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Comments
Corey
If you are asking about an extended warranty or extended service agreement, most are transferable. Just check the terms of the agreement for cost and the process.
I hope this helps!
Patti
Corey
And IMO that's fair, some chips change the redline, for instance. I'm not sure I'd want a car that was modified anyway, because you know the owner was pushing its limits to explore the gains from those mods.
Call 800-SUBARU3 and consider getting a car fax to see if it was ever wrecked.
Good luck.
-juice
What parts of the warranty on an FXT are no longer covered if an Impreza WRX STi suspension (complete from a take-off); or Impreza WRX spring, strut, top hat assemblies; or just new Forrester STi springs are installed on an '04 Forester XT?
-Zor
The only items I can think of that might get extra stress are the wheel bearings and CV joints, because you're changing the angle of those.
I have aftermarket rims, different size and offset, and they don't even blink for that.
-juice
In post # 991, you said you'd look into whether or not the replacement wheel bearing is an upgraded part, or just the same as the original. Are you able to access that info? Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Len
Patti
Patti
The changes that you are talking about would change the specifications or design of the vehicle. I can't recommend or sanction that. Putting STi components on the Forester would not be something that we have tested or checked to see what components are affected. It COULD be across the drive train.
I'm sorry if that sounds so "corporate", but it's necessary when you are talking about radical changes to the design of the vehicle (from how it's been tested, etc.). Keep in mind - it's your car and you should do what you want with it, and what makes you happy. I just can't say it's a good thing because of my position. And...I have to stay true to that.
Sorry - Patti
Please let me know if that is true for this particular case. This is an important point for me, since I like the Forester, but not its 3-star roll-over rating. I may opt for a different fun-to-drive hauler like the Mazda 6 liftback (with a 5-star roll-over rating) if I would have to pay thousands more for the FXT and live without a drivetrain warranty on a Ford engine.
Thanks,
Zor
Having said that, the government realizes that their current testing procedure is flawed, and is now in the process of developing a more meaningful test in which the vehicle will actually be "driven."
As to your STi question, my guess is that it would void the warranty, but Patti would know for sure. You mentioned a link to the Subaru site. Which Subaru site? If it's not an SOA site, I don't think you would have any warranty coverage.
Bob
you can't legally void an entire warranty for a single non-compliant part. if you put aftermarket springs on-- which is basically what those SPT/STi springs are-- they can't deny you coverage on the engine for example. it has to be arguable that the aftermarket part(s) affected the part you're trying to get warranty coverage on.
~c
Bob
which Subaru website did you see that?
I can't seem to find them being offered for the USDM XTs.
Do researches on the STi springs, find out from those who have them and decide from there as to whether to go with the mod. If the result of your research does not yield any ill effect, you wouldn't have to worry about warranty issues.
The 3-star roll-over rating doesn't do the Forester justice. It will take alot [with a dose of jinx] to roll the Forester. Lark6 took his out AutoXing and numerous Sunday Backroad Drives... the dirty side is still down.
-Dave
Now I'm not saying it will do this, but that is the logic behind them denying a warranty claim. Also who put them in? That would also be suspect to scrutiny.
-mike
~colin
Jim
-mike
Let me be clear that I don't have a problem as yet. I'm still deciding if the FXT is the right choice for me, and I'm researching before I buy.
Some responses included questions, so I'll point to the SOA site link that provided the information to which I referred.
Specifically, I wonder if a Subaru dealer installed these particular official SOA springs if that would void the FXT drivetrain warranty.
Patti, if you are allowed to provide a definitive answer, that would greatly help my decision process.
The following link is for performance parts marketed by Subaru of America specifically for the 2004 Forester XT.
http://www.subaru.com/microsites/spt/lookupParts.sptaction?comman- - d=&year=2004&model=FORESTER&trim=2.5+XT
Quoted from this site:
Genuine Subaru Performance Parts are designed to enhance the performance, endurance, and look of your vehicle.
Listed below are the Genuine Subaru performance parts currently manufactured for the 2004 FORESTER 2.5 XT you selected.
