Just picked up a 2014 Impreza on the cheap and after the initial crank for about two seconds, the engine is pretty loud. I have maintenance records and the previous owner was pretty good. 98k miles and I'm aware that the next project will be the timing belt. Video with the sound attached.

 

oil filter up top is an fb engine, timing chain.  they're noisy on startup until the tensioner fills with oil.  no need to replace if it doesnt sound bad when warmed up

Yeah seems to sound and run. I was wondering about the tensioner as I've heard it can be an issue with this engine. If I let it run for a few minutes until it's warm then turn it off and restart it, no sound at all.

A bottle of Lucas can help with startup noises, although I haven't tried it on that exact engine.

it's likely fine, the timing chain tensioner can get sticky, but doesn't fail catastrophically like the timing belt tensioners. 

those years had the oil consumption issues due to low tension rings from the factory.  probably check if your model year is affected and keep an eye on oil levels between changes

Yeah I had seen they burn oil so I changed it right after I bought it. I've put maybe 500 miles on it so I'll take a look. This is the first car I've ever owned where the freaking oil filter is on top. It's an odd car but I dig it so far.

14 hours ago, bushytails said:

A bottle of Lucas can help with startup noises, although I haven't tried it on that exact engine.

Which Lucas stuff are you talking about? The stabilizer?

I would be tempted to to try a thicker grade of oil (but still within the recommended range).

1 hour ago, Bilegeyser said:

Which Lucas stuff are you talking about? The stabilizer?

Yep.  It slows the oil from draining down, so everything is oilier on startup.