Used car buyer's brief
What owners love. What breaks at typical mileage. What people are actually paying. Then run the VIN through EstimateProof for $25 before you sign anything.
The 2016 Impreza's 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine paired with the CVT transmission feels peppy in city driving without the turbo lag you'd get in rivals, and owners specifically praise the predictable all-wheel-drive system on snow and gravel roads. The tight turning radius (33.5 feet curb-to-curb) makes parking in tight downtown spots feel effortless compared to compact competitors like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.
The CVT transmission is known to shudder or hesitate during acceleration between 40–60 mph, especially noticeable around 60k–90k miles; some owners report a burning-rubber smell from the transmission fluid under heavy load. The infotainment screen's capacitive touchscreen freezes or becomes unresponsive in cold weather, a documented complaint starting around 50k miles. Paint peeling and clear-coat failure on the hood and roof appear commonly after 5–7 years regardless of mileage.
Under 80k miles: $11,500–$14,200. 80k–140k miles: $9,200–$12,100. Over 140k miles: $7,000–$9,800. Spread is driven by trim level (base versus Sport), regional salt exposure (rust impacts Northeast vehicles more), and whether the CVT has been serviced per Subaru's updated fluid-change intervals introduced mid-cycle.
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.
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