# Subaru Impreza — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Subaru Impreza on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/subaru-impreza

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2018
- **Ideal trim**: 1.6i SE
- **Target mileage**: 40,000
–60,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £12,500

## Why this model

The Subaru Impreza is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a reliable, practical, and safe hatchback with the added benefit of permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It's not the flashiest car, but it's built to last, handles well in all weather conditions, and offers a comfortable ride. Subaru's Boxer engine is known for its durability, and the Impreza generally scores very well for reliability.

## What you should pay

For a 2018 model with around 40,000-60,000 miles, you should be looking to pay in the region of £12,000-£13,000 for a well-maintained 1.6i SE trim. Prices can vary slightly based on condition, exact mileage, and optional extras, but this range represents a fair market value in early 2026.

## Which trim to buy

The 1.6i SE trim offers the best balance of features, economy, and value. It comes with essentials like climate control, a decent infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, and Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, without pushing the price up too much for the less common 2.0i Sport models. The 1.6-litre engine is perfectly adequate for daily driving and offers better fuel economy than the 2.0-litre, making it a more sensible choice for most buyers.

## What to check before you buy

- Infotainment system glitches (minor)
- Occasional reports of higher oil consumption on some older Boxer engines (less common on this generation)
- Minor interior rattles

## Running costs

Running costs for the 1.6i Impreza are reasonable. Fuel economy is decent for an AWD car, averaging around 45 mpg. At current petrol prices (approx. £1.45/litre), that works out to about 14 pence per mile. Road tax (VED) for cars registered after April 2017 is £190 per year (from April 2025). Insurance group ratings are generally moderate, making it an affordable car to insure for most drivers.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 114 hp
- **Mpg**: 42-48 mpg (combined)
- **Reliability Score**: Above Average
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2017)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1.6i SE | £20,495 | £12,500 | 16-inch alloy wheels; Climate control; 7-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
| 1.6i SE Nav | £21,495 | £13,200 | All 1.6i SE features; Satellite navigation; Rear parking sensors |
| 2.0i Sport | £24,995 | £15,500 | 17-inch alloy wheels; Leather upholstery; Electric driver's seat |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £12,500 | 100% |
| 2027 | £11,250 | 90% |
| 2028 | £10,250 | 82% |
| 2029 | £9,400 | 75% |
| 2030 | £8,600 | 69% |

Buying a 2018 Impreza means you're getting a car that has already taken the biggest hit in depreciation. From this point, the value loss slows down considerably, offering a good balance between initial purchase price and future resale value. It's old enough to be affordable but new enough to have modern features and good reliability.

Total value lost since new: 31%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Mazda 3](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/mazda-3.md)
- [Honda Civic](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/honda-civic.md)
- [Toyota Corolla](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/toyota-corolla.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.