Brand FAQ
Are you thinking about investing in a world-class Subaru but have a few questions you’d like to ask first? We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions that many potential and lifelong Subaru customers want to know.
Take at look at our Brand FAQ’s, your burning question might just be in the list below. We’ve done our best to give you comprehensive answers to Subaru questions like how do I book my car in for a service and how do I tow my Subaru?
If your Subaru FAQ is not on the list, give your nearest dealership a call today and we’ll gladly answer your query over the phone. You’re welcome to visit a dealer near you as well and speak to one of our knowledgeable consultants too.
1. Are Subaru’s expensive to buy and maintain?
If you compare Subaru vehicles with those of competitors within the same vehicle segment, you will discover that Subaru’s have best-in-class safety technology, premium specification levels (Subaru’s don’t have options lists) and a standard Maintenance Plan, which can be extended. Most competitors only offer service plans and don’t have all the safety technology that Subaru does.
Add in our all-wheel drive system, which is standard across all models (and which our competitors might only equip on more expensive models), and you will notice that Subaru’s are well priced against our competitors within the same vehicle segments.
Maintaining a Subaru does not need to be a costly affair. Through our three-year/75 000km maintenance plan period, we cover all maintenance and service costs, apart from tyres, glass and accident repair. Once exhausted, you will find that our parts and labour rates are priced in line with the industry standards, and might in some cases be cheaper on certain parts baskets.
Add in our all-wheel drive system, which is standard across all models (and which our competitors might only equip on more expensive models), and you will notice that Subaru’s are well priced against our competitors within the same vehicle segments.
Maintaining a Subaru does not need to be a costly affair. Through our three-year/75 000km maintenance plan period, we cover all maintenance and service costs, apart from tyres, glass and accident repair. Once exhausted, you will find that our parts and labour rates are priced in line with the industry standards, and might in some cases be cheaper on certain parts baskets.
2. Where are Subaru vehicles built?
Subaru’s sold in South Africa are built in the Gunma plant in Japan, located just outside of Tokyo. This is the only plant globally producing right-hand drive models.
Left-hand drive models for the North American market are built by Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA). Based in Indiana, this plant produces the Subaru Outback, Legacy and Impreza line of vehicles.
Additionally, the Tan Chong Motor Group runs a completely-knocked-down assembly line in Segambut for Subaru XV and Forester SUV models for Malaysia, which are also exported to Thailand.
Left-hand drive models for the North American market are built by Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA). Based in Indiana, this plant produces the Subaru Outback, Legacy and Impreza line of vehicles.
Additionally, the Tan Chong Motor Group runs a completely-knocked-down assembly line in Segambut for Subaru XV and Forester SUV models for Malaysia, which are also exported to Thailand.
3. If I don’t drive off-road frequently, why do I need all-wheel drive?
In 2017 we officially became the world’s best-selling all-wheel drive passenger car brand in the world. Customers across the globe recognise the more than 40 years we spent refining and perfecting our Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system (SAWD), much of which led to our dominance in the World Rally Championships. While our SAWD is a must have in the gravel and mud, it also proves to be the safest bet when confronted with wet roads during a heavy downpour of rain. With all four wheels fed power simultaneously, the Subaru will glue to the road, no matter how slippery it gets. Since our SAWD is uniquely permanently on, you never have to worry about it activating. Most competitor systems only switch on when a tyre loses traction.
The safety of the SAWD is a good reason to buy a Subaru. Any owner will vouch for its place as a life-saving safety benefit.
And if you compare the fuel consumption of a Subaru model with SAWD to that of a competitor two-wheel drive vehicle, you will notice that we match or come very close to two-wheel fuel consumption levels. So, no need to worry about using more fuel with Subaru’s SAWD system.
The safety of the SAWD is a good reason to buy a Subaru. Any owner will vouch for its place as a life-saving safety benefit.
And if you compare the fuel consumption of a Subaru model with SAWD to that of a competitor two-wheel drive vehicle, you will notice that we match or come very close to two-wheel fuel consumption levels. So, no need to worry about using more fuel with Subaru’s SAWD system.
4. How can I order parts or accessories for my vehicle?
To order parts or accessories, click here. Your closest dealership will be able to facilitate the quote, supply, payment and fitment, if needed.
5. How do I book a service for my Subaru?
To book your Subaru for a service, click here. The chosen dealership’s service department will call or email you a confirmed appointment time and date to finalise the process.
6. Where can I view your branded clothing and merchandise?
Our catalogue keeps growing as we add new branded clothes and merchandise. See the latest items here.
7. What is the difference between a Service Plan and a Maintenance Plan?
A Service Plan only covers the cost of your vehicle’s services. Our Subaru Maintenance Plan covers the cost of services, plus replacement of other wear and tear items such as clutches, brakes, lights, battery and wiper blades. This equates to cost-free motoring, apart from fuel, tyres and glass repair.
