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b9driver, "Kia Sedona (2006+)" #577, 7 Jun 2006 2:39 am
Steve, Host
One of the vehicles strongly in contention is the ‘06 Tribeca. (Our local dealer is advertising good clearance incentives right now.) I test drove it the other day and was impressed with the Tribeca’s fit, finish and handling. However, I have a couple of concerns about the ’06 Tribeca.
The first concern is that the ‘06 has no back-up safety sensor. (I understand the ‘07 will – but a main reason I’m looking at the ‘06 is the end-of-year discounts.) The dealer says they don’t have the means to add a back-up sensor but suggests I go to an after-market shop to get it added. Does anyone know of anybody adding a back-up sensor to the 06 Tribeca? If so, were there any problems in doing so?
Additionally, the dealer was evasive when I pressed him for an answer on whether adding an aftermarket safety sensor would void any portion of the vehicle warranty. Does anybody know whether such aftermarket improvements affect the Subaru warranty in any way? Thanks for your help.
A factory system when available would cost 3 to 4 times more and do the same thing.
I think some of the owners in this forum will be eager to check this out. (X5killer?!)
Wahooo! you were right, I was eager to check this out! very exciting prospect indeed. I just never got a chance to respond as I checked it from my pda phone which I'm on now and figured I'd respond later from pc and never got the chance so I decided to just post from this thing any way. sorry it took me so long.
then I was away in italy so... remember all the talk of the front end looking like alfa romeo only for some to point out that actually the tribeca grille was a larger and diff variation of the alfa's trademark upside down triagular grille and that actually the rear end looked very similar to a certain alfa model. the 167 (i think or something close to that) I looked at the pictures and agreed and pointed it out whenever talk of the front ends likeness to alfa romeo. well I got to see the 167 in person in italy along with othe alfas and italian/euro cars we don't have here and the alfa romeo 167's tail lights are sure enough almost exactly like the tribeca as well as the shape of the back window and wiper. Its a smaller hatchback type car but I saw a really nice clean 4 door black one at one point and though I don't usually like hatchbacks really liked the look, aybe cus I'm bias with beca now but in looking at it you almost say wow raise that up a little and make it larger with bigger tires and te whole nine yards and that would make a really cool suv.
beca really is a great combo of italian styling and japanese engineering specifically subies best in the industry (along with audi I guess) AWD.
looks like cobb is in salt lake city utah or something. how would one from the east coast take it there to get the upgrades or is there a way a more local shop could just do what they did?
i'd be eager to do it but I kind of would want to do it on an 07 with the better cargo cover and integrated XM and stuff. its tough though because I love my satin pearl white beca with desert beige leather and matching pin stripe. all the black accessories , tinted front windows to match the back ones (makes a more uniform look and ties in the black accessories etc.) and black wheels. but I guess I could keep the wheels for a new 07 or get new ones and the two front windos tinted isn't a big deal or expensive but I'd hate to do more to my 06 just to later get a newer model or diff car. I am worried that the satin white pearl isn't offered anymore though on the 07? also I like to record some xm programming on at night and listen to in car so I'm better off with the portable that can record in house as a scheduled recording and playback in car and its fun/nice to be able to record live xm on the go in the car when you hear something good and want to record. I guess you could use both the integrated and portable but it would seem overkill. the limited edition model which I would want to get automatically comes with the xm though I think. I still haven't gotten the car xm antenna more professionally installed as I always have a ton of recorded content to listen to and at this point was waiting to see the antenna on the new color pioneer portable player. I guess I could still get that or keep my old one for playing recording stuff and use the integrated for live and just wouldn't be able to record something good I hear live unless I also have the portables antenna installed or put it out the window on roof to record but they really just need to add the live record feature to the integrated players the I would just usethe portable with no antenna to play the scheduled recorded content from over night.
plua though I could get rid of the 3rd row seat this time around (now that they offer thelimited or whatever without it) it doeant really hurt me any other then a little extra weight and could come in handy especially I'm sure as soon as I get a new model without it.
and same with the dvd player, I got it only because the only one I could find anywhere in the color and options I wanted also had it but as I use the rear audio input everyday was glad and would get it again just for that but now on new model don't have to get dvd for it and input is up front now which though running the cord and hiding it hasn't bothered I guess it would be a slight plus but I bet I would miss the dvd player suddenly once gone but still no reason to get it again with the audio input available without it.
so in those ways I'm in limbo and/or in no rush to get rid of my beca but wary of spending that kind of money to make it 300 horsepower though tempting it is on a car I may upgrade model year or change altogether.
speaking of audi, I would love to get the new Q7 suv but its expensive and would wait to see the consumer reports rating/review.
speaking of market share and tribecas on the road I love how there are still not that many and makes my car more rare and special. one year later and I till get ppl coming up and saying wow nice what kind of car is that because I have the subaru lettering off.
why do some ppl need to see a ton of other of the same model on the road to make them feel more secure about their car? plus though it slowed down here I'd say 700 some posts was a lot of activity and look at my long posts. I say this to the guy who was concerned about a B9 because he didn't dee many on the road and not much activity on this thread lately.
just look at someof the posts. most who have one love it and personally its been my best and favorite car.
in the end the main thing I want and need most from the 07 model is the improved cargo cover but that is just not enough to lose money trading in an 05 for and I should wait at least for the 08 then as some have suggested though I do wonder if cobb can/will make their version from an 07 and sell it outright instead of having to get an 07 and take it to them to upgrade as it could be cheaper if hey sell it already done. then it would be just a matter of what I could get for my 06 as I have a dealer friend that could buy it.
in the meantime I just want to get the new grille for my beca. what is the availability on that? has anyone even seen a special edition B9 at dealer with one yet? that is the other main thing I want from the 07 and unlike the cargo cover he grile is supposedly retro fittable on the 06's and only comes on the special edition 07.
