2009 Subaru WRX 265

Over the last 2 weeks I did not update this post, I kept it quite until the break in period is over. SO the break in period is over.

I drove the car as instructed, I am willing to take an oath that i did, during the break in period I have to incidents. In both incidents I heard a weird clicking noise out of the engine (maybe i am just paranoid) .Iin both cases I called Subaru as soon as they happened. Unfortunate in both cases it happened on a Saturday and no mechanics where there.

I took the car in today, thought it would be ideal if I get an oil change after the break in is over and wanted them to test drive it and make sure everything checks out. Got the Oil change, and Chatted with the mechanic, No issues from what they can tell regarding the new engine, they tested everything.

Talked him at a bit about the break in. I am going to be as clear as possible. Subaru Mechanic told me today, The Break in period is just a precaution, it is not required. “The car is supposed to be driven”. I asked him about all this discussion online about breaking in the engine. Again, Break in is nice to have he said.

My advice better safe than sorry break in the engine, especially if you are buying not leasing the car.

Mechanic told me that Subaru has identified a common thread between the 09 wrx engines that have failed, even thought he said that no official word is out, what he heard is simply rumor. If there is a common thread and its confirmed soon, I would imagine they would let me know. In any case I am due back in April and will follow up.

In the mean time. I am going to do what the mechanic told me. “Just drive it, its meant to be driven hard”

Here is the latest update.

First I have to say, that I received excellent service so far from Subaru. They gave me a car right away. And took care of things as much as they can. They where very help full at the dealership. So full marks for that.

Subaru called on Friday and said car is done. I asked for the cause, the person said that the engine was changed and that full analysis from Subaru Canada is not back. I asked him if I needed to do anything when I drove the car. No was the answer. I asked again, do I drive it any special way? No again was the answer. But He did ask me to bring it back at 1000 KM to check to make sure there are no leaks.

I went to the dealership, picked up the keys, chatted with a sales guy. Yea that is weird that this happened, I agreed, asked him if I should drive it any special way, Nope. Then I started chatting with the receptionist dude. Do i need to drive the car any special way? Oh Yes Yes, you have to break in the engine. OH…. How do I do that? well drive it at variable speed. for the first 1000 KM. That is it, yup that is it. Ok thanks. Back to the sales guy. Hey, the receptionist dude says I need to break in the car is that true? Oh yes you have to break in the engine. How do I do that? Well drive it at variable speed for 1000 KM.

It was like pulling teeth. Anyway, at least everyone seems to think the engine needs a break in for the first 1000 KM, which is not what is the manual. Manual says 1600 KM. But what does the manual know, I am going to do what they told me and go from there. Back in 1000 KM, gonna do a long trip this weekend, so that should get the 1000 KM in quick.

BTW, here is what was done on the car.

2009 WRX engine replacement work