I've test driven the new Legacy GT. While the power was impressive, and the interior is improved, it didn't really wow me.

On my '99 Legacy GT, I have WRX brakes front and rear, SS lines. KYB GR-2 struts, Whiteline control springs. Whiteline front and rear adjustable swaybars. I also have a custom trunk enclosure, where I replaced the rear spare with a Diamond Sub and an amp rack.

My Legacy GT I can put the rear facing car seat in the middle, and two adults can still fit comfortably in the rear.

Any WRX or Sti owners have kids that use rear facing car seats? I was originally going to get a WRX, but she mentioned a co-worker who had carseats in the WRX and her knees were in the dashboard.

My little one is almost old enough where I can turn the car seat around. I'm considering a STi, but if we have another kid I'm afraid there won't be enough room.

The other thought was to do a motor swap. The only thing that concerns me about that is the value of the car in the long run. Of course trading in my car I would lose a considerable amount of money I've put into the car already.

The other thought was to hold out for other future cars coming. The 280 hp Mazdaspeed 6, The IS350 or whatever Lexus is coming with in 2006 that is supposed to be AWD to replace the IS300.

The modifications you've done to the Legacy GT have already diminished its resale value and, unless you can find a private buyer who's interested, the only way you're going to get close to Bluebook for it is to convert it back to stock and part out your modifications. So the real question is why do you want a faster (new) car? Fast daily driver? Sporty appearance? Midlife crisis compensation? ;) Or do you want to start (or be more competitive) racing?

It would help to know what you plan on doing with the car. :)

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I have an STi (formerly a WRX so same issue) and a rear facing car seat in the middle. It fits OK and two adults can fit on each side but I don't know how comfortable they'd be. I'd say their inside arms would be right on top of the car seat.

But putting a rear facing car seat behind the seat probably isn't going to work in the Impreza. In the middle position, rear facing, the top of the car seat actually comes past the front seats over the center console by about 3 inches (measuring from the back of the seat forward). And I sit real close to pedals but recline more than normal.

You'll definitely need a rolled up towel under the car seat so your kid doesn't fall asleep with his head in his lap. :) There is a pretty steep slope on the back seats.

I think in a few months when I swing it around to forward facing I won't have a problem. You could probably get away with a rear facing behind the less used passenger seat and a forward facing behind the driver.

I too drove the Legacy GT and like you it just didn't wow me. Great car, loved pretty much everything about it. But even though the power is there it just was almost too smooth to feel it like you would in an Impreza. Maybe you can wait for the Legacy STi?