I believe I am going to get myself into an '06 WRX. I want a white wagon. I know a couple of you have '06s or might something about them. I was just wondering if there is any major pros/cons about the '06s. Also, is the 2.5 block an actual STi block, or are there differences? Also, how is the relative strength of the tranny (I used to own an '02 thats why im asking)? Any help and info would be awesome! -John
i love first and second gear. 7000 miles on my tranny and this is my first manual, its doing fine. I don't think there's anything wrong with it yet. Damn, i remember reading something that showed all the differences of the STi 2.5L and the WRX one on nasioc but i cant seem to find it anymore. I'm sure someone on here will know though.
I drove one at SoG this afternoon and the chassis feels so much more solid than my 02, kinda similar to my moms 05 LGT. Shifter feels awesome too considering its factory.
Not to be a traitor but if you want a wagon I would go with the Saabaru. They have a 5000$ rebate going on for the next week or two. When we bought my wife her 05 92x she got more car for less $$.Also heated everything and better warranty.As afr as I know the motors are not the same. But they are sweet. The only thing I miss about my 04 wrx is the top end rush.But the 06 is far better across the board.
had mine for over a year now with vf39 and meth inj. no problems here. only part that i can see as weak on the 06's is the tranny. but thats with every wrx. also i think the diffence between 06 wrx and sti engine's is the heads and pistons.
Gotcha, is the 06 tranny stonger compared to the 02/03s?? I was hoping the engine would have the same pistons as the STi
dooby does have a point, have you given any consideration to the saabaru? They're a bit more schnazzy on the inside and provide a nice enjoyable ride stock.
found this info on nasioc if anyone cares. so some differances on the 06 wrx WRX....Description...........Part Number Block set.........................11008930 Cylinder Head L.................11063AB250 Cylinder Head R.................11039AB820 Piston Set........................12006AD210 Piston Ring Set..................12033AB340 Rod Assembly....................12100AA180 Crankshaft........................12200AA330 Exhaust Valve....................13202AA570 Intake Valve......................13201AA371 STi.....Description.............Part Number Block set.........................11008930 Cylinder Head L................11063AB330 Cylinder Head R................11039AB910 Piston Set........................12006AC390 Piston Ring Set..................12033AB340 Rod Assembly....................12100AA180 Crankshaft........................12200AA330 Exhaust Valve....................13202AA570 Intake Valve......................13201AA371
i think what makes the tranny stronger is the final drive 4.44 . i guess it puts less stress on the tranny from what i hear. also people with 20g on there 06's are running them alright. heard about one guy with 20g snapped his 3rd gear with a 20g but he admitted he was rough on the tranny. i also read that the Puetro Rican guys have an 06 wagon with a green on it and ran 11.5 with stock tranny.
Thought about a used Sti? You could proly grab an 04 for about the same price as a new WRX...just a thought.
Saabaru is an interesting thought... Yeah thought about an STi too, but I dont want another used car. And again, I kinda want a change from a sedan. Thanks for the engine and tranny info guys!
A change from the sedan or a change from a WRX sedan??? Trust me, the STi is a BIG change over the WRX. My 2c.
Alot of sedan owners wish they got a wagon... but I've not come across a wagon owner that wish they got a sedan... Wagons are great. I can't count how many times I've been glad I had a wagon when I bought too much at home depot...
Amen. I too have never heard a wagon owner go back on their decision. Plus, from behind they look super inconspicuous.
I had a bugeye sedan that I bought stock and built all the way up. And yes, the STi is a big change, a $10k big change that is way outta my price range. Trust me, if I had the money there would be an 06 STi in my driveway, no doubt about it.
Right, thats to change the compression to 8.4:1 instead of the 8.2:1 of the STI. Nope. 06 WRX has 3.70 gears front and rear. It also has a 1:1 center diff now instead of the 1.1:1 of the 02-05. I have an 06 and I like it more than the 04 I had in a few areas. It does seem to handle better and behave better stock for stock. The torque down low is nice and the gears in the tranny are not as spread out. They also make monster torque with minor mods. Edit: I found the thread with most of the major changes for 06. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=783007&highlight=2006+wrx
The motor is the same, the car is mechanically IDENTICAL except I don't think it comes with the 4 pots (you might check into that). The problem would be finding a manual Saabaru. They compeletely stopped production several months ago, so as far as the inventory that is out there now, what you see is what you get.
For 2006 all WRX's got the upgraded brakes, steering, engine, better transmission package and 17 inch wheels. The TR's don't have the STi type seats or STi side-skirts and color matched mirrors but the 2.5 is so much better for torque that you'd be better off with a totally stripped TR than a fully equipped 05 or below, IMO. If all this was covered already then my bad. I dont' have time to read the whole thing, but I definitely love my 06. To me it's better than an 05 or below STi and it definitely makes more torque than a stock STi. (because of the SS tune)
I couldn't be happier with my 06 wrx. Honestly I can see myself keeping this car for a very very long time. Once I get to the point where I can afford another car+insurance it will definately become my tinker toy.
Oh yeah. Silver wagons are the way to go. Enjoy your new car. Edit: Sorry, didn't realize you already bought one in white. Nice choice. The wagons do look good in white.