The 5 Best New Cars For Cheap - Subaru Has One Hot Model This Year

With new car prices rising, which Subaru model is the best new car under $20,000 for shoppers this year? A new report from iSeeCars says one Subaru model is number one, the 2023 Subaru Impreza compact car.

The five best cheap cars under $20,000 are ranked by an iSeeCars Quality Score that considers a car's longevity, value retention, and safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

photo credit: Competition Subaru

The Subaru Impreza is ranked number one with an iSeeCars Quality Score of 8.6, a reliability score of 8.0, a retained value score of 8.7, and a safety score of 9.0.

The average new 2023 Impreza compact car price is $23,610. The average 3-year-old used car price is $23,238, according to iSeeCars data. A new Base Impreza trim level is priced under $20,000 at $19,795 (not including dealer fees).

iSeeCars says the Nissan Versa is the second-best car under $20,000 with a score of 8.2, Kia Rio (8.0), Kia Forte (7.9), and Nissan Sentra (7.9).

photo credit: Competition Subaru

What does iSeeCars say about the Impreza?

"The Subaru Impreza ranks first and is available as a sedan or hatchback. Unlike most compact cars, all-wheel drive comes standard on the Impreza. The Impreza achieves Subaru's high safety score and includes standard safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Standard infotainment features include a 6.5-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth."

Our take

It is a better value to buy a new 2023 Impreza now because Subaru is offering incentives to move the last remaining 2023 models before the next-generation 2024 Impreza hatchback arrives this spring.

What is the price of the 2023 Impreza?

The 2023 Impreza comes in Base sedan ($20,815), Base hatchback ($21,315), Premium sedan ($24,215), Premium hatchback ($24,715), Sport sedan ($25,615), Sport hatchback ($25,015), and Limited hatchback ($28,415). Destination and delivery ($995) are included in the prices above. Models with a CVT automatic transmission increase the price by about $1,300, depending on the trim level.

What if you can't buy a new car now?

iSeeCars says there are good used Subaru cars to consider under $15,000.

iSeeCars says the 2014 Subaru Legacy is an excellent used car pick under $15,000. The Legacy has an overall score of 8.6, ranking it the sixth best used model. The 2014 Legacy has an average used car price of $13,365.

Other used Subaru SUVs to consider under $15,000

iSeeCars says the 2013 Subaru Outback midsize SUV is another best used SUV pick under $15,000. The Outback has an overall score of 8.8, ranking it the number one best used SUV model. The 2013 Outback has an average used car price of $13,523.

iSeeCars says the 2013 Subaru Forester compact SUV is another best used SUV pick under $15,000. The Forester has an overall score of 8.7, ranking it the number two best used SUV model. The 2013 Forester has an average used car price of $12,970.

Note: Consumer Reports says used car shoppers should avoid the 2013 Outback because it's the least reliable Subaru model. In addition, the 2013 Subaru Outback history report reveals 12 safety recalls indicated by the NHTSA. Consumer Reports gives the 2013 Outback a 3/5 for reliability.

Everyday 2013 Outback problems include oil leaks, faulty airbags, and transmission issues. It's important to note the problems with the 2013 Subaru Outback usually take place at relatively low mileage. Read the complete used Subaru model report here.

The Subaru Impreza, Legacy, Outback, and Forester are good used car picks if you can find a well-maintained, low-mileage model. But you should still avoid the 2013 Outback.

What are the best new cars under $20,000 this year? A new report from iSeeCars says the 2023 Subaru Impreza compact sedan and hatchback are the best for shoppers this year. Hurry because the last 2023 models are selling fast.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: main image Schumacher Subaru