2009 Subaru WRX 265

June 5, 2010

When your Oil Pump Gasket goes, it will hurt

Filed under: WRX — Tags: , , , , , , , — Samer Forzley @ 9:57 pm

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

WRX 265 Oil Gasket Repair Bill

June 2, 2010

Left work in a WRX, came back in a Forrester

Filed under: Issues,WRX — Tags: , , , , , — Samer Forzley @ 10:44 pm

Last week as you may know, I had my WRX clutch changed because apparently I drove a fast car, fast. Following my clutch change, like a good boy, I drove that baby nice and slow. I even drove it far far away on a long weekend trip and never pushed it.

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?

May 8, 2009

Whats New for the 2010 WRX?

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , — Samer Forzley @ 1:46 pm

Started looking for information on whats new for the 2010 WRX. There seems to be rumors out there about 5 more HP and not much more, I will keep an eye out. But if I was Subaru, I will make the following changes ASAP

  1. Fix the engine issue
  2. Add a 6th gear
  3. Fix the pop out of 4th gear issue
  4. Add a wind shield washer fluid sensor
  5. A better sound system.

What do you think??? Add yours here…

April 11, 2009

6 Month Review – WRX 265 2009

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Samer Forzley @ 10:31 am

Where does the time go, it has been 6 month since I got my WRX 265, and I thought it will be fun to do a review. I was thinking, I will give this car a grade, you know how fancy car magazines say this car is an A or a B or a D. And so here is the grade a B+

The ride: A+

This car is fast, do not buy this car if you are in the market for a slow Sunday stroll, this car wants to go, and will go. I am shocked that I dont have more speeding tickets. The ride is tight, Subaru did an amazing job with this car. The seats are comfy, the handling is perfect, the AWD is also awesome. BUT again, the speed, man o man

Subaru: A -

Even though i had some issues, the dealership i deal with where great, I have to say that they treated me fairly and well. Except for that horrible survey they sent out, and there not so great road side assistance program. So far my dealing with Subaru has not been painful, and that is more that i can ask from any dealership

Interior: B-

Dont get me wrong, the car is nice, and they did and excellent job with the dash. But the car can use a few fixes. For example:

The sound system is sub par

The Mechanics: D+

That is expected, what can i say, a blown engine. I mean I wont give them such a bad mark if I was the only one, but i am not, there are a lot of people out there with bad engines, so something is off, and Subaru needs to fix it

Overall the car is great, a lot of fun, and real fast. Do I love it, YES. Would I buy it again, YES.

WRX owners, do you agree, was I fair in my assessment?

January 21, 2009

More on Break in and 2009 WRX engine problems

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , — Samer Forzley @ 5:30 pm

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”

January 5, 2009

I got my car back – New Engine Installed

Filed under: Issues — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Samer Forzley @ 7:33 pm

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

2009 WRX engine replacement work

November 24, 2008

Recently Acquired a Silver WRX265 Sedan

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , — Samer Forzley @ 6:06 pm

I got this email from Don Harold, and with his permission posting it on the blog, thanks Don for sending it in, great email.

Hi. I recently acquired a silver wrx265 sedan. I previously owned a ’04 wrx wagon and a ’05 legacy gt (5sp turbo), so I am familiar with Subarus. I did not have much to go on, other than a couple of early tests which I read online. I moved up from the wrx to the legacy to take advantage of the superior interior and engine (2.5 l vs 2.0 on the wrx). I was very happy with the legacy, but ultimately wanted a smaller, better handling vehicle, hence the wrx265. I don’t think the interior of the 265 is better than the legacy… in fact it is a bit of a step down with respect to the controls. The 265′s seats are much better suited to a high performance vehicle, but the first long trip will tell the tale.

I place more value into the mechanical and performance areas, and in this sense the new 265 is a much better vehicle. The engine pulls right through to redline, and pulls very strongly I must say. The handling is on par with the engine, based on a limited amount of driving. I think the feel of the shifter is also much improved.

The look of the sedan is ok with me, despite the slagging it’s gotten in the press. I like the sedan’s look better than the hatch, which has been born out in a number of positive remarks I have received. The gun metal wheels are a nice compliment to the silver color of my car. I do appreciate the toned down hood scoop and spoiler as well.

Many people do not really get what a Subaru is all about. One must have a certain appreciation for AWD and turbo power delivery to even consider this kind of vehicle. In a way I am happy to be one of a small group that seems to appreciate it, and enjoy it’s unique character. I hope I will be talking this way 2-3 years from now…

November 10, 2008

Coffee Anyone?

