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 2018 Impreza's 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated boxer engine paired with Subaru's CVT delivers predictable fuel economy around 28–33 mpg depending on transmission choice (manual available on base models). Owners praise the standard all-wheel drive for snow and rain grip without paying for a larger vehicle, and the tight turning radius makes parking in narrow city spots feel less like a wrestling match.
The CVT transmission in the 2018 starts showing shuddering and delayed acceleration around 60k–90k miles, a known Subaru pattern that sometimes requires a full replacement near $4,000–$5,000. Head gasket seepage appears in the 80k–120k range on some units, typically showing up as a small oil smell but occasionally escalating to coolant loss. Paint bubbling and clear-coat failure have been reported by owners in humid climates after 4–6 years, concentrated on the hood and roof panels.
Under 80k miles: $14,500–$17,500. 80k–140k miles: $11,000–$14,000. Over 140k miles: $8,500–$11,500. Higher trims (Limited, Sport) and manual transmissions command premiums of $1,500–$2,500; accident history and CVT service records significantly affect buyer confidence and final offer in this generation.
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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