Hi everyone!

I am currenlty wondering about purchasing a WRX Wagon Automatic.

I have a few questions about them that maybe you could help me out with.

1. I have been reading the problems people have had with their paint, is it that serious?

2. Also, there hasbeen problems with the manual transmission, does anyone know if the automatic is a problem also/

3. I am 6'4". I am not real skinny or really big, I was wondering how much room there is in the drivers seat for leg/hip/shoulder room? I have the specs from online here, but that really does not tell me. I am in a cast for 12 weeks after ankle surgery, so I can not go out and sit in one. :( I jsut want to get some ideas what this beast has to offer for room for a tall person with long legs.

Also, if anyone can post about their rants/raves about the car, it would help me out a lot. I want something that I can put a lot of miles on and the body will hold up. I live in MI and dirt/salt is everywhere.

Thank you. :)

Hey- Welcome!

I am about to own a Sube, most probably the wrx wagon also. I learned stick just for this car, my first manual. As a side note to your questions, the manual is HIGHLY recommended over the automatic for this car. For one, you get way more control over your acceleration and the turbo lag. Second, Sube automatics are notoriously hesitant to downshift; this further magnifies the first point. Once you get it opened up, you're off like a rocket. But around town, there is noticeable lag and hesitation. I have test-driven both numerous times.
On to your questions:
1) The paint seems to be real thin. Most people have noticed a lot of chips and dings the first few months of ownership. It does seem to be ok for the long-haul, though.

2) Don't know much about problems with the automatic. The tranny in general is an old design that seems to be at its limits for power handling. Tuners who increase the HP greatly and race seem to be the most problematic. Kept stock with sane driving, the concensus is you're ok.

3) Go get in one ASAP! I am 6'1'', and I feel like I JUST fit. The cabin is a bit narrow for shoulder room, but it's ok cuz those seats hug you in. As for legroom, well, more than once I've tried to force the seat to go back another notch, frustrated to realize it's already all the way back! One more notch, Subaru, pleeeze....

A lot of people will rave about this car. A few will rant about the weakish tranny, the not so great shifter and clutch, crap paint and tall gear ratios. But there is a thriving aftermarket to upgrade parts, and once you get it just right, you're in heaven! Hopefully in a couple weeks I'll be experiencing it myself!

Good luck! =)

While I don't have my owners manual on me (dam work) I remember reading that the Auto can overheat very quickly under "agressive driving". Well, isn't "aggressive driving" the reason for buying the WRX over the 2.5? I would shy away from the auto if you plan on drving the car the way a WRX should be driven.

mmm really like my 04 wrx wagon, with stick of course!

Trans cooler available?

There is a transmission oil cooler available for the car, and most generic coolers can be adapted to iot easily as well. However, I have heard very little in the way of problems with the 4EAT (other than the fact it's a slushbox, and those suck by definition :p) so overheating due to "spirited driving" shouldn't be a problem.