Ok, so I've been struggling with the idea of selling my 8 for a few months now:sad: . I really could use more cargo room and practicality for my hobbies, dogs, etc., and my wife has never really been happy with me owning the 8 because of it's size, stiff suspension, and lack of practicality (I refuse to drive it in less than ideal weather and road conditions, and refuse to put our dogs in it), and my MPG is finally starting to bother me. Plus we really want to try to reduce our monthly expenses to buy a house.

As much as I love my 8, it looks like the end could be near.

So, after browsing the local classifieds and autotrader, I think I've narrowed my search down to an 2002 or 2004 WRX. With its practicality, better MPG, and decent performance I think it could be a good fit for us. And, the wagon would be awesome for drums, amps, dogs, etc. Obviously, I'll lose A LOT in the styling department, and although I've never driven one, the driving experience is probably completely different.

The one I really like is a 2002 WRX wagon, stage 2. It has tanabe springs, Cobb Accessport:) , and full HKS turbo back exhaust. It only has 30k mi., and the owner considers it in "Mint" condition. He's asking $15,500, and I hope to get it down to $13-14k or so based on KBB and NADA.

A quick look at the Cobb website shows the REMARKABLE gains with this setup. The only problems I've found with this car through my research is the transmission. Some have torn it up, some have well over 150k mi. on it no problem. Kinda sounds like some of the "known issues" with the rx8.

Because this forum has never had a lack of opinionated and knowledgeable enthusiasts, I'd love to get some feedback from my rx8 brethren.

Thanks for the help.

My opinion is the WRX is gay.

Not a sports car, I don't care how fast it is. But if you're looking for utility it has more to offer than the RX8 I guess.

You are right though the RX8 MPG is terrible for the little speed you get.

I've got a friend that has one (2004 WRX) and it has never ever given him any problems mechanically and this is with numerous mods. My only complaints would probably be the cheap-like interior and the thin aluminum body panels that are easily dented/dinged but not a major issues for the overall kit you get.

The WRX wagon you mentioned has always appealed to me for some reason and back in 2001 or so when it first appeared in the US I thought it would make a good sleeper. I've always liked the funky looks of the Impreza's (even the bug-eyed models) and still think they look good today. Pity about the new one.

I never liked the WRX its crap in my opinion. Take a look at the Civic Si sedan, or an Acura TSX. They have more room, get great gas milage, luxorious interior, but no where near the fun you have with the rx8

Because this forum has never had a lack of opinionated and knowledgeable enthusiasts, I'd love to get some feedback from my rx8 brethren.


lmao that there is no lack of!! but as far as the STi: its a good choice for what you need... i never really liked the wagon for that car. kinda wish they still made the IS200 wagon, i thought that one looked a lot nicer. and the 04 looks better IMO.

the trans is made of glass from what im told......

A Stage II WRX is a great car- I owned an '05 WRX Wagon (actually, a Saabaru, see below) with Stage II modifications and some suspension work. The mods are inexpensive and the Stage II map from Cobb, along with the downpipe (uppipe is worth it, though not necessary to run Stage II) and exhaust wake the car up incredibly to make it a real performer (figure 13's trapping a little over 100mph). The 2002 has a weaker tranny than newer years. I beat the crap out of my car and never had any tranny or clutch issues.

I only sold the car due to the smallish rotor size for its vehicle weight (brakes would fade at the track once I went Stage II) and anyone serious about track days really should go coilover with camber plates and with a big brake kit. Car is underdamped from the factory for any real spring setup.

Otherwise, a great car. It is a very competent car both in a straight line and on a road course.


http://home.att.net/~carlos.ramirez1/wsb/media/116212/site1103.jpg

2002? Run away. It will make you hate driving. People are not kidding about that tranny. Shifting is garbage, period. Getting into reverse and first requires and act of faith. Clutch shudder is also great fun. Trying to drive smoothly in stop/go traffic? Not gonna happen. The on/off nature of the engine also gets old fast. It's not like being in the wrong gear in the 8, it really struggles then you get a surge of power. Great, thanks. I had one for 2 years and it just became a chore to drive.

