*SOLD* My 2004 Blue "Premium" WRX. *SOLD*

[CAMAROBOY69]

@WrxScooby

Oh wow I thought we got a lot of snow. That's well over a foot of snow on your leggy. How much total? 14-16"?

We are supposed to get the 3rd 2014 blizzard today. Historic terrible winter this year. So glad I have this car.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

We got hit with a massive blizzard and after the entire town was finally able to dig themselves out, I took these pics.

@Slash
These are 7 FOOT and 8 FOOT snow drifts. Had -30f degree wind chills when I was trying to get these pics. So I could only take about 1 pic every couple minutes without my hands turning instantly purple. Insanely cold!

To put these into perspective. The door height on the building is around 6 and a half feet. These snow drifts are easily 7 foot to 8 foot high. Insane. The winter wheels and snow tires have been amazing.
View attachment 107520 View attachment 107521 View attachment 107522 View attachment 107523

 

[WrxScooby]

That's some intense weather! Looks like the scooby had fun though.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

That's some intense weather! Looks like the scooby had fun though.

Yes insane weather and yes the WRX has been a great time in the snow especially since I bolted on the extra set of snow wheels and snow tires. Loving the heated front wipers and heated seats. A few times I have had to drive through snow ranging between 1 foot - 2 foot deep. That's why there is so much snow piled into the front of the car.

Almost met my match in the snow last night while trying to pull into my driveway. The plows went by and left a 1 foot - 2 foot high mound of snow. I decided to go for it and busted through. Thought for sure that would stop the car but I guess not. Hopefully I didn't scratch up the front bumper too much with all the snow I have been pushing this winter.

The temperature finally warmed up to a decent amount today. Around 24f degrees with very little wind. So I am going to bring it through the car wash tonight after work to get as much snow and salt off of it. I try to do that at least once a week but its been way too cold for that. -30f degrees with wind chill. Any water that hits at that temp freezes almost instantly.

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

Just wait till you guys get a proper -42F (without windchill) weather. 5 minutes in that and you will need coffee to bring some life to your frozen face.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Just wait till you guys get a proper -42F (without windchill) weather. 5 minutes in that and you will need coffee to bring some life to your frozen face.

I honestly would just stay home. I cant even comprehend living in a climate THAT cold. -42f without windchill is for polar bears.

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

I used to ride my bike to work in that temp.. Granted, it was relatively short distance, about half a mile or less, but I still needed hot coffee before I could say good morning.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Its been a brutal winter and its only the beginning of February. I finally had a chance to take my car through the car wash. It cost $5.00 and includes underbody spray. I paid $2.00 extra this time for a wax finish to help keep the salt off. After it goes through the car wash and blow dryers, they hand dry it. I try to go at least once a week but its been brutal cold. The other concern was that I have been driving this car through 1 foot to 2 foot snow drifts and thought for sure I might have scratched up the paint on the front bumper cover. So far it still looks like new. Any scratches I get that are not deep, I can just buff out this summer.

 

[Punknoodle]

I haven't driven in snow since moving to Australia from New Zealand, even then though we never had snow like THAT! Looks insanely fun. I miss cold weather, honestly. I'd love to take the GT-Four out in the snow with some snow tires on, plus I know it wouldn't overheat like it does on hot days here!

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

I haven't driven in snow since moving to Australia from New Zealand, even then though we never had snow like THAT! Looks insanely fun. I miss cold weather, honestly. I'd love to take the GT-Four out in the snow with some snow tires on, plus I know it wouldn't overheat like it does on hot days here!

Yes driving in the snow is indeed very fun.



Follow up from the brutal winter. One thing is for sure, this car was incredible this winter especially with the snow tires. Never got stuck and at times was pushing well over a foot of snow. With winter just about over, I decided to remove the snow tires / wheels. I am so happy this car survived the winter without any issues at all. No oil leaks anywhere! Had a couple drops of antifreeze which ended up being a simple hose clamp that needed to be tightened. Easy. Also buffed one of the headlights because it was getting a little dull. That only took about 5 minutes with buffing compound. Sorry no pics but the car looks the same as it did before winter. Oh even my WRX lettering on the calipers held up fairly decent.

