How long will a 2016 WRX last?
A well-maintained 2016 Subaru WRX can reliably reach well over 200,000 miles, with many owners reporting 250,000 miles or more. Some cars push beyond 300,000 miles with meticulous care. The exact lifespan depends on maintenance, driving habits, and how well issues are addressed over time.
What determines the lifetime of a 2016 WRX
The 2016 WRX uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine (FA20D) with a timing chain. Its longevity hinges on regular maintenance, how the car is driven, and how quickly problems are resolved. Because it is turbocharged, keeping the oil clean, the cooling system healthy, and the turbo components well-maintained is especially important for long life.
Key longevity factors
Understanding the main variables helps set expectations for a used or owned 2016 WRX.
- Maintenance history: Consistent oil changes with synthetic oil, along with timely filter, coolant, and transmission/gear oil services, are the biggest drivers of engine life.
- Driving patterns: Highway cruising and moderate use tend to be gentler on the turbo and engine; aggressive, track-like driving can accelerate wear if not properly maintained.
- Turbo system care: Regular checks of oil feeds/return lines, intercooler cleanliness, and boost control help prevent premature turbo wear.
- Oil consumption management: Some FA20 engines have shown higher oil usage in certain examples; monitoring oil level and addressing consumption early can prevent damage.
- Climate and service access: Extreme temperatures or limited access to timely maintenance can influence wear and cooling system longevity.
In short, longevity is highly dependent on upkeep and how the car is used day to day.
Maintenance milestones to maximize life
To push a 2016 WRX toward higher mileage, follow a disciplined maintenance routine that targets the engine, turbo system, and drivetrain components.
- Oil and filter changes: Use synthetic oil and follow the interval recommended by Subaru for your climate and driving style.
- Air and fuel system upkeep: Replace the air filter as needed and keep the fuel system clean to support efficient combustion.
- Spark plugs and ignition: Replace spark plugs according to the manufacturer's schedule to prevent misfires and maintain performance.
- Cooling system maintenance: Monitor coolant levels and service the cooling system to prevent overheating, which can damage the turbo and engine.
- Transmission and differential fluids: Service fluids on schedule to preserve shifting integrity and drivetrain longevity.
- Brake and suspension inspections: Regular checks help safety and handling, reducing the risk of damage to other systems over time.
Adhering to these maintenance milestones helps maximize the WRX’s lifespan and preserves its performance characteristics as it ages.
What to monitor as the car ages
Be alert for signs that an older WRX may be needing more attention: persistent or escalating oil consumption, misfires, turbo boost leaks, coolant leaks, unusual noises, rough idle, or warning lights. Addressing issues promptly can prevent minor problems from becoming major, costly failures.
Common concerns for the 2016 WRX
While the FA20D engine is generally reliable, some examples may exhibit oil consumption or turbo-related wear if maintenance has been neglected. If evaluating a used 2016 WRX, a thorough inspection—especially of oil usage, compression, turbo seals, cooling system, and history of service—is prudent.
Bottom line
With diligent maintenance, a 2016 WRX can deliver many miles of dependable service. A practical target is around 200,000 miles, with the potential for 250,000 miles or more for cars that have been well cared for; a small number of examples may reach or exceed 300,000 miles with exceptional upkeep and favorable driving conditions.
Summary
The 2016 WRX offers solid longevity for a turbocharged sports sedan when owners commit to consistent service, mindful driving, and timely fixes. While there is no fixed mileage cap, the car’s lifespan largely mirrors how well it is maintained and how it is driven over its lifetime.
Can a Subaru last 300,000 miles?
On average, a well-maintained Subaru Outback can last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles! For perspective, this means if you drive about 12,000 miles per year, your Subaru Outback could easily last 16 to 20 years.
What is considered high mileage on a WRX?
Typical mileage for the Subaru WRX STI is around 200,000-250,000 miles. Thus, we would put the high mileage point for the vehicle around 200,000 miles. Once your Subaru WRX STI reaches this point, there is a much higher chance your car will encounter serious and expensive issues.
Is the 2016 WRX a good daily driver?
A WRX is perfectly capable as a daily, it's just not as comfy and dull as a Forester or Outback (which are both still much more driver-oriented than the competition.) Cool thing is, if you dont like how stiff the suspension is, just swap in softer springs.
What is the life expectancy of a WRX?
A Subaru WRX can last from 100,000 to over 200,000 miles, with its lifespan heavily depending on maintenance, driving habits, and a bit of luck. Consistent, regular maintenance is crucial for longevity, as is avoiding frequent, hard driving and modifications that can stress the engine.
Factors affecting lifespan
- Maintenance: Sticking to a strict maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, fluid checks, and replacing wear-and-tear items like the timing belt, is the most important factor for long-term reliability.
- Driving habits: A WRX that is driven aggressively, "redlined" frequently, or launched hard, especially when not at operating temperature, will wear out faster. A more moderate driving style will contribute to a longer-lasting vehicle.
- Modifications: While many enthusiasts modify their WRXs, certain aftermarket modifications can negatively impact the car's lifespan if not installed and tuned correctly.
- Model year: While the general range is similar, some model years may have specific known issues. For instance, some engines (like the FA engine) may require more intensive labor for certain repairs.
- Luck: As with any car, sometimes a component can fail unexpectedly due to unforeseen issues, regardless of maintenance.
Common wear-and-tear items
- Clutch: The clutch, throwout bearing, and transmission are common wear items that may need replacement, especially on manual transmission models.
- Brakes and suspension: These are considered normal maintenance items for any car and will need periodic replacement.
- Turbo and hoses: The turbo can be a point of failure around 100,000 to 180,000 miles, while hoses may need replacement over time, especially in older vehicles.
