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Old 08-24-2012, 11:01 PM   #1
arsa13
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5MT 5-Door Marine Blue

Subaru Stars Future '13 Impreza premium owner

Hello everyone! I'm new here, but not to forums in general.

In mid-July I went car shopping, and decided on an Impreza 2.0 premium to replace my '03 Saab 9-3 Arc.

Wednesday night (8/22) I sold the Saab for $5700. I wish I'd got more for the car, but I don't think I did that bad considering it can take months to get parts for any Saab now that they're out of business. That was the main reason I sold the car by the way.

On 8/8 I put in an order with Grand Subaru for a 2013 Impreza Premium, 5-speed stick.
Marine Blue Pearl with:
- All-Weather Package: Windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors and heated front seats.
- Alloy Wheel Package: 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped - steering wheel and shifter handle.
- Moonroof: Power tilt/sliding-glass moonroof.
- Fog Light Kit
- Auto-Dimming Mirror with Compass
- Roof Spoiler

I'd like to get the following for the car within the next year or so.
- Rear Cargo Tray - I'll probably just skip the cheap option in favor of this
- Python 574 remote start/car alarm
- Sport Mesh Grille
- Rear Seat Back Protector
- Crossbar Set - Fixed (in spring, Thule or Yakima?)
- Bike Carrier – Roof Mounted (in spring, Thule or Yakima?)
- Sunshade (Maybe- If it's worth it and makes a temp. difference in the summer)
- Center Console Tray
- weathertech floor mats? Husky?
- Splash Guards
- Hood Protector (Maybe)
- Side Sill Plates (Yes I know it's a waste of money, but I think it helps complete the car.)
- Rear Bumper Applique (Maybe)
- Moonroof Air Deflector (Maybe)
- Body Side Molding (Still Debating)

I have a few questions I was hoping to get some feedback on regarding the following:

1) I read that the 'typical' time to expect shipment of a brand new Subaru is anywhere from 2-12 weeks. The average time is right around 6 weeks according to threads from several years ago. Being in the midwest and that I placed my order on the day the system opened up for the 2013 model year (8/8/12), what kind of time frame should I expect? I've already called the dealer once a week so far and they've not been able to tell me anything other than to check in again next week...

2) Why does the Sport Mesh Grille say it's "excluded" when building a car on subaru.com? Can I not add this down the line to my Impreza Premium? I really like the way it makes the car look.

3) Can I purchase the roof rack or 17" 5-spoke grey rims on the Impreza Sport elsewhere, or do I have to go through Subaru direct? I only ask because I couldn't get an Impreza Sport exactly the way I wanted it and ran the numbers, finding it'd be easier (and probably cheaper) to go with the base-Premium initially and then add on later.

4) Is there any way to get rid of (or change) the red leds and lights on the instrument panel? I read a thread about sanding some colors off with fine (300) grit sandpaper, but that was from years ago... I really would prefer something a little less distracting at night, or anytime I'm driving.

5) Can I put HIDs/Xenons in the Impreza? This item on eBay (number 261055873968) looks like it'd fit the bill. Has anyone tried these yet, or something similar?


Any input is appreciated! Thank you!
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Last edited by arsa13; 11-19-2012 at 01:16 PM. Reason: added Q5
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Old 08-24-2012, 11:23 PM   #2
Number199
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I only have some input on point #4, I'm not sure what color you would like to have your instrument panel, but I have heard that red affects night vision the least.
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Old 08-24-2012, 11:41 PM   #3
arsa13
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I'm not sure what color I'd like to change it to, however my Saab's instrument panel was green and that didn't bother me. When I test-drove the '12 Impreza a month ago, I believe it was the intensity of the color (red) that really got to me. I don't recall if there was a button, switch or setting for the intensity, but it seemed to bother me no matter what. The test drive was in late afternoon/early evening, so it was very bright to begin with. Based on that information I assumed that since it bothered me during that time of day, it would be that much worse at night.

Thanks for your input 199. I'm not sure if that's true, but I do know that green is typically the most relaxing color.
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Old 08-24-2012, 11:51 PM   #4
Number199
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In my '08 2.5i, there is a dial to the left of the steering wheel where you can adjust the brightness of the instrument panel, as well as the brightness of the radio.
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Old 08-25-2012, 12:02 AM   #5
arsa13
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Yes, I do believe that there was a dial in that same general area on the '12 that I test-drove. I didn't mess around with it at all though. Can you give me an idea of the range of intensity that dial allows you to toggle between? I'm not completely opposed to keeping the stock red color as long as it's not bothersome.

