Best & Worst Subaru Impreza Years To Avoid
The Impreza is a sub-compact Subaru made for all-wheel drive, and this car is very reliable. Whether one wants a comfortable car for daily use or a sporting character, it is all there in the Impreza. However, not every year, the vehicle is not the same when it comes to car buyers’ reliability or choice. Some economic models are splendid, while others have a repeating issue that would make them unprofitable.
This blog describes all the different years of the Subaru Impreza, the known good and bad years, and the common issues people face when using this Subaru brand. It will help you to decide which of the Impreza models is the most suitable version of this vintage car.
Best Subaru Impreza Years to Buy
The Subaru Impreza is another car admired by its owners for its all-wheel drive dependability, economy, and practicality. Some model years are best recognized because they performed even better than others, were built to last, and were equipped with modern features. If you’re looking for a new, used, or nearly new Subaru Impreza, being aware of the top and bottom years can put you in the driver’s seat when it comes to wise car buying.
2012 Subaru Impreza
Not so long ago, it was widely discussed that the 2012 Subaru Impreza spoke quite well about responses, efficiency, and the revamp of the automobile’s interior. This year it launched a new model of an Impreza that offered improved fuel economy, but it was not notorious for poor acceleration.
Its key features include developing a new 2.0L Boxer engine as a development on the previous models. In addition,
advanced continuous variable transmission is needed for higher performance, and a breakaway site/Better CVT transmission system is required for best performance. The bigger interior space of a car and higher quality of materials used in a vehicle is a big plus.
Why It’s a Top Pick: The 2012 model reflects adding as much utility but not sacrificing performance at all; therefore perfect for use during the working week.
2016 Subaru Impreza
2016 is also memorable as cars are reasonable and have many security features for that model. It is more beneficial for families and commuters since Subaru has adopted EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The model’s key features include safety technologies referred to as the Safety package, also known as EyeSight, that incorporates adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Why It’s a Top Pick: In light of this, the 2016 Impreza exhibits reliability, safety aspects, and good and standard transmission: drive, all-wheel drive comfort, and an all-season car.
2019 Subaru Impreza
The 2019 Subaru Impreza model has it on their list since it has all the modern features and a perfect build. As for this new stuff, well, there is better noise insulation here and that tech which makes it ideal for those who desire a luxurious ride.
Its key features are enhanced information entertainment through Apple car play and Android Auto, reduced noise, car dynamics and comfort, and standard all-wheel drive.
Why It’s a Top Pick: As a car with enthusiastic competition, the new 2019 Impreza has all the virtues of today’s car with Subaru’s reliability in front.
Worst Years of the Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza is best known for its reliability, AWD system, and practicality, but not all model years are built equal. Mechanical malfunctions and design issues have made them less dependable and costly for several years. At the bottom of the page, find a list of the worst Subaru Impreza years and the problems that are best to avoid.
1998-2002 Subaru Impreza: Design Specifications and Head Gasket Failures
The late 1990s and early 2000s Impreza models are notorious for the failure of the head gasket. These models were reported to have coolant leaks and overheating resulting from faulty head gaskets, typical of Subaru 2.5L-powered models.
Some of the common problems then were that a lot of cars of this age had leakage of engine oil, among them braking fluid which at one time would demand more repair costs.
Lack of consideration for giving these models adequate rust-proofing made them prone to developing rust, especially in regions that experience severe winters. Although they are cheaper to purchase, these are outdated models, and the maintenance costs are relatively high because of problems in engines and rusting.
2012-2014 Subaru Impreza: CVT Transmission Troubles
The 2012 Impreza brought in a new generation with the following changes: a new CVT. However these models proved to contain several reliability problems.
Stories of shaking, slippage, and downright clutch failure were not hard to find in this model, and the replacement or repair of the CVT system is expensive. Some models from these years were developed with flawed piston rings and burnt up large amounts of oil, which could badly damage the engine if not checked.
Many of the owners we interviewed complained about the lower quality of materials used in the interiors and the lack of longevity.
Even though these cars have more modern features in their design, higher chances of transmission and engine failure make these years dangerous to go for.
2008-2010 Subaru Impreza: WRX Variants
Some of the turbocharger and engine related problems include intake air leakages, charge-air piping cracking, faulty wastegate actuators, wastegate spring failure, wrong wastegate location, insufficient oiling, oil-cooler malfunction, turbo timing issues, and other wear and tear issues.
The Impreza WRX variants are great for those who want a sportier car; however, from 2008 to 2010, the models had issues that seemed to infuriate many car aficionados.
Turbocharger problems included some owners reporting premature failures that caused more expenses later. One major problem associated with these models was that the 2.5L turbocharged engine had rod bearing problems which caused the engine to fail.
Some common complaints are the poor durability of interior parts, such as plastic parts that peel off, and worn-out seats.
