Rog::Ran::Dom: Car Shopping

Car Shopping · Mar 29, 02:31 PM

I’m browsing around for a new car. I’m basically looking for a small wagon with all wheel drive and some healthy power. On the top of my list is the Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon, but there are only 7 or so in all of New England for sale and I was having the hardest time finding one to test drive. Somewhat similar is a Audi A4 Avant 1.8T. Those don’t quite have as much power stock but they can be chipped up to 200-220hp or so, about the same as the WRX. The only problem I have with the Audi’s are that there’s so much crap in there that I don’t care about but have to pay for (this from a guy who only buys Macs). Stuff like dual climate zones, heated seats, Bose stereo (yuck!), and Triptronic transmission (well that is kinda cool). But hey, it meets all my other requirements.

But, this past Sunday we were on a kimchi run to Albany when I thought I’d take the scenic route and go through Granville, NY and drove by where my dad used to play softball, when lo and behold there’s a blue 2002 WRX Wagon for sale right there. It has more miles on it than the car I’m getting rid of, so I’m not buying this one, but I have to at least take it for a test drive. Oh boy! These things haul. They’re pretty stout under 2500rpm anyways. I think the Impreza RS has a slight advantage there, but over 2500rpm… wow. That thing blows away any Mustang GT I’ve ever driven. It has gobs of power and it just sticks to the ground. I’ve made up my mind now. The WRX it is.

Update: I found another bug-eyed “World Rally” blue WRX Wagon. Taking delivery on Friday. (yay!)