The circle is where I think that dimmer switch is on the '12 & '13 Imprezas.

The arrow is where I'll get the fog light button, since I added them as an option, it's there, not on the turn signal stalk.


Last edited by arsa13; 08-25-2012 at 12:28 AM. Reason: added pic
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Old 08-25-2012, 12:08 AM   #6
Number199
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Well, it's one of those things that I can't explain very well without you seeing it. The lights can get bright enough to where I personally wouldn't drive with them on the brightest setting at night. However, You can dim them quite a lot, so that it's not so "bothersome" at night. I think that if you dial the brightness down at night, you should be fine.
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Old 08-25-2012, 12:26 AM   #7
arsa13
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I suppose I'll have to just wait and see how it is when the car comes in.

I thought of another question by the way.

In Illinois it is illegal to drive without a front license plate. Do you think it's fair to tell the dealer that they should give me (for free of course) a front license plate bracket before I drive off the lot?
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Old 08-25-2012, 12:35 AM   #8
Number199
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I think so, but I'm not sure that the dealer will share the same thoughts. It is also illegal to drive without a front plate in Texas, but I see local dealerships selling cars all the time without front brackets. I don't think it would hurt to ask though.
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Old 08-25-2012, 10:22 AM   #9
Garrathustra
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Blue is the most relaxing color to the eye (think of a blue sky),red is the most stimulating (think of a bloody anything). I remember being able to dial down the brightness of the red display on my '11 WRX to the point where it was almost difficult to see at night. I don't see it as being to much of a problem, as long as you don't have a particularly strong aversion to the color red. They definitely do get WAY too bright on the highest setting, which is probably what they were on during your test drive.
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Old 08-26-2012, 03:43 PM   #10
arsa13
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What's the reason for the laminex coating on the fogs?

I've got a lot of ideas now for my 2013 hatch. I guess I'll be busy after I get the car installing everything.

Last edited by arsa13; 08-26-2012 at 08:01 PM.
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Old 08-27-2012, 09:59 AM   #11
philbobz
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hey arsa, for your 17'' gunmetal wheels,
check this out, part #4, cheaper than buying them at the dealer

http://parts.subarupartswarehouse.co...iagram=7595250

all accesories you listed as are also cheaper than dealer would sell them, splash guard, strake kit and all those stuff

enjoy
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Old 08-27-2012, 02:33 PM   #12
arsa13
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5MT 5-Door Marine Blue

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Thanks, philbobz!

I didn't find that site somehow when I was searching. I found SubaruGenuineParts early on, now I'll have to compare the two. This is great! Now I'll have more prices to compare and see if the dealer will match or beat the prices I find. Good stuff!
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Old 10-03-2012, 08:34 PM   #13
arsa13
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Default Answers

Well, I have answers to most of my questions now if anyone is interested.

#1) Wait time for a new Subaru is usually MUCH longer than expected.

#2) I think the Sport Mesh Grill says excluded because the chrome trimmed one is an option in one of the packages I selected (all-weather I believe). Also, Subaru doesn't seem to think that someone who orders the all-weather package could possibly want the sport mesh grill, therefore it says excluded.

#3) philbobz answered this for me. Thanks! http://parts.subarupartswarehouse.co...iagram=7595250

#4) It looks like for this I'll have to take it to a specialty shop, deal with it at a lower brightness, or figure it out on my own.

#5) I do remember reading a lot of threads on these forums about people installing LED's all over the new Imprezas so it has to be possible. I'm not terribly concerned about this right now, I just want to get my dang car first.

Let me know if there's anything I missed or anything you can add.
Thanks!
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Old 11-12-2012, 05:22 AM   #14
arsa13
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Update: (For future reference)

On 10/17 I received a vin from SoA after calling almost daily. On 10/19, Grand Subaru (dealer) called with vin two times.

On 10/17 SoA said it would be "in port" by the beginning of November, and at the dealer by the 26th.

Also talked to Amy who confirmed (in October) that SoA would give me $500 towards accessories purchased through Subaru or towards my down payment.

On 11/10/12 I picked up my courtesy car from Joe. It is an '09 Forester.

Placing an order for various parts soon.
- Sport Mesh Grill
- Splash Guards
- Center Console Tray
- License Plate Bracket

- Lathe Werks Piston Hybrid Shift Knob

- Husky all-weather floor mats

Still exploring roof rack and bike rack options.

Still exploring options for a remote start/security system. The Viper 5704v looks the best to me right now.

Considering Kartboy Short Throw Shifter Kit

Considering Perrin Lightweight Crank Pulley

Also considering replacing the head unit with a Pioneer dvd unit with 7" screen.