I do have an appointment this Saturday with the local shop to have them check out a few things.
1. Smell gas when it is cold outside.
2. Check engine light is still on.
3. I notice I am hearing a slight tap in the engine when it is cold. Maybe rockers need to be adjusted. Not sure yet.
4. My alternator is squealing. So I am sure the bearing is on its way out.
5. Shifter still seems a little gritty to me. I am thinking about getting a Kartboy shifter.

I am also still thinking of selling this car. Its my dream car but I just don't like the 5 speed. When I am going 70mph the engine is revving close to 3,000 rpm. I just don't like it revving that high. I also miss having a remote starter for winter. So I have been trying to find an automatic 05 WRX or newer. Might even consider the 2015 wrx.

If I keep the car then the Kartboy shifter will probably be one of the first investments to hopefully make the shifting a little smoother. After that I will be looking at adjustable coil overs. I am also looking at getting some new lug nuts. The current nuts are all rusted and nasty. (I will keep the rusty lug nuts for next winter when I put on the snow tires/wheels) I will be going with black for summer. I just have to check tonight to see if I have ball seat or acorn seat lug nuts.

 

[SPhilli911]

The smell of fuel when it's cold out is most definitely the fuel lines. Mine did the same thing. I believe there was a recall for it for 2002+ WRXs, Subaru issued a TSB about it so ask the dealer.

Also don't worry about the higher revs, the cars are meant to rev. I drove mine around at 3,000-3,500 all the time, in fact I hated driving it less than that. But maybe the STI was different.

I'd hate to see another blue 2004 get sold around here!

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

The smell of fuel when it's cold out is most definitely the fuel lines. Mine did the same thing. I believe there was a recall for it for 2002+ WRXs, Subaru issued a TSB about it so ask the dealer.

Also don't worry about the higher revs, the cars are meant to rev. I drove mine around at 3,000-3,500 all the time, in fact I hated driving it less than that. But maybe the STI was different.

I'd hate to see another blue 2004 get sold around here!

I will mention the recall about the fuel lines. The revs bother me because the closer I get to 3,000rpm, the more gas this car consumes and any other car for that matter. So I found if I keep it around 62 mph and 2,500 rpm I get much better gas mileage. Higher you rev, the more gas is consumed. Plus the higher engines are revving, the quicker all the parts get worn out including pulleys, alternator, water pump and much more.

I just ordered a set of black lug nuts for the summer wheels. http://www.ebay.com/itm/25-BULGE-AC...its=Model:WRX STI&hash=item257b60bdf4&vxp=mtr




Also this is what happens when you remove your snow tires too early in Michigan. Yes this is from last night April 14th.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

After many months of research and consideration, I am for sure looking for a 2005-2007 WRX or STI. Must be blue. It also must not have a 5 speed. It MUST be an automatic or 6 speed. I am also looking at my options for a 2015. I will be at the dealership this weekend to discuss the options with a sales rep. If anyone finds anything please let me know. Still not sure if I am set on a 6 speed or auto. I just know I do not like the 5 speed at all.

I am also looking into swapping out my 04 center console for a 05-07 center console. Not sure if the 05-07 console is a direct bolt in for the 04. For those that don't know, the 05-07 has 2 cup holders up front and 2 cup holders for the rear. Much better design.

EDIT: Seems to be a common mod but a lot more parts than I thought. I was hoping to just replace the lower part of the console. Sounds like I have to replace all the center pieces too.
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1252301&highlight=05 center console conversion

 

[Thatman]

Yessir, you do. But um, I'm certain there was no such thing as an auto STi here in 'murica. at least not blobeyes and hawkeyes.

 

[Clark]

Are you definitely set on an Impreza? There's no other cars that interest you? Something like a similar age Audi S4 (V8) although I don't know what they're like price wise, it's an alternative 4WD saloon.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Yessir, you do. But um, I'm certain there was no such thing as an auto STi here in 'murica. at least not blobeyes and hawkeyes.

You are correct. After quite a bit of research this week, I found that out. The STI is the only car with the 6 speed and the STI only has a 6 speed.

Are you definitely set on an Impreza? There's no other cars that interest you? Something like a similar age Audi S4 (V8) although I don't know what they're like price wise, it's an alternative 4WD saloon.

Yes I love these little cars. Really set on a 05,06,or 07. I will be at the dealer tomorrow to look at some options.

