franklin Posted March 28, 2005 Author Share Posted March 28, 2005 Here is the reality: People want cheap. Subaru made all kinds of stuff available for the WRX, from short shifters and mufflers, to wheels. The common complaint was "Subaru must be crazy charging all that money for XX part, when YY part is on the aftermarket for $50 cheaper." So nobody bought it, so warehouses sat, filled with SPT parts. Which makes this thread something approaching ironic. SPT parts will come for the Legacy, but we've already seen people balking at the price of the Legacy's short shift kit. People compare it to the cost of a short throw lever, without realizing that by supplying the entire linkage, the whole deal is better. And after the BBS WRX fiasco, I'm sure that Subaru won't ever offer wheels again. The BBS WRX wheels were spendy, but they were light, and forged, and looked very cool if the crosslace design is your thing. "What? Subaru must be crazy! I can get Rotas or (insert brand here) for a fraction of that price." I think that until Subaru sees a legitimate demand for an extensive aftermarket as supplied by SOA, you won't see the full-on TRD approach to these cars, IMHO. But, what the WRX/SPT thing has taught Subaru is that the only opportunity they're missing is to have a warehouse full of stuff sitting around that people on message boards (the modding demographic, in most cases) thinks is too expensive. Could they lower the price? Sure, by lowering the quality. But compare the looks/quality of some of the SPT stuff to the less-expensive counterparts. An aftermarket company such as Stromung or Prodrive has the same problem. Do you go cheap, or do you go excellent? Full stainless, rolled tips, flawless fitment, none of that stuff is cheap. A catback for the GT, for example, might even cost something like $1000. Will the market bear it? That's the question. Kevin Kevin You have a point. What I see as a key difference though is no warrenty issues. Yes you may have to pay a premium in dollars but the warrenty hassles are not an issue BUT only if the parts are installed at an authorized dealer. This is a key difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mach_six Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 They have STi parts so I don't even understand why they use the SPT name too? They need to dump the SPT name and stick to STi cause that's what people know and want (even though it's the same thing, different branding). It's all about marketing and the market. Most of the people who buys these cars especially the LGT aren't enthuisiasts. In a market were there is so much choice of cars, you risk to losing a lot of money if the car doesn't sell as well and sitting on lots of parts. I have yet to see Subaru TV ads advertise performance upgrades in any of there cars. Kia is doing it with their Spectra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtguy Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 The warranty thing is a good point, one that Subaru should pay attention to. I think that many would be more inclined to consider the home team's bits if they came with a full warranty. Mind you, my dealer didn't bat an eyelash at all of the STi bits on my WRX wagon, so I don't suspect you'd get any warranty hassles using SPT parts, but it sure would be nice to have that in writing, so to speak. My understanding of the STI thing was that they can't officially use STi as a parts branding thing because Shimano has the STI thing all sewn up, patent-wise, with its Shimano Total Integration cycling parts. Mind you, I'm not sure what the difference is between the USDM and JDM. Shimano sells STI stuff in both markets. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck 2.5GT Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 There are SPT parts coming for the Legacy's. Soon, very soon. We install all sorts of stuff as a Subaru Dealership, and a boost gauge won't void any aspect of your warranty. Regardless of modifications, if you have a Subaru defect, under waranty, it will be covered by waranty... If you need anything for your Legs, give us a call. Scott Subaru of Gwinnett 678-584-7251 Will Subaru be bringing out a 3-Gauge kit (like they do on the WRX and STi) for the Legacy? Or even just a boost gauge is fine. My salesman told me subaru doesnt make one. Then I asked if the dealership could install a aftermarket one, he said no. Then he said if somone else installed it, my warrenty would be voided. Im not sure what that would void but thats what I was told. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opie Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 The warranty thing is a good point, one that Subaru should pay attention to. I think that many would be more inclined to consider the home team's bits if they came with a full warranty. Mind you, my dealer didn't bat an eyelash at all of the STi bits on my WRX wagon, so I don't suspect you'd get any warranty hassles using SPT parts, but it sure would be nice to have that in writing, so to speak. Kevin The majority of SPT & STi parts sold by the dealers are covered by warranty, detail can be found at the bottom of this page: http://subaru.com/microsites/spt/parts.sptmain PARTS ONLY LIMITED WARRANTY FOR SELECT GENUINE SUBARU PERFORMANCE PARTS (LABOR EXCLUDED) WHO MAKES THIS WARRANTY This warranty is made by Subaru of America, Inc. ("SOA"), Subaru Plaza, P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000. WHO IS COVERED This warranty only applies to select Genuine SUBARU Performance Parts purchased from an Authorized SUBARU Dealer located in the continental United States or Alaska. Every owner of the part during the warranty period shall be entitled to the benefits of this warranty. If the part is sold or otherwise transferred during the warranty period, it is recommended that the new owner be given proof of purchase documents for the part. DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY This warranty begins on the day you purchase a covered Genuine SUBARU Performance Part and lasts for 1 year regardless of vehicle mileage. WHAT IS COVERED This warranty covers measures needed to correct defects in material or workmanship which occur under normal use in any covered Genuine SUBARU Performance Part. This warranty is subject to change. Consult your Subaru dealer for actual coverage at time of performance part purchase. HOW TO GET WARRANTY SERVICE A defective performance part will be replaced or, at the option of SOA or your Authorized SUBARU Dealer, repaired using new or remanufactured parts, without charge to you. Warranty claims must be made as soon as reasonably possible after a defect is discovered, but before the end of warranty coverage for the particular performance part. It is recommended that warranty claims be made at the SUBARU dealer who sold you the performance part, although warranty claims can be presented to any Authorized SUBARU Dealer located anywhere in the continental United States or Alaska. When a warranty repair or replacement is needed, your car (or, if you prefer, just the part) must be brought to an Authorized SUBARU Dealer?s place of business during normal business hours. In all cases, a reasonable time must be allowed for warranty repairs to be completed after the part is received by the dealer. