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Used car guide
Used Subaru WRX STI: the years to buy and the years to skip
Every Subaru WRX STI from 2011 to 2021, across 2 generations: what each year typically sells for (about $16,500 to $28,500), its crash rating, and whether it's a year to target or skip. The best bets are 2011–2021.
2015–2021 Subaru WRX STI
The last of the turbo boxer STIs, with a six-speed manual and tenacious all-weather grip.
Years to target: 2015–2021. It has a below-average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $19,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~110,000 |
| 2016 | $20,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~100,000 |
| 2017 | $22,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~90,000 |
| 2018 | $25,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~85,000 |
| 2019 | $25,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~75,000 |
| 2020 | $27,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~65,000 |
| 2021 | $28,500* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~55,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- Old engine design, stiff ride and poor fuel economy, plus frequent modification history; ringland failures are a known risk.
- Performance cars like this usually cost much more to insure than an average car, often 30% or more. Get a quote before you buy.
- Budget for higher running costs: summer performance tires cost about $700 to $1,200 a set and wear quickly, and brakes cost more than on a regular car.
- It requires premium fuel.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for a 2018 or newer for larger Brembo brakes, an updated center diff and CarPlay, or 2019 to 2021 for 310 hp; Series editions hold value best.
On the test drive
Get a compression or leak-down test and check for oil consumption and smoke, as the EJ257 is prone to ringland failure when tuned. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: not offered in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Honda Civic Si 2020 · $22,000
Find one near you
2011–2014 Subaru WRX STI
A rally-bred turbo boxer sport compact with symmetrical all-wheel drive and an adjustable center differential.
Years to target: 2011–2014. It has a below-average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $16,500 | Target | Not rated | ~125,000 |
| 2012 | $18,500 | Target | Not rated | ~120,000 |
| 2013 | $19,000 | Target | Not rated | ~110,000 |
| 2014 | $20,000 | Target | Not rated | ~100,000 |
Worth knowing
- Most have been modified or driven hard, and the EJ257 has a reputation for piston ringland failure, so stock examples cost more.
- Performance cars like this usually cost much more to insure than an average car, often 30% or more. Get a quote before you buy.
- Budget for higher running costs: summer performance tires cost about $700 to $1,200 a set and wear quickly, and brakes cost more than on a regular car.
- It requires premium fuel.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for a stock, unmodified car with records; the hatch is rarer than the winged sedan, and special editions hold value best.
On the test drive
Get a compression or leak-down test and check for oil consumption and smoke, as the EJ257 is prone to ringland and bearing failure when tuned. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: not offered in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Honda Civic Si 2017–2018 · $17,500–$19,000
Find one near you
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Prices are typical dealer and private asking prices from used listings, collected in September and October 2026, for an average-mileage car. Years with too few listings are estimated from nearby years. Crash ratings, recalls and owner complaint counts come from NHTSA public records. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy. Spot something off? Let us know.