Used 2016 Subaru WRX for Sale nearSacramento, CA

How much does the 2016 Subaru WRX cost?

Prices have softened 7.45% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 499 listings available, which gives you a meaningful 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, which points to a strong overall ownership and driving experience. Owners consistently praise the performance, comfort, and value, while the overview frames it as a sport compact that still works well as an everyday commuter. That mix makes it a good fit if you want a car with a serious performance edge but still need practical daily usability. With 31.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market 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 summary points to a car that feels enjoyable and dependable in daily use, with strong marks for performance, comfort, and value. The expert write-up also describes it as a comfortable commuter with a serious wild side, which suggests it can handle regular ownership duties without losing its appeal. Subaru’s cost-effectiveness notes also point to strong residual value, which is a helpful sign if you plan to keep the car for the long haul.

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

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

At 51.9% 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 shows signs of hard use. Focus on wear items that can reveal how the car was driven, and pay close attention to the condition of the drivetrain, clutch, and interior controls. Because this model is performance-oriented, a clean maintenance record matters just as much as cosmetic condition.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base WRX is the simplest version, while WRX Premium and WRX Limited add comfort and convenience features such as a sunroof, leather seating, and an available CVT. The lower trim is the one most likely to feel sparse if you want more upscale cabin equipment.
• Powertrain: All WRX models use a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive. The manual transmission is available across the range, while the CVT is limited to Premium and Limited versions.
• 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.
• 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: WRX, WRX Premium, WRX Limited.

Here's the short version:

• WRX: This is the value play if you want the core WRX experience at the lowest entry point. You still get the turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, Bluetooth phone connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and the same performance character as the pricier trims.
• WRX Premium: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds more comfort and convenience without changing the WRX’s basic formula. It also opens the door to the CVT, which matters if you want the available EyeSight safety suite.
• WRX Limited: This is the trim to choose if you want the most upscale cabin in the lineup. It adds leather seating and a power driver’s seat, and it also pairs with the available CVT and EyeSight-equipped safety content.

EyeSight is only available on CVT-equipped models, so if that driver-assistance package matters to you, keep that trim-level limitation in mind.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 499 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.45% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,174, 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 $14,174 sits slightly below last year's $15,315.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you’re thinking about short-term resale. If you buy at a strong price and keep the car in good condition, you’ll be better positioned when it’s time to sell. The WRX’s strong owner satisfaction and reputation for value also help support demand.

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. The main safety caveat is that this driver-assistance suite is not standard across the lineup.

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:

• 31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.45% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 model year brings a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sport compact formula with a comfortable commuter side and a serious performance edge.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of price, performance, and everyday usefulness, the 2016 is a compelling buy. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you may want to compare it with nearby years to see whether a lower-priced example offers similar equipment and condition for less money.

How does the 2016 Subaru WRX compare to the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

Our experts score the 2016 Subaru WRX 8.5/10 and the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 7.5/10.

The WRX is the clear choice if you want stronger performance, standard all-wheel drive, and a more enthusiast-focused driving experience. The Cruze is the more affordable option up front and in the used market, with better fuel economy and more listings to choose from. If you care most about driving excitement, the WRX stands out; if you care most about budget and efficiency, the Cruze makes more sense.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.