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO RETAIN PROOF OF PURCHASE AND MAINTENANCE It is your responsibility to retain documents which show the date of purchase of the performance part and to present those documents upon request at the time a warranty claim is made. Failure to present proof of purchase documents upon request may result in denial of your warranty claim. If applicable, it is also your responsibility to retain proof that all inspection and maintenance services are performed when recommended WHAT IS NOT COVERED This warranty does not cover: (1) any performance part which is covered by any other written warranty from its manufacturer or from SOA; (2) normal deterioration of appearance items; (3) labor costs; and (4) the failure of any other part or accessory or the contamination of fluids that results from the installation or use of the performance part covered under this warranty. This warranty does not cover any performance part which malfunctions, fails or is damaged due to: (1) objects striking the car or any road hazards, whether on or off the road; (2) collision, accident, abuse, neglect, misuse, or any other causes beyond the control of SOA; (3) the failure either to perform any normal maintenance on or follow any operating instructions for the performance part; (4) the failure to follow the operating instructions for the car set forth in the Owner?s Manual or failure to follow the Schedule of Recommended Inspection and Maintenance for the car set forth in the Warranty and Maintenance Booklet; (5) improper installation, adjustment or repair of the car or improper adjustment, repair or installation of the performance part; (6) alterations made by changing, adding to or removing any items from the car or from the performance part; (7) installation in or attachment to the car of accessories or equipment not approved or recommended by SOA; (8) commercial use of the car, unless this exclusion is expressly waived in writing by SOA; (9) use of the car in any race or competitive event; (10) airborne fallout (including, but not limited to, chemicals, tree sap, bird droppings), salt, hail, windstorm, flooding, water, lightning, extreme temperatures, or any other environmental cause; (11) failure to follow recommendations on fuel use contained in the Owner?s Manual; (12) the vehicle being dismantled or changed in such a manner that constitutes a material alteration of its original construction; (13) damage to a covered part directly caused by the failure of a non-covered part or event; and (14) damage caused by adding or applying chemicals other than those approved or recommended by SOA. WARNING CONCERNING NON-GENUINE SUBARU PERFORMANCE PARTS Genuine SUBARU Performance Parts are new or remanufactured items which have been approved, recommended, and supplied by SOA. Some dealers sell Genuine SUBARU Performance Parts, as well as other parts and accessories. This warranty applies only to select Genuine SUBARU Performance Parts. It does not apply to any other parts or accessories. GENERAL SOA, through an Authorized SUBARU Dealer, will repair or replace under this warranty covered Genuine SUBARU Performance Parts that malfunction or fail during the warranty period as a result of a manufacturing defect. However, SOA has no control over damage which occurs to the performance part caused by such things as objects striking the car, collision, misuse, improper installation or lack of maintenance. Therefore, damage to a part for any reason which occurs as a result of the way the car is operated or treated is not covered under this warranty. SOA, its Distributors, and Authorized SUBARU Dealers reserve the right to make changes in parts and accessories sold by them at any time without incurring any obligation to make the same or similar changes in parts and accessories previously sold by them. THIS WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS WARRANTY BY SOA ON SELECT GENUINE SUBARU PERFORMANCE PARTS. SOA, its Distributors, and Authorized SUBARU Dealers do not authorize any person to assume for any of them any obligations or liabilities greater than or different from those set forth in this warranty. This warranty gives the owner specific rights, and the owner may also have other rights which vary from state to state. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE APPLICABLE TO THE PERFORMANCE PART IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE PERIOD OF THIS WARRANTY. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts; therefore, the above limitation may not apply. SOA, ITS DISTRIBUTORS, AND AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF USE OF THE CAR, FOR ANY ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION, LODGING, FOOD OR TELEPHONE EXPENSES, FOR ANY DAMAGE TO GOODS, COMMERCIAL LOSS, LOSS OF TIME OR INCONVENIENCE, OR FOR ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages; therefore the above limitation or exclusion may not apply. IMPORTANT NOTICE This Subaru performance part has been designed and is intended for off highway application only. Installation of this part on a vehicle intended for use on public roads may violate state or federal laws and regulations including those relating to emissions requirements and motor vehicle safety standards. Federal and many state laws prohibit the removal, modification or rendering inoperative of any part or vehicle system affecting emissions or safety. Violations may result in a fine of up to $10,000 per vehicle. In addition, installation of this part may adversely affect the warranty coverage on your vehicle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGT Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 My understanding of the STI thing was that they can't officially use STi as a parts branding thing because Shimano has the STI thing all sewn up, patent-wise, with its Shimano Total Integration cycling parts. Mind you, I'm not sure what the difference is between the USDM and JDM. Shimano sells STI stuff in both markets. I don't buy that argument, as they are in completely different industries and therefore there would be no confusion among buyers. Ask any average Joe on the street and he/she thinks Shimano is a fishing company, in any case. Very few people except the avid cyclist would know what STI is, regarding Shimano. I forgot myself until you reminded me above, and I have two Shimano equipped C'dales. