So if your comment back to me is, you are an idiot, save your self the trouble.

(AGAIN NO EXCUSES) But, I have been quite busy lately, really busy, more so than I need to tell you. I had also gone on a few long trips with the car, Toronto a couple of times, NYC, etc… and somewhere between work and life, totally forgot about the Oil Change. How much you ask? well lets say I over shot it by 4K.

I was driving to Toronto, car loaded, and about 3 hours in. I hear a hissing noise. When I heard it, it hit me that the car has not been going as fast as normal, and the noise seemed to come on when I press the gas. I exited, got to a gas station and looked at things. checked the oil and lets just say it was LOW. So I added some, and hit the HWY again. By the time I ramped up to 120, the noise was really loud. So I dropped down the speed and put it on cruise, wanted to get to the next exit and get off again. Within a minute, the car made a weird noise, then the cruise came off, the check engine light came on, and the traction control light came on as well. Luckily there was an exit close by, got off, parked, and called road side assistance.

They offered to take the car to the closest dealer, which I asked them to do in the morning. They where very helpful except that the one thing I really wanted / cared for when its that late at night, and cold, is the safety of my family, which the road side assistance does not care to cover. I had written a blog post on that in the past you can read it here

In the morning the car was taken to Whitby which was the closes dealer to where I was

As soon as they looked at the car, the decision was clear and instant.

a) The Turbo is gone
b) It was my fault for neglecting the car

Since it was Saturday they could not source the part to work on it, but they promised to work on it on Monday and get it fixed. The only question was, who will pay for the damage.

Long story short, the dealer called me on Monday afternoon and informed me that Subaru Canada would like to have a word with me. within 30 minutes, a lady and a gentleman from Subaru was on the phone. They where very pleasant, and did a good job letting me know that I was at fault. Informed me that the cost of replacing the Turbo was close to $2000 and that it is not covered by warranty. No argument from my side. What can I say. However they had a proposal… They would pick up the cost of the turbo IF, I am willing to do an engine flush and the 24K service at the dealership. That sounds like a great offer, Deal. With that Subaru was generous to pick up the tab, and I got off with a $600 bill for maintenance that had to be done anyway.

So the moral of the story is, PLEASE, learn from me, Change your OIL on schedule, its very important… TRUST ME

Before I warp up, I want to give a plug to the Whitby dealership, they were nice and Mark the shop manager was very helpful.

I started to think after why Subaru would do that I don’t have the answer yet but I have 3 theories

1) I know the Subaru folks that called knew about my blown engine and maybe they feel bad so they paid for the Turbo
2) The Subaru folks thought if I pay for the Turbo, I wont do the engine flush, and by the time I get back home, I will need a new engine
3) The Subaru Folks know about this blog and want me to say something nice about them

Maybe its a combination of all of the above, and that is fine by me.

What do you think?

I was planning on taking the car in for service soon and putting on my snow tires but this incident happened and forced me in. I had noticed that the tire tread is getting low, but did not think it was that bad, until the shop called me and told me that my front tires where pretty mush dead, the tread is gone, the steel is coming through, you cant drive on them any more. Fair enough, let put the snows on I said and so it was.

The car has 27K on it, of these about 5 where put on snow tires last year. So the factory installed tires lasted 20K or so. THAT is low in my opinion. I know they are performance, and tread life depends on “how you drive the car” but 20K? that is all you get?

Is that normal? what do you think?

So I might have got something else for the car as well. Rally Armor urethane mud flaps. They look the part. So I am planning on running them through the winter and removing them in the summer. So that is my project either today or tomorrow. I want to have them on before the snow.

I will post pictures so you can all see the winter tire package, and I will write about the process of the flap install and show some pics as this might be a good winter mod for everybody. I think next spring (depending on the finances) springs and a lip might be on the wire.

JT83

Here are the comments:

“Just wanted to ask you a question about the engine at idle. Mine trembles occasionaly. Not all the time, here and there, there are some little shakes. This is not new, I felt it from the day 1. The dealer told me everything is fine. Did you experience this?”

and

“My 2010 wrx idles rough when I first start it and it does shake every once in a while like when sitting at a red light. Its has about 1,100 miles on it. I also noticed somtimes when I go to pull in my driveway or a parking spot it almost stalls out. It only happens in low speeds and when its in first gear. I hit the gas to go then push in the clutch an almost stalls out.
Anyone had any stalling problems?”

Comments?

Ok but this is not machine car wash and no soft cloth car wash. This happened at the coin car wash, you know the ones you put a couple of dollars in and you wash the car yourself.

It turns out that if you go with the high pressure water washer and hit the windshield and wipers with it, this can happen to you. There is a cap that covers the wiper base and if it comes loose, the wipers well, will stop wiping. All you have to do is put the cap back in place and you are set.

