I have an 04 WRX sedan 6,500 mi on the odo. Followed break-in procedure properly. No real serious mods just K&N panel filter and Air Silencer delete. First oil change was done 2,750 mi and switched to Mobil 1 synthetic.

I have experienced what I think is high oil consumption since new. I will add about 1 1/2 qts every 1k miles. No visible leaks or smoking from the engine. I have an appointment this week at the dealer. The guy I spoke to at the dealer seems to think this much is a little excessive. Anyone have (had) a similar problem with their WRX?

 

I'm thinking there definitely is a problem.

 

Subaru considers anything up to 1qt/1000miles to be acceptable. This is a common standard used by many mfrs.
To verify there is a problem, the dealer should change the oil and have you return at specific mileage intervals to verify the level of consumption. If they determine that it is indeed above spec they would then proceed with any necessary repairs.

 

I have an '05 - just changed the oil at 1650, did the break in correct (also no mods yet) and I used 1/2 quart (Normal in my belief with past experience) but 1-1/2 is a bit much though...

 

I also have an 03' Honda Accord Ex v6 coupe which never needs oil between changes. Before that I had two Mitsubishis, one 99' Galant and an 00' Eclipse GT neither one of those would burn oil between changes. The other thing I noticed about the oil is how dark it gets. Usually Mobil stays nice and clean, but for the some reason the oil my Subaru is really dark almost black.

I have never had a car burn so much oil. I think if the dealer comes to the conclusion that this is "normal" consumption I will definitely sell it after the winter. I think I am in love with the G35 coupe and I'm just itchin for a reason to get one.

All in all Subaru builds a decent car I think. Mine just has a few quirks. Some I can live with others I can live w/o. Notchy shifter, does want to go into first gear, hesitates when cold, bucking under part throttle lift-off in 1st and 2nd gears. All of these things I was told by the dealer were considered normal for my vehicle.

I have to drop it off at the dealer tomorrow I'll just have to see what happens.

 

Well I finally heard back from the dealer today. They road tested my car w/ a data logger and found no codes. They next did a compression check and found the #3 cyl. was down from the rest. The readings were: cyl # 1-142, 2-142, 3-124, 4-140. Disassembly is the next step. I'm thinking it is rings, or possibly valves/guides. The service advisor mentioned that tech had said the same thing.

Well they are providing me with a loaner car. Nothing special I was told, just something to get me from a > b. At least I will have something to drive. Who knows when I will get my car back but at least I have an idea of what the problem is.