Used 2021 Subaru WRX STI for Sale near Washington

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

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI a good car?

Yes — with a 5/5 user rating and a 6.83/10 expert rating, the 2021 Subaru WRX STI is a strong pick if you want performance first. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

The WRX STI’s appeal starts with its powerful engine, standard all-wheel drive, and sharply focused driving character. It is aimed at you if you want a performance sedan that feels more serious and more involving than a typical compact commuter.

The trade-offs are real: the ride is harsh and the seats are uncomfortable, and the cabin is dated with outdated technology. If you value comfort and modern polish more than engagement, those compromises will matter.

34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is 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 WRX STI’s reliability story is tied to its old-school, enthusiast-focused design. It uses a manual transmission and a proven turbocharged setup, and the overall package is built around durability-minded performance rather than cutting-edge complexity. Its straightforward layout also helps keep the car easy to understand and live with.

The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is that the same performance hardware and harsh tuning that make it exciting can also make it less forgiving over time if it has been driven hard or maintained poorly.

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

At 68.7% 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 on cars that may have been modified or driven aggressively. Focus on overall condition, signs of hard use, and whether the car’s maintenance history matches its performance-oriented mission.

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 value play if you want the essential hardware without the extra comfort and convenience equipment.
• Powertrain: The car uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four with 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, paired with a manual transmission and Subaru’s all-wheel drive. It delivers strong acceleration, but you need to keep the revs up to stay in the powerband.
• 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. 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 best-value choice if you want the core STI experience without paying extra for comfort upgrades. 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 same performance hardware that defines the car.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the more complete daily-driver version. It adds a power moonroof, Recaro sport bucket front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, plus the only safety upgrade available.

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 looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 275 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 68.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,208, 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 $33,305 sits slightly above last year's $33,299.

That small increase suggests the market has been stable rather than volatile, which is helpful if you plan to sell later. A steady price trend usually means you are less likely to see a sharp drop in value over a short ownership period. For a performance car like this, that kind of consistency can make resale planning easier.

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, it does not include some modern driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and reverse automatic braking.

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:

• 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 68.7% 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, high-commitment performance-sedan experience with standard all-wheel drive and a manual transmission.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,191, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,305 average.
• It keeps the rally-inspired, enthusiast-focused character that makes the STI appealing.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest current-year market stability and are shopping for the most focused version of the STI formula, the 2021 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front and you still want the same old-school performance personality, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.