The Subaru Impreza earns consistent recommendation as a first car for a simple reason: it delivers safety, reliability, and standard all-wheel drive at a price that works for entry-level buyers. For Long Island first-time buyers in Lindenhurst, Babylon, and the surrounding South Shore communities, those attributes matter more than you might initially think.
Bottom Line: The Impreza is an excellent first car for Long Island buyers. Standard AWD, strong safety ratings, and manageable running costs make it one of the most well-rounded options in the compact class. The Premium trim with EyeSight is the configuration most first-time buyers will be happiest with.
- Starting price around $23,995 with standard AWD - no option fees required
- Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD provides traction confidence without special handling knowledge
- Insurance rates are competitive for a compact car with strong safety ratings
Why AWD Matters for a First Car on Long Island
New drivers benefit from AWD in ways they may not immediately appreciate. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive delivers torque to all four wheels continuously, not just when a front wheel slips. For a first-time driver navigating wet South Shore roads, an unexpected puddle on Ocean Parkway, or a slick approach to the Southern State Parkway during an October rain, AWD provides a margin of stability that front-wheel-drive competitors can’t match.
This matters particularly for newer drivers because AWD reduces the consequences of imperfect technique. A first-time driver who takes a turn slightly too fast in the rain will recover better in an AWD Impreza than in a comparable FWD Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. The system works transparently - there is nothing to turn on or manage.
Neither Honda nor Toyota offers AWD in the compact sedan class at any price, making the Impreza uniquely suited for Long Island driving conditions from the start. For the full Impreza trim guide, see our complete Subaru Impreza guide for South Shore buyers.
Insurance Costs for First-Time Buyers
Insurance is the biggest ongoing cost concern for new drivers, and the Impreza performs reasonably well in this category. First-time drivers in Suffolk County typically pay $2,000-$3,500 per year for full coverage depending on age, driving record, and the specific coverage limits chosen. That range is in line with other compact cars in the class.
The Impreza’s strong safety ratings work in your favor with insurers. EyeSight-equipped vehicles on the Premium trim may qualify for additional safety discounts, particularly for automatic emergency braking. Shopping multiple carriers annually and considering higher deductibles are the most effective ways to manage insurance costs as a new driver.
Adding to a parent’s existing policy typically produces better rates than a standalone policy for younger buyers. Ask an independent insurance agent to compare both options before committing.
"The Impreza has become our go-to recommendation for first-time buyers on the South Shore. Parents appreciate the safety tech and AWD. The buyer appreciates the style and that it doesn't feel like a penalty car. It holds its value, it's easy to live with, and it genuinely handles Long Island winters better than the competition at this price."
General Manager, South Shore Subaru
Maintenance and Running Costs
The Impreza is one of the more affordable compact cars to maintain over time. Oil changes using Subaru-recommended full synthetic run approximately $70-$90 at South Shore Subaru’s service department. Tire rotations, cabin air filter replacement, and brake fluid service constitute most of the scheduled maintenance through the first 50,000 miles.
One unique maintenance item: Subaru’s Boxer engines use a timing chain rather than a timing belt, so there is no expensive timing belt replacement service in the maintenance schedule. Transmission fluid service on the CVT is due around 30,000 miles on severe-duty schedules in heavy New York traffic.
The Impreza comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. For a first-time buyer planning a 3-5 year ownership period, the warranty coverage provides meaningful peace of mind and protects against unexpected repair costs.
Choosing the Right Trim as a First-Time Buyer
The Premium trim is the best starting point for most Long Island first-time buyers. At approximately $27,495 for the sedan or $28,495 for the hatchback, it adds EyeSight Driver Assist - which includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control - plus heated front seats and the larger 11.6-inch display. For a first-time driver who will spend real time on the Southern State Parkway or Sunrise Highway, EyeSight’s active safety features are worth the step up from Base.
The Base trim at $23,995 is a legitimate consideration for buyers with tighter budgets. It includes AWD, Apple CarPlay, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. The missing features at this level - EyeSight and heated seats - are the ones most new drivers eventually wish they had.
The Sport hatchback is appealing but not essential as a first car. Its sport-tuned suspension and styling upgrades add cost without adding the safety features that matter most for newer drivers. If budget allows the Sport without stress, it is a fine choice - but prioritize the Premium’s EyeSight content first.
Ready to find the right Impreza for your first car? Browse Subaru Impreza inventory at South Shore Subaru or see current new Subaru specials for South Shore Long Island pricing.
Ready to see it in person? Visit any of our VIP Automotive Group locations:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subaru Impreza a safe car for a new driver? Yes. The Impreza earns 5-star NHTSA safety ratings and consistently performs well in IIHS crash testing. Combined with EyeSight Driver Assist on Premium and Sport trims, it offers a strong passive and active safety package for new drivers.
Is the Impreza easy to drive for a first-time driver? The Impreza’s CVT transmission provides smooth, linear acceleration that is forgiving for newer drivers. The power output is modest at 152 hp, which reduces the risk of unintended acceleration. AWD provides additional stability confidence in adverse conditions.
How much does it cost to insure an Impreza for a new driver on Long Island? First-time drivers in Suffolk County should budget $2,000-$3,500 per year depending on age and coverage level. Adding to a parent’s existing multi-car policy typically produces better rates. The Impreza’s safety ratings can earn safety discounts that partially offset the new-driver surcharge.
Should a first-time buyer get the Impreza sedan or hatchback? Both are solid choices. The hatchback offers more cargo flexibility and the Sport trim option. The sedan is slightly quieter, offers better trunk privacy, and costs $1,000 less at comparable trims. For most first-time buyers, the choice comes down to whether cargo flexibility matters more than the lower starting price.
Does the Impreza hold its value well as a first car? The Impreza retains approximately 45-50% of its original value at three years, which is competitive in the compact class. Subaru’s strong brand loyalty and the AWD advantage help maintain used market demand on Long Island.