 

[Clark]

'Little cars'

I love the difference between UK and US

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

On a side note my black lug nuts came in last night. VERY fast shipping from California! Quality is excellent too. I was afraid the black paint would just scrape off. They match my wheels perfectly. I will have all those on tonight after I get out of work. And yes, with pics.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Follow up from 3 hour visit Saturday with the dealership. I can lease a brand new 2015 WRX for roughly $380-$400 a month with the choice of auto or manual. Or buy it for almost twice the monthly payment. I am still a bit nervous about getting a BRAND new vehicle. Each chip in the paint or scratch or dent would drive me insane. Plus I am still a bit skeptical when it comes to a lease.

I am also working with a different dealership on a 2007 blue STI. Still not sure what route I am going yet. We will see how this all works out over the next few weeks.


Back to the 04 WRX. Found out the squeal was only the belt. So I picked up a belt and will put that on some other day. Easy fix. The few other things I had on my list really were nothing I guess. So I came out of the dealership with no bill at all. I do want to get some shifter bushings and a Kartboy shifter.

My lug nuts came in so I quickly swapped them on Friday night. My neighbor parked his sons 650 hp Viper in my driveway so I got some pics of that. I drove it last year. Fun car.

Rusty winter lug nuts next to new black summer lug nuts.

^After

^Before



--------------------------------------------------

 

[Thatman]

Well lease if you view your car as transportation and always want something new. Or Buy if you plan on keeping it for 5+ years. And now I may need black lugs....haha.

Also sersly jelly, just you wait till I get a picture with the mustang, vette, and the viper at the end of my street.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Well lease if you view your car as transportation and always want something new. Or Buy if you plan on keeping it for 5+ years. And now I may need black lugs....haha.

Also sersly jelly, just you wait till I get a picture with the mustang, vette, and the viper at the end of my street.

After much thought it looks like I will just be keeping my 04. I truly love this car so much and I guess I will just live with the 5 speed. I will keep an eye out for a blue premium version of the 05-07 STI with a 6 speed but I just don't see it happening. These blue "premium" cars are unicorns around this area.

Thanks for the compliments on the black lug nuts. I really like how they look. I finally had a chance to wash the summer wheels so now the wheels and lug nuts look even better. The summer wheels collected quite a bit of dust sitting around over the winter.

My car has the console "extension" which I thought I hated. It sits about 4-6 inches higher and I used to always hit my elbow on it. So I ordered the short version and it arrived yesterday. I went to install it and I need this button. However, after driving for a few days I didn't realize how much I actually use the console extension as an arm rest. I decided to order the button anyway and see which console I like better. Either the "extended" elbow smasher or the lower version.

I also ordered a Kartboy short throw shifter and bushings to help improve the shifting. I am slowly going to replace parts here and there and just keep making this car as new as possible. Probably go with motor mounts next.

I am currently trying to find a shifter knob I like. Here are a few that caught my interest but I haven't decided yet. I really want something with a leather / aluminum contrast.

I like this one but don't know what it is. I believe this is for a newer STI with a 5 speed. I thought all STI had a 6 speed?

I have a similar momo in my 69 Camaro but don't really like the universal rubber attachment. Would prefer a direct screw on. Plus this doesn't show the 5 gear layout.

I found this one too. Would be nice with blue paint. Still think I am leaning toward the momo knob similar to the one I have in my Camaro.

 

[Ronald6]

I am glad to hear you are keeping the 5 speed. How hard would it be to swap the 5 speed for a 6 speed transmission?

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

I am glad to hear you are keeping the 5 speed. How hard would it be to swap the 5 speed for a 6 speed transmission?

I swapped a 6 speed into my 69 Camaro 10 years ago. So I don't think it would be that bad swapping a 6 speed into this WRX. However, the packages I looked at were a bit pricey and involves quite a few random pieces. I will just live with the 5 speed for now. Maybe after I throw in the Kartboy short throw shifter and a few bushings, I might like it even more.

Still not sure what shift knob I am going with. Really want something with silver and leather. They used to have a really nice Subaru MOMO knob but they don't make it anymore. So I might take the MOMO knob of my 69 Camaro and try it on the WRX for a week or so to see how I like it.

 

[Ronald6]

Have you thought of using an ergonomic shift knob? My Momo shift knob is much, much better than the rounded stock knob. I never have to worry about my hand slipping off or a miss shift. I use the universal rubber mount to make it fit but I've had no problems with it rotating under use and it feels more solid than the stock round knob. Much better all around.

