Let's answer this question for everyone...

The easiest way for the parts lookup system to give a part number is based on a VIN. Since John is the Service Manager and NOT in the Parts Department he really has no idea what may or may not fit your car. So in order to get you the CORRECT part number he asked for the VIN and you call this bad customer service? He coulda told you to call back on Monday instead of even trying to help.

I even have the Subaru Parts Lookup Software here at home and can tell you it would take me much, much longer to look up parts without a VIN than with a VIN.

The more and more I read this board, the more I realize how many dumb fucks there really are in this world....