Used 2012 Subaru Impreza Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Oil Consumption
I have had this car since February almost a year. It is using oil and John Howard told me to bring it in every 1000 miles so they can check and add oil if it needs it and document it. My brother also has this car in the hatchback model and it is using oil too. He lives in PA and garage there told him to drive it in anytime it is low on oil so they can add it and document it. Please email me if anyone else is having this problem.
Scoobie II
I recently purchased a 2012 Subaru Impreza Premium with a 5 speed manual. This is the second Subaru I have owned. I had a 2002 WRX for 10+ years and I was sold on Subaru vehicles ever since. The build quality (100% Japan), reliability, handling and overall performance make these vehicles a "no brainer" in my mind. I did a ton of research prior to selecting my new Impreza. I read numerous reviews both positive and negative. I take what I read on the internet with a "grain of salt." It took some time to locate and test drive an Impreza with a manual transmission. I was sold from the moment I placed the vehicle in 1st gear and hit the accelerator!
- WRX Premium SedanMSRP: $10,95951 mi away
- 2.0i Premium SedanMSRP: $4,9956 mi away
- 2.0i Premium SedanMSRP: N/A46 mi away
Updated: Four Year Ownership Review
Editing my 2 year review of this vehicle, I've had to lower the rating from 4 stars to 3, mostly due to reliability scares. While proving to be rather comfortable, great in all seasons, decently economical, and safe, after only 35000 miles the vehicle has begun to burn oil at an alarming rate. We are currently waiting for the dealer to do a compression test on the engine to see if they need to replace it. This is the second Subaru in the family that has had engine issues, despite regular oil changes. It is a nice little car, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you absolutely need the all-wheel drive. There are much better options in the compact car class nowadays. Update: car sold after numerous issues at 5 years and 53,000 miles
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Big Disappointment
This car, with only 26,000 miles on it, did not live up to my expectations for build quality and reliability. The car burned oil at an alarming rate. One dealer claimed there was nothing wrong, then a second finally agreed there was an issue after the car failed an oil consumption test. They replaced the entire engine under warranty. Also I had an ignition problem, which had to be addressed due to the car not starting. Additionally, the car's battery was defective and had to be replaced. The Bluetooth on this vehicle was terrible, wouldn't connect and the whole radio system had to be replaced. There were unsettling rattles in the dashboard and excessive wind and road noise. The final straw was the climate control system stopped working. I believe this car's issues may be related to the Fukushima Daichi nuclear disaster. The car was produced at a factory not far away from there sometime in 2011 for the 2012 model year. I know many manufacturers had issues with suppliers. Subaru refused to buy the car back, which was a big disappointment, but they gave me a $1500 credit towards a new vehicle. I ended up replacing it with a 2015 Forester 6 speed manual which , with the one exception of a defective battery that was replaced under warranty, has had no issues.
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Oil Burner, Sits Too Low
I bought the 2012 Impreza hatchback new in July 2012. Since about 12,000 miles, I can't go more than 2,500-3,000 miles without needing a quarter of oil. Dealer says that is typical usage but manual says 7,500 miles between changes. The car does not have the pep my 2004 Impreza had and yet, gets the same gas mileage as the 2004. It also sits too low so you hit every curb or concrete parking barrier. I'm looking to get rid of it and based on this, my third Subaru, will never get another Subaru again.
The More I Drive It the More I Like It
I have a base model 5 speed Impreza sedan with over 2500 miles on it, the only options being the all weather mats (which are nice) and a jack for an ipod or something. This is my first Subaru, which I purchased as it's the first Subaru that appears to get decent fuel economy. I've only been in snow a few times, the most being about 5 to 6 inches which presented no problems in spite of the poorly rated tires. Average mileage for mainly stop and go with short highway driving has been 27 mpg to 28 mpg, which seems as rated. I drove sport bikes for over twenty years and don't expect cars that I'm willing to pay for to provide the performance levels that I was accustomed to, so for me cars are just comfortable transportation and the Impreza is fine. The Impreza hp is about the same as a Ford OHV Taurus, the torque about 20 lbs/ft less, we.ve done many road trips in a Taurus with a family of five so I expect the Impreza can do the same.
