CVT Transmission Failure or Shudder
medium- Typically appears
- 80k–140k mi
- Estimated repair
- $3,500 – $6,500
Popular pick
2013 Subaru
ImprezaSedan
2.0L 4-cylinder Boxer · Sedan
The 2013 Subaru Impreza is the first model year of the fourth-generation platform, bringing a significant redesign that added interior space, improved fuel economy, and kept Subaru's signature symmetrical all-wheel drive standard across the lineup. The 2.0L horizontally-opposed four-cylinder ('boxer') engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic, and the combination delivers a notably fuel-efficient AWD compact — something almost no competitor can match at this price point. As a daily driver, the Impreza punches above its class in winter capability. For Lake Geneva buyers, the standard AWD is a genuine advantage on snow-covered roads, and the car's relatively light curb weight keeps it nimble. The sedan body is less common than the 5-door hatchback in this generation, but both share the same platform and drivetrain. The 2013 model year is generally considered a solid entry point for this generation, though it shares the head gasket concerns that have historically followed Subaru's EJ-series engines — this generation uses the newer FB20 engine, which is a meaningful improvement. Still, any used example deserves a careful pre-purchase inspection, particularly around the cooling system and CVT (if equipped).
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder Boxer
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined
Seats
5
Doors
4
Body
Sedan
MSRP
$18,995
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2013 Subaru Impreza is the first model year of the fourth-generation platform, bringing a significant redesign that added interior space, improved fuel economy, and kept Subaru's signature symmetrical all-wheel drive standard across the lineup. The 2.0L horizontally-opposed four-cylinder ('boxer') engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic, and the combination delivers a notably fuel-efficient AWD compact — something almost no competitor can match at this price point. As a daily driver, the Impreza punches above its class in winter capability. For Lake Geneva buyers, the standard AWD is a genuine advantage on snow-covered roads, and the car's relatively light curb weight keeps it nimble. The sedan body is less common than the 5-door hatchback in this generation, but both share the same platform and drivetrain. The 2013 model year is generally considered a solid entry point for this generation, though it shares the head gasket concerns that have historically followed Subaru's EJ-series engines — this generation uses the newer FB20 engine, which is a meaningful improvement. Still, any used example deserves a careful pre-purchase inspection, particularly around the cooling system and CVT (if equipped).
Known for
- Standard symmetrical AWD on every trim — no upsell required
- Fuel-efficient for an AWD car: ~28 MPG combined
- Horizontally-opposed boxer engine layout lowers center of gravity
- Strong IIHS safety scores for the generation
- Practical interior with more rear legroom than the outgoing generation
Best for
- Wisconsin winter commuters who want AWD without buying an SUV
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting reliable all-weather capability
- Urban or suburban drivers who value fuel economy and maneuverability
- First-time car owners who want low running costs
Watch for
- CVT reliability on high-mileage examples — this is the most expensive failure on the car
- Oil consumption on the FB20 engine, especially 60k+ miles
- Rust on underbody components and subframe in high-salt environments like Wisconsin
- Worn or leaking rear differential seals as AWD system ages
Common issues by mileage
6 knownExcessive Oil Consumption (FB20 Engine)
medium- Typically appears
- 60k–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $1,500
VVT / Camshaft Position Solenoid Fault (oil-pressure related)
medium- Typically appears
- 70k–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $600
Oxygen / Air-Fuel Sensor Heater Circuit Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 80k–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $400
Underbody / Subframe Rust (salt-belt corrosion)
high- Typically appears
- Any — age-dependent
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $2,500
Rear Differential Seal Leak
low- Typically appears
- 90k–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $500
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000–6,000 miles Engine oil change — use full synthetic 0W-20
The FB20 is sensitive to oil quality and level. Low oil accelerates VVT solenoid wear and can trigger camshaft timing codes. Check level at every fill-up if any consumption is noticed.
- 2 Every 30,000 miles CVT fluid change (if CVT-equipped)
Subaru officially lists CVT fluid as 'lifetime' but real-world experience shows fresh fluid every 30k significantly extends CVT life. This is the most cost-effective thing a CVT Impreza owner can do.
- 3 Every 30,000 miles or 2 years Rear differential fluid change
Subaru's AWD system depends on matched tire wear AND healthy diff fluid. Old fluid causes clutch-pack wear and vibration on turns.
- 4 Every 30,000 miles or as needed Inspect and flush coolant
Maintaining proper coolant condition protects the FB20's aluminum block and head. Degraded coolant is a contributing factor in cooling system issues.
- 5 Every 60,000 miles Spark plug replacement
The boxer engine's plug access is tighter than most cars — labor time is higher. Sticking to schedule avoids seized plugs that are far more expensive to remove.
