Used Subaru WRX for Sale nearSalinas, CA

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

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

The Subaru WRX's current nationwide average price is $23,586, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $22,643 over the past year.

Recently, prices have come down for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Subaru WRX a good car?

Yes — the Subaru WRX is a strong pick if you want a performance sedan with a loyal owner following and a clear enthusiast identity. The all-generations owner rating is 4.82/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the WRX for its thrilling performance, sporty handling, turbocharged power, and standard all-wheel drive. Many also highlight the manual transmission and the car’s engaging driving experience, which help give it a distinctive character.

Expert reviews rate the 2016 and 2020 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs that show up in recent expert reviews are outdated technology, poor fuel economy, and a cabin that prioritizes function over polish. Some years also bring a tighter back seat and less cargo space than you may want if you plan to use the WRX as your only car.

34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Subaru WRX models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the WRX’s engaging performance, standard all-wheel drive, and strong everyday usability as core strengths. Across the model years, it has built a reputation for delivering a fun driving experience that still works well as a daily driver.

• Owners rate the Subaru WRX 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 most tied to how the car was driven and maintained, so a careful history check and service records matter a lot.

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

Across all model years, at 72.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2022 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Infotainment: Subaru Starlink infotainment with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus a pair of 7-inch touchscreens on base models or an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen on WRX Premium and higher trim levels.
• Fuel efficiency: The WRX's EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with the manual transmission and 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) with the CVT are respectable for a performance car.

Which Subaru WRX trim should I buy?

The 2023 Subaru WRX offers these trims:

• WRX: The entry point keeps the WRX formula focused on performance and everyday usability, and it suits you if you want the core driving experience at the lowest price.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim if you want a stronger mix of comfort and convenience while staying close to the WRX’s enthusiast character.
• Limited: This trim adds a more upscale feel and more available equipment for shoppers who want extra refinement.
• GT: This trim brings the most performance-oriented hardware and the broadest feature set, making it the pick if you want the most equipped version.

What Subaru WRX do most buyers choose?

The Subaru WRX years with the most listings are 2023, 2022, and 2024.

Higher-volume years tend to be the easiest to shop because you get more choices at once, which can help you compare prices, trims, and deal quality. They also tend to be the years most shoppers cross-shop first when looking for a used WRX.

What is the Subaru WRX's resale value?

The table shows broad downward movement across the WRX lineup, which can work in your favor if you're shopping used. The smaller declines on the newer years suggest those models are changing more slowly than the older ones, while the older years show larger drops that can create more attractive entry prices.

The 2023, 2021, and 2015 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Subaru WRX safe?

• 2023: 9/10
• 2022: 5/10
• 2021: 6/10
• 2020: 9/10
• 2016: 9/10

The 2023 WRX gets Subaru's EyeSight safety system, which adds adaptive cruise control, automated lane-centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning.

For the safest used buy, the 2016, 2020 and 2023 models all post the highest confirmed score of 9/10.

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

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2024 model is at −3.9% versus a year ago, and the 2023 model is at −2.63%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 37.1% good and great deals, and the 2023 model has 38%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $28,081. The Subaru WRX offers a rally-bred driving feel that makes it stand out from ordinary compact sedans.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The WRX is an in-betweener in its segment. With 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque generated by its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, the Subaru develops more horsepower (albeit less torque) than a Volkswagen Golf GTI, but less than a Golf R.
• Tech: The WRX's Subaru Starlink infotainment system includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and two display configurations.
• Safety: The WRX gets Subaru's EyeSight safety system, which is notable for using stereo cameras mounted in a less-vulnerable position behind the windshield in place of the bumper- or grille-mounted radar units most other automakers use as sensors for their driver aids.
• Starting price: Pricing starts at $31,625 (including the $1,020 destination charge) for the base model with the manual transmission.

If you're buying used today, the 2023 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for the next model year's inventory to build up.

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