Many buyers’ WRX performance expectations are marred by expensive maintenance and potential large-scope engine failure.
2015 Subaru Impreza: Electrical Problems
The 2015 unique model was tavanded by electrical problem,s which annoyed many consumers. Attempts to solve this problem in previous models did not eliminate the oil consumption in some 2015 vehicles.
The wiring circuit and sensor problems arose, affecting signals for the dashboard displays, volumetric controls, and infotainment systems on the cars. A recall was conducted because brake light switches created problems, such as the inability to start the car. These problems keep demising the reliability that the Impreza has always offered, making the 2015 model less attractive.
1993-1996 Subaru Impreza: Component aging and Rust Concerns.
The 1993-1996 models were one of the first generations of Impreza, and the design and durability were not that great.
The engines fitted into these models were inadequate for the current driving requirements. Corrosion was evident in the under-body region, with predominant areas in wheel wells. These older models did not have many of today’s standard safety features. They also emit fumes from the past and have recurrent mechanical and structural problems.
Years to Avoid: Subaru Impreza
Although the Subaru Impreza is highly regarded for its reliability, the all-wheel-drive feature is not as good in all model years. Every year, there appears to be repetitive problems like extreme engine oil consumption, awful head gasket failures, and transmission issues that require repairs. Potential Subaru Impreza owners need to know which years to avoid to avoid these common issues altogether. The critical thing to remember is that evolution can lead to long-term satisfaction when people make an informed decision.
2012 Subaru Impreza – Transmission Control Module (CVT)
The 2012 model has generally been reliable, but reports indicated that the Continuously Variable Transmission, CVT, has failed in many units. From the car owners’ experience, the service of working on the CVT transmission repair is costly, and in many cases the transmission may not even make the expected mileage before a mechanic works on it.
Why You Should Be Cautious: This year should always have a proper maintenance history, if the vehicle is being considered.
2008 Subaru Impreza
Another problem with the 2008 Subaru Impreza was identified with its check engine light indicators, other engine issues, and fuel consumption. If not rectified, it has oil consumption issues, which can lead to so much money being spent on the car.
Why to Avoid: Less reliability, particularly with a view to the engine, plus low IHS ratings make the 2008 year model unattractive.
2001 Subaru Impreza
Some are classic, like the 2001 Impreza, but they are old models which can contain old technologies an,d in most cases, an abused car body. Such models have the following typical problems; rusting, electrical, and older age issues with the drive trains.
Why Avoid: Outside being a collector or fanatic willing to bend his back backward in looking for a mechanic to work on it, the 2001 Impreza may not be one automobile worth purchasing at all.
Issues related to typical Subaru Impreza Models
The Subaru Impreza, a car that can be the perfect choice for various uses and has all-wheel drive, isn’t ideal. In previous years, some usual problems that have been encountered include head gasket failures, high rate oil consumption, and transmission issues, which are experienced in some models. Awareness of these repeated issues will assist owners in avoiding costly repairs and lead potential consumers to a more appropriate car model.
Oil Consumption
Issues that affect the Subaru Impreza particularly those equipped with Boxer engines are notorious for extreme oil consumption. This is very harmful to the engine if not monitored frequently This is very dangerous to the engine if not kept in check every now and then.
CVT Transmission Issues
Furthermore, the models with a CVT have some problems, such as overheating issues, hesitation, or early failure. It remains relevant for avoiding cases that would require costly repairs to be embarked on.
Rust and Corrosion
It is famous for rust problems around underbody and wheel arches, common in early-millennium Impreza’s, especially in road salt zones.
Head Gasket Failure
A common lame that has struck many Subaru car models is the head gasket, which has gone bad in some Impreza years, causing coolant leaks and car overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Subaru Impreza model years are bad?
Some model years to avoid include; the 2001, 2008, and 2012 models due to issues like rust, low-performing engines, and unreliable CVT transmission.
How many years will the Subaru Impreza be unusable again?
If properly used and well maintained, the Subaru Impreza can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles or more; this makes it the right car.
Conclusion
Subaru Impreza is a sedan and hatchback that is reliable enough as a compact car but has good and bad years. For instance, the 2016 and 2019 Impreza versions are reliable, safe, contain the characteristics of the modern car, and are suitable for purchase. On its hand, years like 2008 and 2001 should never be considered, especially due to their problem-related years and overall average/ low satisfaction level.
Generally, I would suggest that when buying a used Subaru Impreza, one should consider models that are well maintained; certain matter that needs specific attention are issues like the model that has problems with excessive oil consumption, rust, and the years that are still considered good based on the car’s history should be chosen.
To be clear, finding out that Subaru Impreza’s price tag extends to surprise maintenance is the bad news; the good news is that if you keep your ears to the ground, you can get all the benefits of Subaru Impreza without having to go through the stress of surprise maintenances.