Skip to main content

5 Best Used Cars For City Driving - Subaru Impreza Has An Advantage

With new 2022 Subaru Impreza models impossible to find, check out the five best used cars for city driving. The 2016 Subaru Impreza has an advantage.

Recent reports reveal that demand for used cars pushed prices up in July with the shortage of new vehicles. A recent report from Kelley Blue Book says the average used car in America sold for $28,219 last month. The good news is that wholesale prices have dropped, which should translate to lower prices in August.

What should car shoppers do with new models that are almost impossible to find? Check out the best used cars for city commuting.

If you cannot buy a new 2023 Subaru Impreza compact car now, a previously owned Impreza is still a good choice. Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranked the five best used cars for city driving, and the 2016 Subaru Impreza is one of the best used car buys right now.

2016 Subaru Impreza features, fuel mileage, price

The cars CR picked had to check the right boxes. They picked models with a tight turning radius, a compact size, good city fuel mileage, decent ride quality, and at least average reliability.

The five best used cars for city driving

In addition to the 2016 Subaru Impreza, Consumer Reports also picked the 2017 Toyota Prius, 2017 Toyota Corolla, 2015 Honda Civic, and 2018 Mazda 3. Consumer Reports likes the Impreza for its fuel mileage, standard all-wheel-drive, nimble handling, roomy interior, and comfortable ride.

What is the price of a 2016 Subaru Impreza?

Consumer Reports says the price of the 2016 Impreza ranges from $15,525 to $18,975 depending on the trim level and condition. That’s about $6,000-$9,000 less than a new 2023 Impreza.

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Impreza?

The 2023 Impreza comes in four trim levels for customers. The seven different models come 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 add about $1,300 depending on the trim level.

2016 Subaru Impreza features, fuel mileage, price

Impreza has an advantage over the other small compact cars

The one significant advantage of the Subaru Impreza is its Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that comes standard on every model. All-wheel-drive is ideal for those who live in cold climates and has advantages in wet conditions in the summer. You pay extra for all-wheel-drive cars on the list above if it’s even available.

What does Consumer Reports say?

“With standard all-wheel-drive, this small Subaru gets 20 mpg in city driving, boasts nimble handling, a roomy interior with enough room in the back seat for adult passengers, and a comfortable ride that rivals some luxury sedans.”

What is the 2016 Subaru Impreza fuel mileage?

CR says the owner-reported fuel mileage is 28 mpg. The EPA estimated fuel mileage is 28/36 city/highway mpg and 31 combined mpg with the CVT automatic transmission.

If you can’t find a new 2022 or 2023 Subaru Impreza, Consumer Reports says the 2016 Impreza is one of the best used models for city driving. Consumer Reports says the Impreza is a top pick for its fuel mileage, standard all-wheel-drive, nimble handling, roomy interior, and comfortable ride.

You Might Also Like: 2023 Subaru Model Guide Fuel Economy - The Best And The Worst

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.

Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru USA