A BREAKTHROUGH IN FAMILY VEHICLE PROTECTION!

IT’S THE BIGGEST BREAKTHROUGH IN FAMILY PROTECTION SINCE THE SEATBELT!

We are proud to be the exclusive Northeast distributor for DrivTrac, a proactive family and vehicle protection device that can be installed in any vehicle – any make – any year.

This system:

Alerts parents when teens speed or drive where they shouldn’t.
Tracks and locates the vehicle 24/7.
Protects your vehicle from theft.

This Global Positioning System provides users with the ability to monitor vehicle speed, location, battery voltage and movement, all over the internet, or, via text messages and emails. DrivTrac provides network coverage throughout the continental United States, Canada, Alaska and most of Mexico and has a 24/7 automatic tracking feature. DrivTrac is made in the USA from the highest quality electronics. The DrivTrac device will alter you via email and/or text messaging to your cell phone when the vehicle exceeds an established speed, when the vehicle goes out of an electronic boundary or when the alarm is triggered. An example is as follows:

Premier Subaru Impreza (3013992) has exceeded the designated speed limit of: 80 mph.Speed: 83 mphAddress: Merritt Pky, Stratford, CT 06614

With the control of a mouse, you can also set additional features, disable the starter and establish an electronic boundary for your car. In addition, insurance companies will provide up to a 30% discount for the installation of the same.

This system is also outstanding for companies with small or larger fleets, or the need to track the location of vehicles.

With three years of service, this system, with a regular price of $1,199, is being installed for $887. With up to a 30% per year discount on insurance and an additional “piece of mind” for your family’s safety, this is an outstanding value. In addition, if you trade the vehicle or sell it, the system can be removed for installation in the next vehicle.

If you would like to see a demonstration of this system, please contact our service director, Dennis Cullen, at 800-411-4551, or, via email at service@premiersubaru.com.

Subaru EPA Fuel Ratings

EPA FUEL RATINGS:

Drivers today are very concerned about gas mileage. Potential buyers of our 2008 models may question the lower EPA fuel estimates as compared to the 2007 models. The following information can explain this:

For years now, the EPA has received negative feedback regarding their fuel economy estimates. Consumers complained the EPA fuel estimates were not reflective of real-life fuel economy. In response, the EPA changed how they determine fuel economy estimates, beginning with the 2008 models. As a result, most 2008 models have similar of lower EPA fuel estimates than the same 2007 model. While certain models might not have had any significant changes, the difference stems from how the EPA now develops their fuel economy estimates.

There are many ways to help get better gas mileage right away:

• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule. A vehicle that is well maintained operates with a greater efficiency.
• Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires require more energy to roll, which translates into more frequent fill ups.
• Take a load off! Heavier vehicles require more energy to move, so, carrying around excess weight also effects mileage.
• Don't drive aggressively. Speeding, quick accerleration, and hard braking all contribute to a decrease in fuel economy.
• Aviod excess idling. It is more effecient to turn the engine off while waiting and then restart the car.
• Combine errands. Several short trips all begun with a cold start can use as much fuel as a single, longer trip that covers that same distance.

If you have any questions regarding fuel economy, or, the operation of your Subaru, feel free to contact me.

Subaru Of America Executive Demos!

