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Old 01-08-2006, 02:13 PM   #1
boston
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Default Used WRX or 06 WRX?

Hello all:

I'm looking for a second car to complement the cooper S my wife and I currently share and are considering a WRX wagon. I don't know of a better sporty wagon out there and we need a 4 door car (will be moving from MA to CA in about 6 months).

The question is, does the higher displacement and better torque in the 06 WRX make it a better buy over a much cheaper used WRX?

I want a manual, and we're going to be in the bay area which means occassional trips into SF and plenty of traffic. An automatic may be more sensible now but we both much prefer manuals. Given that, being able to drive better at low RPMs and start more easily on hills seems to lean towards the 06, but that means spending ~$25K on the car isntead of $18K.

We haven't test driven either yet but will soon.

Do you think it's worth it?

-boston
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Old 01-08-2006, 02:17 PM   #2
REX8
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The 06 is really nice to drive. Especially for what you're looking for. If you don't mind reving out the 2.0l, then getting an older model is ok (especially because you can spend about 14 in stead or 18) 10 grand is a lot of dough. But at 18 vs. 24, I think I'd get the 06. Alos, in an auto, I'd say you'd have to get the 2006.

14 vs. 24 is a different story.
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Old 01-08-2006, 02:17 PM   #3
SUBYDOODIE
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based on my opinion and my opinion solely, i think that the extra $7k saved could easily make up for the bigger displacement... yet you do get a brand new car vs a used car with miles already... all depends if you happen to pick up a used wrx that hasn't been beaten around...
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Old 01-08-2006, 02:21 PM   #4
Flexx999
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I used to own an 02 WRX and now I have an 06. I loved my 02 but I have to say the improvements they made on the 06 are excellent. Its almost like driving a different car. The seats, the brakes, the 2.5l engine, the power moonroof among other things. Also the gas mileage is alot better on the 06 then my 02 was as well.

Go test drive both and you will tell the difference right away......but personally if you can afford it I would go with the 06
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Old 01-08-2006, 02:21 PM   #5
mcowger
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Well, if you are buying a 2.5L WRX because you think you cant handle SF with 2.0L, I can tell you are you are wrong. However, if you are getting the 2.5L because its more fun, then yes, go for it.

Personally, I'd never buy the 06, I think the front is really ugly.
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Old 01-08-2006, 02:25 PM   #6
hondaeater69
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get the 06.
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Old 01-08-2006, 03:12 PM   #7
strohausii
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I have an '02 wrx that I love to death (literally, I will drive this car till it dies). The differences with the '06 was enough to tempt me, but was just glad that there was a new source of possible options in the future for my car.

Second, there are many issues/quirks with the original '02s. Unless you had the car from new, would be a bad experience for you buying into it over and beyond the Maintainance period you are entering with the used car.

Third, there were alotta people who tried "tuning" these cars in that first year with variations of sucess. Either way, the milage on those cars could be best counted in dog years.

In short, get the '06 from a guy driving the '02. It will be cheaper in the long run for you and you won't have to change the timing belt for 4-5 years down the road.

Better: brakes, engine (no uppipe cat right?), better headlights (per UnkleScotty), winter package (side mirror defrosters), and most importantly if you decide on a manual THE TRANSMISSION.
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Old 01-08-2006, 04:15 PM   #8
P-TownWRX
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Are you getting a TR or a regular edition wrx? I know that the WRX sedan in a 5 speed is going for $22,500. The dealer that I went to said that they increased the displacement in the WRX so that the Auto's would have more low end power. If you get an auto wagon get an 06 if you get a manual and are worried about price get an 04 or 05, it will be fine. I have never driven in SF but have been on many SF style hills and first gear has PLENTY of power to do it.
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Old 01-08-2006, 04:39 PM   #9
Calamity Jesus
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If you're financing, the 06 is a no-brainer.
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Old 01-08-2006, 05:56 PM   #10
icantdrive75
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I'm not even gonna read your post because really, hands down, 06.
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Old 01-08-2006, 06:03 PM   #11
beachbear
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Sent you a PM
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Old 01-08-2006, 06:06 PM   #12
06WRXTR
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i love my 06, its a great fun car to have, and its torquey as a v8
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Old 01-08-2006, 06:29 PM   #13
Rev
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You have to ask yourself how important is it to save that extra money. Or put it another way are the improvements worth the extra money to get an 06? I'll tell you this spending the $600 on an Accessport and going to stage 1 will go a long way toward improving the power of the 02-05, and basically turns a good car into a great one.

I was considering trading up for the 06, but in the end I decided to slightly modify my current car and save a huge batch of money. I looked at the improvements:

Tighter steering ratio - yeah I like it, but I don't really have a problem with my current steering. In fact reviewers often praised the WRX steering before the 06s upped the anti.

Better front suspension - nice, but I doubt I would ever really notice.

Better brakes - never had a problem with my brakes after I got rid of the RE92s. I think the brakes are really good on the 02 as they have gotten me out of some pretty messed up situations without hitting anything.

17 inch wheels - Well if they weren't clad with RE92s we would be talking. Other then that they are bigger wheels, and what they loose in the snow doesn't outweigh what they would gain in the dry (just my opinion, no flames).

Better power - well there is the big one. But like I said even though it isn't as good, AP stg 1 with an estimated 260hp 260tq works wonders for the low end power, throttle response, and lag problems. It basically improved the car to the point where I really didn't feel too bad about not having the extra .5 liter.

Better tranny - I got nothing for that one. One of the best reason for getting an 06 IMO.

I'm not saying the 06 isn't better. If I was buying for the first time I would definitely go with the 06. All I am saying is the 02-05 WRX is still a great car and very easy to live with, in spite of the improvement to the 06MY.

Keep in mind this is all assuming you can get a used WRX treated as well as mine was, completely maintained and basically stock until 3 months ago. That is a big factor in buying used vs. new.
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Old 01-08-2006, 06:51 PM   #14
Uncle Scotty
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...had '02.....have '06.

The '06 is, without any possible doubt, shockingly--laughing all the way down the street and around the corner....better.
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Old 01-08-2006, 06:55 PM   #15
PA-Brat
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rev
....Keep in mind this is all assuming you can get a used WRX treated as well as mine was, completely maintained and basically stock until 3 months ago. That is a big factor in buying used vs. new.
That would be my biggest concern in going used. I'm too tempted by the goodies on the '06 to even dare a test drive.
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Old 01-08-2006, 10:37 PM   #16
beachbear
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Default PM Sent

Boston,

I sent you a PM with the list. Give a call or write back if you have any other questions.
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