The WRX 5-speed is, in fact, much weaker than the STi 6-speed. I've heard of plenty of people destroying their 5sp, but noen destroying the 6sp.

I have almost 40k miles on my STi and have had no issues.

Just got back from a trip to Oklahoma, almost 4k miles I drove total. The best miles per tank I got was 350, and that was still toying around a little bit. I'm sure if I milk it around 65 or so I can get damn near 400 miles per tank.

Ownership? My father has an '05 WRX and I have an '04 STi. Been great.

Nothing out of the ordinary, just look for all the normal defects. And just because a car has mods alreayd, doesn't necessarily mean stay away. I bought my STi with a full exhaust, springs, and a few smaller mods. Not a problem out of her so far......

On a side note, if you can afford it get an STi. Completely different from the WRX. I should know, there is one of each in my family. STi has more power and torque, handles better, shifts better, etc etc. Not to rag on WRX owners or anything........