I enjoy selecting vehicles to add to our preowned inventory. That is one of my roles here at the company. I fly to Florida, Ohio, Chicago and other places seeking Subaru of America "program cars" and executive demos to offer our clients. I love the Subaru of America demos because they offer completely loaded vehicles, with all of the toys, in excellent condition. These are the cars driven by the executives and regional managers of Subaru of America. Some are even "preproduction cars". Well, I just returned from a Subaru of America factory auction and found some of the nicest vehicles I have ever purchased for our customers. When I select a vehicle, I do my homework. Condition reports are available on these vehicles - on line - so that I can get some information on the vehicle and if it ever had damage or repairs. I then look up the options on the vehicle. When I arrive at an auction, I arrive a couple of hours early. That way, I can walk out to the vehicle and look at it personally. With these auctions running thousands of cars a week from all different manufacturers, it takes some time to find these cars! When I personally inspect the vehicle, I visually look at all of the panels of the vehicle, starting at the front. I also incorporate the use of a "paint meter", which is a device that measures the thickness of the paint. That way, I can see if there was ever repaired damage to a vehicle. For example, if a front fender measures 6.0MM in thickness, which is consistent with the rest of the car, and a door measures 9.0MM, there is a likelihood that the door was repainted. I then look at the interior, under the hood, the tires, the trunk and just about ever other area of the car. Getting to the auction early is of real importance to me. If you wait until the auction starts, you really have no more than a couple of minutes to look at a car. I want some more time to ensure that Premier Subaru is offering the highest quality Subaru vehicles to our customers. I am so excited about the vehicles that I currently purchased. We price these cars very aggressively and our customers actually seek them out and "order the type of car they want!" For example, I purchased a Subaru of America Factory Executive Car last week - a virtually brand new 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited with Navigation. This car, in the all-new Deep Bronze Metallic, is absolutely flawless in every way. It is awesome. It is so nice, that I have had it parked on our showroom floor. We are able to offer this car to our customers at a discount of over $5,000 over a new one.

So, please remember to see us and check out our website to view our constantly changing inventory. My desire is to ensure that I have a car for you - at a price point that is right - and all of the confidence of me and our organization!

Car Seat Installation Pointers

Eighty percent of kids riding in car safety seats are at risk because they are not buckled in correctly. Are yours?
Here are a few pointers for using children’s car safety seats.
The safest place for all children to ride is in the back seat.
An infant in a rear-facing seat should NEVER be placed in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger air bag.
If an older child must ride in the front seat, move back the seat as far as possible, buckle the child properly, and make sure he or she stays in the proper position at all times.
Check your safety seat instructions to ensure your child is facing the correct way for his or her weight, height, and age.
Make sure your child is not undersized or oversized for the seat.
Harnesses should fit snugly against your child’s body. Check the car safety seat instructions for how to adjust the straps.
Make sure your car safety seat has not been recalled. Call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Auto Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 for information on recalled seats.
Check with a certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician to be sure you’re using your child’s car safety seat correctly. Find one by calling the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236 or visiting www.seatcheck.org.
See the brochure Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families, available at www.aap.org.

The 2009 Forester Has Just Been Introduced!

I am excited to announce that Subaru of America has just announced details of the new 2009 Subaru Forester due in April of this year. I am pasting a copy of the Subaru press release below. The new Forester will be quite a departure from the current model. If you do like the size and height of the current model, please be sure to see us soon, as we have the largest selection of 2008 model year Subaru Forester's in New England. These vehicles also have up to $1,500 in manufacturer rebates and financing rates as low as 1.9%! Please see us, or email us, for details!

Now, here are the specifics on the 2009 model! For your convenience, we are also taking pre-orders on this car right now!

DETROIT -- Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the all-new, third-generation 2009 Forester. A total re-design of the award winning Forester, a vehicle that has built a strong reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and versatility. The 2009 Subaru Forester builds upon that reputation, with a bolder, more SUV-like design, and it makes a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics – a noteworthy accomplishment considering the high standards set by the previous model.

The 2009 Forester arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring. As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The new-generation 2009 Forester again blends positive SUV attributes including a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.

The 2009 Forester is built on an all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) that improves ride and interior space, especially rear seat legroom. The 2009 Forester also features increased hip and shoulder room. In addition, the new platform improves crash-worthiness and provides a stiffer platform for crisper handling. A new double-wishbone rear suspension, mounted to a sub frame, replaces the previous strut-type configuration to provide improved ride and handling and increased cargo room. The enhancement of body rigidity and new suspension help reduce levels of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH).