But just a warning, if you are washing your car yourself, easy on the water

As you know if you read this blog, I had the knock of death on the WRX engine and looking back, and in a weird way, glad it happened to me and not someone else in the sense that I have this blog and am able to share this information. I know there are other forms and news groups out there dedicated to WRX fans, many who are more hard core than me. But I think and based on the feedback I get, me sharing my experience has been useful to many.

Other than the engine, I had a few minor issues, but no more than any other car would. Cars will have an issue here or there so no big deal.

I also have to say that, the dealer I got it from, sent me a letter on the 1 year anniversary. That is a nice touch, and much better than the horrible letter they sent to get the survey a while back.

The one thing I will say for sure, a year later, 20K later, is this.

I LOVE THIS CAR. I want to get in and drive it every chance I get. Anyone who gets in it, loves it, its just an amazing ride. Subaru did a good job with it overall, glad to have owned it.

Dam this is one fast car.  I can not begin to tell you all how surprised I have been with the power and acceleration.

I have to agree with previous complaints on the blog,

-I would love to have one more gear.  In my SVT Focus  (still for sale, I would love to sell it) I had a 6speed gear box, and cruising down the highway at a low RPM is quite missed now.

Other issues:

-The luggage/cargo cover in the back squeaks a lot! Drives me bananas!  But I have mentioned this to Kyle at Budd’s and he told me he has a quick fix for it that we will do when I am in for my first oil change.

-The reverse gear like an angry house wife is very selective about when it lets you in.  I guess it is a straight cut gear (based on its sound) and thus requires some coaxing.  Has any one else had this issue?

On that note, those are minor.  The list of pros would go on and on.  I cannot get over how sure footed this car is in the rain.  I normally would white knuckle in the rain on sport tires, but I have to continually check my speed when in this car even in the rain.  It builds such a level of confidence.  I am blown away constantly the power you can ease in mid corner.  The mountain switch backs in Hamilton were child’s play.  Apex’s were easy to hit, throttle response was world class and the car is so stable, although feeling a little soft with body roll.

I think I will be going to a stiffer lowering spring, and maybe upgrade the sway bars next season to reduce some of the nose lift/dive, and body roll.  I will be very tempted for a track day.

(behave behave)

On that note, here is a question:

What have people been doing for winter tires?

Anybody running 16”s?

JT83

I want to thank Samer  for allowing me to contribute.  This blog has been a great resource for me in making my decision on what to buy.  I hope that in sharing my experiences I can help other people find the answers or the help they need.

So its official.

I now own a Subaru.

Its parked outside the office right now.  A 2010 WRX 5 door, in dark grey.  The office is pure torture today, knowing that this car is sitting outside.

I was driving a 2002 SVT Focus prior to this purchase, which was a great car, but it was just time.   I went into Bud’s Subaru in Oakville on a used 05′WRX and the more I looked at it the more it didn’t make sense.  Dan (one of the sales guys) and Kyle the service manager and I sat down and we figured out a better plan than the good (but older) WRX.

What about a lease?

Well Subaru leases might be one of the only lease programs that still make sense!  With the high residual, and the low cost of borrowing (1.9%) It just made a lot of sense.  Worry free car for 3 years, with a buy out at the end that would be a competitive price compared to the 2013 used market, this is speculation of course and you will have to ask me my thoughts in 2013.  Between Kyle (service manager), Dan (sales), Marc (business manager) and Gerry their sales manager, I couldn’t have asked for a better sales experience.  They genuinely cared about what worked best for me rather than what would make them the most money.  I have worked in dealerships and was a car salesmen in my previous career, and knew they would have made a lot more profit putting me into a used unit over a new.  (especially with the back end profit with service contracts and warranties)

I cannot say enough nice things about the guys over at Budd’s.  I have dealt with Kyle (service manager) with a friend having warranty issue on an STi in the past, and he is definitely the guy you want to visit if you have a Subaru in Southern Ontario, for service or anything.

On delivery the car was already to go! Plated, tinted and 3M’d!

Well enough about the dealership, and onto the car.

And to appease previous threads Dan warned me when I picked it up to make sure I kept it under 4000 rpm until 1600 km  were on the clock and that I was sure to vary my speeds.

So now starts torture week.  (Although the car is still a blast up to 4000 rpm)

So first thoughts?  Well I have had great experiences in 2002 -2005 WRX’s but this is a different beast.  The best comparison for feel that I can describe is a 2004-2007 STi.  The sound and initial torque remind me so much of driving the 2004 STi.   Although handling and breaking were quite different especially with out the adjustable centre diff or the bread box sized calipers.

