Used 2021 Subaru WRX STI for Sale nearTampa, FL

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 274 listings available, which suggests a modest amount of inventory for shoppers to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru WRX STI earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

It is a performance sedan that rewards you with a sharply focused driving experience, standard all-wheel drive, and a playful character. The trade-offs are clear: the ride is harsh and the technology feels outdated, so it is better suited to you if performance and all-weather traction matter more than refinement.

The market also shows 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI reliable?

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

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI’s appeal comes from its focused performance, standard all-wheel drive, and old-school manual-transmission character. Its dependability story is tied to that simple, enthusiast-first formula rather than modern complexity, and the performance-oriented setup is part of what makes it feel durable in use.

It also returns 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, so ownership costs can stay elevated if you drive it often. For used buyers, the biggest long-term risk is accepting a car that may have been driven hard without proper maintenance.

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

At 70.8% 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 overall condition, signs of wear from hard use, and whether the car has been maintained consistently.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim gives you the core STI formula with 19-inch alloy wheels, summer performance tires, LED headlights that move with the steering wheel, a quad-tip exhaust, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle, keyless access with pushbutton start, Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The Limited adds a power moonroof, Recaro sport bucket front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a Harman Kardon premium stereo, navigation, and a more low-profile rear spoiler.
• 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 Subaru’s all-wheel drive. It is tuned for high-rev performance, so you should expect a focused, demanding driving experience rather than easygoing daily comfort.
• 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, while the manual-transmission setup limits the availability of more advanced driver-assistance features.
• 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, but the overall tech setup remains fairly basic by modern standards.
• Fuel efficiency: The STI 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 trim to target if you want the core STI experience at the lower price point. You still get the 310-horsepower turbo flat-four, manual transmission, standard all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, summer tires, heated front seats, and the 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is the best-value choice if you care most about performance and want to avoid paying extra for comfort and convenience features.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the more complete daily-driver version of the STI. It adds a power moonroof, Recaro sport bucket front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, Harman Kardon audio, navigation, and extra safety tech. It is the better pick if you want the most equipment, but it costs more and still keeps the STI’s firm, old-school character.

The Limited is 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 it makes sense to compare listings carefully and move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 274 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.8% 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 $32,953 sits slightly below last year's $32,980.

That small decline suggests the market has been stable rather than volatile, which can help future sellers because pricing expectations stay predictable. The year-round range also shows the model has a defined ceiling and floor, so condition and mileage will matter a lot when you go to sell.

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?

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI 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 Limited trim adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Because it is only offered with a manual transmission, some modern driver-assistance features are not part of the package. That means you should not expect the STI to match newer cars for active safety tech.

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:

• 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.8% 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 driving experience with standard all-wheel drive and a manual-only setup.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $29,941, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $32,953 average.
• It remains a rally-inspired performance sedan with standard all-wheel drive and a manual transmission.

The bottom line: If you want the current-year market with stable pricing and strong enthusiast appeal, the 2021 is the better target. If your priority is saving money up front, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers the core STI formula.

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 October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.