The Subaru Impreza is a compact car with all-wheel drive on most versions, which makes it sure-footed on wet, gravel and hilly roads. In Japan it comes as the Impreza Sport (hatchback) and Impreza G4 (sedan). The Subaru XV is the raised crossover version of the same car. The famous WRX STI grew out of the Impreza and is its high-performance relative.
Generations You Will Find
| Generation | Years | Engines |
|---|---|---|
| 4th (GP/GJ) | 2011–2016 | 1.6 and 2.0 petrol "boxer", CVT |
| 5th (GT/GK) | 2016 onwards | 1.6 and 2.0 petrol, some mild hybrids later |
| WRX STI (GR/GV) | 2007–2014 | 2.0 or 2.5 turbo. A-Line is the automatic 2.5 turbo version |
Grades
- 1.6i-L: the economical grade.
- 2.0i-L EyeSight: 2.0 engine plus EyeSight, Subaru's stereo-camera safety system (automatic braking, adaptive cruise). Listings sometimes spell it "Eyesite".
- Sport / S: sportier styling and wheels.
- XV "i-L EyeSight": the crossover with extra ground clearance.
What to Check
- CVT gearbox (Impreza and XV): ask about judder, whining or warning lights.
- Oil use: some Subaru engines of this era used oil between services. Ask about any note from the inspector.
- Tyres: all four the same size and similar wear, because the AWD system is sensitive to mismatched tyres.
- EyeSight cameras: they sit behind the windscreen. A replaced windscreen or damage there can affect them.
- WRX STI: check for modifications, hard use and smoke; the 2.5 turbo is known for head gasket and ring-land issues when driven hard. The auction sheet notes modifications.
- Auction sheet: read how to read a Japanese auction sheet.
Age Limits: Which Countries Can Take One
Some countries cap the age of an imported car: Jamaica allows up to 5 years, Trinidad & Tobago 4 years, and Kenya and Guyana 8 years. The Bahamas, Barbados, Suriname, the Eastern Caribbean islands such as Saint Lucia and Antigua, Uganda and Tanzania have no strict age limit on our checker. Rules change, so always confirm with your clearing agent before you pay.
Most Imprezas and XVs at export prices are older models, so the no-limit markets such as the Bahamas, Barbados, Uganda and Tanzania have the widest choice.
The table at the bottom of this page applies each country's rule to our live stock and shows the cheapest delivered price. For the full list see import age limits by country, and for duty and port fees see how to calculate the total cost.
Need more space? See our Subaru Forester guide.