Subaru WRX / Impreza WRX / STI Market Analysis — August 2026
Executive Summary
The Subaru WRX/Impreza WRX/STI market is currently experiencing an appreciating trend, with a year-over-year price change of 9.0%. This upward trajectory is supported by a robust sell-through rate of 82.5% at auctions, indicating strong demand. An actionable insight is to focus on models from the mid-2000s, which have historically commanded higher sales volumes and prices.
Market Snapshot
- Current inventory: 324 active listings
- Median asking price: $13,498 (historical median: $18,327)
- Price trend: Appreciating (9.0% YoY)
- Market velocity: 62 days average time on market
PRICE TRENDS & APPRECIATION
The quarterly trends indicate a generally appreciating market. For instance, in 2026-Q1, the average price rose to $26,249, a significant increase from $19,478 in 2025-Q3. The median price also fluctuated, peaking at $25,100 in 2026-Q3. This suggests that while there are seasonal variations, the overall trend is upward, with recent sales prices reflecting this appreciation.
Auction Market Dynamics
The sell-through rate stands at 82.5%, indicating a healthy auction environment. The median price for sold vehicles is $18,500, while the median high bid is $17,250, revealing a reserve gap that suggests sellers may have unrealistic expectations. The ratio of sold (723) to unsold (2) vehicles indicates that buyers are willing to pay close to the asking prices, but sellers need to align their expectations with market realities.
Configuration Value Guide
The body style breakdown shows that the Sedan configuration commands a median price of $15,700, while Hatchbacks and Wagons are priced lower at $11,990 and $12,990, respectively. Notably, models from 2004-2006 are among the most common and highest-selling years, with 113, 98, and 92 units sold, respectively. This historical performance suggests that these configurations and years are likely to retain higher value.
Mileage Impact
Mileage significantly impacts pricing, with vehicles under 50,000 miles averaging $27,143, compared to $11,735 for those over 100,000 miles. Buyers are willing to pay a premium of approximately $15,408 for low-mileage vehicles, indicating a strong preference for well-maintained examples.
Regional Pricing
Geographic distribution reveals that the West region has the highest number of listings (159) with an average price of $12,831, while the Unknown region shows a higher average price of $24,369. This discrepancy suggests potential arbitrage opportunities for buyers in lower-priced regions.
Market Health Indicators
The average days on market is 62, with 43 new listings this week and 109 listings experiencing price reductions. This indicates a balanced supply and demand, although the number of price reductions may suggest some softness in demand for certain listings.
Investment Outlook
Given the appreciating trend and strong auction performance, the Subaru WRX/Impreza WRX/STI can be viewed as a potentially appreciating asset class. The consistent demand for models from the mid-2000s suggests that these vehicles may continue to appreciate in value, making them a viable investment.
Buying Recommendations
For potential buyers, focusing on models from 2004-2006 in good condition is advisable, as these years have shown strong sales and price retention. Target price ranges should be between $15,000 and $20,000 for well-maintained examples, while being cautious of listings with high mileage or excessive price reductions, which may indicate underlying issues.
This analysis is generated from CarSearch.Pro's market database (928 historical sales, 324 active listings across 14 marketplaces) and refreshed automatically. It is market commentary, not financial advice.