Used Subaru WRX STI for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

How much does the Subaru WRX STI cost in today's market?

Used Subaru WRX STI prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Subaru WRX STI's current nationwide average price is $26,792, and its year-round low is $24,994.71. That puts the model in a fairly broad price band depending on year and condition, with newer examples commanding the highest averages and older ones sitting closer to the low end. Recently, prices have come down for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Subaru WRX STI a good car?

Yes — the Subaru WRX STI earns a strong reputation with owners across the full model range. The all-generations owner rating is 4.82/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the WRX STI for its thrilling performance, powerful engine, and exceptional all-wheel-drive capability. They also highlight the engaging driving experience and the enjoyable sound of the engine, which help give the car its enthusiast appeal. Expert reviews rate the 2020 and 2021 models among the highest across all years.

The trade-offs that come up most often are poor fuel economy, uncomfortable seats, and outdated technology.

26.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Subaru WRX STI models reliable?

Owners consistently respond well to the WRX STI’s performance, all-wheel-drive capability, and engaging driving character. Expert commentary also points to a focused formula that has stayed true to the model’s rally-inspired identity.

• Owners rate the Subaru WRX STI between 4.33 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is tied to how the car was driven and maintained, so a careful history check and a close look at condition matter a lot.

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

Across all model years, at 64.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: The Limited trim adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Infotainment: The 7-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Fuel efficiency: The WRX STI returns EPA-rated fuel economy of 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.

Which Subaru WRX STI trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI offers these trims:

• Subaru WRX STI: This is the best-value trim, with 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in summer performance tires, LED headlights that move with the steering wheel, quad-tip exhaust, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless access with pushbutton start, Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Limited: This trim 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 Starlink navigation.

What Subaru WRX STI do most buyers choose?

The Subaru WRX STI years with the most listings are 2020, 2019, and 2018.

Higher-volume years tend to draw more shoppers because they give you more inventory to compare, which can make it easier to find the right condition, mileage, and price combination. They also tend to be the years buyers cross-shop most often when looking for a used performance car with strong enthusiast appeal.

What is the Subaru WRX STI's resale value?

Overall, the table shows a mostly softening price pattern, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. A few years are essentially flat to slightly higher, but the larger movement is downward, especially in the more recent model years. The 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2021 model years are holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2016, 2015, and 2018 model years have held their value best, with prices flat to rising year-over-year.

Is the Subaru WRX STI safe?

• 2021: 5/10
• 2020: 7/10

The 2021 model adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert in the Limited trim.

For the safest used buy, the 2020 model posts the highest confirmed score of 7/10.

Should I buy a used Subaru WRX STI now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2020 model is at −1.77% versus a year ago, and the 2019 model is at −6.01%.
• Deal availability: The 2020 model has 30% good and great deals, and the 2019 model has 29.9%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2020 model has the most listings at a current average price of $30,856. The Subaru WRX STI offers a rally-bred driving feel with standard all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, which gives it a distinctive character that enthusiasts tend to value.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The WRX STI is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, makes 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, and returns 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.
• Tech: The WRX STI comes equipped with the 7-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation.
• Safety: The Limited adds blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Starting price: Base MSRP for the 2021 Subaru WRX STI is $37,245.

If you're buying used today, the 2020 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2022 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.