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Stay away from pricier SUVs.
If you're on the hunt for the best-value used Subaru model this summer, steer clear of SUVs. A fresh report from iSeeCars advises that sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks are the way to go, offering more bang for your buck.
Sorry, Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek shoppers. It's the Impreza and Legacy.
Despite the significant rise in the prices of older cars in recent years, the report assures that most of these sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks can still be yours for around $10,000 or less.
“Consumers seeking relief from high vehicle prices are turning to older cars,” said Karl Brauer, iSeeCars’ executive analyst. “But even going back a decade or more isn’t shielding buyers from the massive used car price hikes in recent years, with the average older car now costing more than $12,000.”
Subaru has three of the top five best-value picks now.
iSeeCars says that older sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks make up 16 of the 20 vehicles, with the most significant growth in the older car market share. I’ve listed the five best used car picks this summer. Even though used car prices have risen, they are still good value picks now. All are 2014 model year vehicles.
- Hyundai Sonata - $8,312
- Subaru Legacy - $8,871
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class - $10,139
- Subaru Impreza hatchback - $10,797
- Subaru Impreza sedan - $12,203
What makes the Subaru Impreza and Legacy good choices?
iSeeCars says sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks have consistently had lower demand and lower price points than trucks and SUVs. They also see less demanding use, allowing them to age more gracefully than larger utility vehicles. The result is an increased share within the older car segment for used passenger cars, with models like the Hyundai Sonata, Subaru Legacy, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class more than tripling their older vehicle share.
There are three more things for Subaru shoppers.
- The Legacy sedan and Impreza compact sedan and hatchback come standard with Subaru’s excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology. Other cars don’t offer all-wheel drive, or they are an extra expensive option, not so with Subaru models.
- Subaru offers a Boxer engine design, which sits flat and lower in the chassis, offering a lower center of gravity. This Subaru-only feature gives the Legacy and Impreza improved driving dynamics and a sporty feel.
- The Impreza and Legacy have the highest safety scores. Both models received the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
There’s still more.
Subaru received an award for the 2014 Subaru Impreza. Subaru captured two of the top ten spots on the “coveted” Best Bets list of Consumer Reports, and one was the all-new 2014 Impreza. CR picked Impreza to be on the list from more than 260 vehicles tested. Find out more in my report here.
What was new for the 2014 Impreza?
Impreza had a new rear vision camera that came standard on Limited models. Aha smartphone integration was also included in 2014, with the optional navigation system for all 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Limited, and 2.0i Sport Limited models.
What is the Impreza fuel mileage?
Compared to two-wheel drive compacts, the 2014 Impreza has excellent fuel economy and the benefits of Subaru’s Symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive. Impreza received a 36-percent leap in fuel efficiency over the previous generation model and got an EPA-estimated 27/36 city/highway mpg with the new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that this model came equipped with.
Interested in the Legacy?
Legacy also offers fuel efficiency with all-wheel-drive.
The Legacy 2.5i offers excellent fuel mileage and is powered by a standard four-cylinder Boxer engine that generates 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with the CVT automatic gearbox, the amply powered sedan gets an estimated 24/32/27 city/highway/combined mpg, making it the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive sedan.
What’s new for 2014?
The 2014 Legacy 2.5i Premium models include the All-Weather Package as standard, and Premium models also had a standard audio system with a 4.3-inch screen, six speakers, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The EyeSight driver-assist system, using stereo camera technology, is now available on both the Limited and Premium trim lines.
Read my 2014 Subaru Legacy report here for more information.
Which used Subaru model are you most interested in? Click the red 'Add new comment' link below and let us know. Share your thoughts and experiences with our readers.
I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Subaru
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