New to car buying - WRX

I'm currently in the market for a WRX, I just graduated college and would like to get a nice, fun car for the winters up here in Wisconsin and set my mind to the WRX.
My issue is going to be student loans when they come up so I really don't want to deal with insurance/payments on a 07/08 so I'm looking to buy used. My problem is I'm noticing the resale on the cars don't really drop until 3-4 years after they come out. I'm looking at a 04' limited WRX w/ 28k miles for $18.5k. On the other hand you can buy a brand new WRX TR for $23k off the lot. The features would be nice on the '04 though.
Sorry for the short novel, I'm more or less curious if it would be a wise decision to go with the '04 which keeps my insurance down and is fully loaded instead of going with off the lot w/ the warranty.
Any input would be great! Thanks
Jake
My issue is going to be student loans when they come up so I really don't want to deal with insurance/payments on a 07/08 so I'm looking to buy used. My problem is I'm noticing the resale on the cars don't really drop until 3-4 years after they come out. I'm looking at a 04' limited WRX w/ 28k miles for $18.5k. On the other hand you can buy a brand new WRX TR for $23k off the lot. The features would be nice on the '04 though.
Sorry for the short novel, I'm more or less curious if it would be a wise decision to go with the '04 which keeps my insurance down and is fully loaded instead of going with off the lot w/ the warranty.
Any input would be great! Thanks

Jake
0
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Comments
The WRX TR (or any '06/'07 WRX) has a much more flexable and driver-friendly engine, as it's a 2.5L. The '04 has a 2.0, and there's much more turbo lag with that engine.
Bob
Is the 2.5 a lot faster car or just have a bit more torque? I apologize about the 'Limited' comment, I meant it has all premium options for that year and is flawless, still smells new.
I'm just trying to determine if it's justified for 18.5k and for me to stay within budget or go over budget by a bit and buy new (100-200 dollars more for financing a month for buying new). I don't want to kick myself a year down the road for going one way or the other. Maybe some of you experienced car buyers could point me in the right direction.
Jake
I would recommend that you drive both a 2.0 WRX and a 2.5 WRX, and then decide. Maybe the turbo lag won't be much of an issue. Having said that I think most people who have driven both prefer the larger engine.
Also, I know with earlier WRXs there have been some brake issues. Under certain conditions some drivers have reported losing their brakes for an instant. SoA has never been able to find the problem, but it has been reported by a number of owners. That's not an issue with '06/'07 models. This link may help.
http://www.cars101.com/recalls.html
Bob
I'm torn between buying a '04 for 18.5k where I sacrifice added mileage or getting an '06 TR for 3.5k more with way less mileage but stripped features (aside from the engine + upgraded looks).
I can't spend over 23k when it's said and done (after tax title and license) so I've got some thinking to do and looking for any guidance I can get. Thanks for that link.
Jake
If 23k is your limit you can definitely get an 07 WRX for that price. I have been shopping around and have finally made a decision to purchase an 07 sport wagon and i am only paying 19k. The car has 3 miles on it. Search around and be aware about buying a used WRX, people tend to beat on them. If you were to purchase new, you know where it has been.
Buying a car with even 4k miles on it makes me a little ancy, thats the break in period and if someone didn't take care of it that could cost me a lot down the road. Also, the idea of spending 22k on a car w/ 'no features' is a hard pill to swallow for me.
Guess I'm torn. Maybe I'll go back and start looking at some 04's for 18k?
-mike
Jake