These Snow Days are the Days I love My Car......

[birchyboy]

I hope you're joking about the license plate.

BTW - my wife busted a light cover near the pedals in the Jeep. They don't sell just the cover; you have to buy the whole light fixture. $38 from the dealer or $25 online. It's probably a $2 piece of plastic.

[Ezzzzy1]

Just noticed mine is gone. Dealer wants $18 for a new one, but it will be in black and my car is pearl white. Sad my new car is missing this piece and not sure if someone stole it or it popped of with these storms we have been getting.

Warranty has covered parts like that for me in the past. Its not like you pulled it off and lost it. IT FELL OFF.

They should get that and take care of you.

[bulldog]

I hope you're joking about the license plate.

BTW - my wife busted a light cover near the pedals in the Jeep. They don't sell just the cover; you have to buy the whole light fixture. $38 from the dealer or $25 online. It's probably a $2 piece of plastic.

I actually was not kidding since that plastic piece I am missing would totally cover up by the license plate if I moved it there and then I would not have to worry about it getting painted. My co-worker is all into that look, but I am not sure. I assume you think it looks bad....basically opinion I am looking for from people.

Yeah the $18 doesn't bother me, but I bet a paint place is not going to touch this for less than $50; I do have a pearl paint job so that would have to be done as well as a clearcoat. I guess I could just leave it black and say heck with it as doesn't serve anything but looks.

Warranty has covered parts like that for me in the past. Its not like you pulled it off and lost it. IT FELL OFF.

They should get that and take care of you.

Thanks EJ, put a call into Groove Subaru and waiting for a call back to see if they will cover that

[#1Townie]

Hmmmm... Cover the tow hook with the license plate. Might be a bad idea.

[Vitesse]

Hmmmm... Cover the tow hook with the license plate. Might be a bad idea.

Why is that a bad idea? I wish I could find a similar way to mount a front plate on my Range Rover. I've been pulled over twice so far this year for no front plate. The only plate mounts I can find screw into the front bumper.

[#1Townie]

Why is that a bad idea? I wish I could find a similar way to mount a front plate on my Range Rover. I've been pulled over twice so far this year for no front plate. The only plate mounts I can find screw into the front bumper.

Ummmm because its for a tow hook not a license plate holder.

Aaron might be able to help with this but out here if there is no mount for a plate you don't have to have a front plate. Probably not the same but maybe.

[bulldog]

Why is that a bad idea? I wish I could find a similar way to mount a front plate on my Range Rover. I've been pulled over twice so far this year for no front plate. The only plate mounts I can find screw into the front bumper.

During my search I did come across this one that is for a Range Rover; not sure it will work for you but worth checking out. Seems like it still screws in,but underneath at least
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-Range-R...25.m3641.l6368

[Spooph]

If the dealer hoses you... There is always the option of these or many like it: http://www.automotivetouchup.com/ The manufacturer color code helps...

Also, Napa matches/mixes paint. They matched some motorcycle paint for me a while back and it matched perfectly! Ever after it was sun-faded for a couple of decades...

Drive with it black until it's warm enough to paint, then paint it yourself... This might be July at our current rate, but should only cost $20 in paint. AND, then you have touch paint for the future... Just a thought.

[The Black Knight]

Why is it such a problem for people to run both plates?? Not that anyone here has said it. But I hear it all the time from people that are so offended by having to run two license plates. It's what our state requires just do it.

[teamextreme]

Ummmm because its for a tow hook not a license plate holder.

Aaron might be able to help with this but out here if there is no mount for a plate you don't have to have a front plate. Probably not the same but maybe.

Unfortunately, front plate is required in CO. Doesn't matter whether your car has a mount or not.
I'm not a fan of the side mounted front plate in the pic. Looks goofy IMO. I also don't like the idea of covering the tow hook with something.
That cover likely fell off from hitting snow. My Ram has plastic baffles in the holes in the front bumper where factory fog lights go. I've lost 2 of them when hitting deep snow. Now I have jack chain attached to the backside of the baffles and bolted it to the truck behind the bumper so if they get knocked out, they'll at least hang there and not get lost.

[bulldog]

If the dealer hoses you... There is always the option of these or many like it: http://www.automotivetouchup.com/ The manufacturer color code helps...

Also, Napa matches/mixes paint. They matched some motorcycle paint for me a while back and it matched perfectly! Ever after it was sun-faded for a couple of decades...

Drive with it black until it's warm enough to paint, then paint it yourself... This might be July at our current rate, but should only cost $20 in paint. AND, then you have touch paint for the future... Just a thought.

Thanks man....that is a good idea and with the piece being so low it doesn't have to be perfect as most people would never notice. I am just worried since it is a pearl, but that website states a basecoat and midcoat will be shipped with paint so I hope that means the pearl. I did order touch up paint and it was a white and then a separate pearl.

So far Subaru has not called me back so figure I'll stop by after work in person. Some people say no way is this covered under warranty and others say it is. Figured worth a shot to try and worse they can say is no and I get the $18 black one they are holding for me.

Unfortunately, front plate is required in CO. Doesn't matter whether your car has a mount or not.
I'm not a fan of the side mounted front plate in the pic. Looks goofy IMO. I also don't like the idea of covering the tow hook with something.
That cover likely fell off from hitting snow. My Ram has plastic baffles in the holes in the front bumper where factory fog lights go. I've lost 2 of them when hitting deep snow. Now I have jack chain attached to the backside of the baffles and bolted it to the truck behind the bumper so if they get knocked out, they'll at least hang there and not get lost.

Good idea. Now that I know this is a problem I am going to have to do something like that to ensure it doesn't happen again.

[Vitesse]

Ummmm because its for a tow hook not a license plate holder.

