Subaru Cars in Europe: Market Presence and Purchase Considerations
Subaru, a well-known Japanese 4WD and 4x4 automotive brand, is known for its impressive performance and reliability, especially amongst enthusiasts. However, the market presence of Subaru varies significantly across different European countries. In this article, we will explore the popularity and availability of Subaru cars in Italy, Greece, Romania, Portugal, and compare them with more common alternatives such as Peugeot and Skoda.
Subaru in Italy
In Italy, Subaru cars enjoy a certain level of popularity, particularly among street-racers and off-road enthusiasts. The Impreza, Forester, and Outback models are well-known in the region, often associated with their impressive all-wheel-drive capabilities and sporty performance. However, the legality of owning a car with a high volume engine can pose a challenge.
Despite this, owning a 2.5 turbo 4WD vehicle such as the Subaru Outback is considered rare in Italy. Taxes on cars with larger engines are particularly stringent, making such vehicles uncommon. This has not only affected Subaru's market presence but also adds to the mystique of owning one of these cars, as they are the subject of admiration for their rarity.
Subaru in Greece
Subaru cars are highly regarded in Greece, especially among car enthusiasts and street-racers. However, the strict taxation laws for cars with high-volume engines have significantly impacted the popularity of Subarus. A 2.0-litre engine or higher is taxed heavily, making these cars relatively rare in the Greek market. Thus, while Subaru models like the Impreza XV, Forester, and Outback are known to enthusiasts, they are far from the norm among the general car-owning public.
Subaru in Romania
In Romania, Subaru is an extremely rare sight on the roads. According to the largest automotive classified website in the country, there are only 324 Subaru advertisements out of a total of 136,000 ads. Of these, only 58 are Impreza, and 151 are Forester. Owning a 2.5 turbo 4WD like the Impreza or Forester would be a significant talking point, as these models are very uncommon.
The rarity of these vehicles poses unique challenges for potential buyers. Finding spare parts can be a problem, and addressing any issues may require specialized knowledge and resources. This inherent scarcity also makes these cars a rare and potentially exclusive possession, which might appeal to some but can be a drawback for others due to the unpredictability of maintenance.
Subaru in Portugal
In Portugal, Subaru is not very common on the roads, particularly in comparison to other market leaders such as Skoda, Mitsubishi, and Toyota. Despite some Traffic Police (BT GNR) using Impreza in the 1990s, the market presence of Subaru has declined over the years due to taxation policies. Higher running costs, lower residual values, and fewer dealers and mechanics make it a less attractive option for many consumers.
Even so, if you are prepared to accept these challenges, and you have a specific interest in a Japanese 4x4 vehicle, buying a Subaru could still be a viable option. However, it is important to thoroughly understand the associated costs and maintain a realistic expectation of the availability of spare parts and services.
Conclusion and Alternative Options
Subaru cars, while enjoying a certain level of popularity among enthusiasts, face significant challenges in the European market due to various factors such as stringent taxation laws and competition from mainstream brands like Peugeot, Skoda, and Toyota. If you are considering buying a Subaru for personal use, it is crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the associated costs and the availability of resources such as spare parts and service.
For those who prefer a more widespread brand with lower running and maintenance costs, models like the Skoda Octavia or Fabia, the Mazda3, or even a well-maintained used car from a more established brand are all excellent options. These vehicles offer similar features, but with a broader availability of resources and support networks, making them more practical for everyday use.