Used 2021 Subaru WRX STI for Sale nearGreensboro, NC

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 286 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI a good car?

Yes — with a 5/5 user rating and a 6.83/10 expert rating, it lands as a strong enthusiast pick. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI is a performance sedan that prioritizes a sharply focused driving experience over comfort or everyday polish. Its standard all-wheel drive and powerful engine make it especially appealing if you want all-weather traction and a more hardcore, old-school feel than a typical sporty compact.

The trade-offs are clear: the ride is harsh and the technology feels outdated. The cabin also shows its age, so this is best for you if driving excitement matters more than refinement.

Only 31.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is selective rather than especially bargain-heavy.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI reliable?

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

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI is built around a focused performance formula rather than a complicated feature set, which can work in your favor if you want a simpler used-car ownership experience. Its standard all-wheel drive and manual transmission give it a durable, enthusiast-oriented character, while the expert notes also point to a car that is intentionally old-school and not chasing the latest tech.

It also returns 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, so fuel costs are part of the ownership equation. For used buyers, the biggest long-term risk is that a hard-driven performance sedan can hide wear, so condition and maintenance history matter a lot.

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

At 69.9% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been modified or driven aggressively. Focus on signs of wear in the clutch, suspension, brakes, and tires, since this model’s performance-first character can mean harder use than a typical commuter.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim gives you the core STI formula, while the Limited adds a power moonroof, Recaro sport bucket front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a Harman Kardon premium stereo, and navigation. The base trim is the one with manually adjustable front seats and the simpler cabin setup.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four with 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, paired only with a manual transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The engine’s power comes on high in the rev range, so it rewards a driver who likes to work the car.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes 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 uses a 7-inch Starlink touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 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.

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 paying for extras. You still get the 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle, keyless access with pushbutton start, and the standard performance hardware that defines the car.
• Limited: This is the better choice if you want the most complete version of the STI. It adds a power moonroof, Recaro sport bucket front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, navigation, and the Harman Kardon premium stereo. It also includes the only meaningful safety upgrade in the lineup: blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Limited is the trim to choose if you want the best mix of comfort, tech, and safety features.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully rather than rush.

• Deal availability: 31.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 286 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 69.9% 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 $33,079 sits slightly above last year's $33,016.

That small increase suggests the market has stayed stable rather than swinging sharply in either direction. For you as a future seller, that kind of pricing pattern can help support predictable resale expectations if the car is kept in good condition.

Because the STI is a niche performance model, condition and originality matter a lot when it comes time to sell. A clean, well-maintained example should be easier to market than one with visible wear or questionable modifications.

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 for the class.

The Limited trim adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, which gives you the most safety equipment in the lineup. If you want the most complete safety package, that trim is the one to target.

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:

• 31.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 69.9% 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 delivers a sharply focused, old-school performance experience with standard all-wheel drive and a manual transmission.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,048, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,079 average.
• It emphasizes rally-inspired performance, standard all-wheel drive, and a manual transmission.

The bottom line: If you want the newer-year market position and are comfortable paying the current average, the 2021 is the cleaner choice. If your priority is saving money and you still want the STI formula, the 2020 is the better value path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.