Just took delivery of a '04 WRX

[y_p_w]

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.

 

[Sparky]

Good luck with your new WRX, they're so much fun to drive.
As for "...50 miles" the first day, until recently, I was driving 75
miles to work, each way, each day...

 

[BlueSTi]

Snip>
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.

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"

 

[y_p_w]

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.

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".

 

[Ian Firth]

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.

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

 

[CompUser]

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".

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 www.scoobymods.com/forums for more info on
the common questions.

Steve

 

[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".

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"

 

[BlueSTi]

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

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"

 

[Cam Penner]

@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net>, (e-mail address removed)
says...

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

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

 

[Cam Penner]

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.

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.

 

[FFF]

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

The right hand belongs on the stick...

florian

 

[y_p_w]

That wasn't very nice!

Where's the fun if everyone is 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............

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.

 

[Edward Hayes]

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

 

[Klaus Sturm]

how can he pull himself then?

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

 

[y_p_w]

@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net>, (e-mail address removed)
says...

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.

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?).

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

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

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.

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.

 

[GRL]

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.

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)

 

[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.

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.