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franklin Posted March 28, 2005 Author Share Posted March 28, 2005 OPIE So much for the warranty. The part it self is covered but putting it on the car voids all the OTHER parts warranty. Not quite what im looking for. Quote of the last line of the long, long Subaru warranty. "In addition installation of this part may adversely affect the warranty coverage on your vehicle" This last sentence renders the rest of the paper pretty useless. Franklin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beanboy Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 I mentioned something in a thread a couple of months ago about this. A couple of things: As far as parts not selling because of cheaper aftermarket parts: Perhaps Subaru should concentrate on engine mods and not things like short shift kits. Why? Well, in-house high performance folks know the engine best, and can put out a OEM quality remap. I for one would pay a 20% premium knowing that Subaru did the remapping and will warranty the complete car. Same goes for getting the STi uppipe, a quality piece that is OEM. Things get a little hazy when it comes to engine mods though, since somebody coming in for them is obviously a more aggressive driver, and chances are they are more likely be back for warranty work. Becomes a question of abuse versus actual part problem. Subaru may not want to deal with that. The Stage packages from Mopar may be a decent compromise. Same warranty BS like the Subaru parts, but at least you know the parts have been approved and tested by the company, and installed at the dealer. Certainly think that is a big step up when it comes to warranty repairs versus going aftermarket. -B -B http://www.standardshift.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtguy Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 I don't buy that argument, as they are in completely different industries and therefore there would be no confusion among buyers. Ask any average Joe on the street and he/she thinks Shimano is a fishing company, in any case. Very few people except the avid cyclist would know what STI is, regarding Shimano. I forgot myself until you reminded me above, and I have two Shimano equipped C'dales. True, but if Shimano has rights to the name, then Subaru can't use it for parts. It's more a question of legality than consumer confusion. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC GT Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 The main problem I have with the STi/SPT parts is the warranty issue. Granted, Subaru will warrant certain parts such as the short shifter, but, really, what could go wrong with the short shifter? The important parts, engine and suspension, are not covered, and in fact could void your existing warranty. AFAIK, even the STi Genome muffler had the disclaimer that it could potentially void your warranty. #1, that gives me the impression that Subaru lacks confidence in the quality of its aftermarket/performance products. #2, if anything I do to my suspension or engine may potentially void my warranty, regardless of whether its made by Fuji or Tein or Cusco or Eibach, why pay the STi/SPT premium? With respect to the BBS rims gtguy was referring to, you can't blame the failure of Subaru to move any of them on the US consumers. What did Subaru expect? The BBS mesh rims that Subaru offered didn't look as good as BBS rims generally available to the public (looked much worse IMO), and were priced at $600-700 per rim. Seriously, I bet Volk couldn't move that rim for that price. Rather than trying to create a BBS rim for the US market as ridiculously expensive as the one they did, Subaru easily could have made the UK17s readily available, as well as the JDM/UK STi rims, and/or some of the other "special edition" JDM rims by Volk and BBS. I'll bet Subaru moved more of the B4 5 spoke rims in the US than it did those BBS rims. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlrtime Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 Regarding the warranty issue, I'm not an expert in this area. However, there are consumer rights laws regarding these warranties. They say that adding an item 'may' void your warranty. What this means to me is that if you add one of these parts and said part is 'responsible' for the malfunction in question, then you may not get warranty service. However, if you add a new item, this in general does not give Subaru a blank statement to void the entire warranty on your car. For instance if you add a new springs to your car and a month later your radio shorts out, they cannot void your radio warranty based on the fact you have new springs. There have been court cases on these issues and it is written in consumer rights laws. .02, IANAL, etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fan42025 Posted March 29, 2005 Share Posted March 29, 2005 However, if you add a new item, this in general does not give Subaru a blank statement to void the entire warranty on your car. For instance if you add a new springs to your car and a month later your radio shorts out, they cannot void your radio warranty based on the fact you have new springs. There have been court cases on these issues and it is written in consumer rights laws. .02, IANAL, etc... Correct, at least here in Australia. Otherwise, Subaru can claim the car warranty is void even if you buy a different set of tires, wheels, pads, light bulb, roof racks, spoiler, etc., etc. We had a similar argument about using say Ecutek to spruce up the ECU. Some people claim it would void the car warranty. Not so. However, I'm not willing to test this out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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