can't ask for a more reliable awd car. but then again you probably already knew that.
what you didn't know is (at least consciously) is that the REAL reason you created this thread was to be convinced that you should get a stick instead. How do I know this? The "I know, start the flaming" line says it all. The reason auto WRX sales account for a mere 12% of all wrx sales (and most of those are the wagon variety) is because most of the people who are interested in a sweet car like that aren't interested in a neutered version. Sort of defeats the purpose of having the car.
Granted, there are plenty of fast automatic cars out there. Many of them only come in auto! (I'm thinking about the various dodge muscle cars out there) Not only are those cars nowhere near as fun to drive as the WRX (since their handling sucks) but, because they're not turbo, the fact that they're auto doesn't have nearly the same type of effect on the overall performance.
Look man... I know I sound like I'm being a dick. and.. you know, I probably am. But, at the same time, I was literally in your shoes 3 years ago. well... ok, not literally! but you get the point. A friend of mine basically said the same crap I'm saying to you and I've owed him ever since. Teaching the wife stick was a piece of cake. I had to rent a truck from home depot one weekend so, when they told me the only truck they had left was a stick, I jumped at the opportunity. She learned it quicker than I thought...
Her knowing how to drive it is truly a win/win. i don't have have to worry about getting too drunk at a wedding and my car is fun to drive. As I said, a friend of mine has an auto wrx so I'm very familar with those cars. The turbo on the wrx spools up a lot slower than the msp so having the auto absolutely kills the fun. his car is barely ever in the power band and there isnt' a day that goes by in which he's not complaining about it.
All I'm saying is... think twice. either way... you'll have an awd car that's as reliable as they come. good luck.
