# Subaru dealership - pretty stupid hill you picked to die on. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 10, 2018, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319 "2018-11-10T19:05:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/61 "2018-11-12T18:42:14Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I was curious, so I googled. Last year, the average for Subarus was about $28,000 while for the industry as a whole, it was $36,000. So your $40,000 car is above average, but not by that much. Not that excuses them ignoring you, but I wanted to put it in context. That’s kind of like saying the average cat is grey. Subaru makes multiple models and this happens to be their newest most expensive model, the top trim is msrp $45,000. A bunch of Imprezas will drive the average down. I’ll guess the OP got the limited trim, which may or may not be a good deal, but isn’t abnormal. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/62 "2018-11-12T19:06:37Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > You’d think so wouldn’t you. After my Wife initialy talked to the fellow that sold her the car with no results, I figured it was a simple miscommunication, and then I talked to him. > > Nope. Zero help. Way to lose customers (did I mention that this is a $40,000 car? I expect better from Joes Jalopies). > > Idiots. > > It would be the very least that Subaru could do to include the screws for mounting the required equipment. I can do this no problem. Though I don’t think I have the screws on hand. Oh, I’m sure I have some that would work, but would like to use what is recommended. Or, you know, the screws and bracket that should come with the car. > > We live in snow country. Subaru’s are built and sold in snow country for snow country. I want to get this front plate fastened properly. > > This is so, so stupid. Like ordering a $100 meal and being expected to bring your own salt. is there any mention of it on the window sticker? I’m surprised that the dealer is responsible for providing it; like I said earlier Ford tosses it in and lists it as “NO CHARGE” on the sticker. ---
**Author:** ![D.E.S.K.Top668](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f07891/32.png) [@D.E.S.K.Top668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D.E.S.K.Top668)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/63 "2018-11-12T19:29:05Z")
I agree this is a stupid hill for **Suburu** to die on. I do wonder if there might be some miscommunication going on. Salesman says we’ll install free, meaning if you buy it, we won’t charge $Xx.xx/hour-1 hour minimum labor cost to attach it. Still bs in my opinion. Maybe go full overkill and point out that they sold you a car that cannot legally be driven in your state as-is. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/64 "2018-11-12T19:47:12Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I was curious, so I googled. Last year, the average for Subarus was about $28,000 while for the industry as a whole, it was $36,000. So your $40,000 car is above average, but not by that much. Not that excuses them ignoring you, but I wanted to put it in context. I may be off with the numbers. My Wife handled the entire transaction. It’s pretty close though ang 3 grand less than a dealer that she went to in Denver. Hueberger really comes highly recommended. I hate to give them a bad rap, but this is sort of ridiculous. I’m going out not to put the REAR plate on my Wifes car. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/65 "2018-11-12T19:54:08Z")
> [@Mom-of-Andrew](#): > > Quick google search shows the owner is Gunnar Heuberger. If I find contact info I’ll PM you. Thanks got the PM. Found out that the original owner has passed on. Perhaps this is his son. I’m not going this route yet. Not going to try to call the owner at home. This is just stupid. I don’t want a part of it, but refuse to be treated poorly. I will respond in a reasonable way. ---
**Author:** ![Razncain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/66 "2018-11-12T19:54:36Z")
I would think many dealerships would be happy to provide it just so they could put the name of their dealership around the perimeter of the frame. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/67 "2018-11-12T20:00:45Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > That’s kind of like saying the average cat is grey. Subaru makes multiple models and this happens to be their newest most expensive model, the top trim is msrp $45,000. A bunch of Imprezas will drive the average down. I’ll guess the OP got the limited trim, which may or may not be a good deal, but isn’t abnormal. Yep. All the bells and whistles on a brand new model. Everything except the front license plate bracket. I guess that’s just over the top. Six screws and a piece of metal. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/68 "2018-11-12T20:22:35Z")
> [@Razncain](#): > > I would think many dealerships would be happy to provide it just so they could put the name of their dealership around the perimeter of the frame. This mount is just a simple piece of flat powder coated stainless steel that comes with 6 screws. It has some rubber bushings on the back to keep it away from the bumper. $30.95 for me to purchase. It’s pretty basic but should do well in the extreme weather that the car is going to experience. No dealer name on it or anything, sort of surprised, the rear license plate mount has their name on it… for now. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/69 "2018-11-12T21:21:05Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > This is really odd. My state doesn’t require a front plate, but when I ordered cars in the past I distinctly recall that among the options was a front license plate bracket which was at no charge for those states that require a front plate. Seems to me that all dealers doing business in a front plate state would automatically add the front brackets at no charge. This. I also live in state that doesn’t require a front plate. I bought my last new car in 2015, a Nissan Pathfinder. When I took delivery of it, the salesman handed me the front bracket and asked if I wanted it installed before I left the lot. When I declined, he put it in the small storage space in the back, and that’s where it remains. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/70 "2018-11-12T23:01:00Z")
