What is considered high mileage for a Subaru Impreza?

For most Subaru Impreza models, hitting 200,000 miles is generally regarded as high mileage, while 250,000 miles or more is exceptional and typically the result of meticulous maintenance and attentive care.

Mileage alone tells only part of the story. The age of the model, the engine family, and how well the car has been cared for collectively determine how “high mileage” will translate into expected reliability and future maintenance costs. This article breaks down mileage milestones, engine platform differences, and practical tips for evaluating a high-mileage Impreza.

How mileage translates for Impreza models

Below are mileage milestones commonly used by owners and technicians to plan upkeep, assess resale value, and anticipate major service needs on the Impreza.

• 100,000 miles (about 160,000 km): a major maintenance milestone where several components—timing belts on older EJ engines, water pump, thermostat, and accessory belts—may require inspection or replacement to prevent failures.


• 150,000 miles (about 240,000 km): a typical turning point for major service items, including timing belt/chain health, updated cooling system components, and potential suspension wear; many owners have signs of normal wear but reliable operation with consistent maintenance.


• 200,000 miles (about 320,000 km): reached by many Imprezas with thorough maintenance; denotes a high-mileage vehicle that can still be dependable if previously well-maintained and regularly serviced (oil changes, transmission service, and AWD system checks).


• 250,000 miles and beyond: increasingly rare but not unheard of for well-cared-for Imprezas; the odds of needing large-scale repairs rise, making a documented maintenance history essential for continued reliability.

In the mileage milestones, the emphasis is on maintenance history as much as odometer reading. A car with a clean service record and timely replacements is typically more reliable at 200k than one with sporadic upkeep, regardless of the year.

Engine platforms and how they age

Subaru Imprezas have used several engine families over the years, which shapes what high mileage looks like and what maintenance tends to cost. The distinctions matter for buyers evaluating a used Impreza:

• EJ-series engines (older Imprezas, roughly pre-2011 in many markets): commonly used a timing belt that requires replacement around 100,000 miles or more; head gasket failures were a notable risk in some 2.2L/2.5L variants, especially if cooling history was poor. High mileage here usually means careful belt replacement history and gasket work have been kept up with.


• FB-series engines (early 2012-2016): introduced timing chains; chains are designed for longer life but still require tensioner/guide inspection, and owners should watch for chain-related noise or oil consumption as miles accumulate.


• FA-series engines (2016 onward, including 2.0L and 1.5L variants): typically use timing chains and are built with updated turbocharged subsystems in some trims; many accrue high mileage with regular maintenance, though turbo models may experience additional wear from boost usage.

Overall, the engine family influences the likelihood and cost of major maintenance as mileage grows. Regular maintenance—oil changes with the correct spec, coolant and transmission service, and timely belt/chain service—remains the best predictor of long-term reliability in high-mileage Imprezas.

What to look for when evaluating a high-mileage Impreza

When assessing an Impreza with substantial miles, reliability hinges on maintenance history and the condition of key systems. Prospective buyers and current owners should consider these factors:

• Documented service history showing timely oil changes, cooling system upkeep, and any major repairs (head gasket work, timing belt replacements, transmission service).


• Evidence of consistent AWD maintenance, including CV joints, drive shafts, and differentials as applicable to the model year.


• Visual and audible indicators of engine wear, such as compression test results, oil consumption patterns, and exhaust smoke or knocking noises.


• Body and frame condition, rust checks (where relevant), and overall chassis wear that can affect long-term durability.

With high-mileage vehicles, a professional pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is valuable to identify outstanding issues and project future maintenance costs.

Summary

High mileage for a Subaru Impreza is a moving target shaped by the engine family, maintenance discipline, and overall wear. In general, 200,000 miles is a practical threshold for calling mileage "high," while 250,000 miles or more represents a notable achievement for well-maintained examples. The most reliable Imprezas at high miles are those with clear service records, a proven maintenance routine, and a history of timely repairs on known problem areas such as belts/gaskets and the AWD drivetrain. Buyers should weigh maintenance history as heavily as the odometer when evaluating a used Impreza's remaining lifespan.

How many miles is too much for a Subaru Impreza?

With decent care, most Subaru Imprezas will rack up between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before major issues surface. That's roughly 13 to 17 years of faithful service if you drive around 15,000 miles yearly, which isn't bad for a compact car. Many owners blow past these numbers.

Is it worth buying a Subaru with over 200k miles?

Buying a Subaru with 200k miles is a gamble; while many can last longer with proper maintenance, you should expect potential issues and budget for repairs. It is highly recommended to get a pre-purchase inspection and review all service records to assess the vehicle's history and current condition before purchasing. If the maintenance is poor, the risks are significantly higher and you may face expensive repairs. 
Factors to consider before buying

• Maintenance history: A car with a documented, consistent maintenance history is a much safer bet. 
  • Check for records of regular oil changes, timing belt replacements (around every 100k miles), and other service milestones. 
• Number of owners: A single or two-owner car with a clean record is preferable to one with multiple owners where history is unclear. 
• Condition of key components: Be aware of what could be nearing the end of its life:
  • Suspension, bushings, and brake lines 
  • Wheel bearings 
  • Clutch (if manual) 
  • Alternator 
• Rust and wear:
  • Check for rust, especially on the frame, suspension, and brake lines. 
  • Look for general wear and tear on various parts, both inside and outside the vehicle. 
• Professional inspection: Get an independent mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection. This is critical for high-mileage cars. 

What to do if you buy it

• Budget for repairs: You should be prepared for and have a budget for repairs, as even a well-maintained car will eventually need them.
• Be prepared for small fixes: You may encounter many small issues that require replacement parts, from hoses to sensors.
• Consider DIY: If you have mechanical skills or a friend who does, you may be able to save on labor costs for some repairs. 

How long will a Subaru Impreza engine last?

Despite its smaller size, the Impreza is built to last, with many drivers reporting longevity and reliability well beyond 200,000 miles.

What year to stay away from a Subaru Impreza?

Years to generally avoid for the Subaru Impreza include 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2013, due to issues like head gasket failures, engine problems (oil consumption), and transmission issues. While later models improved, the 2012 model year is frequently cited as one of the worst due to significant problems with the new engine and transmission at the time of its redesign. 
This video discusses the common problems found in the 4th generation Subaru Impreza, which includes the years 2011-2017: 59sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Jan 11, 2023
Specific years to avoid and why:

• 2008: The first year of its generation, this model is known to have head gasket issues, as well as other owner complaints. 
• 2010: Lacks modern features, has a poor-shifting automatic transmission, and suffers from poor interior fit and finish, according to one long-term review. 
• 2012: Often cited as the worst year. It introduced a new engine (FB20) and CVT transmission that had issues with oil consumption, power, and reliability, along with other component failures. 
• 2013: Landed on several "avoid" lists, with owner complaints and poor scores from sources like Consumer Reports regarding engine, transmission, and overall reliability. 

This video explains the top 5 problems with the 4th generation Subaru Impreza hatchback, which covers model years 2012 to 2016: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jul 5, 2023
What to look for instead:

• Later models: Years like 2012 and later generally improved as Subaru addressed the issues from the initial redesign. 
• Models with a history of maintenance: Focus on cars with a good service history, especially if buying a pre-2012 model, as it indicates potential head gasket issues were addressed. 
• Models with newer technology: If you can afford it, newer models will have better safety and tech features.