Subaru Impreza 1

The first-generation Subaru Impreza is one of the most iconic cars in the world. All thanks to the titles won in racing under the legendary Colin McRae. When you hear the mention of Subaru, you immediately imagine all-wheel drive, boxer engines and turbocharging. However, the first and last elements were never a must-have attribute in any Impreza generation. Subaru Impreza and the legendary Colin MacRae. Subaru cars were not designed with the idea of rallying. Still, the successes of the small Japanese company that challenged Toyota and Mitsubishi are impressive. Impreza is a normal compact. The Porsche 911 is not a competitor, but a Toyota Corolla. The first Impresa is a bit like the sixth generation Corolla. There is something in common with the next generation models.

Design features

Impreza debuted in 1992. The choice was offered by a sedan (GC) or wagon (GF). Two-door versions were available in the US and Japanese markets, known as the Coupe (also known as the GC). In 1996, the car experienced facelift: the front part was updated, and in 1997 the front panel was changed (recognized by the speedometer located in the center of the dashboard). The variation of the GT or Turbo body is easily identified by the hood with the air intake and small holes on the sides. In addition, serially installed "golden" discs and a massive front bumper with large additional lights (or plugs in their place). Also relied on the sills and spoiler of various shapes (most often in the form of a large wing). Impresa is not a spoiler. In the cabin will feel comfortable two adults and two children in the back seat. Even the wagon isn't particularly practical. The trunk has a capacity of only 365 liters (like the sedan). This is due to the presence of a back bridge. Worse, the designers, to give the wagon a pleasant shape, tilted the rear window too much. So the car became more like a hatchback. The model against the background of competitors stood out by a constant drive on all four wheels (European versions), and all power units were of the opposite type. Both elements formed the Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system, i.e. a symmetrical all-wheel drive system. We are talking about symmetry in the vertical plane - two cylinders in each direction and a completely symmetrical drive without a side-shifted driveshaft that transmits torque to the front wheels.

Engine

Subaru initially installed atmospheric engines of the Opposite type with a volume of 1.6 and 1.8 liters. They were combined with a manual 5-speed or automatic 4-speed transmission. The base engine with the code designation EJ16 developed from 90 to 98 hp, while the 1.8-liter EJ18 - 110 hp.

Only in 1995 was presented a naturally aspirated 2-liter unit recoil 115-125 hp, and in the American market over time appeared the opposition with a capacity of 2.2 liters. The GT version was equipped with a 2-liter turbo engine. In addition, the asset model was present and more modest blocks of 1.4 and 1.5 liters.

Interesting fact: the 1.6-liter engine uses a carburetor, and 1.8 - single-point fuel injection. 2-liter engine received multi-point injection. Interestingly, the turbo engine is built on the basis of an atmospheric unit, which means that its resource is not infinite.

Which engine should you choose?

In principle, any of the power units does not cause complaints. But decent dynamic performance is guaranteed only by a 2-liter engine. The consumption of 7-9 liters should not be surprising. If you drive actively, it is easy to reach values of 10-12 l / 100 km. More modest units are not as dynamic, but consume fuel no less.

If you are interested in the carburetor option, then you should carefully check the engine. There are few services involved in repairing and restoring such engines. Japanese carburetors are black magic, even for experts. If after repairs to lay all the tubes and cables as it happens, and not strictly according to the scheme, the engine will never work as before.

But such engines allow you to use GBO without unnecessary difficulties. But be careful about cars with already installed gas equipment, especially if the engine is not evenly running. This can be a symptom of damage to the head of the block. There are two in Subaru. When installing the system, it will be found that there is little space in the car to place the cylinder. One solution is a toroidal tank instead of a spare, but a small capacity.

What's breaking?