worth the wait
search included painful dealer drives from brand a-z,decision went to impreza; for gas mi, all wheel drive, and leg room (6'4" x 230#'s) front/back. drive from dealer2home 180mi, 68mph, avg 39.5 mpg. with all the negatives we read on style points and ride, i feel the quality of ride and performance for a sedan (limited w/o bells/whstles) price 21.5K. i did feel the intial leg work was worth it. went online and found the process painless in finding a dealer that would find the car that met our needs, just the limited with leather w/o elctronic bells/whtls. the interior will fit 4adults w/luggage. the 2nd choice was the legacy. it is our first subaru
Good company, fun car, but maybe not for 75-80 MPH driving or long commutes
Bought my Impreza in Sept of 2012. has been a good car, great on rain slick texas roads. CVT gave out at 80k miles, Subaru assisted with most of cost to replace. I recommend the company, but maybe not impreza CVT, which is not the same CVT as Legacy and Forrester according to what I have read.
Amazing car
I must say that I am unbelievably pleased with my purchase. I have over 3600 miles on my Impreza now, and about to get my first oil change. The gas mileage going 70mph from Virginia beach through the WV moutains was 35MPG, not far from the EPA estimate. The car handles extremely well, and I never felt insecure even in torrential downpours. I could never ask for better brakes. Nothing feels cheap, the interior parts and pieces fit perfectly, and best of all there is absolutely no rattles. The only issue I have with this car, is that the stereo was far under par. But this issue was fixed with a new headunit. Even with the upgraded stock unit, it sounded horrible at any volume over 20.
Beware of 2012 Impreza 2.0i (Base) CVT
PLEASE BE AWARE -- The CVT Automatic transmission in the Impreza 2.0i base model is NOT the same as that available in the rest of the line. It does NOT have the up/down shift function on the steering wheel. Even though it lists this version of the transmission as "CVT Auto Transmission with Manual Shift" on the order form and on the window sticker -- there is nothing "manual" about it. DO NOT BE FOOLED INTO ORDERING THIS LIKE I DID. (No 2012 Imprezas were available for test driving at the time.) There is still nothing that notes this in ANY of Subaru's online website nor in any independent review that I can find.
Great AWD, some annoying weaknesses
Bought this because I needed AWD, but didn't want a truck or an SUV. When conditions make AWD necessary, I love this car. Other times I like it a lot, but there are several things that keep me from loving it. See my suggested improvements for these comments. If you need AWD, this car has very few competitors in its price range. Of the 4 cars I own, when weather is bad, everyone wants to drive the Impreza.
The worst vehicle that I have ever owned
I have owned 10 New Subarus. My 1992 and 1993 Legacy were the best vehicles that I have ever owned, 35 miles per gallon on the road, never never burned oil, And no major repairs in 250,000 miles. Since then they have become junk. My Impreza, purchased new , has burned oil since new. The driver seat is crippling and cannot be fixed. It was involved in 2 serious accidents in which the airbags failed to deploy. The best mileage I have ever had was 24 miles per gallon Highway. Both the dealers and Subaru customer service have failed to stand behind their product. After dozens of complaints right up to Subaru and numerous oil burning tests, they keep telling me that this is "normal". Keep away from. this vehicle. update.....I found out that the company was required to replace the engine as the result of a class action suit. Upon notifying Subaru they replaced the short block. I drove it for 5,000 miles and it did not burn a drop of oil. I sold the car anyway. I should not have had to go through what I did.
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More Daewoo than Subaru
As an owner of a '12 Subaru Impreza 2.0 Premium, I wouldn't recommend the purchase of this car. The quality is far less than that of the '08 - '11 Impreza. The engine is loud, and has intense vibration, weatherproofing is shoddy, road noise/wind interferes with conversation at low speeds, interior materials rattle, and scratch easily. The seat fabric has folded in some parts, and became unwoven in others, the driver seat squeaks when your body shifts (only 165 lbs). Seats are uncomfortable on long trips (my Pontiac Vibe had more comfortable and supportive seats). Gets a combined 28 MPG (rated as 27/36 MPG). It's 25 MPG in the winter.
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made of cheap plastic
Driven 46k. Mtor and drive OK, But burns oil, doesn't delver promise mpg and airbag and track warning lights continual go off and on due to poor engineering and sensor designs. Particularly digusting is fact that the outer body is made of thin cheap plastic with parts held on without screws. As such fog light covers are continually failing off and the body parts break with even gentle contact. I have been driving for 40 plus years and I have never seen such poor quality.
