Subaru Performance Group Maybe

[MtnSub]

As a first time Suby owner, that also owns BMW & Benz, I was surprised to learn that most Sti performance parts are considered "user installed" aftermarket and the vehicle warrantee does not cover any damage associated with Sti parts or install. Yes some Suby dealers install Sti parts, but they do so at their own risk. SOA does not support dealer installs of "most" Sti parts. (Note: I will still buy certain Sti parts, PINK springs, and have a capable/experienced shop install them for me, BUT I expected to do this at my dealer, under the full warrantee blessing of SOA.) In talking with two people actively involved with SOA on a daily basis, I found out a couple interesting things. 1. The primary reason for this hands off buy/install at your own risk is a gift form this countries personal injury attorneys. If Subaru claims that parts are for track or off-road and a person uses the car with these parts on the road and has an accident, SOA is open to litigation. 2. Some dealers would like more Sti parts to be approved under vehicle warrantee and to be supported as dealer install parts to be more competitive and generate more business. 3. SOA is considering a "Performance Group or Division" to support Sti parts and make them dealer mainstream. Not sure if this is just SOA or if this is M/AMG like or what, but some in the SOA network hope this is comming soon, based on meeting discussions. Not sure how this solves liability issue, but I do know from personal experience that companies sometimes create stand-alone groups in an attempt to isolate/limit liability. Given that Suby is definitely leading its image and marketing campaign with "performance", it seems a good idea to have an approved, supported performance group and products. Suby has stated their objective to capture Audi/BMW customers and they are having some success, but I am sure others will have my expectation that I can order my car with Sti add-ons or have the dealer install them, under "vehicle" warranttee. The Audi/BMW owners Suby wants/is attracting are not garage-tuners, but the type of customers that pay top dollar for manuf/dealer parts or add-ons. It is nice to hear that people inside SOA network are pushing for more Sti product support.

[gtguy]

I agree. I think it's absurd that you could purchase an SPT suspension kit for your WRX, that had to come in a box in the trunk of the car. The dealer couldn't install the kit because well, it's technically aftermarket, blah, blah, blah. If a company is going to go to the bother of making kits and parts available, and STi is an arm of Fuji Heavy, who makes parts that are every bit as good as, in regards to construction quality and performance, the OE bits, why in the heck shouldn't they be covered? Such talk is long overdue. Kevin

[rao]

It will never happen, at least not in a meaningful way. I mean the SPT muffler is nice and all....

[PGT]

This has no relevance to being covered under warranty or being installed by the dealer, but maybe a good first step towards those goals: [url]http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4383[/url]

[firedawgs]

Yes, Subaru is terrible with voided warranties. I had a 04 WRX that had a crack in the head gasket with 20K miles on it. It was caused by a vapor lock in the system. They would not warranty it because I had Samco radiator and intercooler hoses on it. Cost $1800, thank you drive through.

[agctr]

Thankfully the laws and STi work a little differently downunder. STi will sell and have warranty based on the parts that they sell as long as they are serviced and install by STi Subaru Technical installers. Adam.