As mentioned last week, in my post regarding the wrx oil pump gasket one of the mechanics did mention that they have seen oil gaskets go on the wrx. That was the case for me. I tried to get more info, but none was forthcoming from the person who handed me the key when I picked up the car. He even insisted that this is not a common issue.

Anyway, it turns out that if/when the oil gasket goes, so will the timing belt as it gets soaked with oil. I dont know about you, but if I had to pay for a gasket change and get hit with a timing belt change, I would be pissed off royally.

Attached is a copy of the work, I have no clue what the actual cost is, because it was covered under warranty. My guess, easy $1500

I hope for your sake, if this thing goes, it goes while still under warranty. Otherwise, be ready for a big bill

What do you think the actual cost of this is?

WRX 265 Oil Gasket Repair Bill

On Monday, on my way home from work, I heard a clicking noise, I am now super sensitive to anything that goes on in this car. So I called Subaru and missed the fine folks at the service department they went home for the day. On Tue I called first thing in the morning, and talked to one of the service agents who asked me to bring it in, I really could not because I had a packed day, plus I was not really driving it. So we agreed, bring it on Wed for someone to look at and just in case we need, we will book you for Thu. BTW, when I talked to Subaru, I informed them that I am smelling a burning smell. It maybe the clutch I said….

Today, I had to get to work to do a couple of things, and when I was done, I drove it to Subaru, I think the total distance from where I work to the deanship is 15K at best. 75% of the way there and the car stinks of that burning smell. So got off the highway, car smoking up real bad. let it cool for minute. Called Subaru in the mean time looking for advice on what to do. You are almost there, so bring it in. And so I did.

I got there, smoke coming out, even filled up the car inside, they looked…. what do you thing guys? Is it the clutch? mmmmmm dont know needs a better look. Well does it sound like the clutch? Does it smell like the clutch? mmmm well we had a bit of a problem with the gaskets leaking on this car said one of them, we need to see if that is the case and fix it.

Really? Well then, Can I drive it, nope, better leave it here. Can you get me a car please I need to be out and about today. Sure, so I got me a nice Subaru Forrester, my car for the next day.

Will keep you posted, but at what point, is enough, enough?

So then I found this tire called “The General”, its the cheaperst performance tire I can find. I called a few dealers in town, and the feedback was the same. Its not a brand name, its not going to perform like an expensive 300$ tire but its not a bad tire, everyone insisted, its better than the tires that Subaru put on the car in the first place.

I thought to myself hey, even if this tire only lasts 2 seasons, why do I care, I am leasing the car anyway and I dont know if I am gonna keep it. So at 150 bucks a tire, why not.

Do you think that was the right choice? Have you heard of this brand before?

If you own a WRX, be it STI or otherwise, but specifically If you have bought a WRX265, or thinking of buying one. I would like to know why?

What is the main motivation? what do you expect from the car?

By the time I got home, It has started to slip more and at lower RPM. On Sunday the car was pretty much parked. Today, drove it in, it was really bad.

Got to dealership, left it there, then a few hours later, I got the call, clutch is gone. Not sure why clutches would go, why so early. I dont think I am that bad of a driver, but could be.

I was told that I would hear back and the estimated cost is 1600 + tax. outch. I love this car, but really I am also tired of this car. Maybe we are just not made for each other.

Isn’t that a lot of a clutch?

Apparently the big news for the STI is that it is coming in sedan format with a giant spoiler in the back

What have you heard about the new 2011?

So the question is. well really two questions

1) Performance vs All Season

2) What brand

What do you think, I have no clue when it comes to tires

Obviously Subaru knows that folks like me watch this show, perhaps you are one of them too, and if you are time to come clean.

So here its is, are you an Antiques Road Show fan?

I am, there I said it.

I am in the process of moving the hosting of the blog, so if you experience any issues please let me know. Also if I took out some access you had let me know as well, I am working through restoring everything

Thanks