Do you have to start from scratch in the newer versions?

[Boneshaker]

Im just starting ( a month now) out with the original WOW and was wondering if once you load the newer versions like the up coming Lich King. Do you have to create and lvl all new charecters or can the charecters in you existing account be used?

[Twoflower]

you upgrade you account and can use all your old chars. the expansion just adds some more areas and quests and items and abilities and levels etc.

[Boneshaker]

Cool, no monthly cost increase just the initial cost of the new upgrade?

[Dalixam]

Yep, the monthly cost does not increase.

[semiiramiis]

Im just starting ( a month now) out with the original WOW and was wondering if once you load the newer versions like the up coming Lich King. Do you have to create and lvl all new charecters or can the charecters in you existing account be used?

The expansion packs are addons to the original wow. Most of their content requires characters to be at, or near, level cap for the version before them:

Original Wow: 1-60 leveling. The world of Azeroth (without Northrend). Profession level cap of 300.

The Burning Crusade: 61-70 leveling. Added the world of Draenor (Outlands) as well as the starting areas for the two new races. (New zones to Azeroth: Azuremyst/Bloodmyst Islands. Eversong Forest/Ghostlands New races: Draenei, Blood Elves) New profession: Jewelcrafting. New professional leveling cap: 375.

Wrath of the Lich King: 71-80 leveling. Adds the new continent of Northrend to Azeroth. New class: Death Knights (begin at lvl 55, prerequisite, at least one level 55 on your account. Their starting zone is an expanded section of Eastern Plaguelands currently unavailable) New profession: inscription. Profession level cap 450 (?).

So your characters are not reset to level one with each new expansion.