Here are some tips. If you are looking for a car, definately take your time thats if you can. When I bought my first car(85 accord), I had to get it to start a job, so I just bought the first thing I could afford and was going to get me where I wanted to go. Don't get me wrong it was a good buy because it lasted me a while. But when I had the money for another car, it took me over a year to find what I wanted and for the right price. So pick up an auto trader or something and check some cars out. Go to a few used car lots (don't recommend buying from them though, try to find private sellers) and test drive everything you think you might like. You can't make a decision on what car you want until you drive that car and compare it to others. So the best thing to do is not jump into buying the first car you think you like, because there may still be another out there that you like more.
Also, if you have a good job and plan on having it for a while, I too would recommend putting a down payment on a WRX. Once I sell my kidney I will be doing so.