I've driven both the WRX and the STI and I think they're both great cars, but it depends what you want. I would buy an 06-07 if I were to get one.

The WRX is a great car for the price and can be modified extensively for lots of gains. Which essentially means you can make it an STI :P Even if you don't want to modify it, it's a good compromise between family car and sporty tuner car.

The STI has a LOT more power, the 6spd tranny is nice and the interior is top notch. If you get the '06 or higher, you get fancy stuff like water spray to cool down your intercooler, manual leveling of HID lights, etc. And it's fast. Real fast.

Things you don't get: sunroof (except on ltd editions), leather, cruise control. 4wd is nice. These cars also tend to oversteer, so be careful on those corners until you get used to the car.

I was looking to buy an STI before I bought my RX8. Hindsight, probably would have liked the STI a lot, but wouldn't have been satisfied with the WRX. The RX8 is a good alternative because it gives me what the STI couldn't (sunroof, leather) and still lots of power/fun to drive, all at a lower price.

All comes down to what's important to you!

A Stage II WRX is a great car- I owned an '05 WRX Wagon (actually, a Saabaru, see below) with Stage II modifications and some suspension work. The mods are inexpensive and the Stage II map from Cobb, along with the downpipe and exhaust wake the car up incredibly to make it a real performer (figure 13's trapping around 100mph). The 2002 has a weaker tranny than newer years. I beat the crap out of my car and never had any tranny or clutch issues.

I only sold the car due to the smallish rotor size for its vehicle weight (brakes would fade at the track once I went Stage II) and anyone serious about track days really should go coilover with camber plates and with a big brake kit. Car is underdamped from the factory for any real spring setup.

Otherwise, a great car. It is a very competent car both in a straight line and on a road course.


http://home.att.net/~carlos.ramirez1/wsb/media/116212/site1103.jpg

I've been very interested in a Saabaru. How much did you sell yours for?

I've been very interested in a Saabaru. How much did you sell yours for?

I sold that wagon and got the RX8 over a year ago.

Check out this forum for some good cars and an idea as to how much they're going for. An '06 is even better due to the 2.5L engine (more torque), but the 2.0L '05s sell for much less and respond very well to mods. A little known fact- the 9-2x (Saabaru) Aero comes with the STi steering rack, and takes any Impreza/WRX aftermarket part.

http://saab92x.com/viewforum.php?id=13

the WRX wagon makes me want to puke every time i see them. ALL YEARS... if you're going to get a WRX get the STi Sedan... my $.02

a modded car like that and "mint" condition does not belong in the same sentence. he probably drove it hard.

Bug eye? No thanks but a 04' WRX = cream

WRX wagons are fun. They make great sleeper cars. I would highly recommend getting a Saab 92x Aero as per SouthFL's car. It was massaged by Saab and has some STi bits inside. It responds well to mods just like any good WRX. My Saabaru just like on the picture above, is on Stage II Cobb AP for years. No problem whatsoever. Tranny is fine. Practical and fast.
Having said that, it's not as fun and engaging as the rx-8.

WRX wagons are fun. They make great sleeper cars. I would highly recommend getting a Saab 92x Aero as per SouthFL's car. It was massaged by Saab and has some STi bits inside. It responds well to mods just like any good WRX. My Saabaru just like on the picture above, is on Stage II Cobb AP for years. No problem whatsoever. Tranny is fine. Practical and fast.
Having said that, it's not as fun and engaging as the rx-8.

I have to agree with delhi on this statement. The RX8 is much more of a driver's car in response and feedback and is such a well balanced car. If MPG is a factor, the WRX isn't much more efficient than the RX8 either.

My opinion is the WRX is gay.

Not a sports car, I don't care how fast it is. But if you're looking for utility it has more to offer than the RX8 I guess.

You are right though the RX8 MPG is terrible for the little speed you get.

um, sports cars are *two doors*

the wrx is a great car for the OPs needs. mods won't be *felt* without a tune (accessport or cobb should be your answer, as you've stated).

who cares if the rx8s mpg is poor, as well as the speed. it's a fcking rotary for fck sakes. i totally understand about needing a more *efficient* mpg vehicle because the rx8 isn't that at all, and for wanting some umph and utility purposes the wrx is your choice.