-juice
rear cam from 2007 looks like it can be added as well.
the only unknown is if they changed the head unit
Bob
how easy of an procedure is it to install auto-dimming mirror? (not sure if i really need it yet, with already heavily tinted rear glass) i see it can be purchased on-line, can it be done my myself, or should i go back to the dealer to install it? thanks for help...
Of course, this is not a tech person's answer. Still, if someone were willing to get the necessary parts, I would LOVE the step-by-step instructions.
-Karen in AZ-
AUX input: "Subaru will not be offering a retrofit kit to install an auxilliary input into current and past models. The necessary wiring is not within your vehicle. To install this input, it would be necessary to dismantle your vehicle in order to install the wiring. We do not offer retrofit kits that would necessitate this."
Backup sensors: "However, the rear backup sensor can be installed in previous model Tribecas. While the option has not yet been released, it should be available soon through Subaru dealers."
Cargo Cover: "I am sorry, but the 2007 Cargo Cover is not compatible with the 2006 Tribeca."
-Karen in AZ-
Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Gets me thinking, for 07 when no rear ent is installed, the rear aux is simply moved to the center console with no change in wiring between the 06 and 07. Only the location changes all else is the same. I am now going to explore if its possible to just relocate the rear aux.
Wiring the second aux requires that we source and purchase the aux switching unit, seems like a rather expensive thing to do just to switch aux.. Unless the aux unit is also the input for sat radio. Thinking this might be the case since the head unit, has a seperate input for the rear cam and a video source. In theory if you bypass the e-brake you could have a multizone ent system in the Becca. Could it be that the sat radio connects to other video input behind the radio.
-juice
I now have questions about the fuel grade used in the B9 as well as the MPG’s people are getting with city and highway driving. I recall reading somewhere that the B9 should take premium (91 octane) fuel. Is that what people have found works best?
Also, what type of real-world fuel economy are people getting with the B9? (EPA estimate is 18 city/23 highway.) Thanks for your input.
I have found that with Premium and Mid grade there is virtually no difference in the performance or cost of operation. Premium gets me a little better MPG but the 10 cents per gallon higher price makes it equal to mid grade at a lower cost.
In Chicago urban driving I normally use regular and have no problems. MPG is not good with the regular, but with stop and go city driving MPG is hardly any better with more expensive grades.
http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main.asp?SectionID=31&SubSectionID=187&Arti- cleID=26333
-juice
Hoosier Karen in AZ :-)
-juice
Ah but don't forget the Hoosiers paid a dear price to land that Honda plant.
-juice
I am going to purchase a Tribeca 9 soon.
I have several questions for you all.
Do you like yours?
Had any problems?
The 07 has the back up screen, the 06 does not.
Is it neccesary?
Where is the compass located?
Any good deals out there?
I am open to any info.
Thanks
Belva
As to the compass, if it's like other Subies, it's in the rearview mirror.
Bob
No major problems to report. One minor problem seems to be common to a number of owners - the front sway bar bushings are wearing out at around 20K miles. It's a quick fix covered by warranty. I think regular lubrication of the bushings may prevent this from happening again.
Again - that is a minor issue. I am 99% positive about this vehicle and I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.
The compass in mine is located in the rear view mirror. I have an auto-dimming mirror. I'm not sure if a compass is also included in a non-dimming mirror.
Both the backup camera and the sensors are great options. Visibility to the immediate rear is limited. Anything that can indicate an object is behind you will be very useful. I'll probably have this feature retro-fitted on my 2006 model. I am familiar with sensors because I have them on another vehicle, so I know how well they work, even in the dark. The camera would be just that much better.
There is a separate 'Prices Paid and Buying Experience' forum for the B9 that can answer your question about deals. I just took a quick glance and saw some talk about pricing under invoice - check it out.
Other info - Despite the extremely cramped third row seating, I have used it to good effect several times with teenagers. It is more useful than I thought it would be.
Other info, 2 - Get the puddle lights. They are helpful in many situations plus they are way cool. I believe they are still only available as a factory-installed option.
The 2007 has at least two other advantages over the 2006 that I wish I had - a driver's seat with memory and a functional cargo cover.
-juice
I had heard the SE grill would be retro fitable to the 06. Any availability yet at dealership or subaru parts websites? I will prob try to get it online and then just have my dealer replace and install it.
what can we do with our orig grill? maybe dealer will give you some money for it?
i thought the grill was supposed to be available now. is the 07 even out yet, i thought it was for a little while now but haven't seen any and not last time i was at dealer either.
