NBW

I called a Subaru dealer today to enquire about what brake pads they could supply and the cost, and was surprised when he asked for the chassis number.

Why is this ? I told him that it was a '00 UK Turbo with the standard 4 pots for that MY and he then grudgingly gave me an 'approximate' price ?

If this is IM's anti-import policy then they are REALLY stupid. Not only are all you import-owners out there taking your business elsewhere, but I'll be taking my cash elsewhere to get new pads as well.

Very short-sighted IMHO.

Tim

[Edited by NBW - 1/24/2002 10:37:11 PM]

Mickle

I don't know the real reason but I guess it's because of the variety between the pads. I ordered some pads for my MY97 from an after market supplier and got the wrong ones, apparently my car was between phases!?

NBW

Fair comment, I could understand asking the question if your car's around a change of MY when their was a change in the brakes, but AFAIK the 4 pots went on for the 98MY, so there shouldn't be any doubt on what's on the 00MY.

I even said 'one of the last of the old shape, September 2000'.

Tim

Robertio

iTrader: (1)

I was asked the same today when ordering a replacement rubber seal for around the boot, the guy explained that it was just to get the right bit for my particular car. I didn't have the VIN number handy, but given the year and number of doors I was able to get it ordered up on my credit card.

NBW

OK, fair enough may be I'm just being paranoid, but I'm still going elsewhere - wider choice and cheaper anyway.

Cheers
Tim

WREXY

The dealers have a CD rom disc, called Subaru Fast. This disc has all the scooby chassis numbers, no matter what country they come from, bar the Japanese imports. UK, Euro and OZ ones are there and there is a 2nd CD for the US cars.

It is easier for the dealer to just punch in your chassis number and it tells him of all the parts and accessories your car came with. Colour, engine, whether it's a 4 door, date it was built etc. In your case, it tells him of the exact part number for your pads. This helps him not have to look up what pads the MY00 turbo comes with and also helps in not mixing things up by sending you say a set of MY00 sport pads instead of the MY00 turbo pads.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Wrexy.

Shark

Ditto Wrexy

We will not quote for parts without a chassis number. It makes sure we get the right price / part.

David

ga33a

Hi All,

Shouldn't Subaru be trying to makes its customers life easier?

If that's the case we should get a copy of the CD so that we can tell them what number.

Cheers

Gazza

RichS

ga33a

As an independent parts distributor, perhaps I can offer comment from my own perspective.

Supplying the correct parts first time is one of the most important elements to our business.

Beyond the basic "make, model, year, cc" we often need to know more information about the vehicle to determine what the correct parts are.
(By the way I'm referring to all makes not just Subaru.)

Subaru's CD system seems to be an excellent method of addressing this issue.

It may seem like a pain in the ar$e to have to provide the VIN no. (it's not that inconvenient is it?) but I'm sure you'd agree it's far preferrable to receiving the wrong parts.

Also, I doubt very much if Subaru would release their (very valuable) CD to the public.

Just my thoughts...

Rich

Markus

why? well because they want to check if you have an import, pure and simple. yes it could have something to do with pad shape, and different pads due to 2-pot or 4-pots but it's basically to check if the car is an import.

I had the same problem when I tried to get a set of locking wheel nuts! I'm serious as well! they asked for a chasiss number, I asked why, and they said because the bolts and nuts differed for changing MY's. I politely told them that this was total tosh, and could prove it. Went and got my wheel nuts elsewhere.

I can see why they do it, they'd lose thier franchise, but come one, is it not time that the dealers clubbed together and persuaded IM that servicing and parts for 'greys' is "A Good Thing™"

Steve Terzo

My Terzo was in for a service at the main dealer last monday, whilst I was there I thought I'd enquire about the cost of some front pads - the parts guy went out to the workshop, and took down my chassis no. this was to make sure the pads he quoted me from his computer were correct!(model year/application)

Steve.

Steve Terzo

By the way, I've found the same thing at Peugeot, and at Halfords for certain parts.

DocJock

So it's nothing to do with the letter that IM recently sent dealers reminding them in strongest terms not to supply parts for imports ??

(One of my very nice patients gave me a copy )

DJ

NBW

I can see the point if the dealers do have to search by chassis number, but I don't believe this is the only reason - which is supported by the comments above.

Mitsubishi have taken a different view, which is one of the reasons why a colleague at work is looking at importing one of these instead of a Subaru (after I gave him a copy of the Mitsi advert about 'grey' servicing).

Bottom line is, people will still import cars while the cost savings are great. If main dealers won't service them, then independent specialists will do the work and earn the money. So IM are turning away revenue..... not good for them and not good for the Subaru brand in general, but who cares it's their loss....

Cheers
Tim

juan

Fiat dealer asked for my Fiat one when I ordered a new wheel. I told him it and he knew exactly what wheel I needed (non-standard, but came with car when new). I guess they have a good record of all the options your car came with and they can dig the details up via the chassis no.

Tim Bomford

I was asked for a chassis number for a dash bulb at a time when there was only the one scoob shape! They have even asked for a chassis number to supply the plastic boot load liner when I had the wagon....sorry hatch back to the "uk" owners amongst you!

Tim (22b import and proud of it!)

RichS

In addition to what I've already said:

I would agree that the chassis no. check also serves to vet whether or not you have an import car.

This may even be the primary reason for checking the chassis no. in the majority of cases.

However, if Subaru UK were happy for their dealerships to service ALL Subaru's including grey imports, I would think that they would still ask for the chassis no. as it greatly reduces errors in parts ordering.

Granted if the part in question is the same on all cars (locking nuts or bulbs?) - they may not, but they still would want to be absolutely sure they are quoting the correct part no. for brake pads etc etc

Hope this make sense...

Rich

WREXY

Subaru by looking at the CD would not be able to tell if it was a Euro Import, I have been told. Only if it was a Japanese import, cos the VIN number from the Jap import would not be listed on the CD. All scoobs from UK, Europe and Ausralia/New Zealand are on the one CD including the Aussie version 5 STIs

Cheers,

Wrexy.