Used Subaru WRX for Sale nearSan Luis Obispo, 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 $23,421, and over the past year that average reached a low of $22,630. 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 earns strong marks from owners across the lineup, and its rally-bred personality continues to be a major part of its appeal. The all-generations owner rating is 4.8/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the WRX for its thrilling performance, sharp handling, and engaging driving experience, especially with the manual transmission and all-wheel drive. Many also value its everyday usability and the way it blends sporty character with practical sedan packaging.

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

The main trade-offs that come up most often are unintuitive technology, poor value for money, and less cargo space than rivals.

33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Subaru WRX models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the WRX for its performance, all-wheel-drive confidence, and engaging driving feel. Expert reviews also highlight its strong handling and the way it blends everyday usability with enthusiast appeal.

• Owners rate the Subaru WRX between 4.3 and 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is most manageable when you verify maintenance history and choose a well-kept example, since the car’s performance-focused nature can make condition matter a lot.

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

Across all model years, at 71.3% 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:

• Safety package: Subaru's EyeSight safety system
• Infotainment: Subaru Starlink infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and two display configurations
• 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:

• Base: The entry trim 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 point.
• Premium: This trim adds more equipment and is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it builds on the WRX’s core strengths without pushing into the highest-priced versions.
• Limited: This version adds more upscale equipment and comfort-focused touches for buyers who want a more premium-feeling WRX.
• GT: This trim adds the most performance- and comfort-oriented equipment in the lineup, including Recaro Performance Design front seats, Ultrasuede upholstery, electronically controlled dampers, and drive mode select.

What Subaru WRX do most buyers choose?

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

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they offer a strong mix of availability, pricing, and recent-model appeal. When more listings are on the market, you also get more chances to compare condition, mileage, and equipment.

What is the Subaru WRX's resale value?

Most WRX model years are showing lower prices than they were a year ago, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. The biggest drops are concentrated in the newer and mid-cycle years, while a few older examples have moved down more gradually. That pattern gives you more room to find value across a broad spread of model years.

The 2018, 2017, and 2023 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 −4.8% versus a year ago, and the 2023 model is at −3.98%.
• Deal availability: The 2024 model has 35% good and great deals, and the 2023 model has 33.8%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $27,276. The Subaru WRX offers a rally-bred driving character that blends sharp handling with everyday usability.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The WRX is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine with 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
• 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 adds adaptive cruise control, automated lane-centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning.
• Starting price: Pricing starts at $31,625 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.

How does the 2023 Subaru WRX compare to the 2023 Honda Civic Type R?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2023 Subaru WRX:

• Pros: Stylish design, Great handling, Manual transmission available.
• Cons: Unintuitive technology, Poor value for money, Less cargo space than rivals.

2023 Honda Civic Type R:

• Pros: Fun to drive, Powerful engine, Comfortable.
• Cons: All-wheel drive not available, Sluggish touchscreen response.

Our experts score the 2023 Subaru WRX 7.7/10 and the 2023 Honda Civic Type R 8.2/10. The WRX gives you standard all-wheel drive, a manual transmission option, and a lower average used price, while the Civic Type R brings more horsepower and a higher expert score. If you want a more affordable performance sedan with all-weather traction, the WRX is the stronger fit; if you want the more powerful and more expensive hot hatch, the Civic Type R stands out.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.