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2013 OB With SPA - Anyone Ordered/Got One?

2149 Views 11 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  stevieachi
I'm looking into upgrading my 2010 Limited (Crystal Black) with one. Anyone have any positive or negative comments regarding this upgrade?

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I'm looking into upgrading my 2010 Limited (Crystal Black) with one. Anyone have any positive or negative comments regarding this upgrade?

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I am out of touch here.. What is a SPA?:confused:
I'm sure he means SAP- Special Appearence Package. There are quite a few on here. I believe member DrRon was one of the first few to get one and he's posted quite a few pics as well as his thoughts.
I posted a message here and tried to delete it using the delete option here but it doesn't work.
I did indeed mean SPA - Special Appearance Package. Typo - my bad....
I posted a message here and tried to delete it using the delete option here but it doesn't work.
Edit the message and delete the text - then just state "text deleted, for whatever reason". You can edit, just not delete the posts.
I really like mine and am happy I got it more and more. I don't have any input on the vs the 2010 part though. I waited out the 13' over the 12' though when i read about the new engine, gen 2 cvt, and suspension tweaks. I really like the saddle brown interior and think think the dark wood trim looks much better than the limiteds' standard matte wood trim. Originally it was the interior colors and the material upgrades that sold me on the SAP (turn signal lights on side mirrors, driver seat memory, keyless access and push button start, and I liked the black housing lights especially with a black car) but now I find myself really appreciating the silver trim mirrors, door handles, rims, and grill as it just stands out a little more from the pack. Mine also has the puddle lights and side door trim pieces installed and although I wouldn't have gone out of my way to order them I really like the look of the trim and the puddle lights are pretty functional. I'm already a huge fan of the keyless access too. I've already had my hands full with grocery bags, coffee, etc. and just being able to walk up and open the hatch or front door without going into my pocket for the keys is nice! Finally, I got the front 2 windows tinted @ 38% to even it out a little to the really dark backs (15/20% maybe?). It's a touch lighter but 55% is legal here so I didnt want to go to dark and get hassled by police. My old car was 38% all around and I never had a problems so I'm fine. Really like how it came out too. All in all I don't think you can go wrong with the SAP! No way will you have any buyer's remorse!

Also, bought mine through costco and paid $250 below dealer invoice, and as an FYI Subaru via email confirmed all 2.5 engines for 13's (non turbo) are PZEV. Mine had the badge and when viewing my dealer invoice vs another OB the base price was $300 less to start on mine - dealer thought maybe cause of PZEV so I figure mine was not then was surprised when it had the badge so inquired with Subaru. Still can't figure out why that other 13' OB limited base was $300 more they had the same coding just glad I was the one on the lower side of it now, and guess I'm happy to be more green...
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I've got a white 3.6 SAP. I think Subaru's attempt to move upmarket is likely to be successful; SAPs don't seem to sit on the lots very long around here. IMO it slots nicely between the VW Sportwagen and Audi A4 Allroad. Both the exterior and interior look good, and the various electronic toys are both fun and useful. I wish they had used real cowhide on the entire seating surface and real wood. And allowed Eyesight with the SAP. But that would have pushed the 3.6 up above 40k :gasp:.
Still can't figure out why that other 13' OB limited base was $300 more they had the same coding just glad I was the one on the lower side of it now, and guess I'm happy to be more green...
I noticed this on a few of the window stickers. Some of them have the $300. PZEV cost built into the base pice. On some others the base price is $300 less but the $300 shows up as a seperate line item near the bottom. In the end they all total up the same.
bought mine through costco and paid $250 below dealer invoice
Costco was of no use to me. Responses took weeks and never dropped below about invoice + $1,500. One local dealer responded several months after my inquiry and purchase, and their only offer was, "Come on in and we'll sell you what you want." My answer? "I already did ... from you."

I like wheel arch moldings on light-colored cars, but they won't even show up on that black OB. I picked and chose the SAP components I wanted, bought them online, and installed them myself. That saved bucks, got the job done right, and left off the parts I didn't want.
I traded in my 2011 2.5 Prem for a 2013 2.5 SAP. I really notice the difference in how the car handles. It seems much more planted and seems to handle bumps in the road much better.

I love the saddle brown leather and the Nav with the voice recognition software is surprisingly easy to use.

I was very happy to see that Subaru got rid of the MPG gauge on the left side of the cluster and replaced it with an electronic MPG monitor above the odo.

Overall, Subaru made some nice tweaks to the 2013 model that are definetely noticed and appreciated.
Now I'm curious to check if that $300 PZEV is a separate line below...I'll look tonight cause I don't think it was there. Also, dealer called me within 1 hour of submitting Costco request online so must just be that dealers responsiveness to referrals from the program...you should slam them on any surveys you get in regard to the Costco program - that's pretty lousy.
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