jri4's 2015 Subaru WRX Base - Galaxy Blue Pearl

[jri4]

Hello all! My name is James and on 12/12/2014 I sold my 2008 Mazdaspeed3 with 131,000 miles, leaving the Mazda family. The very next day, 12/13/2014 I purchased a new 2015 Subaru WRX Base. I was intrigued with the re-designed exterior and FA20 Turbo engine. The interior is also heads above previous gen models, but is still lacking in many areas. After much research, I decided the WRX would satisfy my "performance" crave while still being a 4-door family hauler... but now with AWD! I brought it home with 38 miles on the odometer, and will use this thread to simply track my work and maintenance as I go. Don't expect a crazy build, but this will be a work log of a "real" owner's journey with the car from day one! I hope you enjoy, and please feel free to ask questions and leave comments. Thank you!

Here starts the work log, I will keep it updated as I go:

Meet Violet, purchased 12/13/2014 with 38 miles on the odometer


Current mileage as of 12/29/2014: 730 miles

Exterior
Summer Setup: 235/45-17 OEM tires (Dunlop SportMaxx RT) on ??? Wheels
Winter Setup: 225/50-17 Pirelli Winter Carving Edge on OEM 17x8 +high Wheels
Grimmspeed License Plate Relocation Bracket

Interior
OEM

Engine and Performance
OEM

Suspension and Braking
OEM

Fluids
Engine Oil: Castrol Edge Full Synthetic 5w-30 with OEM filter


Work to do
None

Next on List for Purchase...
Hella SharpTone Horns w/ bracket and harness
AEM Intake
Turbo XS Dual 50/50 BPV
Nameless Performance Axle-back Exhaust
Summer Wheels (Looking for something 17x9 or 9.5, lightweight)

Feel free to ask questions, give suggestions, or otherwise say hello! Thanks for all the support fellow automotive enthusiasts give a guy like me! Pictures to follow as I continue with my story...

 

[jri4]

Reserved to eventually create a table of contents...when there are enough contents...

 

[Perro del Sol]

Congrats, Chippy! Reach out to Justin @ JNA Performance and tell him I referred you, I am sure he'll take good care of you and your car!

 

[jri4]

12/27/2014
715 Miles

I purchased winter tires from Tirerack, the cheapest I could find in a similar size-- 225/50-17 Pirelli Winter Carving Edge. I couldn't find any reviews on them, but I'm sure they will be at least better than driving on OEM summer performance tires...
They were mounted at mile 715 on 12/27/2014 and the OEM tires are now stored away, waiting to find a nice set of wheels to be mounted to. I'll be on the lookout for a nice set of wheels in size 17x9 or 17x9.5 (5x114.3)!

Marlon, I have emailed JNA performance about a few essential goodies for the car...thanks for the contact!

 

[Perro del Sol]

12/27/2014
715 Miles

I purchased winter tires from Tirerack, the cheapest I could find in a similar size-- 225/50-17 Pirelli Winter Carving Edge. I couldn't find any reviews on them, but I'm sure they will be at least better than driving on OEM summer performance tires...
They were mounted at mile 715 on 12/27/2014 and the OEM tires are now stored away, waiting to find a nice set of wheels to be mounted to. I'll be on the lookout for a nice set of wheels in size 17x9 or 17x9.5 (5x114.3)!

Marlon, I have emailed JNA performance about a few essential goodies for the car...thanks for the contact!

Cool! I will reach out to them as well for you!

 

[THE Phen]

Looking forward to seeing your progress!

 

[jri4]

Thanks Phen, I am really happy with the car so far.

It almost feels exactly like driving the ole' lightly modded Mazdaspeed3 from the inside, in terms of both interior comfort/styling (has bluetooth, which I use often), as well as performance/quickness/sound. On top of feeling like the car I truly loved to drive, this also has AWD and more comfort on a daily basis--without sacrificing that 'fun factor'!

On the outside, I personally like the quirky "refined" look as it shouldn't draw much attention except perhaps the hood scoop. I may try and find an STi wing, though, simply because I like the look of having a spoiler on a sedan. And of course, a nice set of wheels for the summer!

On Friday, January 9th I hit 1000 miles!
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jri4photography/16259046452" title="20150109_081054 by James Iorfida, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8626/16259046452_938c1e4d4c_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="20150109_081054"></a>

On Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 1054 miles I performed the first oil change, using an OEM filter and Castrol Edge Synthetic 5w-30! Easiest and cleanest oil change I've ever done on a car.

Everything feels good, and I am waiting for a free day with all this snow to learn ore about the car handling characteristics in adverse weather!