Impreza timing belt question

Easy enough to check: remove the driver's side upper plastic cover's keeper bolt so that you can pry the cover forward an inch to inspect the belt. With a light you can see the lower run's teeth too. Push on the belt to feel the auto-tensioner pushing back. No cracks, oil, nor looseness? You're ok. Yet I'd inspect annually, as it only takes 5 minutes. Giv en the low use you might see it not crack until after 15 years!

Sometimes you do have to replace the timing belt because of age. But to verify I usually like to open the timing cover up just a little and inspect the belt for any cracks or wear. If it appears to look okay then I keep running it as is.

Ummm--2012 Imprezas have a timing chain, not a belt. You can be forgiven for not knowing this--switchover was on the 2011. Unless she has a WRX, in which case, it has a belt and can be checked as Ernst says. Usually takes me longer than 5 minutes, but I'm older!