How Long Do Subaru Imprezas Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan
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The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that has been in production since 1992. It is by no means the most popular vehicle in the segment, but Subaru understands its customers, so the automaker made the Impreza the best car possible for them. What you get is a highly practical, sensible, and value-oriented hatchback.
One of the primary factors that helped popularize the Impreza was its rare-in-class symmetrical all-wheel drive system. This feature and its boxer engine provided drivers with enhanced stability, especially in challenging weather conditions. As a result, the Impreza became a favorite among those living in regions with snowy or rainy climates. Plus, Subaru has consistently equipped the Impreza with cutting-edge technology and safety features, making it popular among families and commuters.
If you’re interested in this compact car, you’re likely asking: how long do Subaru Imprezas last? Subaru is known for its rugged vehicles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean longevity. So, for today, we discuss the longevity of the Subaru Impreza and determine if it’s a good long-term investment for used car buyers. Let’s take a look.
Just How Reliable is the Subaru Impreza?
Reliability plays a pivotal role in determining the lifespan of a vehicle. At its core, a reliable car is designed with durable components that can withstand wear and tear, which keeps breakdowns and major repairs at bay. On the other hand, vehicles with a track record of unreliability can lead to frequent visits to the mechanic. Not only does this result in higher maintenance costs, but the continuous wear and tear can also shorten the vehicle’s lifespan.
Despite Subaru’s reputation for making rugged vehicles, the Impreza surprisingly has average reliability ratings. RepairPal has rated the Subaru Impreza a decent 3.5 out of 5.0 in reliability, but it had a near-bottom rank of 33rd out of 36 compact cars. Furthermore, the compact car has an average annual repair cost of $653, slightly higher than average. Meanwhile, the loan application builder website WithClutch gave the Impreza a lower score of 49.45, making it one of the least reliable Subaru models outside of the Tribeca.
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On the other hand, many Subaru owners from discussion boards like RedFlagDeals.com have expressed their satisfaction with the Impreza’s reliability. Several users mentioned that Subaru Imprezas, especially from the era of 2006 to 2008, were prone to problems with their head gaskets. The cars should be in reasonably good shape if these gaskets were replaced. Despite the head gasket concerns, many users noted the overall reliability of Subaru Imprezas. The presence of many older models still on the road today is proof of their reliability.
As always, the reliability of the Impreza will depend on the model year. In reality, some Impreza years are best avoided due to the high number of consumer complaints and known reliability issues. Models 2006-2008 struggled with engine issues, mainly head gasket leaks.
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How Long Do Subaru Imprezas Last?
Thanks to the standard all-wheel drive, Subaru is renowned for its off-road capabilities. The brand consistently ranks high in customer loyalty, meaning many Subaru owners are likely satisfied with their vehicles. This is certainly true with the Subaru Impreza.
According to various tests and user reports, Subarus, including the Impreza, can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. They can remain operational for over 15 years without significant issues. This coincides with Subaru’s claims that 96% of the cars sold in the past decade are still on the road.
While many Subaru vehicles have clocked more than 200,000 miles, major maintenance work is often required after the 150,000-mile mark. The first hard limit for most Subarus is between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, but with major maintenance, this can be extended to 300,000 miles.
According to Way.com, the Subaru Impreza is relatively affordable to maintain. Over a 10-year period, the Impreza’s maintenance cost is approximately $5,900. It has a 17.73% chance of a significant breakdown in the first ten years, almost 4% less than the average for its segment.
How Many Miles are Too Many for a Used Subaru Impreza?
Although Subaru vehicles generally have impressive longevity, it doesn’t mean you can buy a 200k unit and expect a problem-free experience. As a general rule, an Impreza with more than 100k miles in it should be approached with caution. However, that’s not a hard and fast rule since other factors must be considered, including:
- Maintenance history: A vehicle’s maintenance history is often more critical than its mileage. A well-maintained Subaru Impreza with higher mileage can be better than a neglected one with fewer miles. As one user pointed out, a car with 300k miles that has been well-maintained could be a better choice than a neglected one with 100k miles.
- Common mileage concerns: By the time a Subaru Impreza reaches around 150-180k miles, specific components might have already been replaced or repaired, such as the timing belt or head gaskets. It’s essential to check if these repairs have been done when considering a used Subaru with such mileage.
- Price vs. mileage: The cost of the vehicle should reflect its mileage and condition. For instance, spending a significant amount on a 12-year-old car with 180k miles might not be the best investment unless the vehicle has been exceptionally well-maintained and has had major components replaced.
As we always advise here at CoPilot, always conduct a thorough inspection and preferably have the vehicle checked by a trusted mechanic before finalizing the deal.
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Is a Subaru Impreza a Worthy Investment?
How long do Subaru Imprezas last? Hopefully, this quick guide has helped answer your questions. The Subaru Impreza is an excellent daily driver that can give you more than a decade of service. If you’re looking at a high-mileage unit, consider your use case (beater, mods, etc.) and if you can afford major repairs down the line. Otherwise, you’ll do yourself a favor by sticking with Imprezas with less than 100k on the odometer in the used car market.
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