I'm new to this forum and new to Subarus. I plan on buying a WRX Wagon soon, like very soon. I've found a couple that I like, and I'm going to test drive them this weekend. The only differences I know of between the two are the years. Can anybody tell me the differences between the 04 and 05 models?

 

Off the bat in favor of my05:

1. Steering rack on my05 is better (so I have been told)

2. Steering wheel different (slight design change)

3. Single tip exhaust rather than twin tip.

4. Different wheels.


I'm sure there is more; good luck with your decision.

 

Thanks Subabu,
so they're pretty much the same car mechanically, its the aesthetics that are different. Right now I'm kinda in favor of the 05, the only thing I don't like is the color which really isn't that big of a deal. Has anyone driven an 04 vs an 05?

 

I have. They pretty much feel the same. I think the steering rack is the only major difference; the fuel maps might be a bit different too, but besides that they are pretty much the same.

 

There's other aesthetic changes -

Interior is different on the '05. Different seats, auto climate control, different steering wheel, the center console is different (An 04 armrest extension won't fit right on an 05 console), carpeting in the hatch is black instead of gray, different rear wiper, single tip exhaust (vs dual tip on the 04).

Other than that, they're pretty much the same. IMO, the auto climate control alone is worth getting the '05 over the '04.

 

Dont forget the 04 comes with the 2.0L and the 05 comes with the 2.5L? i think... wait or was that the 06?

 

06 is the 2.5

 

Thanks for the input guys. I ended up get'n an 06 today at Santa Cruz Subaru. Couldn't be happier.