Why dont you get another car and keep the 8? Or it would be to expensive.

Uhh.. its a boxer engine in case you forgot. Getting an '02 will have close to 100k miles. Those engines dont last long... I'd think about getting something else. WRXs are everywhere and no single one is special imo. And please don't get a wagon.

um, sports cars are *two doors*

the wrx is a great car for the OPs needs. mods won't be *felt* without a tune (accessport or cobb should be your answer, as you've stated).

who cares if the rx8s mpg is poor, as well as the speed. it's a fcking rotary for fck sakes. i totally understand about needing a more *efficient* mpg vehicle because the rx8 isn't that at all, and for wanting some umph and utility purposes the wrx is your choice.

well the 8 is a 4 door, would you consider it a sports car?

well the 8 is a 4 door, would you consider it a sports car?

"4 door coupe" :lol:

Uhh.. its a boxer engine in case you forgot. Getting an '02 will have close to 100k miles. Those engines dont last long... I'd think about getting something else. WRXs are everywhere and no single one is special imo. And please don't get a wagon.

A lot of morons on this forum that really don't know what they're talking about when it comes to the WRX. While I don't miss my WRX much now that I have an Evo, I still loved that car. Yes, the '02's in particular had some tranny issues, but that's pretty common with an AWD car that has good horsepower. Glass tranny, not really, unless you want to call the Renesis a glass engine. Yes, there were a good amount of problems, but not enough to dismiss the car. I launched mine regularly and as long as you know how to drive an AWD car like the WRX you shouldn't have much to worry about.

The older WRX is unrefined, has a pretty good amount of interior noise, the shifter leaves a little something to be desired, has some understeer, and the brakes are simply "ok". That being said they're still a blast to drive and it's one of those cars that you feel like you can beat the snot out of and it'll just shrug it off and keep running. The statement that the boxers from Subaru "don't last long" is idiotic, especially when the poster passed over the fact that the one you're looking at has 30k. It's a very stout engine as long as you don't go crazy with mods without upgrading engine internals along the way.

A stage 2 WRX with a rear sway and better tires handles nicely and will put down around 205+ whp. They may not be highly regarded by all, but the WRX certainly has a lot to love and is one of those cars that you'll love despite some of its shortcomings. They also hold their resale quite well as you might have noticed. After 3+ years of ownership I sold traded in my car for over 70% of what I paid. Had I sold it privately I would have done even better.

For your needs to WRX wagon or 9.2X aero would be a great choice. If you can find an '06 WRX wagon at a good price I'd suggest that since they refined the car a bit and put the 2.5 in it while still keeping most of the fun of the earlier models. Still, the '03 model will always be my favorite since the tranny seems a bit stronger yet still has the rawness, better seats (more recent WRX seats are for fat Americans), and the bugeyes. After owning a WRX for over 3 years and now owning a car I like a lot more, I still wouldn't hesistate to suggest a Subaru as a great, rugged, reliable car to even my closest friends.

A lot of morons on this forum that really don't know what they're talking about when it comes to the WRX. While I don't miss my WRX much now that I have an Evo, I still loved that car. Yes, the '02's in particular had some tranny issues, but that's pretty common with an AWD car that has good horsepower. Glass tranny, not really, unless you want to call the Renesis a glass engine. Yes, there were a good amount of problems, but not enough to dismiss the car. I launched mine regularly and as long as you know how to drive an AWD car like the WRX you shouldn't have much to worry about.

The older WRX is unrefined, has a pretty good amount of interior noise, the shifter leaves a little something to be desired, has some understeer, and the brakes are simply "ok". That being said they're still a blast to drive and it's one of those cars that you feel like you can beat the snot out of and it'll just shrug it off and keep running. The statement that the boxers from Subaru "don't last long" is idiotic, especially when the poster passed over the fact that the one you're looking at has 30k. It's a very stout engine as long as you don't go crazy with mods without upgrading engine internals along the way.