I love my Impreza
Since I don't believe all they hype in hybrids (i.e. what do you do when the battery dies and you need a new one (A $4k cost) or how do you recycle it?) This is the best normally aspirated engine out there. Yes - I know the Hyundai models are getting 40MPG - but I alternate driving the Impreza vs. my Father-In-Laws Veloster and my Impreza returns better mileage and more acceleration and better handling.
Could have been great.
It has been 7 years already and my WRX looks almost as good as new. It is a sharp looking car as long as you baby it. The metal is very thin and the car easily gets dinged. It is also very likely to rust. After just a few winters, the WRX was as rusty as a 7 year old Toyota Corolla. So this car is not really suitable for MN winters. I have since stopped driving the car in winter and it half defeats the purpose of owning it. I have considered selling it, but it is almost too pretty to let go. The back seats can be dropped for full access to the trunk. Great for cargo space, but it adds a rattle at the seat latch. The car in general has a cheap feel and, compared again to the Toyota Corolla, feels flimsy and has a lot of rattles and vibrations while driving down the road. Recalls have been far too frequent. The last two years I have had to go in for 2 recalls each year. And finally, there is a class action lawsuit against Subaru for engine issues. Apparently oil starvation occurs and the engine can blow. So if you drive the car as it was meant to be driven, you may want to have some spare engines in stock. If you are gentle with the car, it may rust and fall apart anyways. So if you want the car to last more than 10 years, keep it stored in a climate controlled garage and never drive it. The car is a work of art you really should not drive. It will be my last WRX and most likely Subaru.
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AWD at its best
Drove all the 2wd competitors and even a 35k A3 Quattro and hands Dow the Impreza was top in all things. Yes the A3 had slightly better pickup but this car just handled so much better. This thing is on rails. For anybody looking for a small hatchback this can't be beat and is well worth a look.
A great car, for the most part
When I initially got the car, it was winter and I did get some not-so-impressive mileage ratings which made me think I had made a bad decision, since mpg was one of the biggest factors for buying this vehicle. But it got better in a few months after getting it - either because the engine was broken in, or because it is summer now. I am happier now than I was then. Some minor issues prevent me from giving it an awesome rating.
Consumer Reports Nailed It
Have owned this car for two months now, just over 2,000 miles on it. Has the winter/alloy wheel/moonroof package. Test-drove the Impreza v. Ford Focus and Fiesta and Hyundai Elantra, and Impreza was favorite by far. Handles well overall, was most solid and reassuring, smoothest transmission (CVT v. others' automatics is no contest), roomy comfortable interior. Edmunds doesn't like the styling, but I l do, and prefer it to the Focus (which I also own). Engine is plenty powerful and mpg is fine; on 270-mile trip from Denver to Avon, CO, over two mountain passes of at least 10,600 feet and at 70 mph most of the way, averaged 34.5 mpg. Seats are comfortable, visibility is top of class.
2012 Subaru Impreza - Premium - 4 door
First of all - let me say that when we went looking for a new car we looked at everything in this car's price range. The Subaru ( imho) provides the best value for the dollar and does everything we want it to do. Great power, good fuel economy ( 34 mpg on first tank ) and seems built like a little tank. Easy to get in and out of - huge trunk - great visibility - and all weather dependability. Our car has the CVT and we find it very smooth - the car has done nothing wrong since we bought it - zero defects and looks good sitting in the garage. We're very satisfied !!!!!!!
I love my Impreza!!!!!
For years I've been driving Toyota's. When it came time for me to buy a new car though, I wanted something different. I found the different in a brand new 2012 Subaru Impreza Premium. So far, it is AMAZING!!!! I've never been excited about a car, but this I'm pinching myself going, "Hey, this really is your car....this isn't a dream." I realize that I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but I do plan to update this review in time to point out any problems or issues I've come across.
