Greetings, everyone. Prospective owner here - looking to order an Impreza hatch within the next couple of months. Test drove a used 2019 sport model today and was very impressed with the overall package, including driving and handling. Was initially set on getting the base model with a manual transmission and building it up from there (wheels, rear sway bar and suspension upgrades, if possible). Had some questions for the owners:
I wonder if it would be better to pony up the cash and size up the sport model, or whether I can start with the base model and build it up over time to handle similar to the sport model. The latter would be my ideal scenario. I am purchasing this car to teach my daughter how to drive a manual transmission - the car will eventually be given to her for her use. Hoping to add suspension bits and nice wheels as we go along and as she learns.
Thanks to everyone for their inputs and their time.
- Any oil consumption issues with the recent model years? I heard/read that design changes addressed this issue from the 2019 model year onwards. For the record, I am very meticulous about maintenance and oil changes.
- I read the threads about a rear sway bar not being standard on the base model. Would Subaru service install this for me? I don't have the means to do this install myself. Would anyone happen to know how much the OEM parts would cost in total?
- How different is the "sport-tuned" suspension of the sport as compared to the base?
- I see that the sport comes standard with the short throw shifter (this is what I drove today). I was thinking of installing this as an option on the base. Has anyone done this? I know that it is an available option for install from Subaru parts, but wanted to know the experience of folks who have done the swap.
- Any other things to be aware of before I make the commitment?
I wonder if it would be better to pony up the cash and size up the sport model, or whether I can start with the base model and build it up over time to handle similar to the sport model. The latter would be my ideal scenario. I am purchasing this car to teach my daughter how to drive a manual transmission - the car will eventually be given to her for her use. Hoping to add suspension bits and nice wheels as we go along and as she learns.
Thanks to everyone for their inputs and their time.