Photo: crash71100, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Antoineets, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Motor Verso, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
All-wheel-drive performance saloon: 2.5 turbo with 300 hp, sold in France from 2014 and withdrawn from Europe in 2018 (emissions standards, a 10,000 euro malus at the time). The documented weak point is piston failure in the EJ257 flat-4, especially on modified or abused examples: only buy original cars with a complete service history.
- Reliability
- 4.0/5
- Indicative prices
- €20,000 – €54,000
- Monthly cost
- €757
- Euro NCAP
- Not tested
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: STI.
STI
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Manual · 300 hp · 10.4 L/100 km · Crit'Air 1
2.5 turbo with 300 hp and 407 Nm, four-wheel drive: the only engine sold in France.
STI S
Petrol · Manual · 300 hp · Crit'Air 1
Better-equipped version (the 2018 Legend Edition, limited to 60 units, is derived from it: DCCD, cornering headlights, 19-inch wheels, six-piston Brembo brake calipers).
Market prices
€20,000 – €54,000
Indicative range: 2015 to 2018, 6,000 to 158,000 km, online listings from private and dealer sellers aggregated by LeParking (limited editions included).
Collected on 13 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
Piston ringland failure in the EJ257 engine
Severity 3/3 · SeriousThe EJ257 2.5 turbo is known for the rupture of the piston ringland (the land between the rings), mainly triggered by knocking (detonation), a lean mixture, poor-octane fuel or aggressive tuning. Symptoms cited: loss of power, blue or grey smoke, irregular idling, metal particles in the oil, metallic noises. Buying guides recommend avoiding cars that have been remapped.
- Versions
- STI, STI S
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Subaru WRX STI”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €256 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €105 |
| Maintenance | €26 |
| Depreciation | €370 |
| Total per month | €757 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- NEDC consumption (older, more optimistic than WLTP) as no WLTP figure is published: fuel is probably slightly underestimated.
- Insurance: average for a closely related model (other generation or same platform).
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Maintenance: budget of a closely related model.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€256
STI version: combined consumption of 10.4 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
10.4 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €256
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€105
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€26
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€370
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Subaru WRX STI VA — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Avoid remapped or modified cars, or demand invoices and details of the modifications.
- Listen to the engine when cold and under load: any knocking or metallic noise is a deal-breaker.
- Look at the colour of the exhaust smoke and check for metal particles in the oil.
- Check the oil level and how regularly the oil has been changed (service book, invoices).
- Check the condition of the clutch and the history of use (track days, repeated standing starts).
- Ask the Subaru network, using the chassis number, for the recall history.
Questions to ask the seller
- Is the car strictly original (remap, exhaust, intake)?
- Has it been used on a track? What fuel was used, and how often were the oil changes done?
- Has the engine ever been opened or replaced? Do you have the invoices?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen Golf
VII · 2012–2020
- Price
- €7,200 – €18,800
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Electric
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Ford Focus
IV · 2018–2025
- Price
- €10,800 – €20,000
- Reliability
- 4/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Subaru WRX STI VA (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the power of the Subaru WRX STI sold in France?
300 hp and 407 Nm for the all-wheel-drive 2.5 turbo, according to the press and French technical specifications.
Can you still buy a new WRX STI?
No: Subaru announced at the end of 2017 its withdrawal from Europe, with production ending in summer 2018 and sales possible until the end of 2018. In France, a limited Legend Edition of 60 units ended its career.
Is the WRX STI engine fragile?
The documented weak point is the failure of the EJ257's piston ringland, especially after knocking or tuning. When original and well maintained, the car limits this risk.
Found a listing?
Soon, we will analyse your Subaru WRX STI listing: price, mileage, watch points.
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