First Subaru
This is my very first Subaru, and I was a bit hesitant since all I've owned were Hondas and toyotas. But I have to say, I'm impressed with my purchase thus far. This car feels very safe and is a great value for an awd. Fuel efficiency is good, getting on average 29 mpg mostly highway. Not anywhere near the EPA ratings at the dealer, but i anticipate it to improve as its broken in more as I just have 3000 miles (5000 km). Seats are nice and supportive, better than our previous civic which constantly gave me back pains. Styling at the front is kinda boring looking, but the rear looks real sporty. As for acceleration, I won't be in any street races, that's for sure.
Constantly Amazed With This Car
I have 4300 miles on my 2012 Limited Sedan and I could not be happier. I read some of the bad reviews and don't understand how anyone could give this car a bad review. It was very inexpensive and I am amazed by the overall experience. It rides great, handles very well, looks good, has many great features, performs well for it's class, and returns excellent gas mileage. And let's not forget the AWD. Really folks, this is not a $60,000 premium sedan. It is however, an excellent car for a very reasonable price. I consistently get between 33 and 35 miles to the gallon with a mix of highway and country road driving. Buy this car before Subaru realizes they priced it too low!!!
"WOW" Move over Honda, Nissan and Toyota
First of all , its "ALL WHEEL DRIVE" a no brainer for winter driving as well as wet weather handeling (it rains just about everywhere) The build quality is top notch and I've owned Nissans, Honda and many Toyotas. Whe you drive you feel safe. The car feels lke it's heaver than it looks and it handels like a dream. Sure it could use just a little bit more powert but it's perfect for you average driver. Gas mileage is outstanding and the car rides smooth and quiet. It's a value being all wheel drive, its economical and well built and you see and feel the quality all around. Buy it and see for yourself and belive me you won't be dissapointed. Test drive it and you'll be impressed
My second.
On my second STI, but this review is essentially for both. My current STI is a ‘15. I find the newer and current sti to be more comfortable than my limited. Also the cabin noise is also reduced. In the newer models also, more “bells and whistles” are included. I found the newer handling to be tighter, but the old handling to be more responsive. I have owned 30k Acura’s and BMW. The awd, don’t get me wrong. Anyone who plows through snow in one of these will tell you “what snow”. They are built for bad weather. I mean, they are rally cars by design. You pay for “performance”. Even the “perks” are built around said performance. Interior, for 30k, just feels cheap. Stereo, everything, just feels cheap. I know it’s not the point. You’re not buying that for that. Enthusiasts will say “you’re not buying it for that and if you are, you’re missing the point”. Listen, I’ve owned 10 subies. They are reliable and can have them fixed no matter how “fancy” they are, by any good mechanic. Plus they resale is great because they are such a fun car to drive. To each their own I guess.
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New WRX Was Worth the Wait
I just picked up my 2012 WRX premium 4 door sedan last week. So far, the car exceeds my expectations. I've wanted a WRX since they came out in 2002, and this one was worth the wait. The updates and body style changes in 2011 are outstanding. My car is dark grey metallic color with black cloth interior and gunmetal grey wheels. The car looks aggressive, tough, and almost sinister. Parked next to a 2012 Impreza (non WRX), the Impreza looks as exciting as a rocking chair.
Oil consumption - piece of junk! BEWARE
I purchased this car new and it was never abused. This is my first Subaru and the awd was appealing. This car is Very disappointing! Around 14k miles the car started burning approx 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. Subaru said this is normal! I think the new 2.0 engine has problems. The car also sounded like it had a bad wheel bearing, the dealer said the sound is the cvt transmission and again normal. The stereo system is horrible! The build quality is really bad and at 19k miles the car is rattling and gas mileage dropped to 26 mpg. Don't make the same mistake I made, buy a Honda or Toyota and stay away from Subaru!
Very happy owner !!!!!
I've only have had this car two weeks and so far its great.My first tank I drove 450 mi. mixed cuty/highway.That came out to 31.1 mpg huge diffrence from my 08 Buick at 17 mpg.
Great Car
I travel a lot for work and I try pretty much every model in this segment. I was given the chance to drive the older model of the Impreza and I like the car capability but not the interior. At 6'2'' the new version is way better then the old one. It more refine and controls are well position. I was looking for a fun car to drive that I could rely on for the winter (+ top safety pick). I did a test drive in a middle of a winter storm and it was impressive. The car visibility is great and the car stick to the road like glue even under very strong winds. Great car recommend it to everyone.
