Subaru Impreza For Sale

Here's how to find the Subaru Impreza for sale that fits your needs and budget.

Where to find a new Subaru Impreza for sale

First, you need to determine whether your are looking for a new or used Subaru. If you are looking for a new vehicle, then Subaru dealerships would be a good place to look. There are some programs through Subaru that can help you get a good deal on a new Subaru Impreza, including the Subaru VIP Program and Subaru bucks.

How to look for a used Subaru Impreza for sale

However, a used Subaru Impreza for sale is also a popular option. Purchasing a used vehicle costs less than a new vehicle, since to some extent the previous owners absorbed a chunk of the depreciation. Some people prefer to buy used Subaru's from dealers through the Subaru Certified Pre-owned program. Through this program, the vehicle receives a dealer inspection of many points, and usually includes a limited warranty covering some items. If the used Subaru Impreza is new enough, the original factory warranty may still apply.

Subaru Impreza for sale by owner

Some people prefer to look for the used vehicle to be for sale by the owner. Generally the private party value of a used vehicle is less than purchasing that vehicle from a dealer. However, some people would say there is more risk involved in this type of transaction, since the vehicle is basically being sold as-is. Again, if the used Subaru Impreza is new enough, then original manufacturer's warranty may still be in effect. And that can help reduce the risk to the buyer in this type of transaction.

Finding a Subaru Impreza for sale by its current owner is not too difficult. It is a fairly popular vehicle so there is a population of them available on the used market. Common sites such as Auto Trader, eBay, Craigslist and others can be utilized by those seeking to buy a Subaru Impreza for sale online. Moreover, local newspaper classifieds may have listings. In areas such as the Pacific Northwest where Subaru's are a very popular vehicle, simply keeping your eyes open during your daily travels may reveal this vehicle for sale by owner in their yard.

If you are looking for a more sporty version of the Impreza, finding a Subaru WRX for sale may be just what you are looking for. The Impreza WRX is often turbocharged for that extra pep many drivers are seeking. If you want an even sportier model, rally worthy in fact, then finding a Subaru STI for sale may very well help you achieve this goal.

What to look for in a Subaru Impreza for sale

Like any used vehicle, it should receive a thorough inspection before making an offer for purchase. This inspection should include a test drive. If you are not or do not feel comfortable or qualified to inspect the vehicle yourself, have it checked by a competent mechanic. There are some specific things to check for on Subaru's.

Subaru Impreza for sale may need a timing belt

The 2.5L 4 cylinder H4 EJ25 and similarly the 2.2L 4 cylinder EJ22 series engines on the Subaru Impreza use a timing belt. The typical change interval for this timing belt is 60 months or 60,000 miles on older, say mid 1990's models, and 105 months or 105,000 thereafter. These are often interference engines on the later models, so if the timing belt breaks it could result in engine damage. Therefore if the vehicle is near or past any of these milestones, the buyer of cheap Subaru Impreza for sale needs to ask for documentation that this service was performed, or be prepared to have it done after purchase.

When looking to buy a Subaru Impreza for sale, check the tires

Nearly all Subaru's sold in the U.S. after around 1996 were all wheel drive (AWD). Any used Subaru vehicle with AWD needs the tires inspected. If you see, for example, new tires on the front or rear only, or one tire that was replaced or doesn't match the others, tread very carefully. The tires on Subaru AWD vehicles, and other AWD vehicles for that matter, generally needs to match within 1/4 inch circumference.

Otherwise it can cause premature wear on the drivetrain, or in the worst case, it can cause torque bind in the Subaru Impreza for sale. Torque bind is when the AWD transfer clutch in the automatic transmissions or the viscous coupling in the center differential of the manual transmissions hangs up, or doesn't release completely or properly. The result is the vehicle feeling as if the brakes are on, or binding and popping when making tight turns, especially at low speed. So make sure you check your Subaru Impreza for sale for torque bind during the test drive.

The Subaru Impreza for sale by owner should pretty much make tight figure 8's with little or no throttle in the automatics. On the manual transmissions light throttle is acceptable, but if it feels as if the brakes are applied it might have torque bind. If you have any questions, you could visit our Subaru forum to ask.

Be aware of potential head gasket issues on a used Subaru Impreza for sale

Any vehicle can develop head gasket issues on older models. However, certain model year 2.5L Subaru engines had an increased risk of failure. We have articles on that on the site.

Conclusion for buying a used Subaru Impreza for sale by owner

The cautions above are not to say that a used Subaru Impreza is an unreliable vehicle. On the contrary, Subaru produces fine, reliable vehicles that with the proper care the Impreza will deliver many years and miles of enjoyment and service.