Bought the used Subaru Impreza with manual transmission. It passed inspection and left the dealership in excellent shape including verifying integrity of head gasket. Performed follow up maintenance as brake pads replacement and all fluid changes engine and drivetrain. This was driven normally and function as a daily driver to work. However, while driving in inclement snow weather, the vehicle suddenly lost power. After re-start attempt the engine was making knocking noise so I decided to just have it towed home.

Performed inspection the following day and conducted full inspection from fluids and timing belt integrity. Ran code reader without cranking engine and it indicated all cylinders were misfiring. Started the engine to see real data from code reader. Vehicle started but was making horrible knocking noise and shaking like it was trying to escape from engine mounts. Lastly I had it diagnosed at a local auto mechanic and they determined the problem as rod bearing failure and the only solution is to either rebuild or purchase a new or rebuilt engine. They recommended purchasing a replacement engine and estimated cost of $6000 to $7000 dollars with labor. The mechanic indicated that this is a typical problem for this type of engine and it is a matter of the luck of the draw.

I was under the impression that this was a great engine as long as the head gasket was not compromised. Knowing now of potential issues with this engine, will be very pessimistic with future Subaru purchase because this type of failure is simply catastrophic to the budget. I've purchase several used cars over the years as small to large - Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Ford and Dodge. They all had mechanical failures as expected from used vehicles as brake booster issues, drivetrain repairs, and cosmetic or accessory repairs but never as catastrophic as this failure literally junks the vehicle.

I WILL NOT DUMP ANY MORE MONEY INTO THIS LEMON 2008 IMPREZA! I am going to take a bath on getting rid of this car; currently at 69,000 miles. The offers I have gotten so far are $3000-4000; less than half the value the car should be worth. By-by Subaru; I have had enough abuse by your defective product! Hope you are satisfying someone in North America.....I just filled out a NHTSA complaint yesterday. Tomorrow I intend to inform the Attorney General of my State, and see what politically I am able to accomplish so others do not have to go through the abuses of Subaru...verbal, physical, and monitarily. This crap car cannot be out of my sight soon enough!!! DO NOT purchase any 2008 Subaru Imprezas; they are money-pit junkers. My other Subs exceeded 220,000 miles. This thing is not going to make a third of the older models.