2016 SUBARU WRX

If you've been hunting for a 2016 Subaru WRX STI Sedan for sale in Bakersfield, CA, this is the one worth stopping for. Prestige Auto Sales | Bakersfield has a clean, well-priced example in stock — a genuine STI with 74,785 miles, a 6-speed manual transmission, and full-time AWD — ready for a serious driver who knows exactly what they're looking for. At $21,597, it's an accessible entry point into one of the most iconic performance sedans ever built.

About This 2016 Subaru WRX STI Sedan

The 2016 WRX STI sits in a rare category: a four-door family-practical car that can embarrass purpose-built sports cars on a winding road. With 74,785 miles on the clock, this STI is well into its proven reliability window — far enough from new to carry a fair price, but absolutely not worn out. STIs are built to be driven hard, and their mechanicals are engineered to handle it. This is not a high-strung car that falls apart under spirited use — it's designed for it.

The STI trim is a meaningful step above the standard WRX. It brings a more aggressive suspension tune, Brembo brakes, a larger rear wing, upgraded Recaro-style seating, and the legendary EJ25 turbocharged boxer engine. This is not just a badge — it is a fundamentally different, higher-performance machine.

2016 Subaru WRX STI Performance and Engine

Under the hood sits Subaru's 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four — the EJ257 — producing 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque in stock form. Paired with the 6-speed manual transmission, this is a driver's car in the truest sense. There is no automatic option on the STI, and enthusiasts wouldn't have it any other way.

Symmetrical AWD and Handling

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is the backbone of the STI's legendary all-weather and performance capability. The STI adds a driver-controlled center differential (DCCD), which allows you to tune front-to-rear torque distribution on the fly — a feature typically reserved for purpose-built rally cars. Whether you're commuting through Bakersfield traffic or pushing through the curves on Highway 178 toward Lake Isabella, this car responds with precision and confidence.

Brembo six-piston front calipers provide serious stopping power, and the STI's sport-tuned suspension keeps everything planted. This is not a car that punishes you for driving it the way it was meant to be driven.

2016 Subaru WRX STI Features and Interior

The STI trim level brings a genuinely premium interior for a performance car in this class. Expect bolstered sport seats with excellent lateral support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sport-mode push-start system, and Subaru's STARLINK infotainment interface with navigation.

STI-Specific Interior and Tech Highlights

The driver-focused cockpit places the short-throw shifter exactly where your hand falls naturally, and the instrument cluster is clear and well-organized for performance driving. Climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system round out the daily driver comfort features. The STI is not a stripped-out track toy — it is genuinely livable for everyday use, which is a huge part of its enduring appeal.

Subaru WRX STI Reliability and Ownership

The WRX STI has a passionate and knowledgeable ownership community, and the consensus is consistent: maintained properly, these cars are built to last. The EJ257 engine responds well to regular oil changes, and the drivetrain components — when not abused — have proven durable well past 100,000 miles.

What to Know Before You Buy

Prospective STI buyers should be aware that this model benefits greatly from its service history. The EJ25 boxer engine can be sensitive to overheating if coolant maintenance is neglected, and head gasket inspections are a reasonable due-diligence step on any higher-mileage example. At 74,785 miles, this STI is in a range where a well-maintained car still has significant life ahead of it. Subaru enthusiasts frequently keep these cars beyond 150,000 miles with proper care. The manual transmission on these cars is also regarded as one of the best in class — precise, durable, and satisfying.

Why Buy From Prestige Auto Sales | Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA

Prestige Auto Sales, located in Bakersfield in Kern County, California, has built its reputation around offering quality pre-owned vehicles at honest prices — without the pressure tactics you'd find at a big-box lot. This is the kind of dealership where you can have a real conversation about the car, ask the questions that matter, and drive away confident in your purchase.

Bakersfield buyers know the market, and Prestige Auto Sales understands that. They carry vehicles that make sense for Central Valley drivers — dependable, well-priced, and ready to go. The WRX STI on this lot is priced competitively against comparable examples across California, and it's here locally so you can see it, drive it, and make an informed decision without flying across the state.

Financing a Used Subaru WRX STI Near Bakersfield

Financing a used performance car doesn't have to be complicated. Prestige Auto Sales works with a range of lenders to help Bakersfield-area buyers get competitive rates on pre-owned vehicles, including enthusiast cars like the WRX STI. Whether your credit is excellent or you're rebuilding, it's worth having the conversation.

At $21,597, this STI is priced well within reach for most buyers financing a used vehicle. Monthly payments can be structured to fit a range of budgets, and getting pre-approved before your visit can make the process even smoother. Call 661-438-3252 to speak with a finance team member before you come in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX STI a good buy?

Yes — the 2016 WRX STI is widely regarded as one of the best performance sedans available at its price point, new or used. With 305 horsepower, a 6-speed manual, and full-time AWD, it delivers a driving experience that most cars simply can't match. It's also practical enough for daily driving, which is a rare combination.

How many miles is too many on a used WRX STI?

With proper maintenance, STIs routinely reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles. At 74,785 miles, this example is well within a healthy range — especially if it comes with documented service history. Requesting maintenance records and having a pre-purchase inspection performed are both smart steps regardless of mileage.

What does the STI trim include over the standard WRX?

The STI is a significant upgrade over the base WRX. It adds a larger 2.5-liter turbocharged engine (vs. the WRX's 2.0L), Brembo brakes, a driver-controlled center differential, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded interior materials, and a more aggressive exterior including the iconic rear wing. It is a meaningfully different car.

Does the 2016 WRX STI come with AWD?

Yes. All WRX STI models come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, enhanced on the STI with a driver-controlled center differential for adjustable torque distribution. There is no two-wheel-drive version of the STI.

Is the 6-speed manual hard to drive in daily traffic?

The STI's 6-speed manual is actually considered one of the more refined manuals in the sports car segment. The clutch engagement is predictable, and the short-throw shifter makes city driving manageable. Most owners report that it becomes second nature quickly, even in stop-and-go traffic.

Serving Bakersfield and Surrounding Areas

Prestige Auto Sales is proud to serve drivers throughout Bakersfield and the greater Kern County region. Buyers regularly make the drive from Delano, Wasco, Shafter, Tehachapi, Ridgecrest, and communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley to shop the Prestige inventory.

If you're coming from the northern end of the county, from Tulare County, or from the desert communities east of Bakersfield, this centrally located dealership is an easy trip — and a car like the WRX STI is absolutely worth the drive. Kern County roads, from the valley floor to the mountain passes, are exactly the kind of terrain this car was built to handle.

Contact Prestige Auto Sales | Bakersfield Today

Ready to get behind the wheel of a 2016 Subaru WRX STI Sedan in Bakersfield, CA? Don't let this one sit — performance cars at this price point move quickly, and the enthusiast community watches the market closely.

Call Prestige Auto Sales at 661-438-3252 to confirm availability, ask questions, or schedule your test drive. You can also stop by in person — the team is ready to walk you through the car and answer everything you need to know. Stock #2176, VIN JF1VA2M6XG9801141. Come drive it.