Used 2016 Subaru WRX for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

How much does the 2016 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 5.10% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 541 listings available, which gives you a workable pool to compare prices and equipment.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Subaru WRX earns a 4.4/5 user rating and an 8.5/10 expert rating, which points to strong overall appeal. The model scores 9/10 across Performance, Form and function, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the ride, driving experience, performance, comfort, and value. That lines up with the car’s role as a comfortable commuter with a serious wild side, so you get an everyday-friendly sedan that still feels quick and engaging.

The model also lands well if you want a practical sport compact with racing-inspired character rather than a one-note performance car. 27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX reliable?

Owners rate it 4.4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a car that owners feel good about living with over time, with repeated praise for value, ride quality, and driving experience. The expert evaluation also describes it as a comfortable commuter with a serious wild side, which suggests it can serve as a dependable daily driver if you want performance without giving up practicality.

The performance writeup adds that the WRX’s turbocharged power delivery is strong and the chassis is confident, which supports the sense that the car is built to be used hard and still remain composed. Subaru also notes that the first scheduled maintenance visit is on the house.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about the car’s basic appeal and more about how it was driven and maintained, so condition and service history matter a lot.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Subaru WRX?

At 53% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a car that has been modified or driven hard. Focus on signs of wear that match the WRX’s performance-oriented personality, and make sure the drivetrain, clutch, and interior controls all feel consistent with the mileage and asking price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base WRX is the simplest version, while higher trims add a sunroof, leather seating, and an available CVT. The base trim leaves out some comfort features, so you should decide early whether you want the more stripped-back setup or the added convenience of the upper trims.
• Powertrain: All trims use the same 2.0-liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive. The manual transmission is precise, while the CVT is available only on Premium or Limited versions and includes paddle shifters for simulated gear changes.
• Safety package: EyeSight is available only on CVT-equipped models and includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and cross-path alerts. All WRX models include a backup camera, and the safety setup also includes active torque vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control, antilock brakes, a reinforced frame system, and multiple airbags.
• Infotainment: The WRX gets a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 4.5-inch multifunction display above the dashboard. Bluetooth phone connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted controls are standard, while navigation, remote start, and a premium 9-speaker Harman Kardon stereo are available.
• Fuel efficiency: The manual returns 21 mpg city/28 highway/24 combined, while the CVT returns 19/25/21.

Which 2016 Subaru WRX trim should I buy?

The 2016 Subaru WRX is offered in 3 trim levels: WRX, WRX Premium, WRX Limited.

Here's the short version:

• WRX: This is the trim to choose if you want the most affordable way into the WRX formula. It gives you the same turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and the core performance character without paying for extra comfort features.
• WRX Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more convenience while keeping the WRX’s core performance intact. It also opens the door to the available CVT, and it brings the kind of equipment that makes the car easier to live with every day.
• WRX Limited: Choose this if you want the most comfort-focused version of the lineup. It adds leather seating and a power driver’s seat, making it the most upscale choice among the standard trims.

EyeSight is available only on CVT-equipped models, so if that driver-assistance suite matters to you, make sure you shop accordingly.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Subaru WRX?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 541 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.10% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 53.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,294, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Subaru WRX's resale value?

The current average of $14,551 sits slightly below last year's $15,332.

That softer pricing suggests the market has moved in buyers’ favor, which can make the car easier to purchase now but may also mean future resale gains are more limited if the trend continues. If you buy well and keep the car in strong condition, you should be better positioned than someone who pays near the top of the range.

The WRX’s broad appeal helps support demand because it combines performance, practicality, and value in a way that many shoppers still want. Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.4/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX safe?

The Subaru WRX has earned the highest marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a Good rating in front and side crashes.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The WRX includes active torque vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control, antilock brakes, a reinforced frame system, standard driver and passenger airbags, side curtains, a driver-side knee airbag, and a backup camera. EyeSight is available only on CVT-equipped models and adds blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and cross-path alerts.

One important caveat is that the driver-assistance suite is not standard across the lineup, so you need to check trim and transmission carefully if those features matter to you.

Should I buy a 2016 Subaru WRX or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.10% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 model year adds a new 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 4.5-inch multifunction display, while still delivering the WRX’s turbocharged performance and confident all-wheel-drive setup.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of performance, practicality, and current pricing, the 2016 WRX is the one to target. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can also compare it with nearby years to see whether a lower-priced example offers the equipment and condition you want, but the 2016 remains a compelling choice when you want the newer infotainment setup and the same core WRX character.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.