Filed under: General,review,WRX — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Samer Forzley @ 12:36 pm

Yesterday, I went for a ride in the WRX, I still cant drive it of course, which is pissing me off because the price of gas is just dirt cheap and I should be driving it everywhere. Patience, patience, I guess.

It just happened that we had other people with us, so my wife drove and I sat in the back, first time for me to sit there for an extended period. It was around 3:00 PM, and we where strolling along and I was kinda tired, so I thought you know what, a coffee would really hit the spot. We get through the drive through experience and I get handed my coffee, SCORTCHING hot. OUTCH. So I tell my wife to hold on to it for a sec while I find a place to put it. I reached to the middle consol cause I remembered in the brochure that it had 2 cup holders built in. NOPE, not in my car, apparently that brochure was not accurate or my memory is failing me. So then I thought, as my wife now is getting pissed off because the coffee is starting to really burn her, that maybe what I saw in the brochure was the cup holders are built into the arm rest that drops from the middle seat. A good place to put cup holders for sure, our other car has them built in there. I quickly reach over, drop it down, and nothing. What I got, is a thin arm rest, that honestly I would be scared to put my arm on for fear of breaking. By this point my wife is telling to take coffee or risk having it fly out of the window. So I do, I take it, and place it on arm rest, and hang on to it. I looked everywhere, nothing, no cup holders in the back. I mean, I am sorry but Subaru, how much does it cost to put a bloody cup holder in the back? 50 cents? Come on, it cant be that complicated.

I know, I know, I should not complain about petty things, but this is just plain cheap, I so am gonna find that brochure to see if they had pics of cup holders in the back.

It just aint right

If you find cup holders in the back for you WRX please let me know where they are…

October 26, 2008

Surver Results: Do you top up your gas tank

Filed under: General — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Samer Forzley @ 12:48 pm

Two weeks ago i worte a blog post warning about toping up the gas tank on the 2009 WRX 265 as it instantly over flowed with gas and spilled. While i was as writing it, i thought to myself surly i am not the only one who does this and decided to ask. I used ask500 (great service, and if you are on twitter integrates nicley @ask500) So I asked the world the following

When you fill up the gas tank, do you try to top off to an even dollar amount?

http://www.ask500people.com/questions/when-you-fill-up-the-gas-tank-do-you-try-to-top-off-to-an-even-dollar-amount#votes

Here are the results

40% said they stop pumping when the pump clicks off

27% said they keep pumping until they get a nice even dollar amount (That is me)

12% said they pump until they get a nice amount (does not have to be an even dollar)

22% said they pump on a set budget x$ per pump

Great results, and very fascinating if one take a look at them by gender,age, etc… really cool stuff

40% 158 Votes No, I stop pumping as soon as the pump clicks and its full
27% 107 Votes I try to keep pumping until I get a nice even dollar amount
12% 49 Votes I try to keep pumping until I get a nice number
22% 86 Votes I pump on a budget, when I hit the amount I stop

October 20, 2008

WRX 265 Test Drive (A female look)

Filed under: Drive,review,WRX — Tags: , , , , , , , — Samer Forzley @ 2:51 pm

I had intended on taking my 265 to the track this weekend. long story short, i was playing soccer and busted my achillies heel, and have to go for surgery. So nothing to report on the 0 – 60 or quarter mile runs or whatever.

But when i hurt myself, i fell down hard and eventually painfully made it to the car, of course i cant drive, and thank God my wife plays on the same team and thank God she drives standard. So my wife jumped behind the wheel, for this first time, she was a bit hesitant to drive it because she was worried it maybe too fast.

The Feedback from my wife:

1) Visibility is not good: Mind you my wife is tiny, 5 foot tall. She moved up the seat as much as possible, pumped it as high as possible and she still thought that the view was limited especially with the air intake being high up. My wife also had a hard time parking and backing up because the seats are built up high and get in the way for someone her size. When she turned around the seat was kinda in the way.

2) She loved the ride, she said that the one thing Subaru did well was to give you that sense of control, and that when she got to high speed (and yes she did, as we where rushing to the emergency room) you never lost or felt that you are going to lose control of the car.

3) She thought that the dials and instruments where great, because she jumped in the car and was able to manage things quickly.

In general she thought it was a fun ride, but not for her because of the visibility. I bet Subaru is not going after women my wife’s size with the wrx 265 anyway

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