2009 Subaru WRX 265

What kind of Oil do you put?

I am up for an oil change, the first one i got, i got at the dealership and they put a semi-synthetic oil in the car. I asked the mechanic there, and he said there was no need for synthetic.

However I think at car this fast should get a synthetic oil, plus i dont have to change the oil as much if i go that way.

So what do you think? should i go to a fast lube joint and load up on synthetic? Is there any oil that works better for that kind of car?

Hi Folks, we need your help with this one.

Jerry Dropped me the following email.

Looking into a wrx, drove one today as matter of fact,queston if I may…we have a zodiac boat with a 15 hp engine on a boat trailer total weight approx 700 lbs, we pull it half dozen times a year to our summer place about 3 hours from here. The Subaru dealership says no problem do you have any towing info onwrx

I have no idea how to answer this, can you chime in.

This weekend, I took the car for a spin in Quebec in a very hilly area on my way to a ski hill.

Just to describe the area, and I wish I had pics, but anyway. Like they say, Quebec is “la belle provence” and there is a reason for it. The area was very hilly, lots of steep ups and downs both short and long. Tons of winding roads which make the drive both challenging and fun. One of the hills I had to go down, then up, had a 21 degree slope which ended in a nice left hand turn.

I have to say, I had a blast. The car performed so well, I did not feel that it was choking going up, and had excellent control going down. I loved it when the car pulled to an incline right after it finished completing a down slope, and when I gave it gas on the way up, it just launched.

Can’t wait to get back out there.

Are companies really listening to you?

I was not sure where to write this post, on this blog or on my personal blog. Ultimately I choose this blog. True to the purpose of this blog, I am documenting my entire experience with my car and Subaru for the term of the lease, and the post belonged here.

I picked up the mail today and in there is a letter from Maritz Research, Intrigued I opened it and found 2 items inside the envelop.

1) A Survey: “2009 Customer Satisfaction Study”

2) A Check, my reward for completing the survey.

The survey which can be filled online http://www.maritzarg.com/ca/ has 8 pages packed with questions. You name it, they asked it. I honestly dont mind filling surveys and giving feedback. But this survey pissed me off. Why? two reasons.

1) This survey is not from Subaru, there is no indication it is. I swear it looks like Subaru gave my data to this weird company who now wants to collect more information on me.  I quote from the letter.  “The manufacturer from whom you acquired your vehicle provided your contact information to Martiz Research. Martiz Research is committed to protection your identity”… Then the kicker “Your involvement is vital to the success of this research; therefore, enclosed is a token of appreciation for your reply” (The check is the token).

Subaru if you sold my data, shame on you. DO NOT EVER EVER DO THAT AGAIN!!!!!!!

2) The check, is for $2. yes two dollars. Now dont get me wrong, two dollars is two dollars. But come on, what planet do you poeple live on, what an insult, 2 dollars? I dont know who is worse this Martiz scam or Subaru?

In anycase, I am so annoyed. How dare you Subaru sell my data for 2 dollars? How out of touch are you people. Do you not have a product manager who knows what a blog is? Do you not have someone who looks at the survery web site and say this is wrong?  (See the link, i urge you, does this Maritz company and its website look trust Worthy?)

You want my feedback on your car read my blog or other blogs and news groups where Subaru owners are giving you good meaningful data. Be involved, reply to a blog post, be human. Dont sell my data and send useless surveys attached to a $2 check. Want feedback on your engine, you got it here. A review on your bad radio – check, a review of the interior – check, feedback on gas consumption – yup got it.  On and On, its there; you just need to listen.

Many people read this blog, Many have sent asked me directly about the car before they bought. Even thought I had a garbage engine, I still said this car is great, But this survey totally changes my perspective. Subaru the world has changed, those tactics dont work any more.

Subaru/Maritz, you can take your $2 check and stick it.

What do you guys think, do i have the right to be upset? Am I making a big deal out of this