STI SPRING, REAR (2 REQ'D)*
The STI spring set lowers the XT stance approximately 30mm (1¼") in the front and 25mm (1") in the rear resulting in a lower center of gravity which improves handling performance and vehicle responsiveness. A lower center of gravity also helps reduce squat during acceleration, body roll under cornering and excessive nose-dive under braking. Spring rate: 34N/mm front; 29N/mm rear.
ST2033088000 STI SPRING, FRONT (2 REQ'D) $98.75
ST2038088000 STI SPRING, REAR (2 REQ'D) $98.75
-Zor
-Zor
Our major focus is on customer loyalty. We want repeat business. It would be foolish for us to make warranty claims situations difficult or negative for our customers.
Zor - I know that this isn't as clear cut as you would want - but it's the best I can do.
Sorry - Patti
You missed this:
"..*Disclaimer of Warranties
Sold "as is" without any warranty coverage. Intended for off-highway application only. May bring vehicle out of compliance with safety/or emissions standards. Can only be lawfully installed by end user. See dealer for complete details..."
Some dealers are definitely more "mod friendly" than others. Some will install any SPT or aftermarket part without batting an eyelash. Some will not change the car in the least. paisan's post #1055 doesn't seem out of the ordinary from some things that I've heard.
I have a dealer that uses their head when it comes to mods. They abide by the rule that if the part doesn't affect a particular problem you're in for, then you're ok. The customer has to use their head as well.
I think the best advice is to discuss the mods with the dealer you're interested in buying from. If you get a funny vibe, let us know where you are and we might be able to point you to a different dealer.
-Dennis
p.s. - Thanks for the link. I didn't realize they added a few more SPT goodies for the XT. No swaybar yet though. It doesn't matter though since I just ordered my STi bar. ;-) D'oh, did I just post that in the Official SoA forum?! :-)
they really are aftermarket parts. as such, you might find the Speciality Equipment Manufacturers' Association website useful: http://sema.org
attempting a link right to an article titled "warranty issues":
http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=7253
if that doesn't work, go to the SEMA home listed above, choose consumers on the right, then your car and the law, then in the centre left choose "warranty issues".
~c
No sweat on the lookup. Whenever you get a chance will be fine. I'm just curious. Thanks again.
Len
Thanks!
Patti
Patti
you think SPT will offer the 5EAT as a performance upgrade?
-Dave
Thanks again for the clarifying response.
I wanted the truth; though I don't like the answer. Here's a thought, shared with the most constructive intent. Perhaps you could socialize at SOA Corporate a consistent corporate-wide warranty policy for dealer-installed SOA parts. I know that probably couldn't happen over night, but many customers I know prefer consistent reliance on warranties, rather than reliance on a dealer relationship which ties them to a specific geography and could evaporate with a change of service manager or dealer ownership (has happened to me).
F.Y.I.: Toyota warrants all Toyota Racing Development parts and the car on which they are dealer installed. Toyota-supplied alternative suspension parts on my current car did not have an impact on warranty coverage. They are not alone, e.g. Acura TL has an A-Spec dealer-installed performance upgrade with full warranty. I travel a lot and rarely can get to the dealer where I bought my current car; so, I'm not thrilled with dealer loyalty games on warranty issues.
I'm seriously considering an FXT and others are lining up to follow my vehicle choice. Mods are one consideration and the corresponding warranty issue is important to us.
Thanks for reading my suggestion. It would be interesting to know if anyone else here has voiced a similar suggestion. I hope you have latitude to bring it up as a policy consideration.
Zor
-mike
SPT needs to expand and the first thing they must to is install and warranty all the parts they sell currently.
-juice
I think - for the most part - our dealers try to do the right thing. But, we always have our Reps. if things don't go right.
I appreciate your nice post - despite the fact that I didn't give you the answer you wanted. That means a lot to me. It's hard to provide a response that you know won't satisfy someone - you've made it easier.
Patti
Patti
I'm pleased that you are here to provide prompt, careful responses, good or bad. I am encouraged that you provide a conduit to other decision makers that can help Subaru owners understand issues and resolve problems. Also, I'm glad that you are making progress on better warranty terms for folks that need tweeks to the stock Subarus.
