2002 Subaru Impreza TS from Singapore - Comments

Overheated just minutes after receiving it from factory. Brought it immediately to dealer. Waited 4 hours before being told it was due to "faulty thermostat". Car released after thermostat changed by agent's mechanics. Next day, overheated again. Car docked for 3 days before released again. About 4 months later, car overheated on the road again. Had to argue with agent to get the problem looked into. Took another 2 days for the mechanics to trace fault. Finally told it was due to "multiple fractures in the radiator". By this time, heard some strange slushing noises from the inside of the glove box. How reliable... especially from a reputable brand. Good car, lousy official agent.

On the bright side, the car was great on twisty roads and never felt unpredictable. However, the failure of the official agent's mechanics to trace the overheating problems puts grave doubts over their knowledge of the car/brand. Agent also failed to compensate properly despite their own admission of failing to cure the problem. Imagine having 3 overheating incidents within 6 months with multiple trips made to the service center with no reimbursements made out to you. Actually had to write to the Japanese HQ Chief GM in order to get the local agent to seriously look into the car's problems.

You are very correct on just how difficult it is to get ANY help from Subaru Corporate in the USA. It seems their Customer Service Policy is any problem that you have must be workd out with the dealer. Unfortunatly in my dealings with their USA Office it strongly seems that after they get your money they then slam the Corporate Customer Support shut on you and you are on your own with the Local Dealer Service irregardless of how inept or incompent they are. On the other hand Toyota Service was exceptional and their Corporate office even authorized the dealer to give me a loaner car at no charge with one phone call. I will never buy another Subaru. They are a horrible company to do business with.