Went out for a vanilla shake.....

[snowracer101]

heres a cross post from NASIOC.com
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1429111

So I searched over there forums a bit and nobody has posted anything big about rock chips on their new 2008 Imprezas. A few have mentioned it in nonspecific threads.

I have a new 2008 STi and I am at 2000 miles (got the car 12/17/07). The rocks chips are down to the primer and metal in some places from the front wheels kicking up the damn traction gravel the city lays down because of the snow. The rear door jam is down to metal and the wheel flares look sand blasted. I can’t believe Subaru didn’t see this coming!!!

I have been talking with the dealer I bought the car from and they took an interest. They have looked it over and sent information to Subaru. Subaru has also come back with an interest and requested photos. I sent those out today. I’m hoping they help out with the problem.

I understand that this is a brand new body style that hasn’t gone through a whole lot of road worthy testing. I’m sure Subaru is very interested with any customer input so they can fix the problems. I’m just a little upset that they did not foresee this potential. I’m surprised even more that the STi (a nearly $40k vehicle) did not come with any kind of protection from flying debris picked up by the tires. There are no factory mud flaps and the factory sticky summer tires stick out of the wheel wells about 3/4". There is a small portion of clear adhesive decal protector at the front of the rear wheel well but it’s pretty worthless.

If anyone has a 2008 model Impreza with the same problems please post it. I’m curious to see how many are having the same problem. Also, please post if you contacted the dealer or Subaru about it. Has anyone had any luck with getting this taken care of?

The follow pictures were taken right after a wash and wax at a local car detail shop in their parking lot. The specks are all chips. After the wash and wax I went over the car with a spray detailer and towel to ensure no dirt was on the car during the shots.

You can see higher resolution photos at my Flickr album.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devincp/

Name: Devin Prewett
Year: 2008
Make/Model: Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Color: Dark Grey Metallic
Dealership/City: Ambassador Subaru / Moscow, Idaho
Car’s Location: Pullman, Washington

Thanks much, Devin

And, that’s not even the worst, good thing is, SOA is covering it under warranty

If she’s looking for a good website, www.3gwrx.com