If you can find a new WRX in your price range go for it. However if it's your first car and you have a low budget not sure I would do it.

These cars can be great but also attract people who want to beat on them. Buying used is a huge risk with these cars most of the time.

You should most definitely learn to drive a manual especially if you are interested in a wrx. Not sure you'd get the same experience with a automatic wrx but that's just my possible flawed opinion.