I still don't understand the problem. That bracket screws into the tow hook mount. So if you need a tow, just unscrew the plate bracket and screw in the tow hook.

During my search I did come across this one that is for a Range Rover; not sure it will work for you but worth checking out. Seems like it still screws in,but underneath at least
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-Range-R...25.m3641.l6368

This is exactly what I want, but doesn't work with my model year. The search continues...

[birchyboy]

I actually was not kidding since that plastic piece I am missing would totally cover up by the license plate if I moved it there and then I would not have to worry about it getting painted. My co-worker is all into that look, but I am not sure. I assume you think it looks bad....basically opinion I am looking for from people.

Yeah the $18 doesn't bother me, but I bet a paint place is not going to touch this for less than $50; I do have a pearl paint job so that would have to be done as well as a clearcoat. I guess I could just leave it black and say heck with it as doesn't serve anything but looks.

Thanks EJ, put a call into Groove Subaru and waiting for a call back to see if they will cover that

Sorry, I just don't care for the look. What will you put on the other side when that one falls out? A plate that says "Do you lift, bro?"

I think you should get the replacement part and have it painted in the near future. One thing you could try is finding out what paint shop the Subaru dealers use. It's possible that they may be spraying a car the same color as yours, and they could spray your part for next to nothing. Maybe even through the shop a $20.

[bulldog]

Sorry, I just don't care for the look. What will you put on the other side when that one falls out? A plate that says "Do you lift, bro?"

I think you should get the replacement part and have it painted in the near future. One thing you could try is finding out what paint shop the Subaru dealers use. It's possible that they may be spraying a car the same color as yours, and they could spray your part for next to nothing. Maybe even through the shop a $20.

That piece only comes off on one side, so it will never be a issue on other side.

I am with you man and prefer the centered look, but just trying to think of other options that won't have me spending hundreds. One thing I do like is I should get better airflow to the intercooler which is right there. Not sure if it will make that much a difference though.

I can ask my dealer about who they use to paint. $50 I would be cool with, but i always end up getting screwed and get quoted way more than I expected when it comes to paint.....then the pearl makes me think they will even raise it more.

I know only a cosmetic look, but damn does it bug me now.

I still don't understand the problem. That bracket screws into the tow hook mount. So if you need a tow, just unscrew the plate bracket and screw in the tow hook.



This is exactly what I want, but doesn't work with my model year. The search continues...

Yeah figures it would just unscrew if it came down to needing it for a tow.

Darn I was hoping that would work or you could at least modify it to work. I bet if you have a place to mount it to underneath that it should work pretty universal. I hear you though and would be nicer to get one made for it. I've seen a few that could maybe me modified to work. Here is another one http://www.ebay.com/itm/STO-N-SHO-05...6b12b4&vxp=mtr

[DriverDave]

Yeah this thread was never meant to say one car was better than the other at all....I like BMW's, Audi's, Evo's, Acura's etc......if anything you guys can share why you love your car so much too Just my first AWD...

This was my favorite snow car of all time...1988 Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo. 5-spd man, AWD, no traction control....drop the clutch and the whole car drifts sideways as you leave everyone in the snowy dust!

[DriverDave]

As for Subaru, this was my personal favorite...The SVX...made from 1992 to 1997. Mine was a 1994.

[Spooph]

This was my favorite snow car of all time...1988 Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo. 5-spd man, AWD, no traction control....drop the clutch and the whole car drifts sideways as you leave everyone in the snowy dust!

Le drool....

As for Subaru, this was my personal favorite...The SVX...made from 1992 to 1997. Mine was a 1994.

Also le drool... I've never gotten this confirmed. Did they come in auto only?

[DriverDave]

Yes, auto only. Although many guys on the forums did swap in WRX 5 speeds and a few even threw in an STI 6 speed.

[asp_125]

Drool #2. I would love to find an unmolested Alltrac turbo, or even a 323 GTX. Cheap fun in the snow pretending to be a rally ace.

[Ph03niX]

Right? I mean it doesn't happen all that much but man if you have to get through a foot of snow a Subaru just ain't going to cut it.

Also you can't haul a bike with a Subaru. You can't haul lumber with a Subaru. Actually besides just drive you can't really so much with it.

Guess that's why for a car I have something much more comfortable to driver. And for everything else I have a truck.

If I can haul this with my little acura, I'd think a subaru would be able to handle much more.. Just saying


Also, I havent had a front license plate for 6 years. Been pulled over twice for that..

[Wrider]

Had my Lesbomobile (Forester) since the end of '12, and never been pulled over for lack of a front plate. I have it in the car, but I just don't want to put it on.

[GMR]

What's the deal with Audi switching to predominantly superchargers these days it seems? Unfortunate for us because IIRC the turbo is better for elevation. Wish I could get a newer turbo Audi with a 6 speed manual, but they're mostly all supercharged these days and starting to make the switch to the dark side like the A6 which I believe only comes in auto

The new STI's are pretty sexy I think (especially in blue), but I've yet to meet a girl who doesn't think the car is completely stupid (because of the name...).

[tecknojoe]

I have the new A3 with S-tronic. I'll never go back to manual again. I really enjoy it over both traditional manual and the much slower tiptronic (or any other single clutch application)

Oh and Pirelli Sottozero 3's murder snow

[asp_125]

What's the deal with Audi switching to predominantly superchargers these days it seems? Unfortunate for us because IIRC the turbo is better for elevation. Wish I could get a newer turbo Audi with a 6 speed manual, but they're mostly all supercharged these days and starting to make the switch to the dark side like the A6 which I believe only comes in auto
...

Audi has lost their way!

Manual, turbo with that great blowoff valve whistle, lockable front and rear diffs, 800+Hp (in this model anyway).