Subie in Distress is a true story.
I took my 2015 Subaru Forester in for routine service and walked out with a $10,000 repair estimate on a car worth less than that. So I did what most people would do: I got a second opinion.
This is an acoustic, singer-songwriter take on car ownership, trust, and the feeling that maybe you’re being nudged toward buying something you don’t actually need.
Recorded and mixed in Logic Pro.
Mastered with iZotope Ozone.
If you’ve ever loved a car that the repair shop didn’t, this one’s for you.
🎸 Vocal + acoustic guitar
🚗 Real story, no AI
🎧 Headphones recommended
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Instruments:  
Guitar Strumming Track: PG Music Real track
Organ:  Playing my Midi keyboard with Logic Pro BeBop organ sounds
Bass and Fiddle:  PG Music Real Tracks
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Copyright 2025
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I took my Subie to the dealership, thinking it was doing just fine
Ten years old, eighty-nine thousand miles – just regular maintenance time
I dropped him off and they gave me a loaner, brand new with Apple CarPlay
I drove it home with a smile on my face, thinking maybe I’ll buy one like this someday

I really like my Subie, he’s been such a trusty old steed
We’ve been so many places over the years
He’s fulfilled my every transportation need
I’ve driven him on the west coast, and I’ve driven him in the east
We’ve gone across the continent, he’s been such a steadfast beast

I was looking forward to picking up my Subaru at the dealership the next day
Then I got a call from the service advisor saying things were not okay
He said, “Your transmission fluid’s leaking and your engine oil is too”
There were lots of things wrong – it was gonna cost 10k, and I wasn’t sure what to do
I really like my old Subie, he’s been such a trusty old steed
We’ve gone so many places together over the years
He’s satisfied my every transportation need

I thought Subie has been a good partner, I’ve always treated him right
I’ve done all the routine maintenance, addressed every check-engine light
And when I got that call from the advisor, I thought about trading him in
I felt like a hopeless battle that I was never goanna win

So I posted on an online forum, asking everyone for advice
Some of the comments were nasty but most of them were nice
The consensus was unanimous – they were trying to scare me into buying new wheels
And I should get a second opinion to make sure all the problems were real
So, I got a second opinion, and the engine oil leak didn’t exist
A few of the problems were legitimate, but for a lot less money, they could be fixed

So instead of ten thousand dollars, the repairs cost less than 4K
And I breathed a sigh of relief that my Subie would live for another day

I really like my Subie, he’s been such a trusty old steed
Subie you’r the only car I’m ever goanna need.

Subie in Distress

Songs with a twinge of humor (and some a bit more serious).

My primary focus is songwriting and singing. I write all of my songs myself — lyrics, chords, and melodies — and I do not use AI to create my music.

I work in Logic Pro 11 and use a combination of live guitar and production tools, including EZkeys 2, EZ Bass, EZdrummer 3, and PG Music Band-in-a-Box RealTracks and MIDI tracks. Lately I’ve been picking up my guitars (Taylor 114ce and Fender Squier) more often and bringing more guitar into the songs.

My goal for 2026 is simple: to do whatever it takes to make each song sound as good as it can, while staying true to the song itself.

I enjoy listening to and supporting other musicians here and always welcome comments.

All songs are original and copyrighted.

https://linktr.ee/joe.stroffolino

Subie in Distress

Joe Stroffolino