A stage 2 WRX with a rear sway and better tires handles nicely and will put down around 205+ whp. They may not be highly regarded by all, but the WRX certainly has a lot to love and is one of those cars that you'll love despite some of its shortcomings. They also hold their resale quite well as you might have noticed. After 3+ years of ownership I sold traded in my car for over 70% of what I paid. Had I sold it privately I would have done even better.

For your needs to WRX wagon or 9.2X aero would be a great choice. If you can find an '06 WRX wagon at a good price I'd suggest that since they refined the car a bit and put the 2.5 in it while still keeping most of the fun of the earlier models. Still, the '03 model will always be my favorite since the tranny seems a bit stronger yet still has the rawness, better seats (more recent WRX seats are for fat Americans), and the bugeyes. After owning a WRX for over 3 years and now owning a car I like a lot more, I still wouldn't hesistate to suggest a Subaru as a great, rugged, reliable car to even my closest friends.

I stopped reading after the 4th word. I have many friends who own WRXs of all generations. They've all said boxers dont last as well as some Surbaru dealers. So congrats to you if you've had success with yours but the "moron" was both uncalled for and unfitting since I base what I say on experience and fact.

My own anecdotal evidence suggests that while older boxer engines have had issues with head gaskets, the newer ones are fine are in stock form.

I stopped reading after the 4th word. I have many friends who own WRXs of all generations. They've all said boxers dont last as well as some Surbaru dealers. So congrats to you if you've had success with yours but the "moron" was both uncalled for and unfitting since I base what I say on experience and fact.

Ok Sparky, and I have friends that have owned rotary powered cars, they never lasted more than 50k miles. It's a fact and I have evidence! :Freak_ani

P.S. I know you read it all and secretly want to make out with me.

funny the few skids of short blocks and trannies for various years of wrx parts is sitting on the floor to be delivered to multiple dealers for VOR's......did i mention I seen them first hand....ike test my first hand knowledge by pm

Thanks for all the comments.

I'm sure you guys know that I'd much rather stay with a sexy RWD sports car like the 8, but my current situation is making it really tough to justify it (I'm lucky I've made it this far). Hell, in a perfect world I'd go ahead a slap a turbo on my 8 and be done with it, but it just ain't happenin'. I'll just hope that some years down the road I can again have another true driver's car like the 8, maybe when the 16x comes out!

With respect to the WRX wagon I'm considering, I don't plan to do any further performance mods, at least for quite a while. Maybe tint, a rear swaybar and some better tires if it's still on the stockers. With only 30k mi. I would like to keep it around for a number of years, even if I get another sports car, just to have a "beater" or utility vehicle. I've known several people that have owned subarus, and they have ALL gone way past 100k mi. with virtually no problems at all (two of which have gone past 200k mi.!) Should I expect something different with the WRX engine? From what I understand, the STi 6 speed bolts right up to earlier WRX models too, so that could be an option, a $6K-$7k option.

I looked up the Saab 9-2X. I found the 9-2X Linear. Is it essentially the same as the WRX wagon? Turbo? Honestly, I've been highly unimpressed with the Saabs I've driven in the past, but the price is pretty good on the ones I saw. Still hesitant to consider a Saab.

What do you all think would be a good price to offer for the car with its age and mileage? $15,500 seems too high, even if he's pricing the mods into it. KBB=$13,230, NADA=$12,500 both for excellent cond. I really need to go drive one to see if I even like the driving experience.

As far as the gains with Stage 2 check out this dyno from Cobb's website. Looks like more than 205whp. 54.5hp gain over stock!?!?:Eyecrazy: If the RX8 and the WRX are about comparable in terms of acceleration in stock form, this is definitely influencing my thought process...(I don't even have to piss my wife off by getting into performance mods)

The wrx is a good choice for what you want. I actually consider one before getting the 8 along with the Rsx. Definitely go with a later model, if you can find one for a good price.

Thanks for all the comments.

I'm sure you guys know that I'd much rather stay with a sexy RWD sports car like the 8, but my current situation is making it really tough to justify it (I'm lucky I've made it this far). Hell, in a perfect world I'd go ahead a slap a turbo on my 8 and be done with it, but it just ain't happenin'. I'll just hope that some years down the road I can again have another true driver's car like the 8, maybe when the 16x comes out!

