Happy Halloween!

Subaru of America, Inc. Breaks All-Time Sales Record

 

Subaru of America, Inc. has reported it has broken its previous yearly sales record with more than two months of the year still remaining.

Sales for 2012 have now surpassed the previous sales record of 266,989 vehicles which was set in 2011 and mark the company's fifth year of sales growth and fourth successive sales record.

Sales in 2012 have been driven by the all-new 36mpg Impreza, and the addition of the all-new XV Crosstrek small CUV as well as the BRZ sports car.

"Subaru is celebrating yet another record," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc.  "Our brand is poised to exceed sales of 320,000 vehicles for 2012 and with a full year of sales for the XV Crosstrek and other new models on the way, we expect 2013 to be yet another record year for Subaru."

"Our continued growth is built on strong products and outstanding retailers providing a good customer experience " said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc.  "and given consumer demand for our new products, we expect to finish the year strongly."

Full month and year-to-date sales figures for October 2012 will be released on November 1.

Source: Sacramento Bee

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/10/30/4948570/subaru-of-america-inc-breaks-all.htm...

Happy Motivational Monday! Make it a good one!

Happy Halloween! Don't get stranded on the way to a party this weekend! Schedule a service appointment easily on our website!

Visit www.stcloudsubaru.com/ to schedule your next service appointment!

Check out this awesome, vintage Subaru ad! What is your favorite kind of retro advertising?

 

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2014 Subaru Forester caught loafing outside factory

 

Last month, we got our first sneak peak of what the 2014 Subaru Forester will look like courtesy of some scanned brochure images, and now we're finally seeing some images of the new crossover out in the open thanks to these spy shots of the new Forester in Japan. These are likely early production build vehicles, and they give us a good look at the newest Subaru from multiple angles, including our first glimpse of a sportier model.

The new Subaru Forester is an even bigger departure from the boxy, station wagon-like design that was only abandoned in the model's most recent generation. These pics show off attractive lines and proportions that better fit in with the compact CUV segment it helped create. In the spied images, the front of the 2014 Forester incorporates Subaru's new corporate grille with a stylish (if predictable) new face that is somewhat reminiscent of the first-gen Acura RDX, while the rear styling is instantly recognizable with other Subaru models, especially the Impreza hatch and its lifted brother, the XV Crosstrek.

A couple of the pictures also show what appear to be a sportier model with an aggressive front fascia and new wheels with a machined and painted finish. There is also the outside chance that this could be a new turbocharged Forester XT, but that would likely mean the top-mounted intercooler has been moved to a more conventional location behind the grille.

Subaru has not yet indicated when and where the 2014 Forester will make its debut, but these images suggest the new CUV is very close to hitting the road.

Source: Auto Blog

Disney movies teach us so much about life! Happy Monday!

Thanks for the love.

Looking for a new car! Now through the end of the month you can get 2.9% financing on a new 2013 Subaru BRZ. Be the first on your block with the new BRZ!

 

Check out all of our new car incentives on our website!

Subaru BRZ to be Featured in “Fast and the Furious 6″ Film Set for Next Summer

 

The 2013 Subaru BRZ was an unexpected star in Motor Trend’s World’s Greatest Drag Race 2, and we’ve now heard that the rear-drive sports car will be featured in the latest Fast and the Furious movie. Subaru has reportedly supplied the “Fast and the Furious 6″ crew with as many as five BRZs, and we’d be surprised if at least one of those doesn’t end up dressed in Fast and Furious garb including a full body kit, upgraded wheels, and a lowered suspension. Or smashed up. Or both.

Of course, the main changes we look forward to experiencing are under the hood. Though the stock 2013 BRZ makes 200 hp and 151 lb-ft from a 2.0-liter flat 4, a turbocharger or a supercharger would no doubt quicken the car’s as-tested 0-60  mph time of 6.4 seconds with a six-speed manual transmission.

In our first test of the 2013 Subaru BRZ, we were impressed by the car’s abilities: “The BRZ treats the driver to all the MX-5′s chassis greatness — the direct, linear steering; the composed, taut ride with a touch of softness; the firm, reassuring brakes; the initial understeer that transitions gently and predictably to controllable oversteer — but adds a quiver-free fixed-roof body that communicates chassis behavior with even more precision.”

Additionally, the buzz around the Hollywood water cooler is that Fast Six cars like the BRZ might be driven by actors including longtime series stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (who appeared in the last sequel) in the latest FF movie. Jason Statham, who previously starred in “The Transporter” movies, may even have a cameo role.