- 6 Every 2 years Brake fluid flush
DOT 3/4 fluid absorbs moisture over time. Wisconsin winters with frequent wet-to-freeze cycles accelerate moisture ingress, raising the risk of soft pedal and caliper corrosion.
- 7 Every 5,000–7,500 miles Tire rotation and AWD tire wear check
Subaru's AWD system requires all four tires to be within 2/32" of each other in tread depth. Mismatched tires force the center differential to work constantly, causing premature wear.
- 8 Every fall before winter season Underbody inspection and rust treatment
Lake Geneva's road salt is hard on subframes, control arm brackets, and brake lines. Annual inspection and undercoating touch-up can prevent $1,000+ in structural rust repairs later.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$500 – $1,000
Fuel
At ~28 MPG combined and Wisconsin average fuel prices, expect roughly $1,400–$1,800/year for a typical 12,000-mile driver on regular unleaded.
Insurance
Generally moderate — compact sedans in this class typically run $900–$1,400/year for full coverage in Wisconsin, depending on driver profile and zip code.
The 2013 Impreza is one of the more affordable AWD cars to own day-to-day. Routine maintenance is straightforward and parts are widely available at reasonable prices. The one big financial exposure is CVT replacement on automatic-equipped cars — budgeting for that possibility on a high-mileage used example is wise. Manual transmission cars avoid that risk entirely and tend to have lower long-term repair costs.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Switch to a dedicated winter tire set — AWD helps you go but does nothing for stopping. Tire size 205/55R16 is the standard fitment.
- Use a full synthetic 0W-20 oil year-round; it flows immediately in sub-zero starts and protects the VVT system before oil pressure builds.
- Test and replace the battery proactively if it's over 4 years old. Cold cranking a Subaru boxer at -10°F demands a strong battery.
- Flush washer fluid reservoir and top off with -30°F rated fluid before the first hard freeze — the reservoir sits low and can crack if frozen.
- Inspect brake lines and caliper slides for corrosion each fall; salt accelerates brake line rust, and a corroded slide can cause a stuck caliper mid-winter.
- Keep all four tires within 2/32" of each other — Subaru's AWD system requires it and mismatched tires stress the center differential severely in winter conditions.
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — every 10°F rise in ambient temperature adds ~1 PSI. Overinflated tires in summer heat reduce grip.
- Inspect the A/C system for refrigerant charge and cabin air filter condition. The manual A/C on the base trim is simple but the compressor clutch should engage cleanly.
- Watch for heat soak on longer idling stops — the boxer engine's flat layout traps heat between the two cylinder banks. Ensure the cooling fan operation is normal.
- Inspect underbody annually after winter for salt corrosion damage — summer is the best time to catch and treat rust before next season.
Comparable vehicles
2013 Mazda
Mazda3
Similar compact footprint and price point, slightly sportier handling, but FWD only — loses AWD advantage in Wisconsin winters.
2013 Toyota
Corolla
Comparable price and reliability reputation, with very strong long-term durability. FWD only, and less engaging to drive, but extremely low ownership costs.
2013 Honda
Civic
Strong reliability, similar fuel economy, and widely available parts. FWD only and doesn't match the Impreza's all-weather capability, but has a strong resale and repair record.
2013 Volkswagen
Jetta
AWD available on some trims (Golf platform), similar size and price range. Higher long-term repair costs than the Impreza and parts are pricier in the Midwest.
If you're shopping for one
Red flags
- Any CVT shudder, hesitation, or jerking during acceleration — treat as near-failure, not a minor issue
- Oil consumption over 1 qt per 1,000 miles — indicates ring wear; walk away or negotiate heavily
- Rust holes or compromised metal on subframe or floor pans — structural rust is a safety concern and expensive to address
- Mismatched tire brands or significantly different tread depths across axles — signals owner neglect of AWD requirements
- Check engine light with stored camshaft timing codes (P0012, P0015, P0022, P0025) — often means sludge from infrequent oil changes
What to inspect
- CVT fluid condition and color — dark or burnt-smelling fluid signals neglect and impending failure
- All four tire tread depths — must be within 2/32" of each other; mismatched tires indicate potential AWD damage
- Engine oil level and condition at dipstick — milky or low oil is a red flag on FB20 engines
- Underbody subframe, control arm brackets, and brake lines for rust perforation — critical on any Wisconsin car 5+ years old
- Cooling system for any signs of overheating history (stained overflow tank, discolored hoses)
- Test AWD engagement: on a slow, full-lock turn in a parking lot, the car should not bind, shudder, or clunk