Billy Covington If you’re a fan of performance cars, chances are you’ve heard of the Subaru WRX STI. This rally-bred rocket has been a favorite of enthusiasts for decades, thanks to its impressive performance, all-wheel drive system, and distinctive styling. But how well do Subaru STIs hold their value over time?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Subaru STI value retention. We’ll look at historical pricing data, industry trends, and expert opinions to give you a complete understanding of how these cars hold their value.
Key Takeaways
- Subaru STIs are known for their strong resale value compared to other sports cars on the market.
- The STI’s all-wheel drive system, performance capabilities, and loyal fanbase contribute to its value retention.
- However, like all cars, the STI’s value can be affected by factors such as mileage, condition, and market demand.
- Buyers interested in purchasing a used STI should consider the car’s maintenance history and any modifications made by previous owners.
How Well Do Subaru STIs Hold Their Value?
Subaru STIs are known for their strong resale value compared to other sports cars on the market. According to data from Kelley Blue Book, the Subaru WRX has one of the highest resale values in its class, with a 5-year cost to own of around $37,000. Similarly, data from iSeeCars.com shows that the WRX has a 38.4% resale value after 5 years, putting it in the top 10 for value retention among all cars on the market.
The STI, which is the performance-oriented version of the WRX, generally holds its value even better than the standard WRX. According to data from Edmunds, a 3-year-old STI with around 30,000 miles on the clock will have retained about 67% of its original value.
So why do Subaru STIs hold their value so well? There are a few key factors that contribute to this:
All-Wheel Drive System
The STI’s all-wheel drive system is one of its most distinctive features, and it’s a big reason why these cars hold their value so well. All-wheel drive is highly desirable among performance car enthusiasts, as it provides better traction and handling in a variety of conditions. This means that even older STIs with high mileage are still in demand among buyers.
👍 Key Point: The Subaru STI’s all-wheel drive system is highly desirable among performance car enthusiasts and contributes to its value retention.
Performance Capabilities
The STI is designed to be a performance car, and it delivers on that promise with impressive acceleration, handling, and braking capabilities. This makes it a popular choice for track enthusiasts and weekend drivers alike. With a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and a six-speed manual transmission, the STI is capable of hitting 60 miles per hour in just over five seconds.
👍 Key Point: The STI’s impressive performance capabilities make it a popular choice for track enthusiasts and contribute to its value retention.
Loyal Fanbase
Another factor that contributes to the STI’s value retention is its loyal fanbase. Subaru fans are known for being passionate about their cars, and this is especially true for the STI. Many STI owners are members of car clubs and online forums, and they’re willing to pay a premium for a well-maintained, low-mileage example of the car. This means that even older STIs with high mileage can still command a high price on the used market.
👍 Key Point: The STI has a loyal fanbase who are willing to pay a premium for a well-maintained example of the car, contributing to its value retention.
Factors That Can Affect STI Value
While Subaru STIs are known for their strong value retention, there are a few factors that can affect the car’s resale value. These include:
Mileage
Like all cars, high mileage can negatively impact an STI’s resale value. However, because the STI is such a high-performance car, even high-mileage examples can still command a premium on the used market.
Condition
The condition of an STI is also a major factor in its resale value. Well-maintained cars with minimal wear and tear will generally be worth more than cars that have been neglected or poorly maintained.
Modifications
Many STI owners like to modify their cars to improve performance or customize the look. While some modifications can increase the car’s value, others can have the opposite effect. Buyers interested in purchasing a used STI should be wary of cars with extensive modifications, as these cars may have been driven hard or poorly maintained.
Market Demand
Finally, market demand can also affect an STI’s resale value. When demand is high, prices will be higher, and vice versa. As a result, the STI’s value can fluctuate depending on factors such as the economy, gas prices, and consumer preferences.
Is a Used STI a Good Investment?
Based on the data and expert opinions we’ve looked at, it’s clear that Subaru STIs hold their value well compared to other sports cars on the market. However, whether or not a used STI is a good investment depends on several factors.
Buyers interested in purchasing a used STI should consider the car’s maintenance history, any modifications made by previous owners, and overall condition. It’s also important to understand that STIs are high-performance cars that require regular maintenance to keep them running at their best. As a result, buyers should be prepared to invest in maintenance and repairs to keep their STI in top condition.
Overall, if you’re a fan of performance cars and appreciate the unique capabilities of the Subaru STI, a used example can be an excellent investment. Just be sure to do your research and choose a car that’s been well-maintained and cared for.
FAQ
How long do Subaru STIs last?
With proper maintenance and care, Subaru STIs can last well over 100,000 miles. Many STI owners report driving their cars for 200,000 miles or more with no major issues.
What is the best year for the Subaru STI?
The best year for the Subaru STI depends on your preferences and budget. Generally, newer models will have more features and better performance, but they’ll also be more expensive. Many enthusiasts consider the 2004-2007 STIs to be among the best ever produced, thanks to their raw performance and lack of electronic driver aids.
Can you daily drive a Subaru STI?
Yes, the Subaru STI can be daily driven, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s a high-performance car that requires regular maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the STI’s stiff suspension and loud exhaust can make it less comfortable for daily use than other cars.
