Is the Subaru WRX expensive to maintain?

Not usually too expensive for a performance car, but it is noticeably more expensive to maintain than a normal compact sedan like a Corolla or Impreza.

A reasonable rule of thumb is to budget around $700–$1,000 per year for routine maintenance and minor repairs on a WRX, with costs often rising above that as mileage increases, the car is modified, or prior maintenance was neglected.

Why it costs more than a regular sedan:

• AWD tire matching matters: Subaru AWD systems are sensitive to tire mismatch, so you generally want all four tires kept very close in tread depth and replaced in sets when possible.
• Spark plug service is more labor-intensive: The WRX’s boxer engine layout makes some engine work, including spark plug replacement, more involved than on many inline-four cars.
• Premium fuel is recommended: A WRX is designed to run on premium gas, which adds to operating costs.
• Insurance can be higher: WRXs are often more expensive to insure than ordinary compact cars.
• Wear items may come sooner: Brakes, tires, clutch components, and fluids can cost more if the car is driven hard.

So the short answer is: no, not crazy expensive for a turbo AWD performance car, but yes, more expensive than a mainstream commuter car. If you want, I can also break down WRX ownership costs by model year or compare it with a GTI, Civic Si, or Mazda3 Turbo.