[prb44t]

So I took my '08 STi in to get the recall on the ECU performed. The dealer called me a while ago and asked if I had done any ECU reprogramming. I told him I hadn't (which is the truth). They called back a couple hours later saying the Subaru engineers (Factory guys) insist a mod has been done. They are ordering me a new ECU, and are going to send back mine for investigation.

If they find it was altered they are going to charge me for a new ECU plus labor ($700)! I bought the car from a dealer where it had a couple hundred miles on it, but I don't know why they would reflash it. So I'm at a loss as to a reason why they cannot connect. Anyone else run into this? Any ideas on why this may happen?

[La Mer]

Just to get it out of the way, did you buy it brand new?

[prb44t]

I bought it brand new, it was on a dealer lot and had just around 300 miles on it when I got. The dealer who is servicing it is a different dealer than where I bought it. (I moved)

[Turninconcepts.com]

If you didn't reflash it, and you're telling them this then you're fine.

[pwn]

What dealer was this?

[caveguru]

300 miles sounds like a demonstration car. You may want to go back to the dealer that sold it to you and ask for some sort of log of what happened to the car before you bought it.

Frank

[prb44t]

The dealer is Ganley Subaru East (Cleveland, OH). I bought it from Beyers Subaru in Columbus.

It wasn't a demo as such, the documents I have said the dealer took stock of it in Feb. I bought in end of May. It had been test driven but no one wanted a white one with gold rims... except me apparently.

I just wonder why they can't read or flash the ecu if it is a stock ecu.

[Blip]

Originally Posted by prb44t

The dealer is Ganley Subaru East (Cleveland, OH). I bought it from Beyers Subaru in Columbus.

It wasn't a demo as such, the documents I have said the dealer took stock of it in Feb. I bought in end of May. It had been test driven but no one wanted a white one with gold rims... except me apparently.

I just wonder why they can't read or flash the ecu if it is a stock ecu.

It was not a Demo But it had been test driven?

[Spaceman]

Originally Posted by prb44t

I bought it brand new, it was on a dealer lot and had just around 300 miles on it when I got. The dealer who is servicing it is a different dealer than where I bought it. (I moved)

Damn, you bought a brand new STi with 300 miles?

I hope you got one hell of a deal... I don't think I would consider 300 miles brand new. More than likely those 300 miles were all test drives.

Hope all goes well though.

And if you didn't do anything to the car then make sure you do not give them a dime. There is no reason why you should have to pay for that ECU.

[prb44t]

I guess when I think of a "demo" car I think of one that's been used as a loaner or service vehicle with several thousand miles on it. I don't know what most of you do, but I always go for a test drive for 40-50 miles. Having a car on the lot for 4 months with a few test drives doesn't worry me. It had 240 some miles when I took it for a test drive and the car has been flawless for me.

Regardless doubt that has anything to do with not being able to read the ECU. I should have the car back Thursday and they overnighted my current ECU to Subaru NA for evaluation...

[Blip]

You realy need to do your home work when it comes to buying new cars. That car was a Demo. Think of a rental car with 300 miles. I got mine with 3 miles on it.

[waktasz]

I'd love to see them try to charge you after the fact even if you did flash it. Are they are going to call you in a month and ask you for your credit card number? It's beginning to look like all Subaru dealers are scumbags. They must have a mandate from Cherry Hill to be that way.

[ocpokesmot]

Timmons Subaru and VW of Long Beach tried to sell me a 07 sti with 600 miles on it as new...but luckily i caught that s***. i was in the process of signing all the papers and talking to the insurance on the phone and the insurance aasked me how many miles were on the car so i asked the finance guy he says "600" i was like "WTF!!!!! get ready to tear the contract up i want 2 grand off the price right now!!!!!!!" of courase he has to take it up with his manager... so he comes back and says okay were going to give u a "new car". we walked to the back of the lot and i pick a satin white one with gold wheels it had 6 on the clock and looks never test driven and i watched them rip the white protective plastic from the hood, trunk, interior, i wrote down the VIN and proceded back to a new contract. BTW i had closed the deal over the phone @ $35,500 out the door, i had outside financing with a black check thats why they tried to rip me

Originally Posted by prb44t

I bought it brand new, it was on a dealer lot and had just around 300 miles on it when I got. The dealer who is servicing it is a different dealer than where I bought it. (I moved)