Anyone driven the '06 WRX 2.5L ?

[black2kmax]

Hey guys I am new to the forum and just wanted to chime in with my .02 worth. I currently have a 2000 Maxima and have a serious bug to get a new car. I originally looked at the WRX STI and the EVO MR. Both of them are absolute blast to drive but I really think I would get tired of them well before the car was paid off. I have had 5 Mustangs in the past and decided to drive one. First I drove a brand new 2005 WRX SW with the 2.0 and 5-speed. The car really is so ugly you have to like it. Kind of like the pugg my parents have. Anyway the WRX was cool but not really much quicker, if any, then my Maxima. I do have an Injen CAI and some suspension work but nothing serious. I really hated the lag with the subie. I am a big fan of power on demand which is why the Maxima feels comparable in power to the WRX. I know they can be made to go fast but you have to beat on them pretty hard to extract and decent times. Well I left the subie dealer and climbed into a new 06 Mustang with a 5-speed. One trip through the first three gears and I was hooked. I remember now why I love my 5.0's (87 GT, 90 GT, 93 LX 5.0)so much. But now the car is much more complete. So right now I am leaning toward the Mustang. Cheaper to insure, 87 octane gas, cheap to mod, good looking, and man do they sound great. As a bonus my wife loves the look of the stang and hates the other (WRX, Civic SI, VW GTI, GTO, and EVO) cars that I have shown her. She does like the G35 coupe but it is too much like a RWD version of my Maxima. We have a 4Runner for the family (2 boys and a dog) and I want the next car for me.

Now should I buy an 06 or wait and see what is coming down the line in the next year? You know some type of limited edition must be in the works. I have seen the GT/CS and it does not do much for me. Big markup with no extra power. I would like an extra 50hp if I am shelling out more money.

Sorry I rambled on but I have been thinking about this for a long time. Barring any major changes I predict another Mustang in my garage.

 

[Redeemedsoul]

Just an experience about 2 years ago I was given the choice between a 2005 Mustang GT and a 2005 WRX.. My choice was obvious living in NJ i wanted to be able to drive safely in all conditions...

The fact that the car has a big wing and a huge hood scoop does make it less appealing, but the looks will grow on you.. Depending on which forum u are on (mustang=stangnet... subaru=nasioc) you will get many biased opinions.. Congrats on your new 06 ...

My $0.02

 

[ttbit]

I decided on the GT. I have always been a big Mustang guy, so I ordered one a couple of weeks ago. My dealer called me today to tell me they expect it before the end of the month.

I am going to sell my '95 GT and am looking for an older Subaru as a backup car for my wife and me.

I took my time deciding as even though I am 37, this is the first time I have decided to blow money on a NEW car.

 

[Spdfreak]

Trust me, you're not blowing your money away.

 

[ttbit]

Trust me, you're not blowing your money away.

I hope your right!

 

[Redeemedsoul]

ttbit any update on how the 06 GT is?
-Soul

 

[ttbit]

ttbit any update on how the 06 GT is?
-Soul

Thanks for asking. I don't regret my decision. It is a better long-haul cruiser than I thought it would be. I had to take a trip to MI (550 miles) and only stopped for gas and a snack. I didn't get tired or sore at all. Overall a very nice car.

What I don't like is the understeer though. It takes a lot to get it to "hang-out" which was by design. I haven't done anything with sway bars or springs yet though, which I am sure would really help.

The wheel hop is another complaint. After trying some LCAs, the car just started to make noises and I still had the hop. I put in a Steeda upper link and it got rid of almost all the hop on the street. Still got some hop when I took it to the the local 1/8 mile track. Ran a 9.0. I picked the wrong lane my last run where I think I could have gotten in the 8's. Ran stock tire pressure and all, just the Steeda 3rd link as I had re-installed the stock LCAs.

The aftermarket is there for these things but the rest of the ride is so nice, I haven't had the balls to try and better it yet. I did end up selling my '95 and do miss the handling, but the '06 is a better all-around car and very comfortable. I am averaging about 20 mpg city/hwy with 87 octane also.