2016 automatic FRS- possibly dead- options?
 

I'm the original owner- it's well maintained, with stock engine and was never driven in an abusive way. Heck, I'm a 50+ mom who just loves this car... my son says I should drift it LOL. Anyway, I digress. Was running great and I suddenly started to hear a rhythmic knocking that worsened on acceleration. Stopped at a light and it just died. It's at the mechanic's now (who I trust dearly and he's thinking it's not looking good, on cursory review). It only has 50K on it and of course I still have a few more payments to go (bought out my original lease). So in a worst case scenario- are any of these options reasonable: 1) reach out to Subaru to see if they'll stand behind their engine and work with me since it's under miles, though out of warranty by a year, 2) suck it up and replace the engine or 3) try to sell as is and if so, do you think I'd get decent money for it. Appreciate any advice.

Sorry to hear. Definitely try to work with the dealer first. Don't let an independent work on it unless you've given up on the idea of getting help from Subie. Others will chime in here.

And I just learned "it's toast"- metal shavings in the oil.So begins the arguing to get this covered. UGH

First I am sorry for your troubles. I would reach out ot Subau but being it is a 2016 be prepared for a flat no but you never know. When was last oil change ? when was oil level last checked ? What was the level on the stick ?
I too am in my early 50's and my 2017 86 only has 22K miles on it and not driven hard at all. Mine uses no oil and stays clean between 3K oil changes. From all I read these engines are very reliable in stock from so yours is puzzling.
If Subaru denies you I would look for a independent shop (sounds like u have one) and see if they can rebuild or replace the engine but if they rebuild try to figure out the cause so it does not happen again.
best of luck.

22R

This^
Although I am considerably older than early 50s.
Documented failures in the 2015s and up are very rare but things do happen.
The only thing I would add is that selling it with a blown engine is a losing proposition. It won't be cheap to repair or replace the engine but it will still be better than taking the huge hit on resale and then another hit to replace the car.

Have a pro rebuild it. New short block at most. The rest of it is probably still cherry. Parts just need a good hot bath to clean off all the microscopic residue.

Make sure it's someone who really knows how to glue it back together. Otherwise, it'll be another crap shoot.

"metal shavings in the oil"--This, after the valve spring recall of my 2013. (Details here: https://www.ft86club.com/forums/show...04#post3242004.) Toyota handled the problem with a short block replacement, but as someone else says, these engines are pretty reliable, especially after only 50K, so if nothing unusual has happened to the engine (as in my case), I'd pursue this issue with Toyota.

Worth a shot but out of warranty means out of warranty.

Hello


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Reported

This may be too far for you but Tim's Auto Repair in Paradise specializes in Subaru. He has 5 star reviews. I only used him for inspections so far but plan to use him in the future for major services. Wouldn't hurt to give him a call and tell him what you need.

So the dealer said there’s a mid engine knock- no shit- and they can’t diagnose it until they do a tear down at $150/hour for approx. 15 hours of work. Toyota corporate said only then can they begin to review if they cover anything. She kept saying it’s a year out of warranty so I hold zero hope they’ll help. At this point, I’m gonna tow it home and either sell it or find someone adept at engine work. Appreciate all of your comments and suggestions!

15 hours book time seems really steep, though we're working on minimal info. it almost sounds like they're quoting pulling the motor, tearing it down, re-assembling it, and reinstalling it...

Goodbye
Reported

I'd hate to be in your shoes, but Subaru has no obligation to help you out, since it's Toyota's problem. Toyota also has no legal reason to cover you either, but only through goodwill. If you have all maintenance records, maybe find a local attorney who specializes in auto warranty issues. Unlikely, but worth a call at least. But besides that, selling as is won't fetch you much. If I were you, I'd replace the whole engine with a new or lightly used engine instead of paying for a teardown.

I had this happen to me once with Chrysler/FCA/Stellantis/whatever-their-new-name-is-now... paid $4k out of pocket for a reman transmission.