By the time your ready to buy they should be much less than 25k. I wouldnt pay the 400 for the turboguage either. You can do yourself for much less. Anyways, just look through the posts on this board and in a few weeks youll be much more informed about these cars. Everyone here is really helpful and enjoy helping out their fellow subie owners.

 

The turbo spools up in the exact same fashion as the '02 and '03 MY WRX. I've driven an '02 and I have an '04 (w/ a boost gauge). They both put out full boost at around 3500 RPM. There is basically no boost at 2500 RPM. Good luck on your purchase. You won't regret it if you get the WRX.

 

you should be able to get 2004 for 23,000 + tax and lic. currently

 

Ok, let me try to answer some of these questions. The turbo does have to spool up. There isnt ever going to be a turbo that doesnt have some sort of a spool up time. Your supercharger works off of a belt. OUr turbos work off exhaust gasses. The more rpms the more exhaust gas. They are small and newer turbos spool quickly, so by 3500 your making full boost. 2500 rpms is when the boost onset starts. Options for the sunroof are in the 04, ive got one. There were never sunroofs until this year, so your dealer either was lying or has no idea what hes talking about. Imo the premium package, the sunroof package, is only worth it in cold weather climates. This is because it comes with the sunroof and spoiler, but also heated seats, mirrors and a windshieldwiper de-icer.

 

If yoi search hard enough, you will find a dealer willing to deal.

I paid 23,700 for my 04 wagon. That's with short shifter, boost gauge, cargo cover, bumper gaurd, and security upgrade....