Used 2021 Subaru WRX STI for Sale near California

How much does the 2021 Subaru WRX STI cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 251 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI a good car?

Yes — it earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

The WRX STI is a performance sedan with a sharply focused driving experience, standard all-wheel drive, and a playful character that makes it fun to drive. It is also a compact sedan that blends performance with everyday practicality, so it fits you best if you want engagement first and comfort second.

The trade-offs are clear: poor fuel economy and uncomfortable seats make it less easy to live with, and the technology is dated. The market shows 36.3% good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI reliable?

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

The WRX STI’s reliability story is tied to its straightforward, old-school performance formula. It uses a turbocharged flat-four engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a manual transmission, which keeps the mechanical setup focused and familiar. Its dated cabin and basic technology also mean there is less complexity than in many newer performance cars.

The performance content emphasizes that you have to work the revs to access peak power, and the clutch can feel vague compared with more hardcore performance vehicles. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that the car’s hard-edged performance character can translate into wear, so condition matters a lot.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Subaru WRX STI?

At 72.5% 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 driven hard or modified. Focus on overall condition, because this model’s performance-first setup can hide wear in the clutch, suspension, and interior. It is also worth checking that the car’s equipment matches the trim you are considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim includes 19-inch alloy wheels, summer performance tires, LED headlights that move with the steering wheel, a quad-tip exhaust, heated side mirrors, manually adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift handle, keyless access with pushbutton start, Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited adds a power moonroof, Recaro sport bucket front seats, eight-way power-adjustability for the driver’s seat, a Harman Kardon premium stereo system, and navigation.
• Powertrain: The STI uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine with 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, paired only with a manual transmission and Subaru’s all-wheel drive. It is tuned for strong performance, but you need to keep the revs up to stay in the powerband.
• Safety package: Standard safety features include Vehicle Dynamics Control, traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a full array of airbags, and a backup camera. The Limited adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Infotainment: The STI comes with a 7-inch Starlink touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sensible layout. The Limited adds navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system.
• Fuel efficiency: It returns 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, and it requires premium fuel. In mixed driving, the observed average was 18.7 mpg.

Which 2021 Subaru WRX STI trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI is offered in 2 trim levels: base and Limited.

Here's the short version:

• base: This is the value play if you want the core STI experience without stretching for extras. You still get the 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and the full performance hardware that defines the car. If you care most about the driving experience and want to keep the purchase price lower, this is the trim to start with.
• Limited: This is the better choice if you want the most complete version of the STI. It adds Recaro sport bucket front seats, a power moonroof, a Harman Kardon premium stereo system, navigation, and the only safety upgrade available. If you want the best-equipped STI and can justify the higher price, this is the one to buy.

The Limited is also the only trim with blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Subaru WRX STI?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you should shop with a clear target and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 36.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 251 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 72.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,198, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI's resale value?

The current average of $33,016 sits slightly above last year's $32,821.

That small increase suggests the STI has held its value fairly well, which is a good sign if you plan to sell later. Stable pricing also points to steady demand from shoppers who want a manual, all-wheel-drive performance sedan with a strong enthusiast identity. Because the market has not moved sharply in either direction, you can expect resale to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI safe?

It earns a 5/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety features include Vehicle Dynamics Control, traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a full array of airbags, and a backup camera. The STI’s manual transmission limits the availability of more advanced driver-assistance systems, so the safety list is relatively basic. The Limited trim adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Should I buy a 2021 Subaru WRX STI or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 36.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 72.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It remains a sharply focused performance sedan with standard all-wheel drive and a playful driving character.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $29,344, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,016 average.
• It is a rally-inspired performance sedan that still leans into the formula that made it famous.

The bottom line: If you want the current-year market and are focused on the STI’s core performance appeal, the 2021 is the cleaner choice. If your priority is saving money and you are comfortable giving up some of the current-year pricing, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path.

How does the 2021 Subaru WRX STI compare to the 2021 Honda Civic Type R?

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