Q&A with triple Subaru owner Erich Lingad

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ever wonder what kind of appeal a vehicle model that has been in showrooms and continues to sell for years has? Well, we do. So we decided to ask the best source we could find – the owners themselves. From hereon we’ll feature the everyday car owner and his not so new cars – just so we all have an idea how well the cars out there age, and how much they cost to maintain. We kick off this series with an interview with Subaru owner (Or is it fanatic?) Erich Lingad, whose three Foresters indicate just how satisfied he is with his chosen brand…

Subaru owners are one tight bunch. It’s hard to name a car brand whose owners profess such a high degree of loyalty to their chosen marque that Subaru owners do. To get a better glimpse into that mindset, we spoke to multiple Subaru owner (and GM of International Consolidator Phils., Inc.) Erich Lingad.

Philippine Star: When did you buy your first Subaru?

Erich Lingad: I bought my first Subaru in October 2006.

PS: What Subaru models do you have now? Who uses them?

EL: We have three Foresters. I have the SF1996 and SG2006 versions. My wife uses the new SH2010 version. They’re all Turbos.

PS: Did you buy all of them brand new?

EL: I bought the SG2006 and SH2010 version brand new. The SF was second-hand.

PS: Which is your favorite?

EL: They’re all my favorites. The SF1996 is sporty since it has the world rally blue color with gold rims. The SG2006 is perfect for sports activities since it has a roof rack that can carry my bike. The SH2010 is more formal than the other two.

PS: Are there any non-Subaru models in your household now?

EL: Yes, a Toyota Innova for my daughter.

PS: Do you like to keep them stock or do you tune or modify them in any way?

EL: I modified the SG2006 model with the help of Autoplus. I intend to keep the SF1996 and SH2010’s engines stock.

PS: What particular aspect or aspects about these cars do you like the most?

EL: Performance goes first. All wheel drive is all we’ll drive! Not to mention the boxer and turbo engine. Function goes second as it has the space to haul my sports equipment or luggage for out of town trips. It also has off-road capability.

PS: Name some good and bad points about owning these cars.

EL: Good points: you look forward to driving them as they’re really enjoyable. These cars are really reliable even if they’re a decade old. Subaru parts are also inexpensive. That’s why I sold my European car. They’re damn fast but safe; Subaru has high rating on safety. Plus, of course, they’re all-wheel-drive.

Bad points? You tend to waste gas as you’d like to use them often. You wouldn’t mind driving far or taking the longer route.

PS: Were you a Subaru fan even before you bought your first model?

EL: Yes, in fact I haven’t even test driven the unit and I already gave my down payment. Motor Image hadn’t formally opened when I gave my down payment.

PS: Have you ever been to a live WRC race?

EL: No, that’s one in my bucket list.

PS: Which are you a bigger fan of, F1 or WRC?

EL: WRC.

PS: We’re not surprised. Have you owned cars other than Subarus?

EL: My first car was a box-type Mitsubishi Lancer; others were Kia Pride, Toyota Crown, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Pajero, and Volvo S60.

PS: There have been three Subaru distributors (Columbian, GM, Motor Image) in the Philippines in the last 14 years. Any difference in the purchase and ownership experiences among them?

EL: I’ve only purchased from Motor Image.

PS: How would you describe the experience of Subaru ownership in terms of maintenance and repairs?

EL: Inexpensive and fast service. However since they’ve grown so fast (in terms of volume of sales), they need to put up service centers in the South, preferably in the Alabang area.

PS: What is your best and worst fuel mileage with your newest Subaru?

EL: 8.5 kms/li and 6 kms/li, respectively.

PS: Not bad for a turbo car. Have you had any problems with the availability of parts for any of your Subarus in the past and in the present?

EL: No, for both.

PS: How do you find the pricing of Subaru parts and service? How do they compare with that of other Japanese cars?

EL: I found that they’re almost the same as Honda.

PS:What has been your most expensive repair or maintenance cost for your newest Forester?

EL: Nothing expensive so far. I’ve only had an oil change.

PS: Are you the do-it-yourself (DIY) type or do you entrust all your servicing to Motor Image?

EL: I go to Motor Image.

PS: What is your all-time favorite Subaru model?

EL: I own all three generations of Foresters. That says it all.

PS: It sure does. What Subaru model is next on your to-buy list?

EL: The 4th-generation Forester!

PS: No surprise there. Will you consider buying a non-Subaru model in the near or distant future?

EL: Hmm, that’s something to think about…

At a glance

The owner: Erich Lingad, General Manager, International Consolidator Phils., Inc.

The car/s: 1996, 2006, and 2010 Subaru Forester

Reason/s for purchase: Performance, all-wheel-drive, turbo boxer engine, versatility

Other car/s currently owned: Toyota Innova

Best fuel mileage: 8 kms/li.

Worst fuel mileage: 6.5 kms./li.