Subaru Impreza GC is a car that is extremely durable and reliable. First of all, this applies to versions with atmospheric motors. Japanese mechanics from the 90s are very durable. All power units have a temporary type of HRM drive, and its rupture ends in expensive repairs. To avoid unpleasant consequences, the gear belt should be changed every 60,000 km. Regular attention is also required by the all-wheel drive system. We are talking about timely change of oil in differentials and gearbox. To extend the life of the transmission, you should use only the same tires and regularly rearrange them. The ground clearance allows you to move on easy off-road. In some markets, even off-road versions were offered. However, it should be remembered that all-wheel drive S-AWD is designed primarily for movement on normal roads. Very reliable and relatively simple electrician. It is worth noting that many instances are equipped with an electric front windows and mirrors, ABS and even air conditioning. When buying, you should pay attention to door windows that do not have frames. They should be regulated, but not everyone knows about it, and therefore tolerate water leaks or drafts during movement. However, most often these defects are the consequences of accidents or aging of seals. When inspecting the body, you can find foci of rust. But dramatize on this occasion is not worth it - it's all about a decent age. The last aspect is the suspension. On the front axle work the usual Macpherson struts, and on the rear - a multi-link scheme.

Operating costs

Although the car is not new and not too popular, spare parts are easy to find. Problems arise only with small things and serious components, for example, with the gearbox and differentials. We have to reckon with high prices for some of the substitutes: for example, the clutch set costs from 7 000 rubles, and the drive shaft assembled - from 20 000 rubles.

Certain difficulties are found during the search for body elements to replace victims in an accident. However, the car is not expensive in maintenance, and most of the repair work will cope with a conventional mechanic. But only a Subaru expert should touch the engine.

Operating costs increase fuel consumption. And in the case of all-wheel drive modifications, do not forget about four identical tires of 185/70 R14 or 195/65 R15 size.

Which engine should you choose?

• If you are interested in the carburetor option, then you should carefully check the engine.
• There are few services involved in repairing and restoring such engines.
• If after repairs to lay all the tubes and cables as it happens, and not strictly according to the scheme, the engine will never work as before.
• But be careful about cars with already installed gas equipment, especially if the engine is not evenly running.

What's breaking?

• All power units have a temporary type of HRM drive, and its rupture ends in expensive repairs.
• To avoid unpleasant consequences, the gear belt should be changed every 60,000 km.
• To extend the life of the transmission, you should use only the same tires and regularly rearrange them.
• However, it should be remembered that all-wheel drive S-AWD is designed primarily for movement on normal roads.
• When buying, you should pay attention to door windows that do not have frames.
• They should be regulated, but not everyone knows about it, and therefore tolerate water leaks or drafts during movement.
• When inspecting the body, you can find foci of rust.
• The chassis is quite durable, but the costs of repairs vary greatly.

Operating costs

• Problems arise only with small things and serious components, for example, with the gearbox and differentials.
• However, the car is not expensive in maintenance, and most of the repair work will cope with a conventional mechanic.

And that's where the big dilemma comes in. The most powerful GT/Turbo versions are in high demand and are rarely seen in ads. Many enthusiasts are looking for just such an Impresa. Most offers for the sale of models with a 1.5-liter engine, a little less with a 2-liter unit and complete the top three 1.6-liter versions. Among the offers, about 1/3 with front-wheel drive.

The most expensive well-groomed copies with 2.0i are about 200 000 rubles. Mediocre copies are estimated at 150 000 rubles, while the cheapest can be purchased for 80-100 thousand rubles.

Subaru Impreza of the first generation is a good alternative to compacts costing a couple of hundred thousand rubles. The car has two important advantages: four-wheel drive and high endurance. The rest doesn’t matter if you’re undemanding about interior space, appearance, or fuel consumption. Impreza is one of the most entertaining members of the class in his age group. It may be interesting for those who are often forced to move in the most comfortable road conditions.

• Design features: Impresa debuted in 1992.
• Engine: Subaru initially installed atmospheric engines of the Opposite type with a volume of 1.6 and 1.8 liters.
• Which engine to choose?: There are few services involved in repairing and restoring such engines.
• What breaks?: All power units have a temporary type of HRM drive, and its break ends in expensive repairs.
• Operational costs: Problems only arise with small things and serious components, such as gearboxes and differentials.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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