Buying Guide
The best year to buy a used Subaru WRX
If you are shopping for value, the 2015 Subaru WRX is the year to target. It sits just past the steepest one-year drop in value, so the first owner absorbed the fastest depreciation, with a typical asking price around $22,228.
Best value year
2015
- Typical asking price
- $22,228
- Below original MSRP
- $4,067
Subaru WRX depreciation by model year
Each year's value loss from original MSRP and its typical used asking price. The best-value year is highlighted.
| Model year | Age | Depreciation | Median price | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 yr | 3.1% | $31,900 | 30 |
| 2019 | 2 yr | 3.4% | $29,998 | 18 |
| 2018 | 3 yr | 6.9% | $29,988 | 32 |
| 2017 | 4 yr | 13.1% | $25,590 | 35 |
| 2016 | 5 yr | 17.9% | $26,999 | 35 |
| 2015Best value | 6 yr | 24.8% | $22,228 | 46 |
Want the full picture — depreciation curve, resale-by-age, cost to own, and current listings? See the complete Subaru WRX depreciation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year to buy a used Subaru WRX?
For value, the 2015 Subaru WRX stands out: it sits just past the steepest one-year drop in value, so the first owner absorbed the fastest depreciation, with a typical used asking price around $22,228 — roughly $4,067 below its original MSRP. This is a value-focused pick from observed used-car listings; the right year for you also depends on mileage, condition, features, and budget.
When does the Subaru WRX lose the most value?
The steepest one-year drop in our data is between the 2016 and 2015 model years, about 6.9 percentage points of extra depreciation. Buying on the newer side of that cliff lets the previous owner absorb the fastest loss.
Is it better to buy a used Subaru WRX new or a few years old?
A WRX takes its largest percentage loss early, so a lightly used example is usually the stronger value than a new one — you skip the first, fastest stretch of depreciation. Compare the year-by-year table above and each year's price against its mileage before deciding.