Total Cost of Owning a Subaru Impreza for 5 Years: Insurance, Maintenance, Resale

The purchase price of a Subaru Impreza is just the beginning. South Shore Long Island drivers who add up insurance, fuel, maintenance, and resale value over 5 years often find the Impreza one of the lowest total-cost compact cars available with standard AWD.

Bottom Line: A 2026 Subaru Impreza purchased new at around $24,000 will cost approximately $35,000-$38,000 to own over 5 years when all expenses are factored in.

• Fuel costs are modest thanks to up to 36 mpg highway and Subaru’s efficient 2.0-liter boxer engine
• Maintenance intervals follow Subaru’s 6-month schedule with no-cost service included for 3 years
• Resale value is strong - Imprezas retain roughly 50-55% of their value after 3 years

Year-by-Year Cost Breakdown for Long Island Impreza Owners

Understanding the annual cost pattern helps you budget realistically for Impreza ownership from Lindenhurst to Bay Shore and across South Shore Long Island. Costs are highest in years 1 and 4-5 when larger scheduled services fall due.

For a full picture of the Impreza across trims and configurations, our complete Subaru Impreza guide for South Shore buyers covers what to expect from each model year and trim level. This guide focuses specifically on the 5-year cost picture.

Here is what a typical Impreza owner pays annually on Long Island:

• Year 1: ~$6,500 (insurance + first scheduled service + registration)
• Year 2: ~$5,800 (insurance + routine maintenance)
• Year 3: ~$6,200 (insurance + 30,000-mile major service)
• Year 4: ~$5,900 (insurance + routine maintenance + new tires expected)
• Year 5: ~$6,400 (insurance + 60,000-mile service + potential wear items)

These figures are estimates for Suffolk County based on average insurance rates in the region. Your specific numbers will vary based on your driving record, home address in Babylon or Copiague, and coverage levels.

Insurance Costs on Long Island: What to Expect

Insurance is the largest annual cost for most Impreza owners on Long Island. Suffolk County rates run higher than the national average due to population density and accident frequency, but the Impreza’s safety ratings help keep premiums lower than many competitors.

The Subaru Impreza earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition, which insurers weigh when setting rates. Drivers in Lindenhurst and West Islip with clean records can typically expect annual full-coverage premiums in the $1,600-$2,200 range for a new Impreza, depending on their specific profile.

Comparing quotes from at least 3 insurers is the single most effective way to lower your annual insurance cost. The Impreza’s safety ratings and moderate repair costs give it an advantage in underwriting compared to sport compacts and performance-oriented vehicles.

What Affects Your Impreza Insurance Rate on Long Island

The key variables insurers use for Long Island Impreza owners:

• Your zip code (Amityville vs. Bay Shore can vary meaningfully)
• Your driving history and annual mileage
• Whether you have a garage or park on the street
• The trim level (Sport trim with larger wheels may rate slightly higher)

Fuel Costs for South Shore Commuters

The Impreza’s fuel economy is genuinely competitive for an AWD car. The 2.0-liter boxer engine delivers 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, which is significantly better than AWD competitors from other brands.

At 12,000 miles per year and 28 combined mpg, a Long Island Impreza driver spending $3.50 per gallon pays approximately $1,500 annually in fuel. This compares favorably to AWD SUVs and sedans in the class.

Maintenance Schedule and Real Costs

Subaru includes complimentary first maintenance at 6 months or 6,000 miles, and the Impreza’s maintenance schedule is straightforward and predictable. Major services fall at 30,000 and 60,000 miles.

Typical Impreza maintenance costs over 5 years from South Shore Subaru in Lindenhurst:

• Oil changes (every 6 months/6,000 miles): ~$80-$100 each, 10 over 5 years
• 30,000-mile service (fluids, filters, inspection): ~$350-$450
• 60,000-mile service (timing components, major fluid service): ~$650-$850
• Tire rotation (every other oil change): ~$35-$50 each
• Brake pads (typically needed around 40,000-50,000 miles): ~$200-$350 per axle

Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system is remarkably reliable when maintained properly. The most important maintenance item specific to AWD Subarus is tire rotation and keeping all four tires within 2/32” of tread depth of each other - mismatched tires are the most common source of AWD system wear.

Resale Value: The Impreza’s Hidden Advantage

Subaru consistently ranks among the top brands for resale value retention. The Impreza specifically retains 50-55% of its original MSRP after 3 years and 40-45% after 5 years - strong numbers for a compact sedan or hatchback.

This matters practically for Long Island buyers. A 2026 Impreza purchased today at $24,000 should have a trade-in or private-party value of approximately $10,500-$11,500 in 2031, depending on mileage and condition. That resale value directly offsets the total cost of ownership calculation over the full ownership period.

Browse certified pre-owned Impreza inventory to see how previous-generation Imprezas have held their value at South Shore Subaru in Lindenhurst.

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Ready to run your own numbers? Browse new Impreza inventory at South Shore Subaru or check current new car specials in Lindenhurst, serving Babylon, West Islip, and Bay Shore.

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Safety data from NHTSA and IIHS; fuel economy from EPA. Actual mileage varies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Impreza’s 5-year cost compare to the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla? The Impreza costs slightly more annually to insure and maintain than the Civic or Corolla because of the AWD system. However, it delivers full-time Symmetrical AWD that neither competitor offers as standard - making the small cost premium meaningful for Long Island winters.

What are the most common repair costs for the Subaru Impreza at 50,000 miles? The most common items at the 50,000-mile mark are front and rear brake pads ($200-$350 per axle), a cabin air filter, and potentially a fresh set of tires depending on how they were rotated. The powertrain itself is typically very reliable at this mileage with proper maintenance.

Does the Impreza need premium fuel? No. The Impreza’s 2.0-liter boxer engine runs on regular 87-octane gasoline. This keeps fuel costs lower than many competitors in the compact segment that specify premium fuel for optimal performance.

How does the hatchback vs. sedan affect total cost? The sedan and 5-door hatchback have essentially identical mechanical components and similar resale trajectories. The hatchback commands slightly higher resale values due to its versatility, but the difference over 5 years is minor.

Is the Subaru Impreza expensive to insure for a young driver on Long Island? Young drivers face higher insurance rates regardless of vehicle, but the Impreza’s strong safety ratings keep it in the lower tier of premium costs for compact cars. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition is a meaningful factor for insurance underwriters.

When is the best time to trade in an Impreza to maximize value? The steepest depreciation occurs in the first 2 years. Trading in at years 3-4, with the 30,000-mile service completed and good maintenance records, typically yields the best balance of resale value and years of ownership benefit.

The True Cost of Impreza Ownership on South Shore Long Island

The 2026 Subaru Impreza stands out as one of the lowest total-cost compact AWD vehicles available for South Shore Long Island drivers. Strong fuel economy, predictable maintenance costs, and excellent resale value combine to make it a genuinely smart long-term choice for Lindenhurst, Copiague, and Amityville buyers.

Browse new Impreza inventory at South Shore Subaru in Lindenhurst, serving Babylon, West Islip, Bay Shore, and across South Shore Long Island.