For some Motor Trend fans, though, the real stars of the next Fast and the Furious movie will be the cars. Along with the Subaru BRZ, we’re likely to see plenty of hot sheetmetal to keep us interested.

“Fast and the Furious 6″ is expected to be released on May 24, 2013.

Source: Motor Trend

21 Smart Driving Tips for New Drivers

 

Your biggest risk of having a bad accident is within the first two years of passing your driving test. Follow these hints and you can reduce the risk.

1. After passing your test it will be strange to find an empty front passenger seat. The first time you drive take someone with you for support. Think seriously about displaying a `P' plate.
2. When you do have to drive completely alone, begin on roads that you know but remember to keep a road atlas in the car in case you get lost.
3. When you get your confidence, drive like you own the car, not the road!
4. You've learnt to drive and passed your test by sticking to the rules. Stay this way and you'll stay alive ! So will your passengers and others on the road.
5. Your quick reactions won't always stop you having an accident. Spotting and responding to problems ahead in plenty of time will.
6. Drive in a way that suits your ability and the traffic conditions. It doesn't impress anybody if you drive fast in the wrong places and you could end up in a lot of trouble.
7. Have plenty of sleep, especially before making a big journey and take plenty of rest breaks to restore your alertness. Listen to the radio for traffic reports and make sure you've enough fuel.
8. Fiddling with the radio or a cassette when your driving can be distracting, so can playing your sound system so loud that you can't hear the sirens of an emergency vehicle.
9. Give your mates a lift, but remember you're the driver so you're in control. Don't succumb to peer pressure. If they give you hassle, drop them off at a bus stop!
10. Keep your eyes moving but don't scare your passengers by turning your head away from the road ahead when talking to any of them!
11. Take motorway tuition and seriously think about advanced driver training. Research shows that it makes better drivers.
12. Driving a four wheel drive motor doesn't suspend the laws of physics. You can still lose control if you ask too much of it.
13. Don't leave valuables in your car where they can be seen because this invites a break in.
14. Keep space from aggressive drivers. Don't get involved in trouble.
15. Be seen. Whenever you need to turn your windscreen wipers on switch your lights as well.
16. If you're driving on a slippery or loose surface use the foot controls very gently.
17. Taking drugs and driving, like drinking alcohol before driving is a definite NO!
    
18. Before driving abroad you need professional advice.
19. Keep some tools in your car!
20. If you're driving alone, particularly if you're a woman you should:
    a. Plan your journey properly and let somebody know your route.
    b. Carry a pen, paper, maps, first aid kit, torch, small change, warm clothing/blanket and a fire extinguisher.
    c. Carry a mobile phone (only for emergencies).
    d. Carry a personal attack alarm.
    e. Be sure that your car is in good order and join a recovery organization
21. If your vehicle breaks down, don't panic. There are far more friendly people on the roads than those who would wish to harm you.
    * If you can, pull up where there are houses, street lighting and a telephone.
    * If you are somewhere remote you are at less risk if you stay inside your car. Use your mobile phone. If you have to walk take your personal attack alarm with you.
    * If a stranger does offers assistance, note their car number, keep your doors locked, speak to them through a closed window and send them to get help.

Source: Smart Motorist

We just got a great review on Google! Thanks for telling us about your recent car purchase, Troy!

Troy C.
St Cloud, MN
Oct 15, 2012

"Had a great buying expirience, worked with Jacob and he has great. The rest of the staff was great too and really care. Look forward to years of dealing with St Cloud Subaru."

Read more reviews on our Google+ page!

2013 Subaru BRZ Spotlight

How To Change a Flat Tire

 

Until the day comes when we are all piloting flying cars (and trust me, the day will come), our cars are stuck with these rubber things called tires. They roll nice and all, but they have a rather nasty problem of sometimes losing air. And without air, they become deflated and virtually useless.

Changing a flat tire is not a very pleasant experience. It seems like your car purposely tries to get a flat tire at the least opportune moments. Like when you are rushing home from work to catch your favorite episode of "Happy Days," for instance. You know, the one where Fonzie rides the killer bull while on vacation in Colorado.

Now, there are some of you who might be lucky and own a car with run-flat tires or a low tire-pressure warning system. If that is the case, you might be able to avoid the icky process. But even if you are a hapless soul, changing a tire doesn't have to be all bad. With knowledge comes power. If you are unsure how to change a tire properly, and you want to know, read on.

