Subaru Parts Pennsylvania

The OEM - Aftermarket Parts Debate

When your car needs to be repaired, your insurance company may request that aftermarket parts be used instead of  the Subaru original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which on average save 40 percent in parts costs. Many insurers and industry groups believe non-OEM or after-market parts are the same quality as OEM parts. But is there a difference? Is it better to always have OEM parts put in your Subaru? OEM/non-OEM debate arises each year among state legislative bodies and insurance departments. Tests by the IIHS show as far as safety goes the parts are the same

Some insurance member companies use only OEM parts, some try to always use non-OEM parts, and some require insureds to pay the difference if they insist on OEM parts.
Many in the auto industry argue that OEM Subaru parts of are superior quality, especially the fenders and bumpers which usually come out of Asia and sometimes they do not use the same gauge of metal. Some parts repair people say aftermarket parts feel flimsy or do not fit as precisely as OEM parts. In fact because of inconsistencies the repair technician often has to massage parts into place and this increases his labor time.

The debate over OEM Subaru parts and non OEM parts will continue. As insurance companies battle to save money, consumers want to be sure their Subaru has the highest quality standards met. Taking your car, whether it need a new Impreza muffler, or a Subaru Outback fuel pump to the Subaru dealer service center will almost guarantee that you will get OEM parts on your Subaru. As dealers represent the automaker directly it is standard protocol to use OEM Subaru parts.

Used Subaru Parts and Model Overview

Over the years Subaru has offered a line of quality, and well respected vehicles. And the Subaru brand is unique in that every one of their vehicles comes standard with all wheel drive, that's just the Subaru way.  One example is the Legacy. Introduced almost two decades ago, the Subaru Legacy is the company's longest-running nameplate in the United States. Thanks to its all-wheel drive, the Legacy has often been selected by consumers as a winter-beating alternative in the midsize sedan or wagon segment. The Forester is another household name for Subaru.

The Subaru Forester debuted in the late 1990s as an option for consumers interested in the emerging segment of compact SUVs. Subaru, long known for offering its seamless all-wheel-drive (AWD) system on all its vehicles, brought out the Forester to compete against the small sport-utilities from other Japanese automakers. Essentially a tall station wagon with AWD, the Forester offered buyers the rugged style of a traditional SUV along with carlike ride and performance characteristics. Based on the rally-proven Impreza platform, the Forester uses the same AWD system found in other Subaru models.

For those looking for a used vehicle that offers utility, all wheel drive and cargo space, but is not an SUV may find the Outback to meet their needs. Designed with the North American market in mind, the Subaru Outback provided many popular SUVs traits without the associated drawbacks. Subaru based it on its midsize Legacy platform and made sure the vehicle came standard with all-wheel drive, a raised suspension for better ground clearance, and special interior and exterior styling details.

The Impreza maybe overshadowed in the enormous mid sized sedan market, with its higher price tag and not so flashy design. Yet there are distinctive advantages of owning an Impreza. The Impreza's most notable edge is its special powertrain, as this model has always been available with all-wheel drive. This provides it with extra traction in slippery conditions and, on higher-horsepower models, works in combination with the Impreza's well-sorted chassis to provide entertaining handling. For power, the Impreza has always been powered by its unusual horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, which emits a distinctive growl during acceleration. Competitive in most other respects save fuel economy (blame all-wheel drive for that), the Impreza is an excellent dark-horse choice for a new or used small sedan, wagon or hatchback.