All Forester models for 2009 feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard on all models for the first time. With the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), Subaru optimized all elements of the Forester’s chassis to deliver a better balance of ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance than offered by competitive vehicles.

A comprehensive array of elements contributes to that goal, including the new, high-strength body structure, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, VDC and four-wheel disc ABS brakes with the Brake Assist safety system. Manual-transmission models also feature Incline Start Assist, which can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

Even with its bolder exterior and roomier interior, the new 2009 Forester is only about three inches longer than its predecessor, thus retaining the trim exterior packaging cited by Forester owners as one of this model’s most essential features. Combined, the all-new platform and chassis systems enhance the outstanding on-road handling and maneuverability that have been Forester hallmarks since the model’s inception.

PACKAGED FOR AN ACTIVE LIFE: IMPROVED HANDLING AND RIDE QUALITY
The Forester for 2009 was designed to create a new CUV for active lifestyles, improving ground clearance and drivability while maintaining Forester’s rugged off-road capability. The 2009 Forester offers naturally aspirated and turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engines, both revised to provide better performance. In particular, low-end and mid-range torque is improved for both engines for more responsive everyday performance. The robust body structure, heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension and up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance help make Forester equally adept at negotiating twisty roads and absorbing ruts and bumps. The ride quality, acclaimed in the previous model as one of the best in the segment, is now even smoother and quieter.

As before, Forester is offered in a wide array of models. The 2009 Forester 2.5 X is one of the best values in the crossover SUV segment. The Forester L.L.Bean Edition model offers more luxury without compromising the vehicle’s sporty nature.

BOLDER DESIGN, GREATER COMFORT
The new-generation Forester makes a bolder SUV design statement than before while retaining its Subaru identity and without resorting to overbearing design elements. A larger, more pronounced grill, higher hood line, “hawk eye” headlights and a large, contoured bumper cover with available foglights give the front end a more confident appearance. More sharply defined character lines and boxed front fenders and rear quarter panels accentuate the new SUV profile. Larger light clusters highlight the rear styling.

The new Forester design integrates functional improvements, as well. New for 2009, framed side windows and larger door openings provide improved ingress and egress. The rear gate’s generous glass area enables the average-sized driver to see a 1-meter (3.2 ft. tall) test dummy positioned 1 meter behind the vehicle.

SPORT SEDAN CHASSIS
The 2009 Forester platform is based on the Subaru DC3 which underpins the brand’s high-performance Impreza models. The new chassis and body are designed for improved rigidity and ride comfort with the addition of high-tension steel at key structural points.

The Subaru Forester was among the first crossover SUVs to ride on four-wheel independent suspension. The 2009 Forester continues that practice adding a new rear double wishbone independent suspension and widened tracks, which gives it a car-like ride quality while providing exceptional handling dynamics. Changes in the ground camber are reduced to ensure that the tire is constantly perpendicular to the road. This enhances the grip performance of tires. To further improve handling in the 2009 Forester models, the engine is now placed slightly lower in the chassis, which lowers the center of gravity. All Forester models feature a quicker steering ratio and a more rigid steering mounting. Forester models with 16-inch steel wheels use 215/65R16 tires; models with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels feature 225/55R17 tires.

RICH INTERIOR DESIGN
The 2009 Forester interior places a new emphasis on comfort and spaciousness. New materials, including double-stitched fabrics and high-grade plastics, impart a feeling of higher quality. Front seatback comfort is enhanced by the use of specially developed seat cushion and seatback spring. The sweeping twin cockpit design embraces occupants, and brushed aluminum-look insets flow into the center stack. The center console shape adds to the airiness of the interior, aided by the sculpted door panels and improved headroom. Each door panel houses a molded recess that can accommodate a 24-oz. soft drink bottle, as well as loose items.