8. Is my vehicle affected by a recall campaign?
To check if your vehicle is affected by our recall campaigns, please click here. Enter your vehicle identification number and get instant feedback.
9. How do I tow my Subaru?
Due to the all-wheel drive system, never tow a Subaru with wheels on the ground. This can cause damage to the vehicle’s mechanicals. We suggest using a flatbed tow truck to transport the entire vehicle off the ground.
10. How do I correctly change a flat tyre?
Since 2012, Subaru models have been introduced with a temporary spare tyre. While not a slim, space-saving, Marie-biscuit-type option, it is not a permanent, full-size spare wheel either. It is important to note the following when using a temporary spare tyre:
Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare tyre is used. The temporary spare tyre is not designed to sustain the towing load. Use of the temporary spare tyre when towing can result in its failure and/or less stability of the vehicle, which may lead to an accident. The temporary spare tyre is smaller and lighter than a conventional tyre and is designed for emergency use only. Reinstall the conventional tyre as soon as possible.
When using the temporary spare tire, note the following precautions:
• Do not exceed 80km/h.
• Do not use more than one temporary spare tyre at the same time.
• Do not drive over obstacles with the temporary spare tyre. This tyre has a smaller diameter, so road clearance is reduced.
• The temporary spare tyre must be used only on a rear wheel. If a front wheel tyre gets punctured, replace the wheel with a rear wheel and install the temporary spare tyre in place of the removed rear wheel.
Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare tyre is used. The temporary spare tyre is not designed to sustain the towing load. Use of the temporary spare tyre when towing can result in its failure and/or less stability of the vehicle, which may lead to an accident. The temporary spare tyre is smaller and lighter than a conventional tyre and is designed for emergency use only. Reinstall the conventional tyre as soon as possible.
When using the temporary spare tire, note the following precautions:
• Do not exceed 80km/h.
• Do not use more than one temporary spare tyre at the same time.
• Do not drive over obstacles with the temporary spare tyre. This tyre has a smaller diameter, so road clearance is reduced.
• The temporary spare tyre must be used only on a rear wheel. If a front wheel tyre gets punctured, replace the wheel with a rear wheel and install the temporary spare tyre in place of the removed rear wheel.
11. What does the Subaru logo mean?
The large star in the logo refers to Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), renamed to Subaru Corporation in 2017, with the five smaller stars representing the companies which united under the FHI group soon after World War II.
Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster, which in turn inspires the Subaru logo and alludes to the five companies that merged to create FHI. The word "subaru" means "united" in Japanese. Fuji Heavy Industries has used the term to describe how the Pleiades constellation is a unification of the stars.
In astronomy, the Pleiades is an open star cluster located in the constellation of Taurus. The cluster is also known as the Seven Sisters and Messier 45, and contains hot, blue, extremely luminous B-type stars. It is among the nearest star clusters to Earth and also the most obvious cluster to the naked eye in the night sky.
Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster, which in turn inspires the Subaru logo and alludes to the five companies that merged to create FHI. The word "subaru" means "united" in Japanese. Fuji Heavy Industries has used the term to describe how the Pleiades constellation is a unification of the stars.
In astronomy, the Pleiades is an open star cluster located in the constellation of Taurus. The cluster is also known as the Seven Sisters and Messier 45, and contains hot, blue, extremely luminous B-type stars. It is among the nearest star clusters to Earth and also the most obvious cluster to the naked eye in the night sky.
12. Who owns Subaru Southern Africa?
Subaru Southern Africa is wholly owned by Toyota Tsusho Corporation Japan and its local subsidiary Toyota Tsusho Africa. Toyota Tsusho Corporation is a trading company and a member of the Toyota Group. Toyota Tsusho has a worldwide presence through its many subsidiaries and operating divisions, including over 150 offices and 900 subsidiaries and affiliates around the world.
Its main business is supporting Toyota Motor's automobile business and other Toyota Group companies. Toyota Tsusho's business is very diverse, spanning industrial, commercial and consumer sectors. Business areas run the gamut, including industrial raw materials, agricultural products and high technology.
For more info, click here
Its main business is supporting Toyota Motor's automobile business and other Toyota Group companies. Toyota Tsusho's business is very diverse, spanning industrial, commercial and consumer sectors. Business areas run the gamut, including industrial raw materials, agricultural products and high technology.
For more info, click here
13. How much of Subaru is owned by Toyota?
The Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) owns 20% of the Subaru Corporation. Toyota proposed the joint venture of the 86 car with Subaru, with the latter developing the engine. The result is the Scion FR-S/Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, which is built by Subaru in Japan.
Where is my nearest Subaru dealer?
Come in to a dealership near you today and test drive the Subaru that most suits your needs now. You will find a range of dealers in every major province in South Africa. From the family Forester to the sporty WRX STI, Subaru has a range of models to try, test, and invest in today.
We promise Pure Driving Enjoyment. Subaru, Confidence in Motion.