Questions and Answers
Subaru Parts
Q. I'm considering buying a new or low mileage used Subaru. My usual mechanic says they do deserve their reputation as good solid cars but he says when they do break he often has to wait a long, long time to get parts and they're very expensive when he does finally get them.
Checking the web, I've seen one or two other accounts of similar problems.
What do you hear?
If the Subaru's going to have bad parts support I'll just go buy a Honda CR-V.
Also: I'd be using the car to tow a light trailer (920 pounds). The CR-V is rated to tow 1000. Would I be cutting it too close? I'm also nervous about the fact that Honda doesn't offer a factory transmission cooler for the CR-V. Honda tells me an aftermarket cooler could void my warranty.
Thanks,
CraigA. I don't know about Subaru parts being difficult to get. I have never had too much trouble getting most of the normal parts for any of their models. In running a shop, I have 10 or 12 different parts houses that I get parts from. Some specialize in Japanese parts, others in European parts and others parts for all makes and models. I also deal with new car dealer parts departments for those dealer only items. You might live in an area where there are few parts houses and that's what might be making it difficult to get parts.
Tow ratings have a built in safety factor. If a car is rated at 1000 pounds, it can handle more. They do that because there is always someone who wants to tow his house with his 1972 beetle. The Honda will handle the 920 pound trailer you have without difficulty.
Since you're talking transmission cooler, I'm assuming you want one with an automatic transmission. This is kind of a Catch-22, if you tow without the cooler, you may burn up the transmission and Honda will not honor the warranty. If you do install the cooler and something happens, they won't honor the warranty. What you need to do is get hold of the Honda factory rep and get a ruling from him. if he says it will not void the warranty, have him show you specifically where it says that in the warranty book. If not, get it in writing so you will have it if needed.
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