ago, it made a lot of sense. Nowadays, an AWD car with 265bhp isn't exclusive to "rally" cars. Is it simply a sign of the times? Poster cars for millennials, i.e. the Impreza/Evo, are now consigned to legacy only? (pun not intended)
Evos are still somewhat familiar on the roads, but 90% of them are the new shape Evos. I also haven't seen an Evo 5/6/7/8/9 for a few months.
I mentioned this to a few (petrolhead) friends in the pub earlier. They were of the opinion that a lot of ex-Subaru/Mitsubishi drivers ended up in Focus STs or Golf Rs. I own an Impreza WRX and I do sometimes think - when my car was new 18 years ago, it made a lot of sense. Nowadays, an AWD car with 265bhp isn't exclusive to "rally" cars. Is it simply a sign of the times? Poster cars for millennials, i.e. the Impreza/Evo, are now consigned to legacy only? (pun not intended)
I guess it depends on where you are in the country. I live in Leeds and regularly see Imprezas on the road, everything from UK turbos to the new WRX STi. Only ever seen a handful of Evos on the road, hell when I had my Evo X I think I spotted 2 others in total during the year I owned it.
Subarus make some of the best built cars out there, they still exist and in many cases will be far better looked after than a German car of that age - My Legacy will probably outlive myself and there is not a spot of rust on it and it frequently sails throught MOTs. If I want a used car that old I know which country it will originate from, and its not Germany.
lots of cars this old are SORN, not just Subaru - it depends on how will cared said car was during ownership, its hardly rocketscience.
lots of cars this old are SORN, not just Subaru - it depends on how will cared said car was during ownership, its hardly rocketscience.
That's a shame, living in Oz now I see plenty, as older versions stay on the roads longer due to the ridiculous vehicle pricing structure here. People feel less inclined to swap or upgrade.
Perhaps the new car churn in Europe has always dictated the number of older models staying on the road.
Back in the day I owned four in a row, a Turbo 2000, P1, STi and finally an RB320. The P1 providing the most rewarding driving experience.
One day I'll get back into another.
Perhaps the new car churn in Europe has always dictated the number of older models staying on the road.
Back in the day I owned four in a row, a Turbo 2000, P1, STi and finally an RB320. The P1 providing the most rewarding driving experience.
One day I'll get back into another.
Been replaced by Golf R’s or equivalents.
They are older cars now so generally lots don’t get seen. Take M4/40/25 rush hour reading to London Town it’s hard to see a car older than 3/4 years old - I once saw an early naughtiest car which stood out due to its age.
Then I went to Wales it was very different.
They are older cars now so generally lots don’t get seen. Take M4/40/25 rush hour reading to London Town it’s hard to see a car older than 3/4 years old - I once saw an early naughtiest car which stood out due to its age.
Then I went to Wales it was very different.
I think it's a combination of things. As mentioned above, the age of them will be a factor. Most people don't like driving old cars - just look at the age of most cars you see on the road these days.
Also, Subaru started losing the plot with last versions of the Impreza. The 2.5 engine also had its issues which didn't help.
Things also have moved on in regards to hot hatches. You don't need to turn to an Evo or Scooby for high performance, hot hatches have 300+ bhp now.
Also, Subaru started losing the plot with last versions of the Impreza. The 2.5 engine also had its issues which didn't help.
Things also have moved on in regards to hot hatches. You don't need to turn to an Evo or Scooby for high performance, hot hatches have 300+ bhp now.
jamoor said:
I don't think I have seen a rusty Subaru or Porsche
Well, a lot of the "middling old" Porsches have galvanised shells, I think they started doing the 911 like that in the mid 70s, and the 924 etc from the early 80s. Plus they've always been at least somewhat "special" enough to be vaguely looked after - but the old ones do crop up as restoration projects/barn finds that show they are very capably of getting crusty.Subarus, I'm surprised you've never seen a rusty one, as they can go as badly as anything else Japanese. Of course it very much depends how they've been looked after, but the guys who know Imprezas better than I do will tell you where to poke them to check if they're sound.
Edited by InitialDave on Wednesday 7th August 08:08
ericmcn said:
Subarus make some of the best built cars out there, they still exist and in many cases will be far better looked after than a German car of that age - My Legacy will probably outlive myself and there is not a spot of rust on it and it frequently sails throught MOTs. If I want a used car that old I know which country it will originate from, and its not Germany.
lots of cars this old are SORN, not just Subaru - it depends on how will cared said car was during ownership, its hardly rocketscience.
I'd love one of those Impreza's, but it just doesn't work for me (and many people) as a main car. My Mk3 Focus ST is more practical, more refined, more economical and better equipped, and I imagine on a day to day basis not that much slower.lots of cars this old are SORN, not just Subaru - it depends on how will cared said car was during ownership, its hardly rocketscience.
te there my friend!!Gassing Station | Subaru | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff