2009 Subaru WRX 265

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

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?

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

I just read an article posted by the Autotrader in the UK that did a good review of the WRX 265. Don’t be thrown off by the models and the competition, its a bit different out there. It looks interesting for those of us who drive on the right side of the road to look at the interior picture of the WRX where the steering wheel is on the right side of the car.

In the interest of remaining on topic, Autotrader clocked the WRX 265 and I quote.  “Acceleration from 0-60mph takes 6.1 seconds, which is best-in-class performance”. The car reached a top speed of 130 mpg.
0 – 60 in 6.1 is pretty fast folks, I feel it when i drive it, the car just whips you back into your seat and goes. I can’t wait to be able to get back in it and drive it.

0 – 60 in 6.1 seconds is very excellent, given that a 2009 Porsche Carrera does it in 4.5 at 4 times the price, and faster than a BMW 330i, which takes 6.5 seconds to get to 60.

What is that saying, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. How about 3 times

Well it happened again, so shame on me but i am so used to my old car. You know, you pull up to the gas pump and start pumping, and then when the gas tank is full, the thing clicks off.

Now i don’t know about you, but i have this thing where i want to keep pumping until i have an even dollar amount. So lets say i put gas and the tank took $29.37 well i deally i would like to keep pumping (slowly) until i hot $30 or at least a nice number like $29.50 or $29.75. Silly I know, but that is me, are you like that? I should do a poll on this…. hmmm

Anyway, here is my WARNING: Do not do this with your WRX.

Apparently when the WRX is full, it really means it. unlike my other car, i swear i can go for a whole dollar after its “full”. With the WRX, you got pennies at best.

3 times now. I am not kidding 3 times now. I am pumping, and while i am trying to watch the numbers on the pump, trying to make sure that i dont go over. Like, it will be a moral disaster if i hit $30.01. I look down, and gas is gushing out of the tank. All over, what a mess. And now I am all worried that forever more i have damaged the car because it has gas spilling over it. Off i go into the car wash again…

On the possitve side, i must have the cleanest WRX265 out there

Ok, so yesterday i head downtown for dinner with some friends, got to the parking lot and it is one of those no attendand parking lots. You get it, get a ticket, hang on to it, and then when you leave you walk up to a machine, put your ticket in, and pay. Once you pay you get another ticket which is what you use to scan yourself to get out.

I get in, get my ticket, no place to put it. As you know i already posted about the lack of compartments in the car. There is a compartment under the heat controls a good portion of it is taken up by the 12 volt adapter. I put my ticket there, kinda toss it in, and off i go to do my thing. I come back, i try to get the ticket, but you think i can get my hand in? nope, so this compartment is shallow and deep. I don’t think i have giant hands either.  Anyway i managed to get the ticket out and get going, but those compartments or lack of, is getting annoying. I have now resorted to using a (well i wont call it compartment) more of a side thing, that is on the door, its working Kinda, but not the best solution.