2005 WRX wagon here. Can get road bike (wheels attached) in the back with seat down but have’t tried the mtb yet. Managed 32mpg on a 120 mile run sitting at 70mph most of the time, usually get around 25mpg. £290 a year tax. Insurance surprisingly reasonable (25 with 0 no claims). It’s a second car as I have a company van so not too concerned with running costs.
I think the wagons are a tad more subtle than the saloons, but it’s still got a bonnet scoop and bright red brake calipers. The standard factory exhaust is silent, I replaced mine with a Hayward and Scott resonated catback and it’s still very quiet when pootling around and not very loud when you boot it. Can’t say I’ve had any hassle with people trying to race me, never been pulled by the police (and I live 10 mile from Liverpool). I may look like a tit but I couldn’t really care.