I had that on my old one - each side would read differently! Always thought it odd!

Perhaps some pre-04 dip sticks are ever so slightly too long and touch the bottom, causing a slight bend and 2 different reads? Of course, I could be just making it up!

There was something on here stating which was to be used if this happened (higher or lower reading) but I can't remember which. Is there something in the FAQ?

 

it's from oil sitting at the lowest point of the tub were the dipstick slides through to the bottom were the oil lies, you get it on most cars