The ride is firm and very responsive.  Not a comfort cruise by any means but the car is far from being harsh.  The steering rack is perfect, and the feel is superb.  Throttle response is excellent and the clutch is light and easy to modulate  (as I found out this morning as I was stuck in classic 403 morning rush)    I have not had the chance to push it into some corners, but I guarantee it will eclipse my SVT’s cornering ability (and that’s quite a feat, those who have driven an SVT focus will know)

I am starting the hunt for a winter tire/wheel package, and I think I will be looking to Budd’s again, as they have a great package on.  I am also debating putting some Rally Armour mud flaps on for the winter.

What are the thoughts or experiences with winter tires?  Is 16″ an option?

And thoughts on the Rally Armour mud flaps?  Is that cool or am I going to look like a wanker?

I cannot wait for the next track season to start, as this car might be seeing a lapping day here or there…  Mosport and Calabogie are tempting!

Thanks again!

JT83

The 3rd generation WRX, the most hated and loved WRX to date.

When the 2008 model was released people were bashing the performance, looks, and engineering of the vehicle.

2008 Impreza WRX 5 door

It had the same power as the years before and adopted a Toyota look to it, remebiscent of a new Corolla. The drive didn’t feel like a WRX because it distanced the driver from the vehicle with increased sound dampening, softer spring rate, and a new look not everyone liked (especially the Chevrolet style grille)

When the MY09 was released Subaru tried to shush it’s haters by adding and extra 41 hp to the car, updated grille, lighter clutch, and 43% stiffer suspension. Although it looked great on paper, a few hundred owners came back complaining after the engine spun a bearing during/after the break in period. This repair required a new engine block and turbo equaling $7000 in loses for each car that required this service.

Post September 08 build date engine failures became rare, and the 09 started selling like hotcakes.

I myself had been waiting for a WRX 265 since May and the dealership couldn’t even find me one.

So I picked up a 2010 WRX Limited Sedan in World Rally Blue and had to wait a month for it.

First of all the main difference is the leather interior (which surprised my friends at the Mercedes dealership) is only available in Canada. The seats are extremely comfortable and soft. You could definately drive this car for hours without getting sore. The leather is smooth and compliments the rest of the car with red stitching as seen on the wheel.

The sound system has been upgraded from the base model to include an in dash 6cd changer, Sirius satellite radio, better component speakers than the 09, Usb, iPod and iPhone connectivity/charging with auxillary input as well. The factory equalizer setting leaves little to be desired but after some fine tuning the car actually sounds decent and just needs a sub to fill out the lows. It also has steering wheel controls allowing you to change songs and satellite/fm stations, or muting the system completely. My only gripe and I’m not sure if it’s the iPhone Os 3.0 update or the car, but when someone calls you can’t hear them with the car speakers, while my old Pioneer deck allowed that.

Along with this it includes a slightly updated sideskirts and a sunroof

From reading opinions online about the 09 it sure looks like Subaru has listened to its haters, and put out a car that has the enthusiast in mind.

When you step into the car, the first thing you’ll notice is the glowing gauges, a sign the car is ready, almost as if it has a soul and waits for your command.

The clutch is softer than most sports cars I’ve driven which has it’s adantaves and disadvantages. The catching point is very feint but the soft clutch allows easier and smoother shifts for daily use.

The power is amazing. First gear shoots you into the seat after 3000rpm with minimal lag and no surging, shifting into 2nd gets you that sigh of relief to breathe and once you hit the throttle again it takes your breath away. Car and Driver rates this car at 4.7 seconds for 0-60mph with a 13.5 sec 1/4 mile; similar performance as an STI in a straight line.

After owning this car for just over a week I noticed very few issues. One of them being that there was dry coolant near the rad cap, while it could have been spillage from filling it, I think it was from me showing my fiancé how to drive the car and getting out of first gear for an hour which could have been very stressfull of the car since it wasn’t getting any airflow to cool it down. Always monitor the coolant temp, the gauges are a good way but if you start to see heatwaves coming from your engine bay (evaporating coolant) while you are at a stop light shut it off and let the car cool down before driving it again.

I haven’t been able to reproduce this issue so it looks like the car is working normally again and the fiancé is able to drive better than I can now.

Winter is coming soon so we will see how the care fares with Manitoba winters (6 months of ice and snow with sub -40C). I’m picking up snow tires and steel wheels tomorrow because we will have snow by October.

-Eric Orbeta II

When i first started to write this blog, i wanted to share my experience with the car, and while I love this car, my experineces with it is just one view.

I think it would be really cool if this blog has a couple of people writing about their experinces, adding their photos, videos, whatever.

So if you are intersted in writing and sharing your stories and have a 2009 wrx, let me know

Thanks