With respect to the WRX wagon I'm considering, I don't plan to do any further performance mods, at least for quite a while. Maybe tint, a rear swaybar and some better tires if it's still on the stockers. With only 30k mi. I would like to keep it around for a number of years, even if I get another sports car, just to have a "beater" or utility vehicle. I've known several people that have owned subarus, and they have ALL gone way past 100k mi. with virtually no problems at all (two of which have gone past 200k mi.!) Should I expect something different with the WRX engine? From what I understand, the STi 6 speed bolts right up to earlier WRX models too, so that could be an option, a $6K-$7k option.

I looked up the Saab 9-2X. I found the 9-2X Linear. Is it essentially the same as the WRX wagon? Turbo? Honestly, I've been highly unimpressed with the Saabs I've driven in the past, but the price is pretty good on the ones I saw. Still hesitant to consider a Saab.
What do you all think would be a good price to offer for the car with its age and mileage? $15,500 seems too high, even if he's pricing the mods into it. I really need to go drive one to see if I even like the driving experience.

As far as the gains with Stage 2 check out this dyno from Cobb's website. Looks like more than 205whp



Saab 9-2x Linear = Impreza 2.5 Wagon (non turbo)
Saab 9-2x Aero= Impreza WRX Wagon (turbo)

Saab 9-2x is not a Saab in any way except for badging. It is 99% Subaru.
It is literally a WRX Wagon with an STi Steering rack and a stiffer spring/ softer damper combo than a WRX.

Oh, and just a reminder...a big part of my search criteria is to get something that is cheaper than what I have currently. I need utility AND lower monthly expenses if at all possible.

My opinion is the WRX is gay.

How old are you? 13?

Ok Sparky, and I have friends that have owned rotary powered cars, they never lasted more than 50k miles. It's a fact and I have evidence! :Freak_ani

P.S. I know you read it all and secretly want to make out with me.

Sorry to hear about your friends then. My 8s at 60k miles and runs strong :)

Honestly I really stopped reading. It was late anyway.

RX8- Stiff suspension? She will HATE the STI then. As far a fuel economy, the STI is not realy much better than the 8. If any at all. Maybe you should give it up and buy a Camry.

I was looking for a WRX before I purchased the RX8. if you get the 2.0 L you can make good power and get good fuel economy (advantages of a turboed smaller displacment engine).

The ride is WORSE than that of the RX8, the STi is even worse that of a WRX it's actually quite horrible.

Interior sucks, build quality sucks (interior, paint, not mechanical), it doesn't handle very well IMO, it just doesn't feel as agile or as responsive as the RX8 around corners, but they are quick in a straight line.

The 02 transmissions are weaker and I know a few who have destroyed them...the 6 speed from the STI is supposedly indestructable though.

The older boxer engines supposedly leak at higher milage, and the 2.5L blocks have problems with oil pumps. Other than that they are solid cars.

Base WRX and the STI are light years different. I was about an hour away from buying a 05 STI when I just happened to call my insurance agent. Basically it is a little less to insure than a ZO6. That did it for me.

I really believe the WRX' is a real good car,and very practical car to drive too and its good in all weather conditions. You really cant go wrong with it unless you decide to think its a ''REAL RALLY CAR" which i doubt lol~

but did you have any other cars in mind.... if you were gna get a subaru wrx awd....might as well look into 2003 Audi S4... price range is similiar. or a bit more but deifnitley worth the price and the MPG is real decent too.

good luck man.

I owned a 2003 wrx with cobb stage 2 and it was a fun car. The problem with the tranny is that people who buy wrx's think that you can rev to 6,000 and dump the clutch everyday. Stay away from 02's they had some synchro problems, 03 got a slightly different synchro for 2nd. IF you drive one with 35,000 or so and there's no grinding you should be in the clear as long as you drive it with respect. The transmission of any AWD car that is producing good torque is always going to be the weak point. You'll have to drive it with that in mind, shift smooth with good clutch control and avoid any popping or dumping of the clutch. The only people who actually "break" a WRX transmission are abusing the car way beyond what is acceptable. I would launch from around 5,000 rpm every autocross and never had any problems. It just takes a little left foot control and some slippage. Again the only people i have seen break transmissions are those who repeatedly dump or pop the clutch on a daily basis. You have nothing to worry about. I've been a subaru geek for a long time and they're good cars, but the 8 is alot better.

