I just bought a used 02 wagon at a really good price. I love it so far, but does anyone have any opinions on the automatic trans? Is it weak, or jerky? etc. etc...

 

Hi and welcome to I-Club. I also own an auto myself (05). From what iv'e read the impreza auto is alot stronger than the manual. Just dont neutral drop, downshift to 1st on the freeway and you be alright lol. As far as it being "jerky" i really only notice not being able to get the power there when i want it, best thing to do is dont floor it from a takeoff. On a side note best launch for auto from a complete stop... while pressing the brake put in in neutral rev it to about 4k and you will notice the brake giving you more to press in, put it back in drive while still pressing the brake in press the gas along w/ it. when ready just release the brake and you get a dam nice takeoff (aka Torque braking)

 

Welcome to i-Club.
You shouldn't have a problem with a automatic transmission.
If you change your internal and external transmission filter
and change your transmission fluid every 30K miles your automatic
transmission should last a long time to come.The only thing is that
a automatic car will burn more gas than a manual car.