Ok, I might as well take notes here. Wife bought car. Wife went down for orientation and oil change. Wife was told they would install bracket. It was overlooked. I need to put the plates on the car. No biggy, except. Ummm… No where to put front plate. Wife calls Subaru. Asks to have bracket sent (we are 100 miles away). Subaru refuses and wants $30 for it. I call thinking it’s just a misunderstanding. Get the bird. I email Subaru through their web site. No response. I go to Chat option on web site. They can’t help me. I go through their connection on Facebook and actually get someone that says they will help and Subaru will contact me. Subaru emails me and sends me the bird. I email back asking for contact info for the General Manager. Crickets. I email again through Facebook connection and person says that Subaru will contact me. I ask for the General Managers email again and get Crickets. Getting pretty clear that they don’t want me to talk to anyone in charge. At this point someone should realize they have a very pissed off customer on their hands and just send me the stupid part. A part that maybe costs them $10 WOULD HAVE gone a long way to keep me as a satisfied customer. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/71 "2018-11-12T23:06:07Z")
Is it time to start working down this list? > **[Subaru U.S. Media Center](https://media.subaru.com/company-contacts.do)** > > Subaru U.S. Media Center ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/72 "2018-11-12T23:40:49Z")
> [@jasg](#): > > Is it time to start working down this list? > > [Subaru U.S. Media Center](http://media.subaru.com/company-contacts.do) That’s very interesting… Eh. Shit. I already contacted Customer Support on that site. No response. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/73 "2018-11-12T23:57:48Z")
I’m not a fan of passing laws to fix every minor wrong, but it seems to me that if manufacturers sell vehicles in states that require front plates, they should be required to supply the bracket or at least the mounting points. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2018, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/74 "2018-11-13T00:04:47Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I’m not a fan of passing laws to fix every minor wrong, but it seems to me that if manufacturers sell vehicles in states that require front plates, they should be required to supply the bracket or at least the mounting points. There are two tiny little dimples in the plastic of the front bumper. This is where you are suppose to screw the plate too. The screws are non existent but come with the mounting bracket. I’m not a fan of having a law for every dam thing either. A little customer service would have gone a long way here. Now they have pissed me off about bullshit. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2018, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/75 "2018-11-13T00:18:04Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > That’s very interesting… > > Eh. Shit. I already contacted Customer Support on that site. No response. A bigger gun would be a local TV station’s consumer advocate - Call for Action type shows. Around here, those people get results. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2018, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/76 "2018-11-13T00:19:01Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Ok, I might as well take notes here. > > Wife bought car. > Wife went down for orientation and oil change. Wife was told they would install bracket. It was overlooked. > I need to put the plates on the car. No biggy, except. Ummm… No where to put front plate. > Wife calls Subaru. Asks to have bracket sent (we are 100 miles away). Subaru refuses and wants $30 for it. > I call thinking it’s just a misunderstanding. Get the bird. > I email Subaru through their web site. No response. > I go to Chat option on web site. They can’t help me. > I go through their connection on Facebook and actually get someone that says they will help and Subaru will contact me. > Subaru emails me and sends me the bird. > I email back asking for contact info for the General Manager. > Crickets. > I email again through Facebook connection and person says that Subaru will contact me. > I ask for the General Managers email again and get Crickets. > > Getting pretty clear that they don’t want me to talk to anyone in charge. > > At this point someone should realize they have a very pissed off customer on their hands and just send me the stupid part. A part that maybe costs them $10 WOULD HAVE gone a long way to keep me as a satisfied customer. Ok, when you say you called/emailed Subaru, did you try contacting the Subaru _dealer_ or Subaru of America? Franchise laws being what they are, the dealer is not Subaru. they’re an independently owned entity with a contract for selling Subaru vehicles. ---
**Author:** ![steatopygia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steatopygia/32/3132_2.png) [@steatopygia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steatopygia)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2018, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/77 "2018-11-13T01:28:16Z")
Another not very useful point in your favor is this image from the dealership’s website. [Image](https://pictures.dealer.com/h/heubergersubarusoa/1169/9effb88e68bd825d17ffa4420b8890ccx.jpg). Those look like new cars with license plate holders on the front. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2018, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/78 "2018-11-13T14:35:49Z")
> [@steatopygia](#): > > Another not very useful point in your favor is this image from the dealership’s website. [Image](https://pictures.dealer.com/h/heubergersubarusoa/1169/9effb88e68bd825d17ffa4420b8890ccx.jpg). > > Those look like new cars with license plate holders on the front. Yep, sure looks like they have the mounting bracket. Thanks. It was funny, when we first called our salesman about this, he kept asking “What’s on the front of the car?” And I replied, well, nothing. And then he said he would send us the paper advertising plate, just a piece of paper as it that was what I was concerned about, or would want that. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2018, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/79 "2018-11-13T14:38:04Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > Ok, when you say you called/emailed Subaru, did you try contacting the Subaru _dealer_ or Subaru of America? Franchise laws being what they are, the dealer is not Subaru. they’re an independently owned entity with a contract for selling Subaru vehicles. Emailed Subaru of America. They never got back to me. I’m gonna let this rest for the day. I did one more email yesterday afternoon. Maybe being veterans day, the powers that be, that could actually make a $10 decision where off for the day. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2018, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319/80 "2018-11-13T15:55:16Z")
Makes sense. THEN go all social media on their ass. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-dealership-pretty-stupid-hill-you-picked-to-die-on/824319.md?page=5)