If you are into mod's or more performance i would buy a used STi. You just get the most for you money and don't have to worry about the stock 5 spd breaking after stage 2 and some hard driving. Another reason to get the STi is your explanation you are new to the 5 spd, i suppose you mean you are going from auto to manual. The STi trans can take more of the abuse you will give it during your manual learning curve