Downgrading from "extended armrest" on Outback Sport ...

[Charles Lasitter]

We initially wanted to buy the Impreza 2.5 RS, which had neither the
extended armrest nor the spoiler, but were told that none of the 65
New England Subaru dealers had that model -- only the OBS special
edition.

Problem is that my wife bangs her elbow on the extended armrest every
time she shifts into 2nd or 4th. This was never a problem with the
'02 model that lacked this feature, since the armrest never sat high
enough to obstruct the movement of the shifting arm.

So I want to ditch that extension, but there's a problem. I can't
just remove the lid on the top section and put it on the bottom
section, because the latch point is different.

I'm afraid that I'll need to by parts for the 2.5 RS and try to use
them as a replacement.

Anyone else experienced this problem or identified a workaround? For
now we're just flipping back to top section while driving the car,
but there's got to be something easier than that.

-- CL.

+-----------------------------------------+
| Charles Lasitter | Mailing / Shipping |
| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
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[Blair Baucom]

I was wondering what dealers did with the original lid when they do this
upgrade. Some dealer somewhere should have the original lids left from
installing an extension. I did notice most come in with this "option" as my
Forester did. Unless they throw them out when they add it at the port of
origin.

Blair

 

[Ragnar]

We initially wanted to buy the Impreza 2.5 RS, which had neither the
extended armrest nor the spoiler, but were told that none of the 65
New England Subaru dealers had that model -- only the OBS special
edition.

Then order the one YOU want. The dealers tell you that stuff to get you
to buy the one on the lot. Ordering a car doesn't cost extra, and if
you can wait for the 6-8 weeks it will take to get it, you'll get the
car YOU want.

 

[Mark-S.]

I was wondering what dealers did with the original lid when they do this
upgrade. Some dealer somewhere should have the original lids left from
installing an extension. I did notice most come in with this "option" as my
Forester did. Unless they throw them out when they add it at the port of
origin.

Blair

When I bought my STI in Dec, I had the extension put on. The dealer,
recommended against it, stating the OP's reasons of hitting the elbow.
And, gave me the original lid in case I should decide to revert back.
It's still in my trunk, btw.

Mark-S.

 

[Charles Lasitter]

Then order the one YOU want.

The dealers tell you that stuff to get you to buy the one on the
lot.

You mean, a dealer might utter an untruth in order to sell a car??

Ordering a car doesn't cost extra, and if you can wait for the 6-8
weeks it will take to get it, you'll get the car YOU want.

I have to agree with you here, except at the time it never occurred
to us that the armrest would be a problem. Obviously not a problem
for automatic owners.

-- CL.

+-----------------------------------------+
| Charles Lasitter | Mailing / Shipping |
| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
+-----------------------------------------+

 

[jabario]

But many dealers wont deal as aggressively on a car they dont have in
stock. Order the armrest off 1stsubaru.com and install it. Dealer may
cut a break on the price of the spoiler if you buy on they have.

 

[JoeSTi]

Charles, I don't know if its the same armrest, but I just replaced my
low armrest cover with an extended one. I have a 2005 STi. If you
think its the same part, I'll give it to you. The best way to reach me
is by email, etcsjoe690 "at" hotmail.

 

[Charles Lasitter]

Charles, I don't know if its the same armrest, but I just replaced
my low armrest cover with an extended one. I have a 2005 STi. If
you think its the same part, I'll give it to you. The best way to
reach me is by email, etcsjoe690 "at" hotmail.

Many thanks, but the dealer surprised me by doing it for no charge!

Now my wife can enjoy the short throw shifter without bruising her
elbow ...

-- CL.

+-----------------------------------------+
| Charles Lasitter | Mailing / Shipping |
| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
+-----------------------------------------+