I have a 'bug-eye' 2003 2.5RS Manual (non-turbo) Subaru as a DD and I'm very happy. The AWD will take you anywhere. The feeling is very raw so you actually enjoy the driving (even at speed limit feels you're going way faster). The seats are sport by default and believe me that you need them if you drive it hard. This car probably outperforms my C2 in a tight track.
Gas mileage is mediocre for a 4 cyl.
My only complain is the transmission because the gears are stupidly short. Interior is mediocre as well, seems to me the designers put it together with whatever they had on the shelf, nothing seems to be in harmony, there is no theme...
In terms of safety is pretty good!
IIHS-HLDI: Subaru Impreza
Here are a couple of pics to convince you the car is pretty nice.
The new generation is as plain as an old toyota corolla.. I hate the style.
Now the STi is a different animal.. but expensive.
And here are the records I have (I lost the rest of the receipts)
Now that I know more about Subaru, I would buy the same non-turbo but probably the hatchback. Many turbo (WRX) for sale have been abused by ricers and they're just ticking time bombs.. I would stay away from a turbo that didn't look stock unless is a well built performance car.
Run away from things like "stage-1,2 or 3". Many trannies in the turbos are shot because the ricers have no mercy with the clutch..
Funny that you're looking to buy something small like this cause I'm about to replace this with a gas guzzler F150 or similar
Good luck!