I'm jealous of your acquisition of a Kartboy short shifter. I would like one but I want to try it out on another car before I change mine.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Have you thought of using an ergonomic shift knob? My Momo shift knob is much, much better than the rounded stock knob. I never have to worry about my hand slipping off or a miss shift. I use the universal rubber mount to make it fit but I've had no problems with it rotating under use and it feels more solid than the stock round knob. Much better all around.

I'm jealous of your acquisition of a Kartboy short shifter. I would like one but I want to try it out on another car before I change mine.

Do you have any pictures of your knob? Sounds so funny.

The rubber mounts are the one and only complaint of my universal momo knob for my Camaro. When I am beating it up at the road tracks, that momo knob seems to make slight rotations especially when it is very hot out. The rubber gets flexible under the extreme heat. Mine only has 1 set screw to hold it to the shaft. Maybe they have improved the design with 2 screws. I could even drill and tap a 2nd screw on the opposite side to hold it into place a little better.

Hopefully I like the short throw shifter. Otherwise I will just send it back for a refund.

 

[Kent]

I like this one but don't know what it is. I believe this is for a newer STI with a 5 speed. I thought all STI had a 6 speed?

That's the STI short shift kit's knob (comes from factory when you buy the short shift kit for either the 5 spd. wrx or the 6 spd. STI).

I actually have one but it's far too heavy for my taste.
Currently I have a few knobs I use depending on time of year/ temperature.

My Favorite, light weight, great feel, small diameter.

Only get to use it during winter due to the metal heating up so easily.

Summer time Duracon knob... Not a big fan of the feel, muted a bit compared to the ti knob above but roughly the same weight (approximately 100 grams) so the overall feel of the shift is still solid and very direct.

Of course, the STI Short Shift Kit's knob...

Way too heavy for standard shift kit... When the short shifter is put in as an option the additional weight is helpful for faster/ easier shifting but on standard shifter it's far too heavy and completely ruins the feel (numbing the shifts to something closer to the shift of a Civic or the like).
I never use this one.
(sadly it's probably the coolest looking of the group)

Finally, I still have my stock shift knob, full leather, great feel. Weight is right about 210g. so it's a good balance between easy shifts and feel.
I use the OEM knob every now and again when I'm bored or feel like leather is the best option due to the insane heat of Louisiana summers.

Hope that helps give some perspective on Subaru shift knobs. 👍

 

[Ronald6]

I liked mine so much that I bought my aunt one for her birthday. At least it will match her red paint job much better than the red stitching matches nothing in my car.

As you can see it came with 4 screws, but one is a spare JIC, it's a three screw setup. It's not going to rotate. I gaer on tee it. Did yours also come with three rubber mounts for correct sizing?

The feel is fantastic. There is absolutely no ambiguity in the shift. Much better than the stock round knob.

I hope this helps and isn't just clutter.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

@Kent
Thank you that is very helpful. I like the look of that 5 speed STI knob and since I am putting in a short throw shifter, that would probably work very well. I will keep that one in mind.

@Ronald
Thank you. That is a really nice looking handle. Yes my momo "Race airleather" did come with different size rubber mounts (I still have the momo box with the extra parts). The 3 hole setup in yours is WAY better than the Momo knob I have in my Camaro. Mine only has 1 screw hole. Even 2 would have been better than nothing. But dang yours has 3! Huge improvement. If I get a universal, now I know to look for at least 2 or 3 holes. Very helpful reply. Thank you. 👍

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Yeah! I finally had a chance to get rid of the center console "extension" and replace it with a more slimline model that does not destroy my elbow. Very happy with how this turned out and it only took a few minutes.

Pics will start from beginning to end.

This is the new short console armrest I will be installing with the new button.

This is the tall extension I am removing because I keep hitting my elbow on it. Its also an ugly, terrible design.

Passenger angle of extension I will be removing.

This bracket needs to be replaced with the button I posted a few pics above.

Had to lift center console and remove this bracket via 2 screws.

Old bracket removed for console "extension". This will be replaced with the new button.

Tall "extension" armrest compared to short armrest.

New short armrest installed!

Driver angle. I love how this turned out. A nice low sleek look. So much better and I no longer hit my elbow on it.


More updates coming this weekend involving Kartboy short throw shifter, new Kartboy shifter bushings. oil change, new alternator belt, and more......

 

[Aquarelle]

Wow that looks so much nicer. Amazing that the manufacturer thought such an ugly boxy tower was the way to go!