Instantly Hooked: Carter Arnold and his 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium

Obviously, in our business, from event to event, town to town, we meet a lot of individual enthusiasts and drivers modifying their Subarus for both show, off-road adventuring, and extreme performance track competitions like time attack, autocross, drift, and rally. There is nothing better than getting deep into a conversation about Subaru's historic rally victories. Whether a fan of the brand or not, members of the global car community must bow to the legendary blue and gold Impreza WRX and its meteoric success through the 1990s and 2000s at the World Rally Championship (WRC). Any enthusiast with dreams or visions focused on this genre will be inspired by early legends like Colin McRae, Petter Solberg, and Richard Burns who provided the bedrock for the now pioneering Subaru Motorsports USA who still rides a wave of high-performance and unique brand identity fueled by a brilliantly engineered all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged boxer engines. These badges have been a continuous flow of inspiration to drivers of all ages and all walks of life. Carter Arnold was born and raised in the small agricultural town of Fallbrook, California, a place that could be seen as "Eden", if true believers in the gospel of Rally wanted a place to sharpen their skills in their pursuit of extreme driving prowess. Arnold would be the first to say that Fallbrook's dirt-covered, wind-swept, but rocky terrains, were a perfect place to feed and grow a hopeful rally driver. "My passion for cars started when I was five years old," Carter recalled. "For my fifth birthday, my parents gave me a small pull-back Volkswagen Beetle toy, and I was instantly hooked."

As the dwellers in our Subaru world know too well, the first bite from the car-loving bug is an important beginning of a life to be well-lived and experienced - no matter what path you take. This was no different for Carter. "From that moment on, I was always surrounded by cars and anything automotive-related.", he remembers. "Growing up, my dream was to become an automotive mechanic and work on cars full-time. Years later, that passion has only grown," he said. "I’ve worked on over fifty vehicles and owned more than twenty myself. Today, my love for cars is stronger than ever, and Subaru has only deepened that passion even further." Even though he has had his share of wrenching and building, Arnold still feels that during his life he had lived some distance from owning a vehicle that would be categorized as possessing definite competition muscle. "I haven’t really owned any true 'performance' cars in the past.", he admitted. "The closest would be my 2024 Subaru Impreza RS, which I could technically consider a performance model — though I didn’t modify it heavily. I added a few upgrades like mud flaps, an exhaust, hood struts, a brush bar, and a cold air intake.", he remembers. "Unfortunately, I didn’t keep the car for long, as it turned out to be a lemon right from the start." Like anyone on a destined course fed by dreams and inspiration, Carter never lost the drive to reach for the brass ring which would help to deliver the ultimate reward of satisfaction and accomplishment that laid as a forever goal within his mind growing up in Fallbrook.

Sometimes we temporarily step on a path thinking a quick stroll, a moment of exploration, or a push to discovery may point to some new exciting ideas or experiences. Many times we may go in with a narrowed idea where it may lead, but sometimes this short exercise may morph into something more substantial and impactful. Moving along through his timeline, we learn that Carter is no different from that strolling adventurer who cannot resist walking further, digging deeper, and seeing where the twists and turns will lead. The little boy in that small town had his goals lined up neatly, but never realized the longer he walked with eyes open, the more he would learn, appreciate, and apply to changing his life right under the feet that carry him forward. As he moves through his enthusiast life, Arnold still examines where he lands on the gauge of expertise and knowledge. "I’d say I’m still a bit of a novice in certain areas, but I’m nearing an expert level when it comes to specific mechanical projects," he said with confidence. "Over the years, I’ve pulled and rebuilt EJ-series engines, handled differential fluid changes with ease, replaced multiple CV axles, completely overhauled my suspension, and installed both the hitch and bull bar myself." Like many before him, others who walk by his side, and the masses that will come after, Carter has unknowingly become one of the many individuals he has closely admired and dreamed of since early in his lifetime. The observations, the inspirations, and the encouragements would all come full circle by the time he would meet his first Subaru, experience many of these tasks, and build on his passion.

