Should you buy a new 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021 Subaru WRX, WRX STI, or a used model? If you can find one, a new model costs less than a used model, according to a new study by iSeeCars.
iSeeCars’s analyzed over 470,000 new and lightly used cars from the 2019 and 2020 model years listed for sale in June 2021. They found the price gap between a one-to-two-year-old used car has drastically narrowed, and some new cars like the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and 2021 WRX and STI are now less expensive than a used model. Subaru Report found this to be true in our research this week.
Why are some Subaru model prices higher for used over new?
“Used car prices have risen overall, and prices have dramatically increased for certain in-demand models that may be harder to find on new car lots,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has been a hot model for Subaru of America all year. With the recent plant shutdown in Gunma, Japan, where the 2021 Crosstrek, WRX, and WRX STI are manufactured, there are now inventory shortages.
Torque News checked with a large Subaru dealer near Denver, Colorado, and found one 2021 Subaru Crosstrek on its lot, and it had a SOLD sticker in the window. Because buyers don’t have the option of buying without waiting for a new model, they are willing to pay more for a good clean, used model.
They had no 2021 Subaru WRX or 2021 WRX STI performance cars on the lot at the same Subaru retailer. We found two used models. A 2015 WRX Premium model for $20,999 with 105,391 miles.
We also found one 2020 Subaru WRX Limited trim for $35,999 with 5,898 miles on the odometer. A new 2021 WRX Limited has a starting MSRP of $33,020, including destination and delivery fees. That’s a $2,979 price bump for this used 2020 model over what a new WRX would cost.
When can I buy the 2022 Subaru WRX and STI?
The next-generation 2022 Subaru WRX likely won’t arrive until early next year. Unless you can wait, buying a used model may be the only option. Performance enthusiasts will have to wait for the next-generation 2022 WRX STI to roll out a year later.
What upgrades will the 2022 Subaru WRX and STI get?
The 2022 WRX and STI are expected to get a new 2.4-liter FA24 turbocharged Boxer engine upgrade with additional power. Look for the WRX close to 286 horsepower, and the STI could approach 395 horsepower with the new direct-injection engine.
Because of limited inventory, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and 2021 Subaru WRX, WRX STI round out the list of used cars that cost more than a new model. “Subaru was one of the automakers most impacted by the microchip shortage leading to a shortage of new vehicles,” said Brauer.
You Might Also Like: Subaru Teases The All-New Next-Generation 2022 WRX But When Is The Reveal Date?
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.
Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!
Photo credit: Subaru