Used 2016 Subaru WRX for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

How much does the 2016 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 5.99% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 473 listings available, which suggests you have a workable amount of inventory to compare.

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. The model scores 9/10 across Performance, Form and function, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the driving experience, performance, comfort, and value. That lines up with the WRX’s use case as a comfortable commuter with a serious wild side, so you get everyday usability without giving up the turbocharged, enthusiast-focused character.

The market also shows 32.3% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a car that people enjoy living with over time, especially for its performance, comfort, and value. The same summary also highlights the WRX as a car owners really enjoy driving, which is a good sign that it delivers on its core promise rather than wearing thin quickly.

The expert notes reinforce that dependability story by describing the WRX as a comfortable commuter with a serious wild side and a tight, confident setup. Subaru also emphasizes residual value in the cost-effectiveness discussion, which can be a helpful ownership signal for used buyers.

For a used buyer, the main long-term risk is less about the concept and more about how the car 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 52.4% 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 on cars that have been modified or driven hard. Focus on signs of wear that match the WRX’s performance-first personality, and pay close attention to maintenance records, drivetrain condition, and interior usability.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The WRX is offered in three trims: the base WRX, WRX Premium, and WRX Limited. The base trim keeps the core performance hardware, while higher trims add creature comforts such as a sunroof and leather seating, so the lower trim is the one to watch if you want the most stripped-down version.
• Powertrain: All WRX models use the same 2.0-liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive. The engine is rated at 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and you can get either a 6-speed manual or, in Premium or Limited versions, a CVT automatic.
• Safety package: EyeSight is available only on models equipped with a CVT, and it includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and cross-path alerts. All WRXs include a backup camera.
• Infotainment: The WRX gets a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 4.5-inch multifunction display above the dashboard. Available options include navigation, remote start, and a premium 9-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.
• Fuel efficiency: The WRX manages 21 mpg city/28 highway/24 combined with the manual, and 19/25/21 with the CVT.

Which 2016 Subaru WRX trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• base WRX: This is the trim to choose if you want the core WRX experience at the lowest entry point. It keeps the turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive, so you still get the performance character that defines the car without paying for extra comfort features.
• WRX Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more everyday comfort while keeping the WRX’s performance hardware intact. It also opens the door to the CVT automatic, and the available equipment list is broader here than on the base trim.
• WRX Limited: Choose this if you want the most upscale version of the lineup. It adds leather seating and a power driver’s seat, making it the most comfort-focused trim in the range.

EyeSight is only available 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’re patient.

• Deal availability: 32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 473 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.99% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,149, 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 $14,151 sits slightly below last year's $15,053.

That softer pricing suggests the WRX has become more accessible on the used market, which can help you buy in at a lower cost today. For a future seller, that also means resale value will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained.

Because the WRX has a strong enthusiast following and solid owner satisfaction, well-kept examples should continue to draw interest. Cars with clean histories and desirable equipment are likely to hold up better than rougher, heavily modified examples.

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 Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control, active torque vectoring, 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 it adds blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and cross-path alerts.

One caveat is that the driver-assistance suite is not available across the whole lineup, so shoppers who want those features need to avoid the manual-transmission models.

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:

• 32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.99% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 model year brings a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 4.5-inch multifunction display, and available premium audio, navigation, and remote start.

The bottom line: The 2016 WRX makes sense if you want a used sport compact with strong performance, broad everyday appeal, and a market that has softened enough to create buying opportunities. If you’re price-sensitive, the 2016 is especially worth a look because the average price has moved down and there are still plenty of listings to compare. If you want the newest nearby-year updates, you can also consider later model years, but the 2016 remains a compelling value play.

How does the 2016 Subaru WRX compare to the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.