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.