My 03 had 35,000 on it when I bought it, it went through 2 seasons of hard autocrosses, a few track days, and 5 sets of tires. Needless to say I was not easy on it. I sold it with 58,000 miles and never had one problem out of it. The current owner now has 95,000 miles on it and it's still cobb stage 2'd and no problems. WIth cobb stage 2 installed you can expect 22ish mpg and 25ish on the highway.

The only thing wrong with the car is that it's not a true drivers car, its fast and it does the job but you wont have fun doing it. It plows, it rotates only when you don't want it to, and it never builds boost when you want it to. But it doesn't sound like you're buying it to track or autocross so go drive one, see how you like it. My other suggestions would be a Acura TL (surprisingly cheap now) or a toyota matrix XRS, they're actually fun and pull off great MPG. I"d go for the SAABaru the interior is just so much better than the wrx.

My other suggestions would be a Acura TL (surprisingly cheap now) or a toyota matrix XRS, they're actually fun and pull off great MPG.

I think you would be very disappointed in the Matrix XRS. It does have the bigger 2.4L from the Camry in it and a strong after market should be here soon. Not to mention that Toyota will probably offer a supercharger for it which will be covered under warranty. It does not handle well at all. I drove one at VIR. The others were drinking the cool-aid and loved it. But, I guess in the back of my mind I was comparing it to my 8. But with a TRD supercharger, TRD suspension and short throw shifter it might be fun and have a full warranty and zero problems. It is a good looking hatch also.

OK, I am through rambling now.

funny the few skids of short blocks and trannies for various years of wrx parts is sitting on the floor to be delivered to multiple dealers for VOR's......did i mention I seen them first hand....ike test my first hand knowledge by pm


Great... what's your point? Your first post in this thread was nothing more than spouting the same kind of nonsense that people spread about the RX-8 on other forums. Yes, the early model had some tranny issues, but saying they're made of glass is just like saying the Renesis is made of glass.

Sorry to hear about your friends then. My 8s at 60k miles and runs strong :)

Honestly I really stopped reading. It was late anyway.

How about spooning, do you want to spoon? Check out the size of my post count:cuddle:

RX8- Stiff suspension? She will HATE the STI then. As far a fuel economy, the STI is not realy much better than the 8. If any at all. Maybe you should give it up and buy a Camry.

With the RB suspension upgrades (linear rate springs) the ride is pretty firm.

BTW, I'm not considering the STi. Too much $$.

I owned a 2003 wrx with cobb stage 2 and it was a fun car. The problem with the tranny is that people who buy wrx's think that you can rev to 6,000 and dump the clutch everyday. Stay away from 02's they had some synchro problems, 03 got a slightly different synchro for 2nd. IF you drive one with 35,000 or so and there's no grinding you should be in the clear as long as you drive it with respect. The transmission of any AWD car that is producing good torque is always going to be the weak point. You'll have to drive it with that in mind, shift smooth with good clutch control and avoid any popping or dumping of the clutch. The only people who actually "break" a WRX transmission are abusing the car way beyond what is acceptable. I would launch from around 5,000 rpm every autocross and never had any problems. It just takes a little left foot control and some slippage. Again the only people i have seen break transmissions are those who repeatedly dump or pop the clutch on a daily basis. You have nothing to worry about. I've been a subaru geek for a long time and they're good cars, but the 8 is alot better.

My 03 had 35,000 on it when I bought it, it went through 2 seasons of hard autocrosses, a few track days, and 5 sets of tires. Needless to say I was not easy on it. I sold it with 58,000 miles and never had one problem out of it. The current owner now has 95,000 miles on it and it's still cobb stage 2'd and no problems. WIth cobb stage 2 installed you can expect 22ish mpg and 25ish on the highway.