I'm eager to check out an SE with the new grille and even the chrome wheels. would like to see how the new cargo cover works but will prob just make me mad they did such a shoddy job on the 06 one.
any other news on the cobb beca? or other outfits that will supercharge it?
I still have a subtle and random slight rattling emanating from the front dash area somewhere in front of steering wheel to center of dash and posible from the part of the hood closest to windshield, somewhere within that vicinity.
it doesn't happen all the time but when you hit certain bumps but mostly its sideways movement that causes it. they couldn't figure out what it was last time at dealership and its prob something inside somewhere that is just slightly loose.
they said they've had this type of thing before and basically have to take apart that whole area of the car and tighten stuff like 10 things at a time and then test drive to see if the ratttling is fixed.
I was not to eager to have them do this and be without my B9 while the whole car is being taken apart to fix and minor random now and then rattling. i dont even hear it with music on.
never the less its annoying that they dont have a better way to target what and where it is. :confuse:
No new info on the Cobb Tuning site regarding supercharging.
http://www.cobbtuning.com/cobbtuned/ct_tribeca.html
All they say is they're still trying to determine if they should offer a complete vehicle or a supercharging kit, and they ask interested folks to contact them for more info. If they offer it as a kit, I'd think a few of the Cobb dealers around the country would be able to install it. Here's a link to the list of about 25 dealers nationwide:
http://cobbtuning.com/links.html
-Karen-
-Karen in AZ-
They emailed back saying it was a one off and they didnt plan on making any more of the grills.
If anyone finds a online source for the limited grill let me know as well :shades:
=====
I noticed that I have a dull rattle ONLY when the fan is turned on and when going over bumps. its like a lose part was left lose in the air vent area. have to have the dealer check into sometime. but I am already at 11k miles hope they will cover it.
If I buy an 06 with Nav can a back up screen be put in?
If so, how much?
How about the back up sensors?
When are the 07's coming out?
I have heard two different opinions.
Thank you.
Belva
No, Subaru is not represented by a Union and for the record, SIA is in Lafayette not West Lafayette. Glad to have you here.
Dealer tells me they did not tear into dash during windsheild replacement, but that's definetly where rattle is now coming from.
I, too, am hestitant to rip out entire dash to fix minor rattle, but it IS annoying. If you or dealer find a way to fix without dismantling interior, or pinpointing the loose part, please post.
I am calling dealer in the morn to get appt. for headlight bulb replacement. the HID like sylvania silver star bulbs dont seem to lat long in the tribeca. first one went in under a year and now second one went in about a year maybe even not quite. not good. i dont know if its smething about the tribeca that burns them out quicker or if its just the daytime running lights burning them out in a year. in fact i better check with dealer which headlight was changed last time and make sure its not the same one otherwise i might have a problem with that headlifht socket but i think its th other side and the bulbs just aret lasting long in beca. i would think sylvania wuld know that most cars have dtrl and make them to last accordingly but i used similiar bulbs in my old car withou dtrl and they lasted so i think its that. i may have to do the parking brake button trick to disable them if i want to use diff bulbs and not buy them and pay for install every year.
in fact now im worried as its definitely been jus over a year since i got the b9 that i wont have warranty for the bulbs let alone the rattle and for the other control arm/sway bar bushin (first was noticed and changed after a fender bender which may have sped up its deterioration but it was pointed out to me then that the other was starting to crack a lile to) i did put dealer on notice about that.
when the first bulb went they would ahve replaced it with a stock bulb free but as i had already bought the 3rd new bulb i paid to have them put in but this is rediculous. if i have them do just the one that is out back to regular bulb then i have one hid like and one stock? or have them do both and scrap the 3rd sss i just had put in a month or so ago. why didnt subaru just make a xenon option like murano? 08 please?
i think i will opt to just put in another hid like sss bulb and then disable dtrl's. maybe this warrants dealer doing it but i should def write a letter to soa and take the opportunity to mention some other concerns mentioned.
my sticker does say to get service at the mleage i am already past bt i remember they put it about a thousand miles early just to get more service out of you but mine as eell now.
will have them check the status of the other bushing and see if they cant fix the rattle though i hate to be the guinea pig and have them take apat the dash not without compensation from soa for solving a recall type problem.
i think thats my main concern other then minor stuff like the brake pads showing rust which i think is normal but still they lasted awhile without but with all the rain it then sat on the wheel i guess even in garage drying ans was enough to cause it. i may get new wheels that arent as open and wont show te pad or should replacethem with better ones tha lok cool too like the cobb.
that is sad news about the SE grill sounding now like it wont be available after everyone saidit would even dealer and retrofitable. may have to get an 07 though at that point i mine as well et an audi Q7. even murano and lexus rx have a diff factory grill though maybe its also only on certain model type.
scoobymods - Tribeca Class III Hitch Installation
Let us know what you end up towing and how it performs.
-juice
Another minor concern is the reflection from dash lights into windshield when driving at night. Surprised no one else has mentioned this.
Otherwise very happy after 11 months and 11k.
Jerry
-juice