Considering WRX :)

Hey guys,

I've been driving my Grand AM for 5 years now, and figure it's time to get a new car before it kicks the bucket (no idea how my Grand AM is at 180k miles with no problems... it's beyond me!). So since I'll be getting loans soon, I figured I'd go with something that combines everything I'm looking for in a car: AWD, decent gas mileage, safe, reliable, fast, and fun. So far it looks like the WRX fulfills these requirements :)

I have a 5-10k budget I'm thinking (don't really know for sure yet). Looking at an 02+ (turbo models), as I want to actually have some fun driving now. Modding a Grand AM isn't really getting me anywhere fast lol :)

I'm almost 22 now and have had zero wrecks and zero state tickets, so my license is clean. Insurance will still be a bitch but not as bad as it COULD be ;)

I read through the FAQ's here on the forums, but I figured I'd ask you guys if there's anything else I should watch for, or if there's anything any of you can say to encourage/discourage me from buying a WRX for my next car.

Thanks! Sorry for the length ;)

The 5 speed is a pile of crap. If you buy a WRX, I highly suggest putting money away into a "6 speed fund." :grinyes:

The 5 speed is a pile of crap. If you buy a WRX, I highly suggest putting money away into a "6 speed fund." :grinyes:

Trying to drive your business here?

The 5 speed isn't a pile of crap.

Actually.. I have driven a WRX with the 5 speed for the past 3 years. My transmission is very clearly on the way out, and it's only a matter of time now.

I've also seen PLENTY of 5 speeds grenade. Hell, we have 2 in the shop right now being rebuilt.

I also think it is fairly rude of you to accuse me of attempting to stir up customers, as I was only giving my personal and professional experience with the transmission.

-Ty

Rude?

I've been driving a Subaru 5-speeds for 4 years now with no issues.

I tihnk it's beyond rude when people misrepresent a car which is perfectly good if it's not driven at its limit the whole time.

The problem with the "fragile tranny" misconception is that people don't know how to properly drive AWD, in a FWD or RWD the tranny does not have to deal with the same levels of force because the tires slip as opposed to dumping the load specificly to the tranny (A WRX will chirp its tires w/ a 6.5k clutch dump) (don't try it!) the 5 spd is perfectly reliable as long as you know how to use awd

Don't know how much WRX you are going to be able to get under 10k