So my old blob STi was modified more and definitely abused more than the blob WRX I had right before it. I honestly contribute that to the fact that I didn't worry about the gearbox though. But that's not to say the 6 speed isn't bullet proof. My dad's modified bug WRX has gone through 4 gearboxes because of stripped gears. My blob STi suffered from a common synchro issue on 4th gear - the cost of repair on the STi was more than 4 on the WRX (2 under warranty, 2 done by ourselves with a 2nd hand box).
Servicing and running costs - can't say I noticed the difference but I wasn't keeping track. The Sport I had before the WRX and STi kept eating lambda sensors so ruined fuel economy anyway.
If you're not modifying the WRX try and find a good blob WRX with PPP. 265bhp and a nice car to daily, standard WRXs just lack a bit of lustre. Otherwise do yourself a favour and do the exhaust/remap route as it really does wake up the car, even with a very conservative map.
Servicing and running costs - can't say I noticed the difference but I wasn't keeping track. The Sport I had before the WRX and STi kept eating lambda sensors so ruined fuel economy anyway.
If you're not modifying the WRX try and find a good blob WRX with PPP. 265bhp and a nice car to daily, standard WRXs just lack a bit of lustre. Otherwise do yourself a favour and do the exhaust/remap route as it really does wake up the car, even with a very conservative map.