Hi everyone,
I wrote an email to the dealership that I ordered my BRZ with, addressing my concerns with some of the major issues highlighted in the TSB section.
I really feel bad for loosing heart on this wonderful and highly anticipated platform, let alone for those of you that have been affected with the CEL issues. Pending the answer that the Manager comes back with, if it is remotely close to anything like "We are unaware of these problems", I am out.
(Note : Names and dealership withheld until final verdict. Pardon the bad English)
Hello Mr _______ (Store Manager),
I am writing to highlight a concern that myself, along with many other BRZ enthusiasts (or would be buyers) are having. I would appreciate if you would be able to advise.
I ordered a BRZ Limited 6MT at Subaru______ in late July and has been eagerly awaiting its delivery which I was told by Mike _____, would arrive approximately in the December time-frame. In good faith, I have also made a deposit of $500 through Mike.
Recently however, my research into the car has brought to my attention that a significant number of BRZ / FRS customers are having major issues with the engines (i.e failing vvti system, chirping noise, recurring Engine check lights, cam sprockets replacements, engine oil controller issues, rough idle and rpm fluctuations leading to car stalling etc) that occurs at varying intervals and mileage across multiple cars (hundreds). Some couldn’t even make the drive home during delivery day. The affected FRS and BRZ owners have collectively reported their problems and dealership experiences here:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15577
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10069
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16369
Understanding that first year models are going to have “teething” issues, I believe most customers can be tolerant of minor things like condensation in the tail lights, rattles here and there as long TSBs remedy these issues. However, the major engine problems I highlighted above does not seem to be quick or easy fix and requires significant downtime for owners affected. To date, Subaru (and Scion) had not have a satisfying answer as to the cause of engine failure and parts failure of this magnitude. Some owners went for two months with the cars in the shop still waiting on parts, others have had the problems repeat after significant engine parts replacement.
As such, I would like to know:
1) 1) Given these widely known issues across different states and dealerships, what level of support (aside from factory warranty) can I expect from Subaru ______should my BRZ be afflicted with the engine issues noted above? (i.e loaner car, payment reimbursements should the brand new car be out for more than a month etc, and/or possible car replacement if affected and multiple earnest repair attempts are futile).
2) 2) Has the Gunma factory in Japan isolated the engine problems and are proactively replacing defective parts at the assembly line, preventing these issues for new deliveries due later this year?
I hope you can understand, as enthused I am about the BRZ / FRS, I simply cannot justify spending $32K OTR on a brand new car with such significant issues without the above two concerns properly addressed. Respectfully, I hinge my decision to cancel my order (and have my refundable deposit returned to my card) on Subaru ______’s position to this matter.
Sincerely,
__________