Your work and the intelligent, enthusiastic, and informed Subaru community here weigh heavily in my impression of Subaru and in my buying decision.
I look forward to hearing of any progress you make on the warranty issue.
-Zor
I was able to visit my brother who lives nearby and I haven't seen in 18 months.(he's the greatest brother in the world)So it was a nice trip overall. Got 30 mpg on the highway with an automatic. Windy and snowy tonight. It's so windy my chicken laid the same egg three times.
thanks again.....Jim
In terms of the cruise control, will the fix get rid of the pesky 88 mph limit on cruise speed? That is definitely not fast enough for us here in TX...
;-)
I am having a chronic problem with my wife’s 2002 Forester. I have brought it into the service department on two occasions to have them look at this. The symptoms are:
A “pinging” under acceleration
Consistently poor gas mileage
Rotten egg exhaust smell
The first time (10/15/02) I brought it in, they reported “no problem found” on the repair order and said that I probably had a bad batch of gas or bad storage tanks. They also said that I should alternate gas stations and stick with the name brands (BP, Shell, and Mobil). My wife and I did as they said (although I was skeptical) for the next year. We rotated among 3 or 4 different stations. A year later (10/10/03) I brought back complaining of the same problem. I also called SOA and opened up a case with Samir (#544173). At that time they said it was “spark knock” and reflashed the ECM. It’s been 5 months and we are still experiencing the same problems.
I have been tracking the mileage on both of our vehicles since mid-2002. My 2000 OB averages 22mpg in summer months and 19-20mpg in winter. My wife’s Forester averages 20mpg in summer and 17-18mpg in winter. Our highway/city patterns are very similar and my wife drives more conservatively than I do. The "pinging", poor mileage and rotten egg smell leads me to believe there is a fuel/air mixture problem but the dealer can't seem to diagnose it.
I know that my wife’s Forester is due for the coolant conditioner campaign but we have not received the campaign letter. Should I wait until we receive the letter or should I just make an appointment and ask them to take care of the coolant conditioner at the same time? In terms of opening a case, should I do that BEFORE or the day I take into the dealer?
I’m wondering if you and SOA might be able to “help” this dealer figure out the problem. Any advice or assistance you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Ron
My 98 Forester just went into the shop to have the right cylinder head replaced (long story), the service manager mentioned something about a warranty on the replacement, I am just wondering if its a Subaru warranty or a dealership warranty? and what is the usual length of such warranties? I hope its for a long time, because at $1200 a pop I can't really afford another one of those!
Thanks in advance!
Mike
-juice
Just wondering if you received the oil analysis info on my wife's 03 OBW I sent out a week ago? No hurry, just want to know if it made it into your hands.
Thanks
Larry
-juice
Anyway to make a long story short he reprogrammed the computer and said he would keep the work order open for a week and see if it happens again and replace the knock sensor if it does.
The kicker is I may have to pay as the car is out of warranty by get this one week! it has only approx 18K miles at this point, he said the manager would have to make a decision.
I told him in no uncertain terms that if I were made to pay for a sensor that was one week out of warranty but well under the milage, this would be my first and last Subaru.
Now I sold my sister in law on a new Forester and possibly my neice will buy one for her next car. If they try give me the shaft then I will be steering folks in the opposite direction.
It may not come to pass but for a car thats only a week past the warranty this topic should'nt even have come up. What a difference between SOA and SOC.Not only that he tried to give me a hard time about doing my own servicing, by saying in the event of major engine problems Subaru could give me a hard time,I told him to get lost on this one, sorry about the long post
Cheers Pat.
-juice
Cheers Pat.
Samir will probably need any current dealer info. etc.
I'm sorry you are continuing to have a problem. Sorting between the car and fuel issues is always a challenge. In western PA a lot of manufacturers are having issues with serious dirt in the fuel. I know that the bigger fuel companies are working with some manufacturers.
Just a reminder (no Ron - I'm not saying this is the issue your Subaru is having) - Spring fuel blends are coming out there again. Be prepared for ping and lower economy. We see it every year. Thanks!
Patti
Patti
Thanks for sending it!
Patti