Carter's first Subaru, his 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, which he proudly uses both as his current daily drive and perpetually improved rally competitor, has a back story that injects a level of tribute and respect that all enthusiasts should note when following their own journeys of inspiration and dedication. "I purchased my Crosstrek in 2021, shortly after losing my great-grandmother and my best friend.", he said fondly. "What first drew me to Subaru was a commercial showing a Crosstrek driving through a dog park. Something about it just stuck with me.", he said. "Once I began driving the car, I quickly realized I wanted to make it my own through modifications, though I wasn’t sure where to begin." As enthusiasts who are motivated by the same creative drive and sense of purpose, Carter dug deep to what was really important to him, his life, and those behind his successes during this journey and made a choice that anyone would see as admirable. "With my great-grandmother Alice in mind, I decided to dedicate the build to her. It became my way of taking her with me on every road trip and rally race, keeping her spirit close wherever I go." With the strength of Alice's ongoing support fueling his efforts, Carter moved forward and took these ideas to the drawing board, since his choice of vehicle aligned perfectly with his set of personal performance goals. "I chose the Crosstrek because it perfectly balances practicality and performance," he confirmed. "I didn’t need a long or tall vehicle. I wanted something compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to maneuver in tight spaces.", he added. "All-wheel drive was non-negotiable, as were reliability and safety. Subaru checked every box right from the start." 

Enthusiasts or collectors within any community, culture, or genre will often proclaim that you do not need to search for your dream possession because it will find you if you are open and aware. Reading about Carter's life, purpose, and tribute to Alice may be a solid confirmation of the truth behind this proclamation. After Arnold test-drove a selection of other vehicles, he knew the Crosstrek was the perfect fit to meet his goals. "Later, learning more about Subaru’s mission and its commitment to community values only reinforced that I had made a truly worthwhile investment," he said. Moving down this path is never without obstacles, challenges, and a large portion of hope, but Carter took the whole experience, which is currently ongoing and encouraging, with a firm resolve of positivity, dedication, and persistence. All qualities we know that have been firmly attached by the spirit of his dear Alice. As Subaru modifiers are traditionally industrious and creatively sharp, Carter propelled forward with all the resources he could find to fuel and deliver a successful build with purpose in mind. "Most of the parts I’ve chosen were acquired pretty organically, some were gifted, others thrifted, and a few purchased brand new.", he said with pride. "I aimed to keep the car consistent with certain brands, though availability sometimes led me to mix things up. I also prioritized high-quality, reputable brands to ensure long-term reliability.", he added. "And honestly, a few parts were chosen purely for fun or aesthetics, sometimes it’s about the character, not just performance. I handled most of the work myself but collaborated with several shops to fine-tune everything and elevate the overall driving experience. This led to some exciting “firsts” for both sides and even a few sponsorship opportunities along the way."

Again, true greatness comes from hard work, failures, disappointments, and critical learning experiences that sometimes cause a high degree of discouragement that even affect the confidence of the most driven, purposed and level-headed individual. This is a fact that Carter knows intimately. "Where do I begin?", he starts with a sigh. "I’ve gone through six sets of CV axles, four sets of shocks, two full sets of bushings, and even replaced the climate control fan. I’ve dealt with rodents wreaking havoc in the engine bay, suspension components coming loose on track days, snapped bolts, missing nuts — you name it.", he adds with frustration. "Keeping the car tracking straight has been an ongoing battle. I currently get alignments done about eight times a year and have the suspension torqued and greased three times annually." With all those challenges, Carter continues to move onward with his goals and dreams to build on something that brings true satisfaction into his enthusiast life. This major investment, like with anyone in the same situation, causes time for serious reflection, but determined, Arnold takes it in stride. "After going through my logs, including parts, labor, and miscellaneous fees, I’ve invested well into six figures in this build.", he said. "As the saying goes, a build is never truly finished. So far, it’s been nearly five years in the making, and I still have plenty more planned before I can confidently call it complete.", he adds. "I’d love to install my CVT cooler, skid plates, rock sliders, and oil cooler next. Beyond that, I’m planning more engine upgrades, another round of suspension improvements, new seats, a roll cage, and ideally, a built engine to increase horsepower and improve my 0–60 time for rally events.", he confirms. "Ultimately, I want to transform this car into a dedicated rally build. My long-term vision is for it to be a true head-turner — a car that performs as well as it looks, both on and off the track." 

