The 5 Best Small Cars For The Money And Where The New Subaru Impreza Slots Now

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Which are the best small cars you can buy now? A new report says Subaru has one model, the new Impreza, that combines a low purchase price and a long lifespan. Check the report before you buy.

There are many choices for small car shoppers looking to purchase a new model now, but which new vehicles are the best? I cover the best new cars every year. A recent report from iSeeCars says Subaru has one small car that combines a low purchase price with a long lifespan: The all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback.

I will cover the five best according to iSeeCars data, making them the value leaders for new small car buyers. I will also explain why the Impreza is the best pick of the top five.

iSeeCars says automotive value can be defined in several ways, but buyers seeking the most extended vehicle lifespan at the lowest price should keep reading. 

On average, a new small car costs $2,387 for every 10,000 miles of lifespan it provides, but the Impreza costs about $1,400 per 10,000 miles of lifespan. The Mitsubishi Mirage and Toyota Corolla are also value picks.

How did iSeeCars evaluate the best small cars?

iSeeCars analyzed the prices of over 8.3 million new cars sold in September - December 2023 and the odometer readings of over 181 million used cars from its Longest Lasting Cars Study to determine the rankings for the best new cars and small SUVs for the money.

"New car prices keep climbing, which makes finding the highest value models more important than ever for buyers," said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. "By identifying cars that combine the lowest purchase price with the longest lifespan, we're helping consumers who want to maximize their car-buying budget."

iSeeCars Best small cars for the money

The average small car costs $2,387 for every 10,000 miles of lifespan, but the five models listed here cost less, reflecting better-than-average value. Mitsubishi's Mirage leads the segment, with the Toyota Corolla next and the 2024 Subaru Impreza making the top three.

"With their low prices and relatively long lifespans, small cars are excellent candidates for shoppers seeking value," said Brauer. "These aren't the most spacious or luxurious cars on the market, but their long list of standard equipment makes them a compelling option, especially for new-car buyers on a limited budget."

The average among all Small Cars 

  • Price per 10,000 miles - $2,387
  • Average New Car Price - $34,801
  • Average Lifespan in Miles - 145,816

1. Mitsubishi Mirage

  • Price per 10,000 miles - $1,099
  • Average New Car Price - $18,991
  • Average Lifespan in Miles - 172,784

2. Toyota Corolla 

  • Price per 10,000 miles - $1,374
  • Average New Car Price - $25,017
  • Average Lifespan in Miles - 182,133

3. Subaru Impreza 

  • Price per 10,000 miles - $1,409
  • Average New Car Price - $27,830
  • Average Lifespan in Miles - 197,562

photo credit: Tucson Subaru

4. Honda Civic

  • Price per 10,000 miles - $1,531
  • Average New Car Price - $28,594
  • Average Lifespan in Miles - 186,824

5. Nissan Versa 

  • Price per 10,000 miles - $1,588
  • Average New Car Price - $20,601
  • Average Lifespan in Miles - 129,696

My Take

Why is the Subaru Impreza the best pick?

The other four models listed above are good picks if you want a city commuter. But for active customers, the 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback is the best choice. Impreza comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive for all-weather and severe weather capability. You won't be sitting home when the weather gets nasty this winter.

The Impreza hatchback offers utility and versatility for active lifestyles and excellent fuel mileage and comes in a new RS sporty trim with a 2.5-liter Boxer engine upgrade for driving enthusiasts. 

The Impreza is safe. Impreza achieved the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. All 2024 Impreza trims come with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology. 

What is the price of the 2024 Subaru Impreza?

The 2024 Subaru Impreza is affordable.

The Base hatchback starts at $24,085, the Sport hatch starts at $26,085, and the all-new RS hatch with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine begins at $28,975. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,090).

The 2024 Subaru Impreza isn't the least expensive of the models listed above, but it's the best for active customers who will use it for more than an urban commuter or grocery hauler.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this best small car and Subaru Impreza story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

Watch 2024 Subaru Impreza | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports on YouTube 

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: main image Adventure Subaru