There is no reason to purchase one over a wrx of that era unless you want asked dumb question or need heated seats. I have no complaints about mine though, it currently has 145k miles and has never had any maintenance aside from oil changes and brakes until now. I see 27mpg somehow with a 60 mile daily commute. They have the commen fuel leak in the winter when temps are under 28-30* from the little rubber 90* hose that doesn't seal. Subaru wouldn't issue the recall to the Saab 92x aero like they did on the wrx iirc, so watch out for that. I also have had a recall for the front control arms and just recieved another one for airbags. Also, take a look at the rear brake lines where they bolt to the brass block as that's the only spot Subaru didn't coat the lines and that's where they rust. The OE lines and the labor for install is unreal bc the rear subframe, fuel tank, dash board are supposed to be pulled. I'd personally go for the wrx and save the money in purchasing price.