2012 Impreza 2.0i Premium CVT
I have had the vehicle for 4 months and love the gas mileage. It is way above the rated 27 city / 36 highway. i am averaging 34.8 city and 45.4 highway. The back seat is roomier than the 2008 outback we have. Really enjoy the iPod hook-up, no need for CD's anymore, I have all music, Pod cast and books at my fingertips. The only really negative I could find for the short time I have had the vehicle, is the truck space.
"MONSTA
It seems that if your a female and looking to buy this car from a dealer they assume that you dont know what you want nor can you handled driving a manual - I finally took along a male to just be my back up.... I love this car and the power and fun driving it provides - I am in total driving Heaven!
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Subaru unreliable
Corrosion of steering gear 2012 impreza with 110000 kil
Ru #5, Do not buy
Reviews on Edmunds.com are kind at best. The electric power assist steering definately has a dead spot at highway speed. The problem is once you steer beyond the dead spot, you're starting to over compensate. Edmunds is kind saying it's not a bad first attempt. I say nay, nay....As a happy owner of 4 previous Ru's, I never thought I'd buy one I hate, but I did.
First and probably last unfortuanately
I'm going to be that guy that probably ruins the "Subaru high" that all owners seem to have about these cars but this particular model for me pretty much wore out its welcome. It wasn't always like this, when I first got this car I was impressed by its quickness and handling, along with the exceptional gas mileage. With that being said, fast forward about a year and roughly 30,000 miles later and the first "problem arises in the form of a bad fan moter for the AC/heating. I was taken back a little bit considering these vehicles are known highly for reliability but I had that problem fixed. Now, fast forward about 3 years later and some more miles and I have a bad sensor that was affecting my dashboard with the indicator lights coming on at random...had that problem fixed after about a good 6 months of now knowing how bad the problem was. Now, onto the final chapter with this car with about 120,000 miles and I'm finding out I likely have a bad fuel pump. I'm not happy at all really. These Subaru's should really like most other big name brands only require routine maintenance. (tires, brakes, oil changes) not this bullshit of the engine falling apart! I will say that once I determine what this problem is I'm likely done with it since I've already shelled out over $1,000 outside of routine maintenance! I had my hopes high but this brand has let me down. I've been though Chrysler...Nissan and Subaru..all 3 took a [non-permissible content removed] before I could get full value. Will probably go Toyota from here on out!
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buyer's remorse
I have major buyers remorse from this purchase. My husband convinced me that this was my dream car and it surely is NOT!!! The seats in this car are so uncomfortable, I have constant lower backpain from driving this vehicle. I would not recommend this car to a friend or even an enemy. There is no lumbar support even offered in the Impreza. This would probably be a better suited car for a high school kid that has absolutely no back issues is in perfect shape and does not care about comfort in a vehicle.
WORST CAR I have EVER owned - and I've owned some crappy cars
What a piece of crap. I bought this worthless excuse of a vehicle for 24,000.00 and it had 9 miles on it, that was 45 days ago. This "reliable" POS has been in the shop for repairs twice. It's "AWD" has put me in the ditch once already with a couple other near misses. I've been driving vehicles for over 20 years, I drive an ambulance for a living. I've never been in the ditch before owning this lame car. I used to own a 2001 subary impreza, what happened in 10 years. You really put your name on this POS? Most god awful, piece of junk on the road under the false pretense of 37 mpg (LOL!) and reliable? C'mon into the dealers twice in under 45 days! Get the extended warranty. 500miles
good car and bad luck?
Just have a brand new 2012 Impreza basic model for a week. Good power, smooth CVT transmission, relatively high MPG, and large interior space. Everything works great until I had a flat tire during a long trip. The tire shop cannot find any object in the tire and suggested a possible manufacturing defect. I only have 250 miles on that car.
I love everything about it.
I drove every small car and just couldn't decide until the 2012 redesigned Impreza finally came out. It's extremely comfortable, has plenty of pickup, and is just the right size. Of course the all wheel drive is a plus and on my first all highway trip got 40 mpg.
3rd times a charm
This is my 3rd WRX after a 04 WRX & a 06 WRX STI. It's a great mix of comfort & performance. The STI rode like a gokart, but was lightning quick. The new WRX rides much better but still has that turbo power.