The only thing wrong with the car is that it's not a true drivers car, its fast and it does the job but you wont have fun doing it. It plows, it rotates only when you don't want it to, and it never builds boost when you want it to. But it doesn't sound like you're buying it to track or autocross so go drive one, see how you like it. My other suggestions would be a Acura TL (surprisingly cheap now) or a toyota matrix XRS, they're actually fun and pull off great MPG. I"d go for the SAABaru the interior is just so much better than the wrx.

Great post, thank you.

I have always driven my manual transmission cars very smooth and easy, and NEVER dump the clutch. "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast"...I think that's how it goes?

I am fully aware that my next car will not have the driver feedback and engaging driving experience I have now with the 8. Sad, but true.

Since I got my 8 I've always wanted to get in on a track or at least autocross, and I never got around to it:( (big regret), so at this point I seriously doubt my next car will ever see a track.

Do the back seats in the sedans not fold down? Not even 40/60? If not, I doubt the cargo area in the sedan model would be any better than the 8. Cymbal stands and whatnot could be an issue.

Believe it or not, I can just barely fit my entire drum kit into my 8. It's not fun, but its possible.

The wrx's just seem very over valued. everything about them just seems cheap/ semi poor quality. I've been looking into getting one for a rally beater to add to the collection, but it just does not seem worth it.

So is it true that clean low mileage WRX's have a premium? This guy is only willing to go down to $15k with mods, or $14.5k without accessport and catback.

KBB is $13,230 and NADA is $12,500!!!WTF

Meanwhile, I just listed my 8 for just over $1000 below KBB and NADA with everything except my AFE SS and RP Supercat ($16,250)!:banghead:

if you are interested with the 92x, head over to saab92x.com. Lots of resources there. IMHO it is the best Impreza (GD-series) version. Looks great.... none of the quirky bugeye, blobeye and Botox eye treatment. Just a classy Saab front-end.

Friend has an 06 sedan* and IMO thats the best year. Clearly you can value different comments in this thread and know some are worth more than others...

Lovin' the rotty btw, is it yours?

If you're going to have a 4 cylinder, at least the Subarus sound good. I have no experience with the WRX, but I do think they have a pleasant burble to the exhaust.

Friend has an 06 sedan* and IMO thats the best year. Clearly you can value different comments in this thread and know some are worth more than others...

Lovin' the rotty btw, is it yours?

Yep, that's my boy Miles. One of the biggest reasons why I'm contemplating a change from my 8. He deserves to go hiking and swimming more than I'm able to do with just one dog-friendly car between me and my wife

IcarusX8, what would be your definition of a durable engine? Can you name a few? Also, what would be your definition of a frail engine? Can you name a few apart from the Subaru boxer that you mentioned?

Hey, why didn't you tell your friends they were making a mistake buying all those WRXs of all generations? Are you a nice friend?

So is it true that clean low mileage WRX's have a premium? This guy is only willing to go down to $15k with mods, or $14.5k without accessport and catback.

KBB is $13,230 and NADA is $12,500!!!WTF

Meanwhile, I just listed my 8 for just over $1000 below KBB and NADA with everything except my AFE SS and RP Supercat ($16,250)!:banghead:

Hold out for another one, the guy thinks his car is worth more than it really is. At the same time I did get above KBB when I traded in my car. The dealership sold it and made good money on it within a couple weeks.

I just realized you're from blacksburg man, I live in roanoke. NO there is no premium for WRX's in our area, trust me I tried to sell mine for 6 months when the book value was 16,000. I was asking 15,500 and ended up only geting 13,500 for it! So tell the guy good luck because southwest virginia is not the place to get premiums for cars.

I'm actually shopping for an RX-8 as we speak but black's not really the color for me.... I might come look at it some time though.

^ yeah, I thought that was bs. It is a common-place car afterall, we're not talking about a low mileage FD or something.

Black is the best color for sure! If you want to see some pictures look at autotrader, or I can email you. Give me a shout if you want to test drive it. It's a blast to drive with the setup I have.