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium

MODIFICATIONS: 

• Ironman 4x4 2” lifted struts

• R1 Concepts slotted and drilled rotors

• Billetworks 5mm wheel spacers and custom shift knob

• Nameless Performance quad tip cat back exhaust

• Crawford subframe drop kit

• Rallitek adjustable end links (front and rear)

• Rallitek adjustable trailing arms

• K&N cold air intake

• Pedal Commander V2

• Grimmspeed Hella horn bracket with twin Hella horns

• Custom made wire mesh grill

• Rough Country switch kit

• Baja Designs Squadron Pro ditch and fog lights

• Baja Designs XL Sport and (4) S2 Sport lights.

• Uniden CB Radio and stubby antenna

• Bullhorn (for giggles)

• Grimmspeed fender flares

• Spider no drill roof rack

• 2021 Crosstrek Vents (added esthetic)

• Falken Wildpeak ATs

• Weathertech floor mats

• The Bracketter fire extinguisher bracket

• Desert Does It front seat "Jackers"

• RallyArmour mudflaps

• Amazon special cup holder orange lined inserts

• Custom wrapped reflectors in the shape of mountain goats

• Rigid “go box” for off road rescue

• Rago Fabrication Baja Designs S2 mounts

• T-Mobile hotspot / tracker and OBD reader

• Body Armor 4x4 Front Bull Bar/. Bumper combo

• Ironman 4x4 6ft awning

• 17” Sparco Rally Rims

• Subaru Wilderness badge

• NashFabCo rear tailgate ladder

• Rigid Armor tire swing-down hitch carrier

• Baja Designs S1 Pods

• Anderson Design Fabrication interior Molle Panel

• Passenger Mirror Visor signed by Bucky Lasek

• Rallitek Sway Bar Quick Disconnects

• Custom tune on the 2.0L and CVT transmission.

At the end of the day, the best of us want to do good work, learn from our mistakes, and pass along what we've been taught from the experience to help our fellow enthusiasts and hopefully save them from any heartache we have felt during the journey. "I really just want to share what I’ve learned, honor my great-grandmother’s legacy, and live my best life through this passion.", Carter said with gratitude. "I have nothing negative to say about Subaru — every experience with the brand and its community has been positive. Subaru has helped me grow more outgoing, build lifelong friendships, and form relationships that my past, introverted self could only dream of." After learning more about his life, his challenges, and purpose, the team here at Subimods feels our own unique sense of gratitude for having someone like Carter as a loyal and dedicated customer. It amplifies the importance of building relationships, solving problems, and following these projects through from concept to completion and beyond. "I chose Subimods for certain components because their focus on Subaru-specific vehicles gave me confidence in both their product quality and team expertise," he said. We are happy to have played a small part in his overall journey and look forward to seeing him hit his long term performance and competitive target. "My personal goal is to become a rally driver and prove that even the simplest dreams are achievable with enough hard work and determination," he said with confidence. "Honestly, without my car, I wouldn’t be the person I am today."

We strive to provide quality support for those individuals who are in constant pursuit of true car culture spirit. Our team here at Subimods aims to create a positive channel between the ever expanding community of dedicated enthusiasts and the aftermarket. Our goal is to provide quality solutions and bring success to the lives of all creative enthusiasts.

Scroll through the gallery below to sample a small collection of aftermarket parts we currently list in our catalog. If you need something for your Crosstrek, or your specific Subaru platform of choice, just visit our website and explore the section dedicated to your year, model and platform.

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