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Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

19283 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 9:15 AM

You are in the Subaru Crew Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Subaru Legacy, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, SUV


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Your Community Leaders are ateixeira and rsholland.

Messages Page 354 of 1929

#3523 of 19283 thanks! by justin

Jun 25, 2004 (11:50 am)

it is either used Impreza or new Ford Focus wagon. not a fan of the Vibe/Matrix really.
 
the Impreza only has 15k miles (2002) but it was registered as a corporate fleet car. CARFAX checks out fine. worries me though. was it maintained? no way to tell....
 
only has one year left of warranty according to Subaru N.A. they said the one recall it had has already been taken care of...
 
we will see.
 
thanks again!

#3524 of 19283 Any fit and finish/lemon law experts out there? by garrett

Jun 25, 2004 (11:53 am)

Got a 2004 Forester XS Premi which I love except for persistent noises (rattle or buzz on broken pavement) from the dashboard - above the instrument cluster, almost at the windshield. Dealer has had the vehicle for a total of 31 days in the 8 months I've had it and seems to be making the general noises worse. The storage well on top of the dash now vibrates and the trim around the shifter creaks. The dealer has been very understanding and has genuinely tried their best to fix this - really above and beyond the call - but I have to face the fact they can't fix it. They've basically thrown up their hand and sent me to SOA who want to bring in a district service person.
 
My worry is that the 31 days is certainly enough in my home state to qualify for a 'lemon' - don't really want to do this though. But I'm moving states in a few weeks. Will I have to 'start the clock' again? I wish I'd tried another dealer earlier but only one is very convenient.
 
I'm frustrated that this problem is causing me such headaches. Advice? Comments?

#3525 of 19283 Tire Switch Question. by yogi29035

Jun 25, 2004 (12:24 pm)

Now that I've got 2k miles on the 04 WRX, I'm starting to not like the steering/handing which is kind of sloppy. I'd like it to "snap over" a bit when I turn the wheel and to be generally more responsive. The first thing I'm giong to try is bumping up the tire pressure a bit, ....right?
 
If that doesn't work, my plan is to change tires. Problem is, with only 2K on the car, changing tires feels expensive, since the ones I have are barely used. Is there a way to get some $$ back for them, or do I have to just leave 'em sitting in the garage until it's time to trade the car?

#3526 of 19283 by ateixeira

Jun 25, 2004 (12:45 pm)

15", I think, for the TS. Other models actually get 16". No Subaru from 2002 and on had wheels that small (14").
 
Was that Shadow really a Shelby? The Shelby models were just called "CSX". Funny thing is my roommate had a Shadow ES turbo, the 2.2l model, it was fast but not smooth at all, and the clutch was stiff and nails.
 
I agree with mike on the boxers, any competent mechanic can work on them. If I managed to change the spark plugs, anyone can. I didn't even have the right sized socket extensions and I managed.
 
garrett: they seem to be working with you, try to talk them into a favorable exchange. The 2005s get better gas mileage, 23/30.
 
yogi: you won't get much for used RE92s. People don't like them new.
 
-juice

#3527 of 19283 juice by justin

Jun 25, 2004 (1:08 pm)

yeah, it was a Shelby, or something. it wasn't just a Shadow Turbo model. it had a numbered plaque on the dash. almost positive it was a Shelby model. it was fun to drive for me being 16, as my car was the 1980 Volvo DL. night and day there. haha. but yeah, it was rough.

#3528 of 19283 Re: thanks! [justin #3523] by fibber2

Jun 25, 2004 (1:46 pm)

Replying to: justin (Jun 25, 2004 11:50 am)
Justin,
 
Your proposed situation sounds like just the right argument for purchasing a Subaru Gold extended warranty. You can do it as long as the car is still covered by the 3yr/36k, and the prices in cyberland are quite reasonable for what you get.
 
Steve

#3529 of 19283 Justin: Used Impreza vs New Focus...? by edunnett

Jun 25, 2004 (2:04 pm)

Replying to: justin (Jun 25, 2004 11:50 am)
15K is low and it's nice that it still has 1 year left on the bumper to bumper. Don't forget also that Subaru offers a 5yr 60K mile power/drive train warranty that covers all transmission and engine components. It's pretty comprehensive in my opinion. I don't think I'd worry about it being a Fleet car... better than a rental and it couldn't have missed much if any maintenance in 15K miles. Although you could use that to talk the dealer down in price. Consumer reports says of the Impreza: "...The Impreza delivers nimble handling and a relatively comfortable ride. The rear seat is cramped and cargo space is tight. The Outback Sport model rides more stiffly.... Safety equipment: Dual front air bags standard. Side air bags available from 2002. ABS available, standard from 2002. Safety-belt pretensioners standard from 2002." Reliability is predicted high and it is a Consumer Reports "Good Bet" for a used car. Year 2002 was even better than some other years. Retail prices for '02 should be around $14K - $16K (but never pay the asking price, you know it was probably traded in for thousands less). You can make the dealer prove to you the recall was attended to - ask for proof - there is probably a sticker under the hood or something that was applied when the recall was addressed. Had you considered purchasing private party rather than through a dealer? You could save thousands and have a better idea what you are getting. Either way, check the Blue Book value of the car by going to http://www.kbb.com and selecting "retail price" if you want to see the expected dealer pricing, or "private party" if you want to see what it would cost to buy from a person.
 
Consumer reports says of the Focus: "Reliability has finally improved, allowing us to recommend it... All versions we tested handled nimbly and felt forgiving at their limits. The wagon is a cleverly packaged and very practical choice, with good rear-seat and cargo space." Although owner satisfaction is below average. You should also know there is a $3K consumer rebate on the Focus Wagon. Invoice is about $1000 below MSRP and the dealers get a $500 "dealer holdback" from the factory, which means they pay about $1500 below MSRP for the car. So... you should be able to get $4000 - 4500 below MSRP if you're tough. (alternatively, a new 2004 Impreza base model costs the dealer $16,600 so hard to get as a good a deal)

#3531 of 19283 by ateixeira

Jun 26, 2004 (11:44 am)

Yep, that was the CSX, with the plaque.
 
The base Focus models are pretty watered down, get at least the new 2.3l ST models, which are also PZEV. Torque is pretty good and fuel efficiency is better than the Zetec engine.
 
-juice

#3532 of 19283 Re: [edunnett #3520] by xenakimbo

Jun 26, 2004 (5:41 pm)

Replying to: edunnett (Jun 25, 2004 11:32 am)
which spark plugs & wires can you recommend for a 96 legacy?

Messages Page 354 of 1929

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