June 09, 2010

2010 Subaru Legacy / Outback Recall

Just got this notice for my 2010 Subaru Legacy:

During a quality review, we discovered that the plastic cover on your vehicle's ABS (anti-lock brake system) electronic control unit may have been cracked during the manufacturing process."

We suggest that you schedule an appointment with your Subaru Dealer as soon as possible to have your vehicle’s ABS electronic control unit cover inspected.

October 24, 2009

2010 Legacy 2.5i Premium

On October 7th, I purchased a 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium. The car is really nice and I am having fun driving it. I was lucky to get a great trade-in for my 2000 Subaru Impreza.

When the car hits about 1,000 miles I'll be going in for an early oil change. I suspect that it will happen later this week.

October 07, 2009

Bernardi Toyota

I tried to call the Bernardi Toyota in Framingham to let them know that I won't be getting the Rav4 that we looked at over the weekend. However, I don't remember the sales guy name.

He left me two voice messages in the past 24 hours on my cell phone but spoke his name too fast for me to understand it. I guess I'll have to wait till he calls me back.

If you are going to the Toyota dealer can you tell them that the guy that came in wanting to buy a car decided to go to a dealer that wanted to sell him a car.

October 05, 2009

New Car Shopping

After 91,219 miles, I decided that its time to get a new car and so this weekend we went looking for a new car to replace my 2000 Subaru Impreza. I decided that its best to get a new car now while the existing car has some trade in value. I didn't want my Subraru to end up like my 1993 Saturn SC2.

We first went to Bernardi Toyota, a Toyota Dealership in Framingham, to look at the Matrix and other Toyotas. After finding out that the Matrix wouldn't be a good option for us since the trunk space is too small. We decided to test drive the Rav4. The car was fun to drive, the only thing that caught my eye was that the windshield seemed bigger than the Subaru or Jeep.

After test driving the 2009 silver Rav4 with 4,000 miles, and telling him that I was undecided on the car and going to other dealerships the following conversation happened:

"When can you come back to get a quote. How about Thursday before 5," he asked.

"No, Wednesday would be better," I responded.

"Fine, Wednesday would be better since that's when the Used Sales Manager will be in to help evaluate your trade in."

"Ok, see you Wednesday." and we shook hands and walked out the door with out a quote for the car or him telling me anything about my Subraru trade in value. They didn't seem to want to sell me a car. Keep in mind we were looking at a used car and someone else might have come in get it.

What's more confusing is that its 2009, and aren't car dealers hurting right now? Don't they need all the business that they can get?

We drove down the street to MetroWest Subaru and purchased a new Subaru. What's weird is that the sales person was the same person that I saw a couple of years ago. The car buying process was very easy and the sales person worked within my budget to get the deal done.

Subaru wanted to sell me a car, and they were able to match the price that I was willing to pay. I am excited that I am getting a new car in a couple of days.

September 16, 2003

Subaru Impreza

Today I purchased a car to replace my 1993 Saturn SC2! A 2000 Subaru Impreza with only 28,000 miles! This isn't a fully loaded car, so I might have to do some customization, such as changing the radio and other upgrades.

It was fun looking at all the used cars out there. Dealing with pressure salesman was not fun. My favorite experience was in Framingham. A sales person wanted to sell me a Dodge Neon with 8,000 miles. However, I could not test drive the car since it was blocked in. Nevertheless, he wanted me to put down a deposit before I left. Also he was talking to a couple who were looking at a Jeep while he was going back to his manager. Good thing I didn't buy the Neon, as it didn't make the "Consumers Report Reliable Used Car" guide.

What I learn in finding a Used Car

1. Use the Internet to find available cars. You are better off checking specific dealers websites than sites like Vehix.com. Not all dealers will use global sites.
2. Research various cars, use Consumer Reports Reliable used cars as a guide.
3. Do not be afraid of walking away once you see the car you like.
4. Find out the total cost of the car before putting any money down.
5. Test drive the car.

2000 Subaru Impreza Feature List

Power Sunroof Air Conditioning Cruise Control Power Steering Power Brakes Power Door Locks Power Windows Cassette Player Alloy Wheels Gauge Cluster Clock Trip Odometer

Tachometer Tilt Steering Wheel Tinted Glass Interval Wipers Rear Defroster Remote Trunk Lid Driver Side Air Bag Console Front Bucket Seats Reclining Seats Cloth Upholstery Body Side Moldings

Center Arm Rest Maintenance Free Battery Courtesy Lights Map Lights Child-Proof Locks Fog Lights Anti-Lock Braking System Passenger Side Air Bag Am/Fm Stereo Radio Rear Spoiler Dual Electric Mirrors