OK, so you are driving along and all of the sudden you hear a loud bang and the telltale thumping noise of a dead tire. You carefully pull off to the shoulder of the road. Checking to make sure no other motorists are going to run you over, you exit your vehicle and inspect the car. Sure enough, your car's left front tire is completely flat. You are not going to be able to keep driving, so you are going to have to remove it and install your car's spare tire in its place.

Jack up the Car

The first step is to find your car's spare tire, jack and tire iron. The spare tire is almost always located underneath the floor mat in the trunk. Unless, of course, your car doesn't have a trunk. If you own an SUV, minivan or pickup, the spare tire is often mounted on the back of the tailgate or underneath the vehicle itself.

Once you have found the spare tire, remove it from the car. If you have an air pressure gauge handy, you will want to check the spare tire's pressure. If this tire is flat, too, you're in a bit of trouble. But let's just assume you have been keeping tabs on the spare tire's health, and its air pressure is perfect.

The next step will involve removing the flat tire. Make sure that the car is in gear (or in "park" if the car is an automatic) and the emergency brake is set. The car should be parked on a flat piece of pavement. Do not attempt to change a flat if the car is on a slope or if it is sitting on dirt. It's also a good idea to block the tire opposite of the flat tire. Therefore, if the left front tire is flat, it would be a good idea to place a brick or other large, heavy object behind the right rear tire. Blocking the tire makes the car less likely to move when you are raising it.

Use the tire iron (the L-shaped bar that fits over the wheel lugs) to loosen each wheel lug. The wheel lugs are almost certainly very tight. You'll have to use brute force. Just think about how Mr. T from the "A-Team" would do it and try to be like him. Say to yourself, "Hannibal, I piddy da fool who can't break loose wheel lugs." You'll have those babies loose in no time. You loosen them by turning them counterclockwise, by the way.

Now, at this point, you don't want to actually remove the lugs. You just want them loose. Once you have accomplished this, move the jack underneath the car. If you don't know where the proper jacking points are, look them up in the owner's manual.

Maneuver the jack underneath the jack point and start to raise the jack. Most car jacks these days are a screw-type scissor jack, which means you simply turn the knob at the end of the jack using the provided metal hand crank. Raise the jack until it contacts the car's frame and continue expanding the jack.

Remove the Flat and Install the Spare

Raise the car with the jack until the flat tire is completely raised off the ground. Once this is done, remove the wheel lugs completely. Depending on how tight the lugs are you might be able to remove them by hand. Set the lugs aside in a secure location where they can't roll away.

Position the spare tire over the wheel studs. This is the most physically challenging part of the whole process. You'll have to hold up the tire and try to line up the holes in the wheel with the protruding wheel studs located on the brake hub. One trick that might help is to balance the tire on your foot while you move it into position.

After you have the spare tire hanging on the wheel studs, screw each of the wheel lugs back on. You'll want to start them by hand. Make sure you do not cross-thread them. The lugs should screw on easily. Once each of them is snug and you can't tighten them any further by hand, use the tire iron to finish the job. At this point, you don't need to get the lugs super tight. You just want them snug for now. Make sure that the wheel is fitting flush against the brake hub.

Once the spare tire is on, carefully lower the jack. Pull the jack away from the vehicle. The final step is to tighten down the lugs completely. The reason you tighten the lugs now is that the tire is on the ground and it won't rotate around like it would if it was still hanging in the air.

Wheel lugs have a specific torque rating that they are supposed to be tightened down to, but there is pretty much no way you can figure that out using a simple tire iron. The general rule here is to tighten down the lugs as much as possible.

That's it. Put the flat tire in the space where the spare tire was and put the jack and tire iron back in the car. Most compact spare tires are smaller than regular tires, so it is possible that the flat tire won't fit in the spare tire well. Also, compact spares have a limited top speed. The tire's top speed will be written on its sidewall. If your vehicle has a full-size spare, you won't encounter these problems. With the spare installed, you should be able to reach your house or the nearest service station.

Source: Edmunds

Thanks for sharing your feedback with us, Shannon! We hope you are loving your new Crosstrek!

 

 

Shannon T.
Elk River, MN
Oct 09, 2012

"First saw crosstrek over seas. This will be my first subaru...this dealership answered all my questions and made me feel very comfortable about the purchase."

Read more Yelp reviews here!

