Thanks for the reply.

I have thought about the WRX, but that $3-4k more makes a big difference to me right now. If I buy the 2004 srt-4 (comes with LSD and upgraded transmission) I will be strapped for cash, as it is, and not able to do any modding til I graduate college. Thats why taking out a smaller loan and modding a used car is tempting.

Also, living in southern Texas I really dont have any use for AWD. The srt's are running 2.1 sec, 60 foots even without motor mounts or LSD, so thats not too bad.