Rear passenger comfort is enhanced by a central armrest in all models, and new available retractable rear center tray that can securely hold food and drinks is available, as is a reclining rear seatback function. The standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold to provide a flat cargo floor, made wider between the wheelhouses by the new double-wishbone suspension. The cargo area is large enough to accommodate four Tour-sized golf bags or four large overnight suitcases with the rear seat backs raised.

NEW USER TECHNOLOGY
The 2009 Forester offers more user technology then ever, including a navigation system for the first time. The standard information center (or available navigation system) is the focal point of the instrument panel. In addition to an input for MP3 players, the center console, when equipped with the navigation system, also includes video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices. These can be displayed on the navigation screen when the vehicle is parked.

The navigation screen is placed at the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and ease of use. The 2009 Forester comes pre-wired for XM® or SIRIUS® Satellite Radio. The standard and optional audio systems feature the Radio Broadcast Data System, which can display a variety of information, including a song’s title and artist.

Forester models equipped with the optional navigation system include Audyssey MultEQ® audio enhancement, which made its OEM debut with the new-generation Subaru Impreza models for 2008. Featured in high-end home theater systems, Audyssey MultEQ creates the optimal sound experience for passengers in each seat position by tuning equalization that corrects for time and frequency response.

The heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer are available as optional features. The available AM/FM 100-watt premium stereo includes a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3/WMA audio file capability. The accompanying 6-speaker audio system with SRS Circle Surround Automotive® is also available in other Subaru models. An auxiliary audio input jack enables connection of an iPod® or MP3 player.

Additional available comfort touches include a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons and a leather-wrapped shifter handle.

RENOWNED SUBARU ATTENTION TO DETAIL
The headlights-off with ignition switch is a traditional Subaru convenience that can preserve battery life, and the 2009 Forester offers several important new conveniences, as well. On models with the 5-speed manual transmission, the Incline Start Assist feature can help prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline. This new feature represents an improvement over the Hill Holder system previously used in manual-transmission Forester models. With the optional automatic transmission, Forester is pre-wired for a remote-starting system. The dual gas-strut hood supports are easier and more convenient than a prop rod.

IMPROVED TORQUE, BETTER ECONOMY
The Forester’s 2.5-liter normally aspirated Boxer engine is modified for 2009 to improve performance, drivability, and economy. The engine delivers 170 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft. of peak torque @ 4,400 rpm. A new intake port design helps improve both low-end torque and emissions. A new optimized catalyst system provides improved emissions performance. The i-Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) ensures a broad torque curve and smooth response at all engine speeds, while also helping to improve fuel efficiency. The switch from a single rear muffler to dual mufflers – as on the Legacy and Outback models – reduces exhaust backpressure while ensuring quiet operation.

The 2009 Forester turbocharged models are powered by a revised 2.5-liter Boxer engine delivering 224 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 2,800 rpm. The turbo engine, while retaining the same peak power and torque ratings as its predecessor, is modified with a new intake system, redesigned turbocharger and intercooler to produce more torque at lower rpm for a smooth stream of power.

The 5-speed manual transmission is enhanced for better feel, and models with the 4-speed automatic transmission feature SPORTSHIFT ® control for manual gear shifting when desired.

NEW SAFETY TECHNOLOGY
Previous Forester models have been safety leaders, achieving the highest ratings in both NHTSA and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests. Subaru engineered the 2009 Forester to achieve these high ratings, building it around the company’s proven Ring Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure.

All Forester models for 2009 feature as standard equipment front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to determine front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. Active front head restraints can help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision.

A rollover sensor is added to activate the seat belt pre-tensioners and deploy the curtain airbags. (It should be noted that the previous Forester model achieved a 4-star rating for rollover from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.)

