# Subaru WRX STI — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Subaru WRX STI on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/subaru-wrx-sti

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2018
- **Ideal trim**: STI
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 3
- **Target price**: £27,000

## Why this model

The Subaru WRX STI is an absolute icon, known for its rally heritage, powerful turbocharged boxer engine, and legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It offers an incredibly engaging driving experience, fantastic grip, and a distinctive exhaust note. It's a proper driver's car that stands out from the crowd, and well-maintained examples hold their value surprisingly well due to their cult status.

## What you should pay

Prices for the last generation WRX STI (VA chassis) have remained strong in the UK, especially for well-kept, unmolested examples. As it's no longer sold new here, demand for good used models keeps values firm. Expect to pay a premium for low-mileage or 'Final Edition' models. The 2018 year hits a a sweet spot, offering a relatively modern car without the 'new car' depreciation hit.

## Which trim to buy

For the WRX STI, the standard 'STI' trim offers the full experience without needing to chase rare or overly expensive special editions. It comes with all the performance hardware you want – the powerful engine, Brembo brakes, DCCD AWD system, and aggressive styling. The 'Final Edition' is nice but often commands a significant premium for what are largely cosmetic differences and a limited production number, making the standard STI the best value for money.

## What to check before you buy

- Piston ringland failure (especially if tuned or driven hard without proper care)
- Clutch wear (common on performance cars)
- Differential noise/wear (less common on later models)
- Rust on older examples (less of an issue on the VA chassis)

## Running costs

Running an STI isn't cheap, but you know that going in! Fuel economy is around 20-25 mpg in real-world driving, so expect to pay around £0.27 per mile for petrol. Road tax (VED) for a 2018 model will be £190 per year (after the initial 5 years of the 'luxury car' supplement if it was over £40k new, which it likely was). Insurance will be high, typically in group 40+. Servicing is crucial and can be more expensive than a standard car, especially if you use a Subaru specialist.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 296 bhp
- **Mpg**: 27.2 mpg (combined)
- **Reliability Score**: Good, but depends heavily on maintenance and how it's been driven. Stock examples are generally robust.
- **Safety Rating**: Not directly Euro NCAP tested, but based on the Impreza platform, it offers solid safety for its era.

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| STI | £31,995 | £27,500 | 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine; Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with DCCD; Brembo performance brakes |
| STI Final Edition | £33,995 | £31,000 | All features of the standard STI; Unique Crystal White Pearl paint; Black 19-inch alloy wheels |
| STI Type UK | £31,995 | £26,500 | Similar to standard STI, often used to denote UK market specification; 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine; Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with DCCD |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £27,000 | 0% |
| 2027 | £25,500 | 5.5% |
| 2028 | £24,000 | 11.1% |
| 2029 | £22,800 | 15.6% |
| 2030 | £21,800 | 19.3% |

The WRX STI, especially the last generation, is a bit of a modern classic. Its depreciation curve is flatter than many other performance cars because of its enthusiast following and the fact it's no longer sold new in the UK. Buying a 2018 model now means you're past the steepest part of its depreciation, and its value should hold relatively well over the next few years, particularly for well-maintained, original examples.

Total value lost since new: 19.3%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Volkswagen Golf R](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/volkswagen-golf-r.md)
- Ford Focus RS
- Audi S3 Saloon

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.