Spotlight #14, Update on Crosstrek Noise, Subie & YOU! Rewind

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Here’s what is coming up:

• Adventurer Spotlight #14

• Update on the Crosstrek Noise

• Subie & YOU! Podcast Monthly Rewind

• Quick Hit Items in the Wrap-Up

Adventurer Spotlight #14 with @xtrek_luna

Welcome to the Adventurer Spotlight, an interview series with Adventurers from our newsletter about their life with their Subaru. Here, we learn more about the person behind the wheel and get inspired to embark on new adventures.

Before we get to this edition’s feature, I’d like to thank Rafael / @pearl.the.crosstrek again for being in the last Spotlight. Now, let’s jump into our 14th edition!

Introduction

Hello hello! My name is Cris and my IG is @xtrek_luna! As my day job, I’m an Application Engineer that works a lot with water, and during my free time, I typically do something car, anime, or game related.

Which Subaru do you own? What do you like most about it?

I own a 2019 Crosstrek, 2008 350Z, and 2006 WRX. My attention grabber is definitely my Crosstrek, Luna, as it’s the car I take to shows. The meaning behind the build as well as the build itself is what makes me proud to show it off at Anime Cons and local car shows. During the times it is not in a show, I take it out off-roading and camping (I’ve built it for both form and function, and believe it or not, I’ve only flooded the car once so far lol). Otherwise my 350Z is my project car, while my WRX is my daily.

Why did you choose a Subaru? How many have you owned?

My mom had started working at Subaru and eventually would always bring home different Subarus over the years like WRXs, STIs, Legacys and even a Baja at one point! Growing up, I’ve always wanted to get a Nissan (which is why I have my 350Z as my project), but after having driven one of the Subarus, I grew to love the safety and security you get with it. I’ve driven up hills in 3+ inches of snow with a lowered WRX, and have never once had to worry about losing traction, and I like that predictability. At this point, I’ve owned only 2, but if including my family’s, a total of 8.

Have you made any modifications?

I’ve made quite a bit, ranging from the typical “Subaru Mods” like hella horns and mudflaps, to rare JDM parts like fog lights, and mirrors (that are probably the only set stateside).

What would you like to add to your setup?

At this point, I have Luna where I want it to be. Some odds and ends here and there such as rock lights, or new suspension, but nothing that’s needed yet.

Favorite road trip? Or favorite thing to do in your Subaru?

Driving down to Clayton, Georgia with a few friends. It was the first time I had ever driven across a river with a car, (at night too) and it was our only way to the campsite. So, we strapped a friend to the roof with a flashlight, while the other hung outside the window looking out for deep pockets and drove across. Was it very risky and dumb, absolutely! Did we go back the next year and do it again, absolutely! Plus, seeing the faces of people in lifted Tacomas and 4Runners as I drive past them to cross the same river as them in a Itasha’d Crosstrek is priceless.

Have a favorite picture of your car?

It’ll probably be this one. It’s not a good photo of my car by itself, but this was the first time I had the car in an anime convention (Otakon 2022). I’ve been to local car shows and, while it would get attention here and there, Luna never quite fit in with the lowered/stance crowd. However, being an Itasha’d car at an anime show with Sailor Moon Livery on the side, Otakon was exactly where the car shined the brightest. Having people line up to take photos with the car, and hearing “Oh my gosh, I can do that with my Crosstrek?!” or “This is my dream car!” definitely made me feel like the Crosstrek was a celebrity that day. I even had someone tell me to get out of the way so they could get photos (they didn’t realize I was the owner lol).

Where would you like to travel to next with the Subie?

The big travel I want to do with the Luna is going to Sequoia National Park. I want to get at least one photo of Luna in one of the trees lol.

What, if anything, would you do differently, or change, about your Subie?

I don’t think there’s anything I would want to change. I’ve been happy with how the car is, and it reflects the build as how I would have wanted it. (Though maybe a new livery design might be considered down the road lol.)

What is the meaning behind your build?

Luna was built in remembrance of my late wife. The car was originally hers with the purpose of traveling as my WRX and 350Z weren’t large enough to do so. She unfortunately lost her battle with cancer before she could make any modifications, so with the help of family and friends, I’ve built the car in the way it would have been with a bit extra sprinkled on top. I’d truly appreciate if you took a moment to check out Episode 88 of the Subie & YOU! podcast as I fully explain why I’ve built the car as it is today.

Thank you, Cris, for being in the Spotlight! You have a one of a kind Crosstrek, and the story behind it is very special! Thank you for sharing it with us.

🚨 Update on Crosstrek Noise

I promise this isn’t going to become a regular segment 🤣 but I wanted to follow up since many of you are also experiencing this. I posted a reel on the mysterious noise I’ve been hearing in my Crosstrek on left turns and got a bunch of comments and ideas, from CV axles to struts and steering components. Thanks to everyone who left a comment!

Here are two that caught my attention, related to the AC unit:

These stood out because thinking back to when I first heard the noise, it wasn’t until some months after I bought the car in February, as the weather was warming up and I started using the AC a lot. So this past week, we had a few lovely days where it wasn’t as hot, and I left the AC off and didn’t hear the noise. I don’t think this is conclusive, but it’s an observation. I’ll do some additional testing, just not this week. 🥵

There are some others from the comments that are testing this as well. Will the mystery be solved? Stay tuned. 😆

🎧 Subie & YOU! Podcast Monthly Rewind

Here's a recap of last month's guests on the show:

E136 - Thank you for 100,000 Downloads!!

In this solo episode Rafael talks about the journey to 100,000 downloads and thanks the community for helping the podcast get to 100,000 downloads.

E135 - Slippers Outside

Quinn joined the podcast to talk about how his Crosstrek has added great value to his outdoor lifestyle. He shares places he has been and places he would like to explore. (Quinn was also featured here in Spotlight #2.)

E134 - Satanic Subaru

Dan joined the podcast to talk about his Subaru journey with his Impreza, some of the adventures he has been on, and people he has met along the way.

E133 - Morimoto Lighting

John joined the show to talk about the origins and progression of Morimoto Lighting, where they are headed with Subaru products, and his own Subaru Crosstrek!

E132 - Retro GC8

Brian joined Rafael to talk about his GC8 and other Subarus he has owned. He also talks about being an importer of rare Subaru parts from Japan and how that has cultivated some great relationships. We also get to know, “Who is Brian?”

Remember, you can subscribe to the show in your favorite podcast app, or listen online here. My thanks to Rafael for his ongoing support of the newsletter!

🎁 The Wrap-Up

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That’s all for now!

Tom Anderson
Subie Adventures