Subaru owners on Long Island tend to stay Subaru owners - the brand has some of the highest loyalty rates in the industry. That is great for the brand but creates a tight used market: demand for pre-owned Outbacks, Crosstreks, and Foresters consistently exceeds supply. The good news is that lease returns and trade-ins have normalized in 2026, and the selection at Long Island Subaru dealers is the best it has been in years.

VIP Automotive Group operates three Subaru dealerships serving Long Island and the Hudson Valley. This guide covers the best used Subaru models available right now, what to look for, and why buying from a franchise dealer matters for this brand specifically.

Bottom Line:

  • Every Subaru comes with standard Symmetrical AWD - there is no used Subaru that does not have all-wheel drive
  • The Crosstrek and Outback are the strongest used values in the lineup, with 2-3 year old models offering 20-30% savings over new
  • Subaru’s CPO program (7-year/100,000-mile powertrain) is among the best in the industry
  • Three VIP Subaru locations mean different inventory at each - check all three

Best Used Subaru Models for Long Island

Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is Subaru’s best-selling model nationally, and Long Island is no exception. It is the right size for suburban driving - compact enough for the Roosevelt Field parking garage, capable enough for beach access roads and winter weather, and fuel-efficient enough for the daily commute.

What to expect on pricing: A 2022-2024 Crosstrek Premium with 25,000-35,000 miles runs $24,000-$28,000. Limited trims with similar mileage command $27,000-$31,000. The Wilderness trim holds the strongest resale.

What to look for used: The Crosstrek’s CVT transmission has been refined over generations, but listen for any unusual whining at highway speed. Check the rear brakes - Crosstreks tend to wear rear pads faster than fronts due to the AWD weight distribution. Inspect the windshield for chips - the relatively flat angle makes it susceptible to road debris.

Subaru Outback

The Outback is Subaru’s most versatile vehicle and the one most Long Island buyers gravitate toward when they need more space than the Crosstrek provides. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance handles anything Long Island throws at it, and the wagon-style cargo area swallows more than most compact SUVs.

What to expect on pricing: A 2022-2024 Outback Premium with 25,000-40,000 miles runs $26,000-$32,000. The turbocharged Onyx XT and Limited XT models command $30,000-$36,000. Our Outback vs Forester comparison covers how to choose between Subaru’s two most popular models.

What to look for used: Check the CVT fluid condition if the vehicle is over 60,000 miles (Subaru recommends replacement at that interval). The turbo models (XT trims) are the best driving experience in the lineup but require premium fuel.

Subaru Forester

The Forester splits the difference between the Crosstrek’s compactness and the Outback’s cargo space. Its upright greenhouse design provides the best outward visibility in the Subaru lineup, which is a genuine advantage for Long Island driving where sight lines matter.

What to expect on pricing: A 2022-2024 Forester Premium with 25,000-35,000 miles runs $25,000-$30,000. The Wilderness trim runs $29,000-$34,000.

Subaru WRX

For buyers who want Subaru’s AWD reliability with genuine performance, the WRX is the answer. Used WRXs are popular with younger Long Island buyers, and the 2022+ generation brought a significant technology upgrade.

What to expect on pricing: A 2022-2024 WRX base with 20,000-30,000 miles runs $28,000-$33,000. Check for modification history - WRXs are frequently modified, and aftermarket parts can affect warranty coverage and long-term reliability.

Where to Find Used Subarus on Long Island

South Shore Subaru - 305 Sunrise Hwy, Lindenhurst. Best for Suffolk County south shore buyers: Lindenhurst, Babylon, West Islip, Bay Shore, Copiague, Amityville.

Grand Prix Subaru - 500 S Broadway, Hicksville. Best for Nassau County buyers: Hicksville, Bethpage, Plainview, Syosset.

Mid Hudson Subaru - 1162 US-9, Wappingers Falls. Best for Hudson Valley buyers: Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Beacon, Dutchess County.

All three stores share visibility into each other’s inventory. If you find the right Crosstrek at Mid Hudson but live in Lindenhurst, ask about transferring it - the VIP network makes this routine.

Why Buy a Used Subaru From a Franchise Dealer

Subaru’s CPO program is one of the strongest reasons to buy from a franchise dealer rather than a private seller or independent lot:

  • 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from original in-service date
  • 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty from CPO purchase date
  • 152-point inspection covering every mechanical and safety system
  • $500 owner loyalty coupon toward your next new Subaru

Beyond CPO, franchise Subaru dealers complete all open safety recalls before sale (Subaru has issued several over the years), provide genuine Subaru maintenance records, and have factory-trained technicians who understand the brand’s specific needs. Our guide on what every car owner should know about dealership service covers why franchise service matters.

Used Subaru Buying Tips

Check the head gasket history. Older Subarus (pre-2013 non-turbo models) were prone to head gasket failures. This is not a concern on 2020+ models, but if you are looking at an older Subaru, ask specifically about head gasket service history.

Verify the AWD system. During your test drive, make tight turns on dry pavement at low speed. Any binding or hopping indicates a differential issue. Drive at highway speed and listen for drivetrain noise. Subaru’s AWD is reliable, but it needs properly matched tires - mismatched tire sizes can damage the center differential.

Look at the tire wear. Subaru requires all four tires to be within 2/32” of tread depth of each other. If the tires show uneven wear between front and rear, it suggests the previous owner was not rotating tires on schedule - a red flag for overall maintenance habits. For a complete guide to the Subaru ownership experience on Long Island, see our Long Island Subaru Buyer’s Handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a used Subaru cost on Long Island?

Used Subaru prices on Long Island vary by model: Crosstreks run $24,000-$31,000, Outbacks $26,000-$36,000, and Foresters $25,000-$34,000 for 2022-2024 models with 25,000-40,000 miles. Subarus hold their value well, so discounts from new are typically 20-30% for 2-3 year old models.

Do all used Subarus have AWD?

Yes. Every Subaru model comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. There is no front-wheel-drive Subaru option (with the exception of the discontinued BRZ sports car). Any used Subaru you find will have AWD.

Where is the best place to buy a used Subaru on Long Island?

VIP Automotive Group operates three franchise Subaru dealerships: South Shore Subaru in Lindenhurst (Suffolk County), Grand Prix Subaru in Hicksville (Nassau County), and Mid Hudson Subaru in Wappingers Falls (Hudson Valley). Franchise dealers offer CPO programs, manufacturer recall completion, and broader financing options than independent lots.

Is the Subaru CPO program worth it?

Yes, for most buyers. The 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 12-month comprehensive warranty typically exceed the $1,500-$2,500 CPO premium in coverage value. The 152-point inspection also provides quality assurance that you cannot get from a private sale.