Used Subaru Impreza

Here's how to find the right used Subaru Impreza for you.

Used Subaru Impreza introduction

The Impreza is a small car made by Subaru, and it typically has all wheel drive. It makes an economical choice while being rich in features. A used Subaru Impreza may have the 2.2L 4-cylinder H4 engine, or some models have the 2.5L EJ25 4 cylinder engine. This model vehicle started in 1993 after the Leone and Loyale series was nearing the end of production.

How to find a used Subaru Impreza cheap

A used Subaru Impreza is commonly available on the used vehicle market, so locating just the right one for you should not be too much of a problem. You can check in local newspaper vehicle classified ads, and on the normal online sites such as Craigslist and eBay.

If you are looking for additional peace of mind, some people opt for Subaru certified preowned vehicle from a dealer. However, some people are not willing to pay the dealer markup unused vehicle and instead opt to look for their used Subaru Impreza for sale by owner instead.

Alternatively, you might decide that a new Subaru Impreza for sale is what you are seeking. In that case, a Subaru dealer can be of great assistance.

What to look for in a Subaru Impreza used

When looking at purchasing any use vehicle, there are number of things that are prudent to check. Generally an inspection by a qualified mechanic and a test drive are suggested. Here are some specific things to check on a used Subaru Impreza for sale.

Look at the previous owners maintenance records

Maintenance records can give much information about how to use vehicle was treated. For example, did the previous owner get regular oil changes and other service listed in the owners manual performed? If the service work was performed at a Subaru dealer, sometimes this information will show up through services such as Carfax.

A particular thing to look at when buying a used Subaru Impreza for sale by owner is the timing belt. This belt rotates the camshafts in the engine in sync with the rotation of the crankshaft. The timing belt for a used Subaru Impreza has a replacement interval typically of 105 months or 105,000 miles. Some earlier models had intervals of 60 months or 60,000 miles.

So if the vehicle is near or has passed this interval, and you cannot locate documentation that the timing belt was already replaced, you should be prepared for this work and expense shortly after purchasing the vehicle. After 1995, Subaru Impreza engines are interference, so if the timing belt breaks, it will likely do damage to the engine.

Have a look at the tires on the use Subaru Impreza

Nearly all used Subaru Impreza vehicles manufactured 1994 and later will have all-wheel drive (AWD). The tires must all be within 1/4 inch circumference of each other. Otherwise, it can result in excessive wear and tear on the transfer clutch in a used Subaru Impreza for sale's automatic transmission. Running mismatched tires can also damage the viscous coupling in the center differential of the used Subaru Impreza manual transmission. These components can be replaced, but as with many vehicle repairs it can be expensive.

If the vehicle was run with mismatched tires, for example had new tires installed on the front and the old tires left on the rear, it may result in the used Subaru Impreza developing what is called torque bind. When the vehicle has torque bind, it will feel as if the brakes are on when making take turns at low speed. There may also be a popping sound from axles during this maneuver.

So for example, if you are looking at a 2007 Subaru Impreza for sale, you can perform figure eight maneuvers on dry pavement in a parking lot to check for torque bind.

Consider the head gaskets on a used Subaru Impreza cheap

Subaru four-cylinder 2.5 L engines between 1996 and 2003 had an increased risk of head gasket issues. So if they use Subaru Impreza you are looking to buy falls within this range, it me be prudent to investigate it further. Many Subaru Impreza used vehicles had the four-cylinder 2.2 L engine, and this engine did not have the head gasket issues and is also a very reliable engine.

Used Subaru Impreza conclusion

To wrap up, finding a used Subaru Impreza cheap is a dream come true for many people. A used Subaru Impreza with all-wheel-drive is a great winter vehicle as well, and with proper care should give many years of driving enjoyment.