The Crosstrek is one of the most depreciation-proof vehicles on the market. A 2018 2.0i Premium stickered around $22,700 new and still commands $14,000–$16,500 used — barely moving. That's a testament to demand, but it also means you pay fairly and won't find a bargain; the value here is in a car that holds up and holds its price.
This is the second-generation Crosstrek (2018–2023), the first on Subaru's Global Platform — a much stiffer, more refined car than the original. It's essentially a lifted, AWD Impreza with rugged cladding and real ground clearance, sharing its FB20 engine and CVT with the Impreza. Standard all-wheel drive and standard EyeSight (on Premium and up) are the draw.
The 2.0L FB20 makes 152 horsepower — adequate, not quick — and is timing-chain driven and durable, using less oil than the larger FB25 though still worth monitoring. It's paired with the Lineartronic CVT, which is generally reliable with routine fluid service. Standard Symmetrical AWD is the point of the car. Real-world economy runs 28–30 mpg combined; towing is rated at 1,500 pounds.
Mechanically, very little of consequence — the FB20 and CVT are a low-drama pairing. The signature cost is the windshield: it's tall, acoustic, and carries the EyeSight cameras, so a crack means glass plus recalibration, around $1,000–$1,500 — the single item owners forget to budget for. Beyond that, the Starlink module's battery drain is the usual Subaru software nuisance to confirm fixed, and the FB20's modest oil use is worth monitoring rather than fearing.
The one recall to nail down is the PCV valve (2018–2019 2.0L Subaru): a cracked valve can cause a loss of power, and the fix is free — confirm it's closed against the VIN, along with any other open campaign including Takata. Then the usual: check the windshield for existing damage and the underbody for rust on salt-state cars.
Examine the windshield for chips and cracks first — it's the expensive glass. On the drive, the CVT should be smooth with no shudder, and the engine should pull cleanly (it's not fast, but it should be even). Pull the dipstick cold for level and cleanliness, cycle the AWD on a tight turn, confirm EyeSight and the backup camera work, and get underneath for rust.
At ~90,000 miles, plan for the next year or two: a CVT fluid service if undocumented (~$250–$400), spark plugs if not done (~$200–$300), brake fluid (~$100), and coolant if there's no record (~$120). Wheel bearings are a known Subaru wear item (~$300–$500 per corner). Tires and brakes are the usual wear costs, and keep a windshield-replacement contingency in mind given the EyeSight glass.
Budget roughly $2,800 over three years at about 12,000 miles a year, assuming a clean car at purchase. That covers routine oil services, the CVT fluid service, spark plugs, one brake service, a set of tires, and a buffer for a wheel bearing or the windshield. It excludes fuel and insurance, and it excludes rust repair — the thing that changes the calculus on any salt-belt example.
The buyer who wants a tough, economical, all-weather small SUV that will hold its value and go almost anywhere within reason — and who's willing to keep a windshield contingency in the back of their mind. It's one of the most sensible used crossovers going.
GOOD CAR. The FB20 and CVT are a durable, low-drama pairing with no systemic defect to inspect your way out of. The decision is about this specific car's condition and two knowable items: confirm the PCV recall is closed and the CVT is smooth, and go in aware that the EyeSight windshield is the one surprise cost. Do that and you're buying one of the most capable, value-retentive small SUVs on the road — just don't let a cracked windshield catch you off guard at the negotiating table.