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  • Used WRX values are steadily climbing
  • Some used ‘Rex models can be worth more than new ones
  • The 2022 Subaru WRX starts around $30,000

For some time now, buying a used car at a reasonable price has been a challenge. That’s doubly true for some “classic” Subaru WRX models, the eldest of which have been steadily rising in value over the last five or so years. Now, values for those older WRX models have truly hit the roof. A recent study found it might just be cheaper to buy a 2022 Subaru than that old bugeye Subaru.

A red 2022 Subaru WRX shot from the front 3/4
The 2022 Subaru WRX is set to be a hot item despite its looks | Subaru

How much will the 2022 Subaru WRX cost?

Let’s set the scene a bit first. A few days back, I watched with my own two eyes as a 2003 WRX with 16,000 miles sold on Bring A Trailer for $33,000. The current 2021 WRX starts at $27,495. We expect the 2022 Subaru WRX to start at a similar, sub-$30,000 number in order to compete with cars like the Honda Civic Si and Golf GTI. So, after seeing this massive number for an early bugeye WRX, I went in search of answers.

iSeeCars provided them. Turns out, I was right, and used WRX values are certainly on the rise. Not only is this true for harder-to-find early ‘Rex models, but newer 2014-2021 WRX models as well. The auto market has had its way with the used WRX. On the whole, values for a used WRX are up 5.5% over last year. As a result, when we do finally get pricing for the 2022 WRX, some used models could be worth more.

Dealer markups are harming the WRX

A Subaru dealership's logo
Artur Widak via Getty Images

That is, supposing dealer markups and resellers don’t have their way with the 2022 Subaru WRX first. Newer, more analog enthusiast cars like the WRX are in high demand at all times, but that’s true now more than ever. We’ve seen $20,000 markups on everything from Honda Civic Type Rs to G-Wagens. And sometimes, that’s on the low end. Markups may to some degree be necessary for dealers to keep the lights on, but there’s also a lot of demand. Dealers know someone will pay.

New car inventory is slim everywhere thanks to the semiconductor shortage, but Subaru has had their profits reduced by half. That means the Japanese brand could be hard-pressed to get the new WRX off the production line next year. So, as an alternative to the above scenario, we’re predicting we could also see a further rise in used WRX values. And we’re not just talking about more desirable pre-2010 examples. Newer models could be hit too.

What is a good price for a used WRX?

A blue 2001 Subaru WRX sedan shot in profile
Used WRX values have been climbing, especially with older models | National Motor Museum via Getty Images

Right now, it’s a seller’s market for the used WRX. Many examples are highly modified with even higher odometers. As such, buyers pay a premium for clean ones like the Bring A Trailer car discussed above. For a nicer used WRX in this market, consumers can expect to pay upwards of $27,000, a number already dangerously close to new car territory. If it’s a truly special older WRX you desire, the boat may have already left.

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Chase Bierenkoven

Chase Bierenkoven has been obsessed with cars his whole life and now finds joy in sharing what he’s learned from his own daily drivers. Chase earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a focus on legal studies from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and quickly became an automotive journalist. When he isn’t writing, Chase is either driving his passion project, a 2004 BMW M3 in Carbon Schwartz Metallic, or playing around Colorado’s terrain, mainly mountain biking and skiing.