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”
Thanks for the update. I’m in the market for a new car and I’ve been leaning back and forth between a MS3 and the WRX. I live in Ottawa, Ontario, so I figured that the WRX would make the most sense with our winters, however the MS3 has been out for 3 years now and I’m not hearing a ton of complaints in regards to long-term ownership. I’ve been reading alot lately about problems with the new WRX and I’m more than a little apprehensive about serious consideration. Is it still worth the purchase/lease?
Mike
Comment by Mike — January 21, 2009 @ 7:08 pm
Great to hear.
I’m going to infer that driving under 4k RPM you haven’t noticed a difference in the engine, miles/Kilos per gallon, or overall car performance?
Thanks…
Comment by ICT — January 26, 2009 @ 11:19 am
Hey,
same thing happened to me over the last weekend – just 5K miles on the odometer, 5 hours away from home the engine started clicking. Stopped, called the towing, and next day I learn I need a new engine. This is 2009 WRX, got one of the first ones on the lot. Note – I did baby the engine during the break in period, so I know that wasn’t the cause.
Comment by Matt — February 2, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
Hi
I have to say that when i drove it under 4K RPM, there was a bit of savings in gas.
I have now been driving it at higher speeds and have seen it drink a bit more gas, but that is expected.
I have not seen a difference in performance
Comment by Samer Forzley — February 2, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
Hi Matt
Sorry to hear about your car man. when do you get it back?
Yea, I agree i dont think break in does anything, there is something up with these engines.
Comment by Samer Forzley — February 2, 2009 @ 2:52 pm
Ha… if all goes well, will be ready before the weekend. Takes one day to take engine out, takes just as long to put it in, it’s just a matter of ordering the “part” and then having mechanics to work on it…
Comment by Matt — February 2, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
Just got my 09 WRX Thursday. SO. MUCH.FUN! The finance guy has been selling Subies for 7 years. He told me to vary the driving speed, stay under 4K, and avoid the cruise control (i.e., vary driving speed). I always buy full warranties and this time I bought a service contract too – turbo issues just in case.
I’m driving it like I drove my previous car – Civic Hybrid – real slow except when I wish to impress my son with the turbo boost. I’ll keep you posted on clicks and clacks.
Comment by Reggie — February 8, 2009 @ 2:40 am
Glad to find someone else with the clicking engine problem. The sound from your video was identical to mine. Dealer ordered my new engine w/o having to take the car apart. I should be getting my WRX back this week. The regional Subaru rep said it is now a known problem. From what I understand there was a problem with the machining and deburring process. After it was discovered, Subaru changed the process. Dealer wasn’t sure how many engines out there like this.
Comment by Jim — February 10, 2009 @ 9:18 am
Hey guys, I’m about to get the WRX265 on April 3rd (can’t wait), hopefully I won’t have any of these engine problems that some are experiencing.
All I have to say though is, buy and install a Turbo Timer, it will extend the longevity of the Turbo. I’m having the dealership install it prior to delivering the vehicle to me.
What blew my mind about this car if the fact that it’s 0.1 seconds faster than the ’09 STI.
Can’t wait to see these “punks” in Mustangs on the road
Peace.
Pantelis
Comment by Pantelis — March 3, 2009 @ 11:46 am
Hey people, I recently bought an 09 WRX from Lakewood and its probably the nicest ride I’ve felt so far. From what Samer said up there, I also drive at 4k RPM most of the time. If i race, then thats when I start losing gas and my averge MPG goes down. However, I have heard a lot about “breaking in” the engine and “engines blowing” due to people raising the engine at high RPM’s. My WRX is stock for now, and I’ve been babying the engine all the time. The car is still valid under warranty so hopefully my engine doesnt explode after 5k miles.
Comment by Rich — April 1, 2009 @ 8:38 am