Hey man, I know that car.

I used to have an 02 Blue WRX as well. I autocrossed at Ft. Myers and ER events for a while, and did a few speedtrials. I just recently traded in my WRX (stripped it first) and bought a Z. Had the Z for about 3 weeks now, and it's almost broken in. So I can give you a little insight:

1. Resale value on the WRX is actually pretty good. I got "good" book for my car (15,500)

2. They will come off MSRP for the Z's. I got mine for a bit over invoice.

Now, I had a JIC coilover setup on the WRX, I autocrossed it REGULARLY and was very fast in it (didn't I run against you once??). Still, no matter how fast the WRX would be on an autocross course, it was still relatively boring. No feedback, steering was numb, didn't really feel sporty. It was just a box that just so happened to handle well. Enter the Z. This thing feels like my old RX-7 in terms of agility, steering and brake feel, and even grip. Granted, I can't push it that hard shifting at 4k

Moral of the story, do it and don't look back. May take you a while to get the Z as competitive in AutoX, street racing, etc..., but it is a better car and you will feel that every time you drive it

Hope this helps,

Jay
Aim: TractionCircle

 

congrats on considering the Z - you will enjoy every minute of it....
do you have any dealerships in mind here in Miami?
i could recommend esserman - a couple of the service guys there have Z's and it is truly a pleasure to bring mine there for misc. things.. no hassles...

 

Welcome to the CLUB.................Z-Club!!!!!

 

I still want to see the new "ugly" pics of your wrx. Those things are gross stock. I really do like the headlamps you insttalled, looks 1000 times better.

 

thanx ranger i put alot of work into the car, and yea im probs gonna buy a used one from maroone its a track version so w/e, tomm i get my transmission so im gna snap a pic or 2 and post up so you guys can see it in ugly form, and yea this car my friend just got one and i drove it but not to hard b/c its not my car but i love the feel of a sports car, and having just 2 seats is great b/c i dont have a family now and i feel this car is going to be great i want it so bad you guys have no idea

 

Here's a picture of my WRX I sold about 6 months ago.

Sorry for the crappy pic quality....

 

Mine had the full Cobb Tuning RT-Spec package minus the front intercooler (I upgraded to the APS top mount). *Only* 286hp @ the wheels but that's 25% drivetrain loss on these cars. These are indeed fun little cars. I ran a best of 12.41@109 mph with a 1.72 60ft time. The WRXs can be made to be very quick, especially on the street for a lot less than the 350Z. I never lost a stoplight encounter in mine. Just rev it up to 5000 rpm feather the clutch a little at first and floor it/dump clutch and the sensation is like being shot off an aircraft carrier.....

 

I test drove my friend's WRX...... I loved the clutch and shifter feel. I'm not used to getting in gears smoothly and letting out the clutch without jerking he car. This is what the Z is meant to be!!!

Either that or I need a new tranny bad. I can't get in 2nd or 3rd when tach is still in the upper range.

 

ur wrx is pretty nice, gotta love those headlights almost time for the z for me lol