Used Subaru WRX STI prices are already skyrocketing

Thursday, 5 May 2022

The Subaru WRX STI is looking like the next collectable car, with overseas examples already asking big money.

Back in March, Subaru announced that it will not be giving the updated WRX the STI treatment, as it has done for years.

At the time, Subaru said it is “focused on how our future sports and performance cars should evolve to meet the needs of the changing marketplace” as well as hitting targets for zero-emissions vehicles and CO2 regulations.

The 2022 WRX will probably be the last of its kind to feature a flat-four engine, with future variants likely going electric.

“As part of that effort, Subaru Corporation is exploring opportunities for the next-generation Subaru WRX STI, including electrification.

“In the meantime, a next-generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform.”

Is the one-of-18 WRX Saigo worth $56k of your dollars? We find out.

**READ MORE:

* Subaru axes the next-gen WRX STI

* Next-gen Subaru WRX confirmed to come with a manual

WRX STI ‘EJ25 Final Edition’ models in Australia are already creeping up in value.

* Road test review: Subaru WRX STI Saigo

Subaru’s local boss, Wallis Dumper, also hinted at STI prices jumping in the future, and it seems they already have. Late models listed for sale on Trade Me are asking well over the $68k retail price for the sendoff Saigo edition, let alone the regular WRX STI.

A quick look shows Premium models from as far back as 2019 asking around $100k, while a Saigo is listed at $130k. To be fair, New Zealand only had 20 Saigos to sell in the first place, so they were always going to rise in value.

But compare that to Australia, where prices have doubled that figure.

According to carsales, an EJ25 Final Edition (the same specification as the local Saigo), one of 15 finished in Pearl White, out of 75 Final Editions in total, is asking an eye-watering AU$230,000 (NZ$255,025).

Along with the rare colour scheme, the car only has 52km on the clock plus STI floormats, front window tint and ceramic paint protection. Otherwise, it's a standard 221kW/407Nm 2.5-litre turbo flat-four-powered WRX STI.

Of course, it’s one thing to ask big money, but something else entirely to actually sell the car for that much. It will be interesting to see how much it goes for in the end, and if the price tag will trigger other STI owners to list their cars for similar amounts.

The second-hand market has been on the rise over the last few years, with older desirable cars suddenly increasing in value, particularly those with manual transmissions, it seems. And with manufacturers shifting emphasis to electric powertrains, these values might be the new normal for second-hand bargain hunters.