At last I have funds for a new car for myself. I'm attracted to the WRX wagon though I may test drive 3-4 different soobs. The confused thoughts I need to work around are; '05 or '06 and stick or auto.

If there is a 'sport shift' option on the auto I think I'd be happy with that. I mostly just need a daily driver (though I 'dream' of rallyx or performance driving school, probably just not gonna happen) that's fun. My 2 most favorite cars I ever owned were both small and light. '69 Datsun 2000 (srl 311) and a '81 Civic wagon. Both stick. I'm not a great stick driver. Not horrible, just not 'pro'.

The driving I do now is almost all surface streets.(I have '96 Dodge Avenger) I'd like to have a 1 1/4" hitch put on (which ones interfere with performance mufflers? diff armor?) for a bike rack - but the capability of a rare tow of a small trailer would be nice. And an auto means it's easier for my wife to use the car on occasion or loan to a kid in an emergency.

Just wondering if Subaru has a sport shift auto (in the Baja?) and what it's like. Any more news on features/performance of the '06 WRXes?

 

Carl

Carl,

 

I believe there is a sport shift on the autos. However I can't really say how they are.

 

I'd recommend just goin and test drive the different models.

 

You're in the Dallas area right? Give Subaru of Dallas a try. Talk to Kevin Heist. He's one of the guys on the texas subaru boards on nasioc. Tell him I told you to see him. He "should" be able to work with you to get a pretty good price.

Carl,

 

I believe there is a sport shift on the autos. However I can't really say how they are.

 

I'd recommend just goin and test drive the different models.

 

You're in the Dallas area right? Give Subaru of Dallas a try. Talk to Kevin Heist. He's one of the guys on the texas subaru boards on nasioc. Tell him I told you to see him. He "should" be able to work with you to get a pretty good price.

 

I remember seeing Kevin post occasionally. Naturally I'd like to have a dealer closer - but Teape is a startup, at least we have a replacement for the Automall.

 

Carl

The Sportshift has been developed in co-operation with Prodrive, the English company that builds the WRC cars. It should be good ;-)

 

However, be wary that not all models have this as standard!

I drove an 02 Legacy GT with sport shift- god that was fun. The best part- no clutch, no worries about misshifting or killing the car/overreving it...that car made me drool.