2010 Subaru Impreza — should you buy one?

Why people love the 2010 Subaru Impreza

The 2010 Impreza's 2.5-liter flat-four paired with the 4-speed automatic (or optional 5-speed manual) delivers enough torque for daily driving without feeling sluggish, and owners praise the all-wheel-drive system for grip on wet roads and light snow—one main reason buyers stick with this generation through 150k miles. The hatchback's rear cargo area folds flat and holds a guitar or weekend suitcase without requiring a roof rack.

Common complaints and known issues

Head gasket failure is the dominant issue for 2010 Imprezas, typically appearing between 90k and 130k miles on the 2.5-liter engines; coolant leaks or white smoke from the tailpipe are early warning signs and repair costs exceed $1,200. The 4-speed automatic transmission shows harsh shifting and occasional limp-mode faults around 100k miles, and door locks fail prematurely (locks become unresponsive in cold weather). NHTSA complaints cluster around paint peeling on the hood and roof, and interior trim panels rattling loose by 80k miles.

Typical asking price

Under 80k miles: $10,500–$13,200. 80k–130k miles: $8,500–$11,000. Over 130k miles: $6,500–$9,000. Manual transmissions and hatchbacks hold value slightly better than automatics in the same mileage band. Regional differences are modest; cars from dry climates avoid the rust that northern salt roads accelerate.

Ranges are typical 2026 asking prices, not appraisals. The actual fair offer depends on this specific car's title history, accident record, and open recalls — which is what EstimateProof tells you.