I'm just looking for some info, to anyone that has made the switch. If they have any regrets, pros and cons, etc.

I'm eyeing up a 04' WRX LE with 30k miles for 18,500 right now

Thanks

 

No offense, but I doubt you'll have many regrets. FWIW, don't buy an '04 WRX for $18,500 when you can go price out a brand new WRX TR and probably get into one for around $20,000.

 

wrxs are nice, but i definatly wouldnt buy a 04 for 18 when you can get a new 06 for around 22. if you plan on modding the wrx you might as well buy a sti. just my opinion

 

WRX- $22000

Cobb AccessPORT- $645

Turbo-Back Exhaust- $1100

Upgraded intercooler- $900

Result- STi killer.

The WRX's 5 spd has longer legs, meaning less time spent between gears while shifting. Not to mention, a 200 lb weight advantage over the STi.

 

Only if the STI is stock.

 

Also keep in mind that the STi is just as fast as the Evo. If it's STi/Evo levels of power that someone wants, it can be achieved for cheaper than either of those two cars.

However, while the WRX might be just as fast in a straight line, it still lacks the suspension components of either....

 

I can't afford/don't want to pay for an EVO/STi (the insurance actuallly) which is why I was eyeing up the WRX... It seemed like a good deal until I went to the dealer and saw the TR was that price...I couldn't believe it. They want to sell the used one, I'm sure, before a new one at the same price which is why they didn't even mention it.

I really don't like the new front end design but to get a new one with a bigger engine is much better.

 

Put a nice lowering job on a new WRX, like dropping the car about 1.5 inches, and the front end will look pretty sleek on a new one.....

 

98-01 rs looks the best with all the mods. imo

 

+1 one on the lowering.

 

it would be a STi "killer" but it would beat a STOCK sti. and i dont think it would "kill" a STi but it would beat it. to buy the already upgraded car from factory is all way better/cheaper than building a lower model up. you also have to deal with subaru crappy 5 spd tranny. the list goes on

 

overall for the "person on a budget" the WRX is a cheaper way to go. insurance is less im sure and can be made fast. even if it has tranny issues and less the perfect suspension to start with, the WRX is a awsome turbo platform. I wish I went with a WRX then my Lancer...

 

The WRX has tranny issues? I never heard of that...

I couldn't tell how it drove, speed wise, during the test drive but it did handle amazing.. There was little body roll

 

There's numerous stories of WRX trannies giving out without that much of milage on--of course, usually because WRX is modded and transmission not being designed from factory to handle upgrade in power, but then again most people DONT leave their WRX stock. The ones that mod WRX tend to only go for power or suspension (coilover or springs) or sometimes brakes, but almost never upgrade in transmission to compensate. Besides, STi has advantage in all of these fields over WRX for less cost in the long run *shrug*.

Go figure.

 

Well that sucks, I'm guessing buying one used and not knowing what the previous owner did won't help either.. Honestly I won't be upgrading the power too much unless I really get into racing next year, otherwise it is kind of a waste of money. Can the tranny at least be made to handle the power without spending a load of money?