If you just bought a 2009 WRX 265. Take a minute and read this first.
MAKE SURE YOU BREAK IN YOU CAR ENGINE BEFORE YOU DRIVE IT HARD.
The official Subaru engine break in for the 2009 WRX is found in Chapter 8 of your manual.
Drive the car at variable speed, and at speed that does not require you to go over 4000 RPM for the first 1000 Miles or 1600 KM.
Make sure you do not put the car in Cruise Control during this period.
It is recommended that you get an Oil Change at the end of this break in period.
If you do not break in your engine, you will risk having a dead engine and needing a new one. There seems to be a few new WRX’s with bad engines, and many are commenting that the cause is that engine is not broken in.
Note: This is not official from Subaru. this is simply observation based on post in this blog and on news groups out there.
just got approved on financing today for my 09 wrx 265 thanks for the break in info. I traded my 03 wrx for this car. i hope it was the right decision as i absolutly love my 03!!
Mike
Mike, enjoy your car
I’m getting mine in a couple of days… will see what the dealer have to say about the break in, and of course il will look at the manual : This is more credible
nervous and excited, my 09 WRX arrives next week, traded my 08 WRX for it, and of course, now she wants to show me that shes a really good car to.
Power is still going up, Im used to the suspension, and the brakes seem to have improved, man shes running smooth, The 09 I got is the same color, Smoke grey, I added heated seats and the performance grill upgrade, I like that Ive got everything new again, tires brakes, warrenty, everything, But Im worried about getting a lemon engine.
I hope Im making the right decision. Oh well, if I dont like Im sure I can trade the 09 for an 08 anyday.
Dealer told me he would blow the engine for me and replace it, if Im that worried about it.
Id like to hear from someone who has both the 08 and 09, is it weaker at the low rpms? and how do you like it?
What tire and rim combo so you recomend for winter? the roads here range from glass smooth staight aways to twisty potholed and un maintained
Mitch, I thought the heated seats come with it, did you get the wrx or the wrx 265?
hey mitch
dont worry about the engine. check the manufacture date on the black label on the drivers door. the few cars that had trouble were made in july and august 2008. your car is probobly made like mine was in dec 08. theree has been zero failures in this month. Break the car in as per the manual. instructions under 4000 rpm for 1600 km and vary speed and gears constantly and you will have a fabulous engine.
Mike
I’ve been told the same thing by my subaru dealer, try to not go much over 4000 RPM and do not use cruise control (speed variations) for 2000 km
I’m planning to get my 09 wrx 5dr White, before the end of july2009.
Iv just had my wrx for a week now and just the 300km. I did not get the 265. Is the breakin the same amount of time as the 265?
Eric, I think its the same break-in period with the 265. Check your owners manual for detail….
It is the same break in period
I just got my 265 wrx white hb. I will do the break-in period for 1,500mile not going over 4,000rpm…. I will put tint next week…
Yea Dan, take it easy on it for a bit, come back and tell us when its ready to rock and how you like it
this is great info, i’ve been approved for financing and i’ve put the downpayment on an 09′ WRX265 and i take delivery of it august 1.
I bought my WRX265 in June and did the break-in period by the book. Had the cat-back installed and turbo gauge along with red footwell lights, all from the factory. Had the oil changed at 1000 miles and had the Master Subaru Mechanic give it a good check. He plugged it in and had no known issues. Did need the fluids in particular the coolent topped off. I’ve got 1500+ miles now and have nailed it a few times to 6k to about 125mph.(Montana roads) Goes like a bat out of hell. Very happy with the performance and especially the handling…Also own a ’08 Outback. Subaru=best value in the Rocky Mountains…
Just picked up a 265, Subaru is scheduling a 6000 KM oil change… this seems high to me especially considering Subaru is using dino and not synthetic oil….
I’d like to do an oil change at 1500 – 2000 K’s and I want to switch to synthetic’s, thoughts?
Guys … these engines are broken in at the factory already. It’s not really required to stay under 4000 rpms, but not good for the engine to be held at top speed 100+ for a long period of time (illegal too), so don’t just sit there for 1000 miles not going over 4000 rpms … not necessary at all. Common sense it’s the only thing needed with these cars.
Changing the oil often is always a plus with turbo engines. I’d say every 5000 Kms is good enough unless you’re running E85 or some kind of meth injection.