Hi, everyone... I'm highly considering getting rid of my 2007 X-Runner for a 2012 WRX... i have absolutely no plans of modding it, but the one question i had for all of you is, as far as maintenance is concerned, does the car have to be taken to a "specialist" or can any shop work on WRX motors? I'm semi-familiar with forced induction, but know absolutely nothing about the boxer engine... thanks in advance!

 

Oh you will mod it lol.... Most service I do it myself oil changes and other fluids. Major stuff I go to a shop like AutoHQ

 

What type of maintenance are you talking about? and then maybe someone can answer your question.

 

maintenance is not the word i should've used... i'm not talking about general maintenance like oil changes and such... i'm talking about repair work... like replacing gaskets or water pump type work... does the car need to be taken to "subaru" specialized mechanics, like how Mercedes' need to be worked on by "specialists" or can any joe schmoe shop do the work... I just have absolutely no knowledge of the boxer engine and would like a better idea of what i'm getting myself into as far as repair costs, before i make my final decision...

 

Any Joe Shmoe shop will work on it but will they know what else should be replaced when doing something. Like replaceing all the idlers when doing timing belt rather than just a broken one or when installing an aftermarket radiator the hose needs to be trimmed just right or it can be cut. It is worth it to me to pay a little extra an hour to take it to someone who works on Subarus ALL day. My Sister just got a Subaru and she likes to take it to a "general" mechanic instead of the shop I go to, AutoHQ, we will see who's car lasts longer.

 

Any shop can work on the car, however I would highly recommend a specialist to work on your Subaru if you choose to purchase one.
The staff is usually much more friendly and knowledgeable, and can even be cheaper than your run of the mill auto repair shop.
My recommendation?
Buy.

 

^ what they said. you or any good mechanic can work on them so its a safe bet to get one
ps dont forget to wave!!

 

thanks for all the info guys! I think i'm pretty set on a wrx wagon... now i just gotta wait till they get some in because there isn't any on the island lol

 

...+1

 

you should also check the regional forum for the hawaii section.. we have meets every friday at a certain location ( it changes its not secretive lol ) and there are alot of people on this island that know a TON of things about subys and yes we wave the shakas when we see each other..... Oh and you say you wont mod it but TRUST ME you will may not be tomorrow or next week but you will....I bought mine in oct and well lets just say this past month spent close to 2000 on mods lol just waiting on 2 things in mail and then its off to tuner and dyno lol

most def buy one you will never regret it and always love it

 

Welcome to i-Club.
Subaru's are very reliable and dependable vehicles to own.
As long as you perform all your general maintenance they will last forever.
In my experience these vehicles are pretty easy to work on and if you
have any questions about anything just ask here all of the people here
are friendly and will be more than willing to help you out.
Definitley purchase a 2012 WRX if you can they are excellent vehicles
and you will simply love it.

 

Yeah just find someone who knows what hey are doing and have experience with wrx's. Luckily the service manager at my dealership has owned and worked on wrx's for many years. They can even help you out on which parts to mod first. Of course you can find that on here too, but u know when a dealer mechanic says to mod the up pipe and downpipe ASAP cuz the OEM ones suck your in decent hands.