Subaru Impreza WRX 3rd Gen
The third-generation Subaru WRX evolved from a controversial redesign into a sharp performer, offering turbocharged, all-wheel-drive fun in a practical package. It remains an accessible entry point to modern Japanese performance, with a market that heavily rewards clean, unmodified examples.
Find one with Spotter →Subaru Impreza WRX 3rd Gen sold for a median of $11,100 over the last 12 months, based on 28 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $7,500 and $13,700. 1,254 currently for sale.
Listings
The third-generation Subaru WRX arrived for 2008 with a completely new chassis and a controversial, softer suspension setup. The initial 224 hp hatchback and sedan received a lukewarm reception, prompting Subaru to act fast. For 2009, power from the 2.5L EJ255 flat-four was bumped to 265 hp, and the suspension was significantly stiffened. The most significant update came in 2011, when the standard WRX adopted the aggressive wide-body fenders from the STI, creating the look that now defines the generation.
As a performance car, the 3rd gen WRX offers a fantastic blend of all-weather capability, practicality, and rally-bred character. The hatchback (GR) is particularly useful, while the sedan (GV) has a classic look. It's a hugely popular platform for modification, which means finding a stock, well-cared-for example is difficult. These clean cars are what collectors and discerning enthusiasts now seek, and they command a significant premium over modified or abused examples.
The market for these cars is mature, with an average sale price around $12,800. This makes it an affordable performance car, but the wide price range reflects the vast difference in condition. Low-mileage, stock, wide-body models from 2011-2014 represent the top of the market, while high-mileage or heavily modified early narrow-body cars make up the lower end. Many are bought as daily drivers, but their status as a modern classic is growing.
Buying Tips
- The EJ255 engine can suffer from ringland and head gasket failures, especially when modified. Get a compression and leak-down test, and check for signs of oil consumption or smoke.
- Most examples have been modified. Prioritize stock cars or those with detailed receipts from reputable tuners. Reverting a poorly modified car to stock can be expensive.
- Check for rust, especially on the rear quarter panels, fenders, and subframes, particularly on cars from snowy climates.
- The 5-speed manual transmission is a known weak point compared to the STI's 6-speed. Test for grinding gears or difficulty shifting, which can indicate abuse and impending failure.
- Differentiate between the less-desirable 2008-2010 'narrow body' and the more sought-after 2011-2014 'wide body' models, which command higher prices.
Based on 110 recent sales, prices range from as low as $100 for parts cars to $29,750 for pristine, low-mileage examples.
4,700 Subaru Impreza WRX 3rd Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 1254 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Subaru Impreza WRX 3rd Gen cost?
Over the last 12 months, Subaru Impreza WRX 3rd Gen sold for a median of $11,100 across 28 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $7,500 and $13,700. There are 1,254 currently for sale.
How many Subaru Impreza WRX 3rd Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 1,254 Subaru Impreza WRX 3rd Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.