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I'm asking on behalf of a friend.

She has 2 cars on her mind...
*2009 Subaru Impreza hatch 2.0l non-turbo 4spd tiptronic. NZ new and seems to be the basic model (no traction control, no cruise control etc etc). That has bout 58,000kms on clock for bout $19,000.

*2008 Toyota Avensis 2.4l sedan 5spd tiptronic. Seems to be a Jap import but has all the extras (traction control, cruise control, snow mode, fog lights just to name a few) and has done 50,000kms for $17,000

She will be commuting between Wellington and Waihi at least once a month and using the vehicle in Wellington at least 3 times a week so she wants something that will retain power on the open road but also keep good economy. The dealer said the 2.4 Avensis will be similar economy to the Subaru. They both drive really nice. But also wanting to enquire on repairs and other costs. The Subaru would cost more to maintain wouldn't it? And go through tyres much quicker being a 4wd.

But also with the Avensis she was also wondering out of the 2.0l and 2.4l what would be better for her needs? The 2.0l would be better round town but I think she will be doing more long trips than driving round Wellington. The 2.4 with the traction control and snow mode would be handy especially in winter going through Desert Road but is that also any match for the Impreza's 4wd?

Appreciate any help :)

The dealer's suggestion that the 2.4 Avensis would return similar fuel economy to a 2.0 litre Impreza is not backed up by the manufacturers' data. The Avensis has a claimed figure of 9.4L/100km, compared with the Impreza's 7.1L/100km. A 2.0 litre Avensis has a claimed economy of 7.7L/100km.
However, in reality you're not comparing apples with apples. The Avensis is a bigger car, so it will use a bit more fuel. On a journey from Wellington to Waihi, you'll find the Avensis to be more comfortable and provide a more relaxing trip. On the other hand, the Impreza will be more nimble around town and for shorter trips, and be easier to park and manoevre.
Servicing costs are generally a little less for a Toyota than an AWD Subaru, but not so great as to make a major difference to the overall running cost. Regarding tyres, I don't know that the Impreza would chew through them at a vastly greater rate, but there could be some difference.
As you say your friend will be buying the car more for long trips than around town, probably the Avensis pips the Impreza. Yes, it will use a bit more fuel, but your friend will find it quieter and more relaxing on the open road, it should have no problem coping with the odd bit of bad weather and I suspect she'd arrive at her destination feeling fresher.
Having said all that, it really comes down to which one she's more comfortable with. And of course, not wishing to confuse the issue, but there are many other good choices out there too in this price range.

Cool thank you that was a big help. We did look at 2.0l and 2.3l Mazda Axela, 2.3l Mazda Atenza 05-07 range but they were all 80,000-100,000kms for near $19-20,000. 2 other serious considerations were the 2.0l and 2.4l Accord Euro and a 2010 Holden Epica CDXi 2.5l. The Holden was our main consideration for a while but she was told that the Holden is made in Korea and is cheapily/poorly made. When I looked it up on Wikipedia it was badged as a Daewoo and I haven't known Daewoo to have a great reputation.

Also she was told that with Jap imports when they're in Japan and they hit 5yrs old the insurance on them skyrockets so people just don't service them over there. Is that true?

Also just found a 2008 Mazda Atenza 25EX Sport sedan for $18,000 with 60,000kms on the clock. What would that be like in comparison to the 2.4l Avensis?

We have the utmost respect for Mazda product. The Atenza is a great driver's car, is comfortable, handles well and retains it's value well. It is a competitor with the Avensis and would be an equally good choice.
I think you're right to eliminate the Epica.
One issue with Japanese imports can be that they don't tend to be as vigilent with servicing as we are in New Zealand. However, a 2008 Atenza with 60,000km on the clock should be a good option.
Either way, it's a good idea to get a pre-purchase inspection.