[chelidon]

Originally Posted by jmswinger

I wish I was in your boat. I need a car soon as the car i am trying to sell is going to cost me $$ to fix it up as most things are about to expire due to wear. And if I have to do the fixes then I might as well just keep it as the money going it will never come back out.

Ah-yup. Same situation here. Back in early January when I ordered my STI on the first day the VIP Program covered the STI, I really was in no hurry. And it's a good thing I wasn't... Three months later, my car shows up at the dealership on the same day as the Stop Sale (and is in the VIN range), and now 12 days later, not a peep from Subaru, not even a rough timeframe for when they expect to have more info, nothing.

Yeah, some of this is sour grapes whineb*tchmoan, bad luck on my part, and I admire the proactive stance from Subaru (and I've been a customer for a long time), but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking into Plan B right now. The STI is still the car I want, all the reasons I wanted it are still valid, and it's still the best choice -- the alternatives (Audi TT, A5/S5, Mustang Bullitt, BMW Z4M, 135, 335, etc) all fall short in one area or another (performance, practicality, winter handling, and especially value for what you get). Still, if I don't hear something soon, I may just fix up the beater truck and wait to see what happens with the 09, or jump at one of my second-string choices. For now, I'm patient...for a little bit longer. Come end of April, at the latest, if I'm still sitting here waiting without a workable plan from Subaru, my deposit comes home with me instead of my new STI.

[IceAgeTLC]

Originally Posted by chelidon

Ah-yup. Same situation here. Back in early January when I ordered my STI on the first day the VIP Program covered the STI, I really was in no hurry. And it's a good thing I wasn't... Three months later, my car shows up at the dealership on the same day as the Stop Sale (and is in the VIN range), and now 12 days later, not a peep from Subaru, not even a rough timeframe for when they expect to have more info, nothing.

Yeah, some of this is sour grapes whineb*tchmoan, bad luck on my part, and I admire the proactive stance from Subaru (and I've been a customer for a long time), but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking into Plan B right now. The STI is still the car I want, all the reasons I wanted it are still valid, and it's still the best choice -- the alternatives (Audi TT, A5/S5, Mustang Bullitt, BMW Z4M, 135, 335, etc) all fall short in one area or another (performance, practicality, winter handling, and especially value for what you get). Still, if I don't hear something soon, I may just fix up the beater truck and wait to see what happens with the 09, or jump at one of my second-string choices. For now, I'm patient...for a little bit longer. Come end of April, at the latest, if I'm still sitting here waiting without a workable plan from Subaru, my deposit comes home with me instead of my new STI.

Are you at all worried about what they'll say to you about getting your deposit back?

[inpuressa]

Originally Posted by jmswinger

Here is the latest news from my dealer...

"From what I understand there were only about 10 or so vehicles affected. They are currently recalling vehicles that may have been affected. Don't worry this won't affect your STI."

I guess this is good news..

That's what I hoped for, but things are a bit worse now. Subaru ordered a stop-sale on all STi's coming from the factory. That's not to say they are affected, but pending further investigation. I don't know when this "investigation" is gonna finish, but if they have to rebuild the motor, I don't want it unless it is a brand new engine from the factory.

[Stedenko]

Originally Posted by IceAgeTLC

Are you at all worried about what they'll say to you about getting your deposit back?

I know you aren't asking me, but in my case it's a refundable deposit. I asked the guy to tell me as soon as I'm "committed" and the deposit is no longer refundable. For me as soon as the car is definitely here and sellable (ie. no stop sale order) I'll commit.

I've never understood refundable deposits.

[chelidon]

Originally Posted by IceAgeTLC

Are you at all worried about what they'll say to you about getting your deposit back?

After waiting more than three months and then having this issue come up, I would hope they would have the good grace, and good sense, to do the right thing, especially as I am intending to continue to be a long-term customer (my wife's Forester will need to be replaced in a year or two, if I don't get the 08 STI I may wait and get an 09, etc). If not, there are always options, including taking it up with my credit card company as a chargeback (always, *always* put deposits on a credit card...) I have no desire to screw over the dealership, and it's not like this situation is their fault, they'd love nothing more than to sell me the car and it's not like they've been holding back info. But bottom-line is I need to do something soon, and the dealership has been holding my money for 3 1/2 months now with no end (or car) in sight.

Best-case is that everything works out well, and I'll get to drive my STI home (with a clean bill of health) sometime in the next weeks or two. Or if there's a delay, they give me a loaner until a new STI comes in. We'll see.

[IceAgeTLC]

Originally Posted by chelidon

After waiting more than three months and then having this issue come up, I would hope they would have the good grace, and good sense, to do the right thing, especially as I am intending to continue to be a long-term customer (my wife's Forester will need to be replaced in a year or two, if I don't get the 08 STI I may wait and get an 09, etc). If not, there are always options, including taking it up with my credit card company as a chargeback (always, *always* put deposits on a credit card...) I have no desire to screw over the dealership, and it's not like this situation is their fault, they'd love nothing more than to sell me the car and it's not like they've been holding back info. But bottom-line is I need to do something soon, and the dealership has been holding my money for 3 1/2 months now with no end (or car) in sight.

Best-case is that everything works out well, and I'll get to drive my STI home (with a clean bill of health) sometime in the next weeks or two. Or if there's a delay, they give me a loaner until a new STI comes in. We'll see.

Yea I was thinking the whole idea that they cannot sell the car would cause a loop-hole in any contract, pretty much giving the customer full power.

[jmswinger]

Here is a dream solution... Put the 2L turbo into my new STi's that is on order....

[inpuressa]

Originally Posted by jmswinger

Here is a dream solution... Put the 2L turbo into my new STi's that is on order....

That's how it should've been from the start.

[Stedenko]

This stop sale thing is so interesting. I just got off the phone with my salesguy because I was looking for an update on my car. He hasn't heard of it and didn't believe it was possible that there could be a "stop sale" order. You'd think Subaru's internal communication would be better. I don't think he was lying about knowing about it. I just think he isn't aware. I asked him to bring it up with his sales manager and find out if the car I'm supposed to be getting within 10 days is affected.

[jmswinger]

Originally Posted by Stedenko

This stop sale thing is so interesting. I just got off the phone with my salesguy because I was looking for an update on my car. He hasn't heard of it and didn't believe it was possible that there could be a "stop sale" order. You'd think Subaru's internal communication would be better. I don't think he was lying about knowing about it. I just think he isn't aware. I asked him to bring it up with his sales manager and find out if the car I'm supposed to be getting within 10 days is affected.

This lack of everyone knowning at the dealership is what really makes me have second thoughts about this car.

But I think i am going to be a trooper and stick it out..

[waktasz]

I thought I read somewhere that this didn't affect any USDM cars.

[Bownse]

Originally Posted by waktasz

I thought I read somewhere that this didn't affect any USDM cars.

wrong.

if your sales guy doesn't know, ask him to check with the service manager. mine was able to pull up the message from SOA to dealers as i looked on. he said it affected only 1 car that they've had on the lot/sold. that 1 means there are some US models affected.

[waktasz]

Well that sucks. My VIN is in the clear though so I'm good. Good luck to you guys.

[stadium_statuz]

i work at a dealership and have one 1 sti that had to be returned .. other than that everythin is golden

[Rootus]

Originally Posted by jmswinger

This lack of everyone knowning at the dealership is what really makes me have second thoughts about this car.

Never let a dealer make your purchase decision for you. Worst case, you have to see them just one time, after that it's all between you, the car, and eventually whomever you trust to turn the wrenches.