You might want to go to the dealer and check the levels of the other cars. I think the factory only puts in the minimum amount as a cost cutting device.

 

You're kidding....right? The dealer is responsible for making sure the fluid levels are topped at their proper levels as part of the prep (just before delivery to the customer). The "minimum" is the "full" level on the dipstick whenever you're adding oil. They're not going to purposely short-fill the oil to save a few bucks.

Regardless, I'm assuming the oil has been changed on this car at least once? When was the last change and who did it?

- Kean

 

My '03 WRX eats a bit of oil between changes. I've heard from some folks that this is not uncommon (this isn't gospel......just something I've read). I'm running conventional oil and usually change it every 4,000-4,500 miles. I check the level every other week during fill ups (as well as tire pressure). The debates are endless regarding synth vs. dino, how often to change, when to start using synth, etc. You may want to do a search on this site as well as NASIOC.com.

As for any damage, I guess it really depends on a number of factors. If you're really worried about it I suppose you could change your oil and look for any particles/shavings. ..........and/or possibly send a sample out to be analyzed. I wish I could be more help. Hopefully someone else with some experience will chime in.

- Kean

 

Captain trash,

I recently took my 03 wrx in to get looked at because i was complaining about loosing a quart of oil every 1000 miles. well it turns out they found a small leak on the driver side rear portion of the valve cover. it was small enough to let a little out and burn right off of the hot engine the way it looked. well this in conjunction with normal oil burn off it would make sense why i was loosing a quart a every 1000 miles. to conclude the dealer had no problems ordering and replacing the gasket under warranty. good luck

Jess