TWO TYPES OF SYMMETRICAL ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
An All-Wheel Drive pioneer, Subaru is the only brand to equip all its models with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is comprised of the Boxer engine and the full-time power distribution system, which varies by model and transmission. The aluminum Boxer engine and simple, symmetrical drivetrain layout help to lower the center of gravity, which in turn contributes to handling precision. Subaru began offering four-wheel drive passenger cars 35 years ago and introduced innovative automatic full-time All-Wheel Drive in 1987. In 1997, Subaru became the first brand in the U.S. to make All-Wheel Drive standard on all models.

The 2009 Forester models feature two versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, both of which power all four wheels all the time and can transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip. Models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission utilize a viscous-coupling locking center differential that distributes power 50:50, transferring more power to the wheels with the best traction should slippage occur.

In all Forester models with the automatic transmission, an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. This active torque split system automatically transfers more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. Overall AWD performance is enhanced in the 2009 Forester models via improved communication over the LAN system. Control logic in this AWD system enhances stability by monitoring individual wheel speeds and reacting more quickly to wheel slippage. The control logic also helps to improve tight corner braking, contributing to more neutral handling response (reduced understeer and oversteer).

Both versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive integrate the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to further enhance all-weather stability and traction.

We CAN Service the OTHER car in your driveway!

We are frequently asked by our customers if we work on vehicles other than Subarus. Well, the answer is “YES”.

Our Service Department is certified by AAA as an Approved Auto Repair Establishment. This carries beyond Subarus to include all brands of vehicles. In addition to being fully Subaru Certified, our Technicians are certified by Honda, Toyota, Ford and even Mercedes-Benz. Our tools and equipment are designed to support the maintenance needs of all vehicles. In addition, our Subaru Service Loaner Fleet and Customer Shuttle Service are available to you even for the non-Subaru vehicles you may own. We consistently shop our labor prices to ensure that they are competitive for both Subaru and non-Subaru vehicles. If you have any questions, or service maintenance needs, please contact Dennis Cullen, our Service Director, or myself at 1(800) 411-4551. Thank you again for doing business with us.

Those Letters You Receive About Your "Warranty Almost Running Out"

Good day! I wanted to reiterate a story we originally purchased in our August issue of our monthly newsletter distributed to our clients and friends. We still receive news from customers who have received post cards AND phone calls proclaiming the “end of their warranty period” and that “you have this one last opportunity to extend your warranty”. The unfortunate thing is that these post cards are being sent to consumers throughout the state by “unknown” warranty companies, hoping to prompt you to purchase an “extended warranty” from them. This is very similar to the “fishing” that some have done on the Internet through SPAM e-mails. The important thing to remember is: these companies do not know if your warranty is expiring or not. All they do is buy vehicle registration records and send you a post card that is “vague enough” to completely skirt the issue – often times, this makes the card seem legitimate to the recipient. I have written to the office of the Attorney General requesting that his office open a file on this matter (of which they have). If you have received such a postcard or have one in your possession, please forward to me so that I can provide it to the Attorney General’s office. These are unknown warranty companies who provide, at best, minimal warranty coverage for your vehicle. Often times, these “unknown companies” will only pay for a repair when the use of used parts or aftermarket parts is incorporated. We refuse to engage these types of repairs, since the customer is the ultimate loser in this scenario. Only a franchised Subaru dealer can offer you extended warranty coverage through Subaru of America. I am happy to personally answer any questions you may have regarding warranty coverage.

Welcome To My Blog!

Welcome!
After figuring out "what the heck" a blog was a couple of years ago, I decided to jump in and write one. On a day to day basis, I interact with customers, vendors, Subaru of America, State Representatives and others that pass on some valuable information. Well, rather than attempt to keep that information in my head, I figured "why not share it with our stakeholders?". Well, share, I shall.

I also want to encourage you to post your questions and thoughts. Thanks to the hard work of Brian (Edward) Canell, we do a monthly newsletter that reaches almost 5,500 households. (that's more than some of the local Shoreline newspapers!). But, things come up from time to time that I thought would really be beneficial for you.

So, let's BLOG on!

Bob