I think that's it, for now anyway.
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Old 11-12-2012, 06:24 AM   #15
flyboy1100
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If you are planning to spend thousands on accessories, then just do a hid retrofit, don't just put hids in your reflector housings, you will create too much glare.
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Old 11-12-2012, 06:25 AM   #16
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My loaner was a new impreza... got around 30-32mpg average city and highway
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Old 11-12-2012, 10:01 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arsa13 View Post

Considering Kartboy Short Throw Shifter Kit

Considering Kartboy Lightweight Crank Pulley
I am the only person on earth that can get you a discount on Kartboy. PM the pic(s) of a hot babe and I'll set you up.
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Old 11-14-2012, 04:40 AM   #18
arsa13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flyboy1100 View Post
If you are planning to spend thousands on accessories, then just do a hid retrofit, don't just put hids in your reflector housings, you will create too much glare.
I'm only looking at about $370 worth of accessories right now. The sport mesh grill and the splash guards are the only things worth mentioning, because the license plate bracket and center console tray are pretty much drop-in items. Later on, next Spring I'll be looking at roof and bike racks, and possibly the short-shifter kit and lightweight crank pulley.

How would I go about the HID retrofit? Is there a thread or a site you recommend? I believe I'll need new ballasts for the hid's as well, correct?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dat8687 View Post
My loaner was a new impreza... got around 30-32mpg average city and highway
Nice! I didn't have a choice. The Forester is 1000X better than riding my Trek every day to work, especially since it's now in the low 20's at night when I come home around 11:30pm.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Unabomber View Post
I am the only person on earth that can get you a discount on Kartboy. PM the pic(s) of a hot babe and I'll set you up.
I didn't see a lightweight crank pulley from Kartboy. I saw that the Perrin lightweight crank pulley is only about $100 after the discount from Infamous Performance. I will definitely remember to contact you before I buy the Kartboy shifter kit (KB-002-LEG-WRX08). I found it online for about $160 shipped. I'm assuming you can do better than that.

Sidenote: I placed an order yesterday with Chris at LatheWerks for a custom hybrid shift knob. I'll post pics when it comes in. I wonder what will come first, the shift knob or my car? If I was a betting man, I'd put my money on the shift knob!
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Old 11-14-2012, 06:35 AM   #19
flyboy1100
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There are a few that did the retrofit, there is a thread on it. Iirc Jmzda did it first
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Old 11-28-2012, 11:21 PM   #20
arsa13
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Still wondering if the unabomber discount is better than $160.

Car came into the dealer on 11/20. Pics are here in the ordering 2013 thread.

Shift knob came in 11/21.




Accessories ordered on 11/25. Arrived 11/27.

Going to buy the car in early December. Having the dealer install the splash guards, mesh grill and rear bumper step plate for warranty. I'll take before and after pics. Fwiw, the optional fogs that I ordered on my premium DID come with the chrome ring.

More pics soon! Can't wait!

Last edited by arsa13; 11-30-2012 at 12:14 AM.
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Old 12-14-2012, 12:43 AM   #21
arsa13
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Car arrived 11/20.

Took delivery on 12/5. Had sport mesh grill and front license plate bracket installed same day. Center console tray placed in center console.
Dealer ordered blue splash guards (silver ones were ordered by mistake) which were installed on Friday 12/7.

Got a zero deductible, 7 year 70k gold plus warranty for $770. Paid $24,765 OTD (tax, title, registration and warranty included in that price). $500 credit from SoA on $510 worth of accessories and installation fees for said accessories. I think I did well.
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Old 12-14-2012, 01:29 AM   #22
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Congrats on recieving the car! post some pics of it! As for roof racks... Thule in my opinion has better fit kits and set ups for roof mounting systems, I work at a yakima/thule dealer and they both have great product just Thule is better for a roof mount.
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Old 12-15-2012, 05:26 PM   #23
arsa13
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Pics as promised!










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Old 12-15-2012, 05:27 PM   #24
arsa13
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Old 12-15-2012, 05:29 PM   #25
arsa13
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The first three pictures were at the dealer on 12/5 before I started the paperwork and before I got the sport mesh grill, splash guards and front license plate bracket installed.

The rest of the pics were taken after said parts were installed.

The shift knob is from Chris @ LatheWerks. It's a knurled black hybrid, with a gunmetal finished base and silver painted shift pattern.

That's all the pics I have for now. I have about 300 miles on the car already. I've really been enjoying it more than I thought I would have, coming from a turbo car.

Last edited by arsa13; 12-15-2012 at 05:38 PM.
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