Subaru WRX Estate/Hatchback

[fido]

I'm thinking of replacing my Honda CR-V with a 5dr Subaru (non-STI). It will be used as a runabout, carrying stuff etc.) so rather stick to Jap stuff - but aside from the fuel economy (heard it's high 20s rather than low 30s I get from my 2.0 petrol CR-V) - are there any issues with the WRX model? I ask because they look great value and are reasonably brisk .. the CR-V can be testing at times when your previous cars were hot hatchbacks, turbos and [old] Porsches.
All comments (funny or otherwise) welcome!

[fido]

I'm looking around 10k - which should cover both the new shape 2.5 and older wagon 2.5.
Reliability is very important (so newer in that respects is better) and I don't want a car that will attract attention (from idiots).
Fuel economy - well I was thinking of getting a V8 4x4 - so obviously not a worry unless it's getting 20mpg .. but it would be nice to get >35 on a long run.
Driveability - gotten used to big lazy engines (VAG VR6) so the 2.5 will probably suit me better than a 2.0 - had a look at the diesel but it looks as slow as the CR-V.

Edited by fido on Sunday 1st March 09:41

[fido]

Update. I went for a 5 speed '06 wagon - picking it up tomorrow. Quite excited - given that I'm not really into cars these days. I nearly bought one before but ended up with an Audi - so this should be interesting.

[fido]

Mr Taxpayer said:

it'll be interesting, all right! Enjoy :-)))

I have the car and it appears to be a minter (complete main dealer history, low mileage, full leather interior - latter makes up for the drab Subaru interior). So much car for 6 grand! I decided to cut through some A-roads instead of the usual M25 route. The engine is smooth and torquey - which suits the 5 speed box. Haven't done enough miles to work out how much petrol it drinks, but it's quite easy to drive around in a higher gear. Things I don't like so far - the boot is smaller than expected, and the remote fob has a single button which you need to press before starting the engine .. minor points considering the later 5dr (IMO) looks quite fugly compared to the wagon.

[fido]

With the depressing backdrop of SW London.





Still haven't got used to the key button thing - though i'm pretty sure the embarrassment of setting off the alarm will assist my learning! Love the car - can see why the 270PS version is tempting (especially following a Porsche this morning) but it's fast enough for my needs.

Edited by fido on Saturday 21st March 16:09