I just joined USMB, and I wanted to say thank you to all of you. A few months ago I came across this message board while searching for information about later model subaru imprezas. Thanks to your message thread about head gasket issues, among other things, I felt I knew what a "good model"was.

 

Ultimately,I found and purchased a 1997 Subaru Impreza L 2 door coupe. EJ22E (first generation)146K. She has some rust, but her engine purrs like a kitten, and the folks at the Subaru dealership that have replaced her timing belt and water pump for me have told me she's "a nice little car in good shape, that should last a very long time". I hope to have some photos to post once her body work has started.

 

Again, thank you for this forum. You have all been very helpful.

Welcome to USMB--glad it's been of help to you already.

 

I believe all EJ22s after '96 were interference engines so just keep that in mind!

Yes, that's true. Thanks for the "head up!"

 

That's why I had the timing belt/ water pump done ASAP. Just was happy to get a EJ22. A bit less to worry about. She's a great little car.