Just took delivery of a '04 WRX

OK - where to start? I know I could just search through the Google archives, but what would one more newbie post hurt?

Just got a '04 US Impreza WRX sedan - base model. The most common package seems to include the short-throw shifter (I didn't care for it), the security package (seemed like a joke - a mechanical key can turn off the alarm?), and I'm not that sure that I got the absolutely lowest price, but I'm not going to stress over it since the price was OK.

The one option I did want was the center armrest extension. I kept on leaning my right arm on what I'm used to being there. The add-on armrest extension seems to cost more than the factory option - the explanation was the labor. The price was knocked down a bit when I complained.

Also - I received no directions from the dealer about recommended break-in. I'm driving it fairly gently (keeping the revs under

4K). The manual seems to insist on a 3,000 mile oil change, as if there's some sort of break-in oil. At that time, I might drop in Mobil 1 5W-30 (or maybe at 7,000 miles).

So the first night I had the car, I drove on the freeway as well as a few windy local streets. I can't believe I managed to put on 50 mile the first day. The tires seem to be OK, but I'm looking forward to seeing how it handles with summer tires. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area where it virtually never snows.

Reply to
y_p_w
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Reply to
Sparky

Congratulations on your new ride! I took the WRX for a test drive about a year ago and fell in love with it. I am sold on AWD. I was a little put off by waiting 3000 miles to change the oil. But, I wrote to SOA and went to 2 different dealerships and the all said the same thing, "wait at least until 1000 miles preferably 3000 miles." So, in about another 700 miles I will be at the 3000 mile mark and due for my first oil change.

My WRX came with summer tires and I immediately changed them. In my opinion the All Season tires I put on are much better all purpose tires. And absolutely necessary when you have all the snow and ice we have had lately. The tires would be fine on a track but they are awful in the winter time. BlueSTi "Scary-Fast"

Reply to
BlueSTi

Thanks. Still - the last time I remember snow was maybe 1974. My folks still have the pictures of my cousin and myself playing in the white stuff. The biggest problem would be rain, but some summer tires are quite good in wet weather.

I'm just throwing a few more things. The dealer gave little advice, and I didn't see anything in the manual about the turbo, especially whether or not it needs a cool-down. That's a primary reason why I want to go with Mobil 1 - to reduce the chance of the turbo "coking".

Reply to
y_p_w

You should have saved some money and tried putting your right hand on the steering wheel where it belongs.

Reply to
Ian Firth

No need for turbo timer...the coolant catch tank is mounted higher than the turbo, and coolant continues to cycle thru turbo bearing housing after the you shut down.

There's a blurb in the owner's manual on break- in..."keep rpms varying" and don't rev it too high before 1,000 miles--I forget the spec, believe it was 4K, but check it yourself.

Check

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for more info on the common questions.

Steve

Reply to
CompUser

There really isn't any cool down time needed because of the design of the Subaru turbo. In my last Turbo ('96 Talon AWD) I used Mobil 1 religiously. I can't say enough good things about the stuff. But, Subaru doesn't seem to think the WRX needs the stuff. Apparently the Dino stuff is just fine. I got a deal through the dealer for life-time oil changes for $17. Heck, I can't buy the filter and oil for that price. So, I am thinking about having them do the oil changes for me. I generally do not like having someone else change the oil in my car but, I will see how it goes. BlueSTi "Scary-Fast"

Reply to
BlueSTi

That wasn't very nice! Apparently there is a new technique where you can shift with both hands on the wheel?? Actually, I use the armrest more as a storage area. But, there are times when I am out on a long stretch of highway when I will use the armrest. I don't think using an armrest would classify as reckless endangerment. Now a cell phone on the other hand............ BlueSTi "Scary-Fast"

Reply to
BlueSTi

That's a GOOD thing. What are you going to do when the battery in your remote dies? What happens if you lose your remote/key and need another key cut? As far as I know, ALL alarms have the ability for the key to turn it off.

Read your owners manual. My RS had break in info in it as well.

If you have RE-92s on it, they are mediocre tires at best. Pretty much anything sold these days will better them - all season or not.

Reply to
Cam Penner

I bought a similar package for my Nissan. (Cost me considerably more - like closer to $150) Well worth it. No "lazy" excuse to delay the oil change. I didn't need to make an appointment, and in an hour I got my car back with a fresh oil change, factory filter, and a car wash. It was the easiest I've ever had it in keeping current on oil changes.

Reply to
Cam Penner

The right hand belongs on the stick...

florian

Reply to
FFF

Where's the fun if everyone is nice? :-)

Sure - I really just want it for long stretches of highway where I'm cruising in 5th, or I'm waiting at a stop light.

Reply to
y_p_w

Most other vehicles I've owned had a center arm rest as standard. O-well if that's my big complaint after 62,000 trouble free miles. eddie

Reply to
Edward Hayes

Reply to
Klaus Sturm

I haven't had that much success with alarms other than the crapola one in my folks Camry. They end up accidentally setting it off often, because they screw up the sequence with the key (like locking the doors before turning on the ignition).

However - I do see you point. Once the ignition lock is forced on, it may be difficult to do the turn off procedure (three quick turns of the key?).

I started off my first post before I had much time to read it. Took me a while to find it.

I was looking at the Tire Rack's selection of tires in stock size. I'd probably just go for Dunlop SP Sport 9000's like I've used in my Integra for the past five years.

Reply to
y_p_w

Is it blue? If it's not blue you screwed up. Blue is unquestionably THE WRX color.

Friend has one (blue) and parks it outside our lab window. It's a pleasure to look at. Have thanked him for parking there, it looks so good.

Reply to
GRL

World Rally Blue - no spoiler. I wouldn't have it any other way. Blue is definitely **THE** color for a WRX, even though it does seem to bring out the scratches and swirls.

Reply to
y_p_w

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