A Ford Focus RS has a 2 litre turbocharged engine producing more than 200bhp and will accelerate from 0 to 60mph in little more than 6sec. On a cross-country blast it will keep up with all but the most expertly driven supercars. And it’s yours for £19,995.

But that doesn’t impress me. Why? Because you can buy a second-hand Subaru Impreza Turbo with a 2 litre 207bhp engine, four-wheel drive and a 0 to 60 time of just 6.3sec for five grand. Admittedly, it will be an eight-year-old car that has covered 70,000 miles or more, but what that does tell you is that, unlike the Ford, the Subaru has proven reliability.

If eight is a bit old and you fancy something newer consider the latest model Impreza. Introduced in October 2000, it is more powerful and better equipped than the original. But if the car improved dynamically, aesthetically it was a disaster. The bulbous headlamps and over-large bonnet air scoop put many customers off and sales fell by 30%.

So, before its replacement arrives in the spring, is it worth buying the ugly bug Impreza? With time the ungainly appearance has started to look more acceptable and you will have a good choice of second-hand cars starting at about £12,000 for a standard model.

There are also a number of ultra-high-performance limited editions. Beware, though, that the extra horsepower can cost a lot

of extra money and the standard car’s performance is impressive. Other modifications to wheels, tyres and suspension can also make an already firm ride downright unpleasant.

The Impreza’s 4x4 transmission is fairly basic when compared with something like a Nissan Skyline’s all-wheel drive but it does the job and offers levels of safety and grip that will astonish most new owners. The car’s handling is enhanced by the strong and satisfyingly growly four-cylinder boxer engine, its horizontally opposed cylinder layout contributing towards a helpfully low centre of gravity.

The interior is classic Japanese, bland and unexciting, although all the major switches and dials are clear and logical. Upholstery is usually a combination of cloth and alcantara that helps to hold you in place but can wear badly on high-mileage cars.

Engines and turbos are strong but check for excess exhaust smoke when accelerating hard — it’s a sure sign of a big bill looming. Look carefully along the sills and underneath the car for signs of off-road action: it may be four-wheel drive but it isn’t a Land Rover and drivetrain damage can be costly. Like many four-wheel-drive cars, Imprezas can suffer heavy tyre wear if the steering geometry is misaligned, so have it checked.

If you fancy a used Impreza now is a good time to buy: the new model is imminent and dealers are offering discounts on current cars which in turn is pushing down used values. The best places to start are main dealers, who are knowledgeable and helpful and can answer all your questions. The Subaru approved used car scheme guarantees mileages and offers a top-quality warranty.

Buying privately is cheaper but more risky, though because many owners are fastidious enthusiasts, looking at a few cars should turn up something really nice.

Vital statistics

Model Subaru Impreza WRX
Engine 2 litre, 4 cylinder, turbo
Power 215bhp @ 5600rpm
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 27.7mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 60mph: 5.9sec
Top speed 143mph

Check it out

History Have an HPI check run on a car before buying, and walk away from stolen/recovered examples even if they seem very cheap

CD player Standard on WRX models after 2000

Seats Some cars are fitted with sporting Recaro chairs with no recline adjustment

Air-conditioning Standard on some limited editions but a cost option on most cars, many purists dislike the extra weight

Economy Consumption is completely dependent on your driving style - drive flat out and you'll get 15mpg, cruising will return 30mpg

Paperwork Imprezas are favourites with importers so scrutinise documents to establish a car's provenance

Engine Be wary of massively tuned examples, extra power can reduce the life of the engine, turbocharger and gearbox

Tyres Check the inside edge, uneven wear suggests misaligned suspension geometry

Security Check with your insurer, it might insist on specific anti-theft devices before providing cover

The one to buy Subaru Impreza WRX saloon, 2000 X with 40,000 miles. Pay £12,495 at a Subaru main dealer or £11,795 privately <!-- Beginfunction Start(page) {OpenWin = this.open(page, "CtrlWindow", "toolbar=yes,menubar=yes,location=yes,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes");}// End -->

Values: Subaru Impreza WRX saloon

Mileage 10,000
2000 X Trade £13,250. Retail £14,995
2001 Y Trade £14,900. Retail £16,595
2002 51 Trade £15,650. Retail £17,350

Mileage 20,000
2000 X Trade £12,150. Retail £13,895
2001 Y Trade £13,350. Retail £15,095
2002 51 Trade £14,700. Retail £16,395

Mileage 40,000
2000 X Trade £10,750. Retail £12,495
2001 Y Trade £12,050. Retail £13,750
2002 51 Trade £13,400. Retail £15,095

Sports Wagons (estates) are worth £500 less than saloons Source: estimates are based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car, 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer