Share Your Subaru Contest

Here's what Rob had to say about his car.
When I got my Subaru back in May, 2012, I didn't know much about them. I lived in Bentonville, Arkansas, and it was a rare car to see - it was also one of my dream cars growing up. After I applied for financing to get the car, they told me I was not approved but that the dealership would call me in a few days if they found anything. After three anxious days of waiting, they called me and said they found a lender for me. Ecstatic, I drove to the dealership in my base Mazda 3 and traded it in along with a down payment.

A few weeks later, the turbo went out on the car - it blew quite a bit of smoke. I had to pay to get it rebuilt (I bought the car "as is"). Afterwards, a couple of months after the turbo got rebuilt, the motor had the famous "spun bearing"... it was toast. Now things were getting serious. I spent several days of low-level research to better understand the car and had to find a trustworthy person to rebuild the motor. Luckily I was able to meet up with (who are now good friends) some guys from Little Rock, AR - a 4 hour drive. Once we got the motor pulled apart, more bad news: the heads were shot as well.

More research... Looked into tons of places to get a new short block and heads. I ended up contacting Outfront Motorsports in California to build me a block. A built block. After all of the research, I felt this was my best option... especially since I would be modifying it in the future. I ended up having to buy new heads and valves and then get head work done as well. My friends in Little Rock then helped put it all together. I drove back and forth to Little Rock every weekend for nearly two months to help and hang out with friends.

Thousands of dollars later, I was finally back on the road. The weeks without my car were incredibly stressful - but brought me closer to my car. I've learned everything the hard way - through experiencing the worst-of-the-worst and good 'ole research. It was a lesson learned but also left me with more respect for the car (and scene) than ever. You've got to pay to play. 10,000 miles on the new motor and I will soon be doing a major upgrade for my goal of ~450whp.

Why did I pick my Subaru over any other car? While the symmetrical all wheel drive, with the ability to drive on soft sand and take pictures, should be a sufficient reason, I chose my car for: power, handling, and most importantly, the ability to customize it. My Subaru is an extension of my personality and style, and that is why I am close with my car. It's love. It's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru!