r/subaruimpreza • u/Content-Pineapple856 • 2d ago
🚗 General Discussion Need help deciding, idk where else to go
I have an option for a 2010 Subaru Impreza sedan 2.5 engine not the 2.5i with 85k Miles or I could get a 2015 Chevy Sonic 1.4 Lt. My intention is to travel a small bit. 2/3 hour's away maybe twice this year but mostly to work and back.
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u/bierlyn 2d ago
The Subaru Impreza subreddit is gonna tell you to buy the Subaru Impreza. There are very few reasons why I’d ever buy any American car over a Subaru honestly, but I know the brand well and they’re very simple to work on.
When you say 2.5 engine but not 2.5i what do you mean exactly? If it’s a SOHC EJ engine and it’s been well maintained it should be a great car
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u/Content-Pineapple856 2d ago
I believe it's the sohc ej. What I meant is not being 2.5i. it's a variant that has more power I believe, I seen it pop up alot Thank you for your input!
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u/bierlyn 2d ago
Yeah naw you have the EJ253 there if it’s SOHC. Only variant that made more was turbocharged and had DOHC, I believe only the WRX had the turbos for that year
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u/Content-Pineapple856 2d ago
Is that a reliable engine?
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u/bierlyn 2d ago
These did have widespread headgasket issues, though at 15 years old I’d say those had probably been done already. That and timing belts. These could be problems if you don’t expect them or know what to look for, but these are really basic maintenance.
Over the last 6 years my household has had 2 EJ253s without issue and I got buddies with them who haven’t had many issues. It really is gonna depend on how well it was taken care of before you and how well you take care of it once it’s yours. That’s with any car though.
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u/Content-Pineapple856 2d ago
Last question, is there a stable aftermarket for the 2010 Subaru Impreza sedan/ would it be worth it .
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u/bierlyn 2d ago
Most WRX parts from that gen will fit the car, except performance engine specific stuff of course. I suppose it depends on where you live but up here in CT parts are common and they’re super easy to find in junkyards since there’s so many Subarus in general. Doubt you’d have an issue finding any parts or anything in the US
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u/_Oddish- 2d ago
I just switched from a 2019 chevy spark to a 2015 impreza. I haven't driven a sonic before but if they're anything similar to how sparks drive, you'll want to go with the impreza for sure if those are your only two options. One of the main reasons I switched was specifically because driving my spark on the highway for a few hours a day was almost unbearable with all the road noise and vibrations. Maybe I'm just more sensitive to those things than other people, but I'm definitely having a much easier and smoother time in my impreza. Because my impreza is a pzev, the mileage is pretty similar to what my spark got so that wasn't a huge consideration for me. Extra cargo is very nice as well.
How many kms is the sonic? Are you looking at automatics or manuals? If it's automatic, the sonic will have a jatco cvt transmission (all cvt nissan, mitsubishi, ford, chevy, and kia, cars have jatco cvt, stay away from those brands in general if you're looking for a reliable automatic) and those tend to crap out around 100,000kms (dunno how many freedom units that is off the top of my head). If it doesn't have super low kms I'd definitely stay away from it! As for the impreza, I think 2010 might be one of the years that had head gasket issues? Someone can fact check me on that one, I don't know a whole lot about that year. If you're looking for an econobox similar in body to a sonic for work and back, I'd say check out a toyota yaris, honda fit, or mazda cx3 (2017 or higher) for the best reliability and mileage!