Used 2016 Subaru WRX for Sale near New Jersey

How much does the 2016 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 5.05% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 519 listings available, which gives you a modest pool of used WRXs to compare.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX a good car?

Generally — you’re looking at a 4.4/5 user rating and an 8.5/10 expert rating, which points to a strong overall package. The model scores 9/10 across Performance, Form and function, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the driving experience, performance, comfort, and value. The WRX’s use-case appeal is clear: it’s aimed at you if you want a sport compact that still works as a daily commuter, with a serious wild side and everyday usefulness. Good and great deals make up 32.4% of listings, so there’s 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.

The owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable in the ways that matter to enthusiasts: strong performance, enjoyable driving dynamics, and a package that many owners feel good about living with over time. The expert evaluation also describes it as a comfortable commuter with a serious wild side, which reinforces the idea that it’s built to handle daily use without losing its character. Subaru’s cost-effectiveness notes also highlight strong residual value, which supports the case for long-term ownership.

For used buyers, the main ownership risk is less about outright durability and more about finding a well-kept example that hasn’t been abused or modified heavily.

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 if the car has been modified or driven hard. Focus on overall condition, signs of wear in the cabin and drivetrain, and whether the car has been maintained consistently. Because this model is performance-oriented, a careful inspection matters more than usual.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The WRX is offered in three trims: the base WRX, WRX Premium, and WRX Limited. The base trim is the most stripped-down, while higher trims add comforts such as a sunroof and leather seating.
• Powertrain: All WRX models use a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive. The manual transmission is a 6-speed, while Premium and Limited versions can be had with a CVT automatic.
• Safety package: EyeSight is available only on CVT-equipped models and 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. Bluetooth phone connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted controls are standard, while navigation 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: base WRX, WRX Premium, and WRX Limited.

Here's the short version:

• base WRX: This is the entry point if you want the WRX experience at the lowest cost. It gives you the core turbocharged engine, AWD, and the standard tech and safety basics, but it skips the extra comfort features found higher up the range.
• WRX Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds meaningful comfort and convenience upgrades without moving all the way to the top of the lineup. It also opens the door to the CVT automatic if you want it.
• WRX Limited: Choose this if you want the most upscale version of the WRX, with the added comfort features that make daily use easier and more refined.

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 carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 32.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 519 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.05% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,293, 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 $14,502 sits slightly below last year's $15,273.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can work in your favor as a buyer but may mean a softer exit price later if you sell. For a future seller, the key takeaway is that the WRX’s value is still supported by its enthusiast appeal, but you should expect pricing to respond to broader market conditions. If you buy well now, you’ll have a better chance of limiting depreciation later.

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 caveat is that this driver-assistance suite is not available on every trim, so you’ll want to confirm equipment carefully when shopping.

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:

• 32.4% 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 5.05% 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 keeps the WRX’s strong performance-and-practicality formula intact.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest blend of performance, everyday usability, and current market value, the 2016 WRX is the one to target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can still shop this year confidently, but you should be selective about condition and history because a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.