Why does my 2017 Subaru Impreza smell like rotten eggs?

The smell you're describing has been around since 1986 when all new cars sold in Australia were forced to use unleaded petrol. That move was to protect the catalytic converters fitted from that date (leaded fuel would have damaged them) and the combination of these converters and the new fuel resulted in the smell you're noticing. So it's not new, but it does vary from car to car and possibly even from one brand of fuel to another. It's supposed to be harmless to humans, but if you can smell it, that automatically means you're being exposed to other chemicals in the car's exhaust emissions, including various carcinogens and carbon-monoxide which is a known killer. Think of the rotten-egg smell as an early-warning system that there's exhaust gas in the air around you. Excessive gas can also be a symptom of a car's engine that is not turned correctly. It's really important not to run a car engine inside a garage for any longer than is absolutely necessary as these toxins can build up very quickly. It sounds like your garage is attached to your house, and that reminds me why garages were once separate to the house they served. (As were kitchens in the very old days, as a means of ensuring a kitchen-fire didn't take the rest of the house with it.) Don't be tempted to reverse into the garage, instead drive in nose-first, leaving the tailpipe nearest the garage opening and never start the car with the garage door closed.

What small all-wheel drive hatchback should I buy?

Small all-wheel drive hatchbacks are rare in Australia, as only a comparatively tiny number of people live in the sort of environments that require the added traction and surety that AWD provides. Also, most Australian consumers seeking AWD tend to go for smaller SUVs, since they are easier to get in and out of, offer a higher seating position and generally enjoy better resale values. On the flipside, SUVs cost more to buy and run, are not as stable at increased speeds due to their higher centre of gravity and are larger to manoeuvre in tighter parking spots than a small hatchback. The Subaru Impreza remains the least expensive small AWD hatchback you can buy new, as well as the sole mainstream-branded model starting at under $30,000. However, while the latest-generation Impreza launched in 2016 it's a huge improvement over previous iterations (with service intervals finally extended to 12 months/12,500km), there are a few more compelling alternatives in small crossovers – that is, the in-between segment between small cars and SUVs; they boast a few extra centimetres of ground clearance without the bulk. Note only a few crossovers offer AWD as an option. A recent stint in the new Impreza-derived XV 2.0L Hybrid revealed it to be a powerful and economical crossover with excellent handling and road-holding capabilities. The same applies to the Mazda3-based CX-30 AWD, the Toyota C-HR 1.2L-turbo AWD and Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI 4Motion - though none are as frugal as the Subaru. If you're not sold on the idea of an crossover AWD and prefer a small AWD hatchback, then your only other option is to stretch to premium European hatchbacks like the Mercedes-Benz A250 4Matic, BMW M135i xDrive, Audi A3 quattro and Volkswagen Golf R. But all generally cost upwards of $60,000 drive-away - and that's before some of the more desirable options fitted. Finally, unless you are travelling hundreds of kilometres ever week, there is probably no benefit choosing diesel over petrol, as the former fuel is dirtier for the environment and not as quiet and refined as the latter. Additionally, diesels are falling out of favour with buyers due to their harmful emissions, and most companies are switching to petrol/electric hybrids as a solution. Again, this means the Subaru XV Hybrid AWD. A long response we know, Jan, but we hope this helps.

Subaru Impreza 2008: Good price range

It would depend on which variant it is, but it’s very low kilometres for its age, which would go in its favour. I would suggest a price of $8,000 - $10,000.

What car should I buy?

The Camry wins on reliability and fuel consumption, but carries the highest price; the Subaru is the least expensive but has the highest fuel consumption ad the lowest resale, while the Kia sits in the middle. The Kia is good value-for-money. If fuel consumption is your priority go for the Camry, if not go for the Kia.

Subaru Impreza 2017: What's a good replacement?

One to try is the Ford Focus; it has a rear view camera, GPS, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and fits within your budget.

What is the cheapest Subaru?

The cheapest new Subaru is the Impreza 2.0i 4D Sedan listed at $22,690. For more info on the latest models, check out our pricing and specs page, and you'll find all Subaru reviews and news here.

Subaru Impreza 2011: Fitting out exhaust, custom lights and body kit

I wouldn’t buy them without doing some homework to make sure they would suit your car. Find a Subaru specialist mechanic, one who can advise on performance options, and check with them.

Subaru Impreza 2010: Can the RS fit a Holden LS1 engine?

It won’t fit without a lot of engineering. If you seriously want to do it you will need to talk to a qualified engineer recognised by Vicroads, and have a large amount of money at your disposal.

Subaru Impreza 2012 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Subaru Impreza 2012 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Subaru Australia recalls more than 121,000 vehicles: Forester, XV, Impreza, and WRX models impacted

4 Mar 2019 · by Andrew Chesterton

Subaru has launched a major 121,754-vehicle recall to fix a potential fault which can cause the brake lights to fail (though the brakes themselves will still work), with every Forester, WRX, Impreza ...

Used Subaru Impreza review: 2000-2015

19 Jan 2016 · by Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Subaru Impreza from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 as a used buy.

Used Subaru Impreza review: 2000-2013

11 Aug 2014 · by Ewan Kennedy

Subaru Impreza is a small-medium car imported from Japan and one that has a well-deserved reputation for long life and high resale ratings. Subarus in general give the feeling they are designed by ...

Subaru Impreza: What is the right oil?

Answered by CarsGuide 21 Dec 2012

We checked with Subaru and were told that you should follow the manufacturer's recommendation for engine oil as specified in the owner's manual. Subaru also told us that 0W-20 engine oil is available in Australia and can be purchased through Subaru dealers. They also said that you could rest assured that although the engine will not be delivering maximum power, maximum torque, best fuel economy or best exhaust emissions, no harm will have come to the engine by using 10W-40 engine oil.

Engine

Search from Over 8,000 questions Over 8,000 questions answered by CarsGuide

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Complete Guide to Subaru
Impreza

Reviews, price, specs and more

Reviews

Family
Family focused reviews and advice for everything family car related.
Adventure
Off-road for beginners and the experienced, plus camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes
Tradies
Utes, commercial vehicles and tow tests

Compare cars
We make it easy to compare design, practicality, value and more
Used cars
Buying used? Here's what to look out for and buy smart
Owner reviews
Your thoughts could drive you to more than just your next destination 🚗💬

Buying guides

Our experts pick the top models
- SUV
- Ute
- Hybrid
- Hatchback
- Electric
- Sedan
- Wagon
- Coupe
- People mover
- Convertible
- Commerical

Subaru Impreza 2012 Problems

Subaru Australia recalls more than 121,000 vehicles: Forester, XV, Impreza, and WRX models impacted

Used Subaru Impreza review: 2000-2015

Used Subaru Impreza review: 2000-2013

Subaru Impreza: What is the right oil?

Search from Over 8,000 questions Over 8,000 questions answered by CarsGuide

Complete Guide to SubaruImpreza

Related cars for sale

cars

guide

Complete Guide to Subaru
Impreza