7.9 0-60, 16 sec 1/4 mile). not bad for a 3000lb car with 173 hp not too many front wheel drive cars pull 7.9 0-60 or less.

 

Right, besides the cobolt ss, srt-4 civic si, vw gti, sentra spec-v, mazda 3, saturn ion redline, ford focus, and numerous other fwd cars in the 2.5's price range, not too many fwd's pull under 7.9

 

Ahem, isn't the GTI turbo ? Don't think that is much of a fair comparison.

Ah, I think the bottom line here is to test drive, test drive, test drive. The buyer should be able to decide what s/he wants to buy.

-scoon

 

I have a 2.5i, and I don't regret it. Even without the power of a WRX, the car is still fun to drive. I don't plan on doing much modification, but there is stuff out there if you look for it.

On top of that, gasoline and insurance prices will give you a little more money each month to play with. I had a MY02 R.S before and my insurance actually went down with the '06.

 

I just recently bought an 06 2.5i and i love it. From all the cars I had to choose from under 20k, the 2.5i suited me just fine. Sure the WRX TR is great, test drove it myself, but saving money can be hard. I was lucky my parents bought it for me as a grad gift. But comparing to other vehicles like the sentra, civic si, srt-4, etc., i don't think anything compares to the impreza, even if its just a 2.5i with 173hp. Its got good gas mileage, runs on 87, and its AWD. The whole purpose of getting into a subaru is the fun of AWD. I know the WRX is a great car, i wanted it too, but really, anything is possible with the car. We all gotta start from somewhere. Although it would be cool to be spoiled with 230hp with the wrx. My bro owns a 2002 Sentra SE-R and he's got quite a few mods to push his car with about 150whp. And honestly, my car is funner to drive... bone stock. My parents took out a lease so i still have the option to trade it in for a WRX after my lease is done. plus my monthly is cheap which can give room to save up for a wrx. You just have to look at what the subaru has to offer over the other class in its class as in price, drivetrain, and power.

~Lovin' my 06 Impreza~

 

You mention that there is a $6k price difference and you "don't have that right now." It sounds like you really want the WRX, and if that's the case, you're not going to be happy with a 2.5i. If you're not desperate to get a new car, wait. If you can't wait, I would most definitely pick up a 2.5i.

The 2.5i is obviously cheaper than the other models, but you still get an excellent package for the money. You will have a very fun, and affordable car. In fact, if you plan to Auto-X or participate in Solo events, the 2.5i is probably the best because there is no turbo lag.

With a 2.5i I wouldn't throw a whole lot of money into going fast because it'll be pretty expensive. I'd recommend an exhaust, cold air intake, and an ecu tune. I think I'd stop there. Where I would throw my money towards are suspension parts and brakes. With upgraded suspension/braking systems your car will actually be more rewarding than with a few minor go-fast goodies on it.

 

whats the difference in monthly payments for another $6k? 25-35 dollars for every thousand financed give or take a little. $150-210. i'm sure that a few less trips to mcdonalds and the coffee shop and not going on a spending spree at wal-mart will give you the extra $$ each month for the payment.

 

For every $1000 it's about $20-$25 per month. Figure about $120 per month.

 

got our 2.5i Wagon for $18,800 OTD just FYI!

 

Well i am new too, but i have an 04 Sti. I dont really like the fronts of the new 06 b.c they remind me too much of an Evo. (Are stock pistons forged??)

 

only on the sti