Top 10 Presidential Cars: Ronald Reagan, Subaru Brat

 

 

How many American presidents actually test-drove cars? Reagan is famously known as an actor-turned-politician, but in the late 1970s he secretly drove a Subaru Brat test car around his California ranch and sent progress reports to the automaker. It had to be hush-hush because political sentiment of the day toward Japanese carmakers was confrontational to say the least.

Source: Cars.com Kicking Tires

Our Monday driving tip this week is to turn your lights on during the day!

 

A Canadian study from 1994 found that people who drive with their headlights on during daylight hours have an 11 percent decreased risk of being in an accident with another automobile.

Kid Wash

Edmunds Editor, Brent Romans, Shares His Opinion of the New Subaru Impreza

 

 

I took our Impreza for a drive today to get more of a feel for its handling capabilities. I came away pretty impressed. Our Impreza doesn't immediately feel all that sporty through the steering wheel when you're driving around town, but when run through corners there's an impressive level of grip and composure. Of course, there's also all-wheel drive to help put the power down when coming out of tight corners as well.

I was also surprised by how well the Impreza took on bumps and ruts. The suspension does a nice job of filtering out the rough stuff, but it doesn't come at the expense of body control.

Nice job, Subaru.

Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor

 

Source: Edmunds Inside Line

8 Maintenance Tips For a Trouble Free Road Trip

 

1. Add Coolant

You like to do what you can to stay cool in the summer; the same goes for your car. Over time, coolant begins to break down and no longer provides efficient cooling leading to expensive repairs. To maintain efficiency, get a radiator flush at least once a year. This helps your engine work easier, which increases your fuel efficiency.

2. Change Air Filters

All the air filters in your vehicle should be replaced at least twice a year. This means the one under the hood and any cabin air filters you may have. Replacing the air filters makes sure that not only your engine is getting the proper amount of clean air, but also you and your passengers are breathing clean air. There tends to be many more particles and allergens in the air during summer time, and filtering them out not only keeps your engine running better, but allows you to enjoy cleaner healthier air inside your vehicle.

3. Check the Tires

If the tread on your tires are not what they should be, it can lead to unsafe driving situations on wet roads. Checking your tires includes having the correct amount of air pressure. Making sure you have the correct tire pressure is important because you will get the most out of your tank of gas for those summer trips.

4. Replace Wiper Blades

Replacing your windshield wipers can make the difference between being able to see you’re way clearly and being blinded by a sudden rain. Winter weather with all the ice and salt quickly deteriorate the rubber blades on your windshield wipers. Replacing them at the start of the summer is the best way to know that if you are caught in a summer rain shower, you will see your way safely.

5. Check Brakes

You want to make sure that your brake system is working the way it should. You should check the system at least twice a year, especially before winter and before summer. Salt and other chemicals used on the roads in the winter can cause excess wear on your brake pads, leaving you with less stopping power. You also want to check your brake fluid. Brake fluid does evaporate through use. The brake system is a closed system and any large drop in fluid level can mean you may have a leak that requires repairs. If there is a significant drop in the amount of fluid you’ll want to take it to your mechanic and have it looked at.

6. Clean the Battery

Salt water splashing up under your car in the winter can cause corrosion on your battery. A buildup of corrosion can lead to a battery that will not keep a charge, leaving you stranded. It is also good for your vehicle’s electrical system to have a battery that is working at full capacity. If your battery looks corroded, a wire brush on the terminals will remove it. You also want to make sure that your cables are connected snugly and that they have no signs of damage. This takes five minutes, and can save you hours of waiting on the side of the road for a tow truck in the hot sun.

7. Check the Lights

You want to make sure that your headlights, as well as the rest of your exterior lights, are working properly. Making sure that all your turn signals and brake lights are working let other drivers know what you are doing, decreasing the chance of an accident. Replacing bulbs if needed is quick and easy, and can keep you from paying tickets, or worse, getting in an accident.

8. Clean the Car – Inside and Out

Keep the outside of your car clean. A clean windshield, inside and outside, means clear visibility. Keeping your lights clear of dirt makes them visible to other drivers. Keep the inside of your car clean of debris. Using your car as a trash can is not only unsanitary but also unsafe. Trash and debris on the floor can blow around and cause a distraction. Worse yet, if any of the debris ends up under your gas or brake pedal it could cause an accident. Summer heat is also not trash friendly; it breeds bacteria. Do yourself and your passengers a favor keep your vehicle clean.

Source: Car Insurance Quotes Online