When checking the oil on my 06' Imprezza, the level in the back of the dipstick (just the two dots) is about 7-8mm higher than the front ( where the L and F are). What level should I go by? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I go by whatever side is the lowest.. after 5 pulls of the stick if i still have a consistence reading then I add a little bit more oil.

And when you stab the engine with the dip stick, let it set for a few seconds rather than pulling it right out. I believe it makes for a more accurate read.

yep and make sure it's on level ground but I'm sure you knew that.

Thanks. I do both of those things, but the dipstick might be in the pool of oil in the pan at an angle, which seems to be the reason for the offset in the oil level. Very odd. I have checked oil on a lot of vehicles and have never seen this effect. I even owned a 1983 GL wagon.

i would think the dots on the back represent the other side as its at an angle into the oil, and correlates with the front, which will be offset on the other side.

 

The dipstick should fit better one way than the other, older soobs had an arrow pointing out, i would think dipstick orientation would matter for accuracy.

One side is picking up oil clinging to the dipstick tube/channel. The low side will be the actual level.

Seems to make the most logical sense. Going with the low reading!