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Subaru Crew - Meet The Members

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Comments

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    <<Bob: I had mentioned that IIHS results ad earlier in another topic. It's pretty bold, but it does show there are still some independent thinkers at SoA. Way to go.>>

    What's this in reference to?

    Bob
  • bonnie_rickbonnie_rick Member Posts: 115
    Both Chiefs on vacation at the same time? Ack...Folks, promise your fearless leaders you'll be helpful to each other and they get to go away without a laptop ;-)

    OBX...I'm jealous! I too love that 12 mile stretch from Ocean/Penny's Hill to the Virginia State line...

    Bonnie Rick
    Conferences Manager, Town Hall
    Edmunds.com
  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
    the IIHS results ad from Subaru shows a couple of cars that didn't fare as well as the Legacy. Most are not visible, except for the last one, clearly recognizable as a "Malibu" crashing into a barrier.

    Since GM is now affiliated with Subaru, there was a point raised that the ad was kind of like shooting themselves in the foot.

    Especially because it ended with something like "The competition is just beating their heads into a wall."


    RE: the heated seats on the OB. Indeed, the heated seats do get warm even in the summer. I sometimes use it on long trips as I find the OB seats not to be that comfortable after a long trip. (The heat helps soothe the lack of lower back support).

    -- ash
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Never mind.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Guess I'll have to take a notebook with me!

    -juice

    PS Two more tankfuls returned 25.64mpg and 26.73 mpg. Time to update the chart, though the average won't change much.

    PPS I'm SOOBLESS! My dad's borrowed it to take my sister to college orientation. He left grinding the gears and all - ouch! At least his OBLtd will be an auto.
  • aling1aling1 Member Posts: 225
    Thanks for your response. I'm a little disappointed, especially since we all know that the NHTSA is notorious for dragging their feet in their investigations (which can go on for years). However, I can see why some of those drivers are complaining. I too, have been occasionally momentarily blinded by the HID lights, but only by the ones on BMWs.

    For some weird reason, BMW doesn't seem to be able to design Xenon headlamps which are not glaring to oncoming drivers (they have a purplish hue to them). Strange because BMW was the first manufacturer to introduce Xenon headlamps about 10 years ago on their top of the line BMW 7-series sedan. MB followed a short while later, introducing it on their S-class flagship.

    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/interps/gm/94/nht94-6.32.html

    Drew
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Juice,
    You are right, had the VDC been out or the GT wagon with the H6, I'd likely have that in my hands right now instead of the trooper (not that it matters cause Isuzu is basically another branch of FHI, notice they don't really compete head to head on anything) I still have my XT6, and will replace the XT6 when it dies with an SVX (if I can get ahold of one) or a WRX.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    GM is building a new vehicle based on the Legacy, but what exactly? Is this the rumored 2005 bigger SUW? How will they badge it?

    Patti? I know, they probably haven't even decided yet.

    -juice
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    I remember your situation very well. I think you were one of the first to use the Mastercard points. I hope this note finds you well.

    I have forwarded your comments on model selection, side impact air bags and the availability of the "6" on the Outback to our Product Planning department. They do pay attention to customer feedback, so we'll see!!
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Hi - I'm checking into this now. While we had heard that there may be "future model" possibilities discussed, we hadn't heard anything as specific as this. I'll let you know as soon as I get a response.
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Hi! No, it does not sound normal to have your A/C cycling like that. While I'm not a technician, my buddies here have indicated it could be something very minor (loose connection causing a leak)to something major (contamination of the refrigerant). Your dealer is the place to go on this one. They can check out the whole system, and if a leak is the concern, they can test it out with dye.
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Dingerc - you didn't indicate what your dealer said or did about this. Did an Area Representative check it out? If you are not satisfied with what the dealer said, call us at 1-800-SUBARU3. Tell the Representative that you participate in this board and that I recommended that you call. We'll do our best to have this addressed for you.
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    I have not heard this as being a "characteristic". When was this last checked out by the dealer? Seems like some extra looking into is called for here. Let me know if you need my help!
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    I think we will see the "6" in more models in the near future. Probably the GT first with the others to follow. You have to start somewhere, and with our new partnership with LL Bean, it seemed ideal to launch it on our LL Bean car since the timing was right. I expect we'll be hearing about this addition to other models very soon!
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Hmmmm - I have always found them to get nice and toasty! They should be fine right from the start. You may want your dealer to check them out!
  • aling1aling1 Member Posts: 225
    Is there a reason why Subaru designed the Legacy's 2nd row middle seatbelt to be attached from the roof rather than from the seat itself? Was it because of cost and or packaging concerns? MB, BMW, Volvo and Saab all use seat integrated 2nd row middle seatbelts for their wagons or SUVs.

    Thanks for any light you can shed on this.
    Drew
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    From what I understand, our's is mounted into the ceiling solely for safety reasons. Not only for us regular passengers, but since the rear center seat is the best location for child seats, this facilitates a more secure position. We used to have the seat integrated belts in the rear center, but we found that this to be the best for child seat and also for minimizing injuries to that center passenger.
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Well, I own an '83 On-Demand hatchback, a '90 FWD LS (both with clutches that went over 100K without replacement - even teaching someone a stick on them). Also, I happen to know that I work for a great company. One of the things I get to do is be a part of our test fleet program. Every 7,500 miles or so, I get a new car to test out. This year, I've driven both a Forester and an Outback (both auto tranny's and both on treks ranging from Vermont to Florida) and on Thursday, I get into my new car, a 2000 GT Ltd. - 5-speed. Unfortunately, I haven't driven the H6, but I'm wheedling my way into getting the chance. I'll let you know once I do.
  • aling1aling1 Member Posts: 225
    Patti, I think that you misunderstood the question; it was my fault, I should've been clearer. MB, BMW, Volvo and Saab wagons/SUVs have 3 point lap and should belts for all rear seat occupants, with the shoulder part anchored into the seat itself, like so:

    image

    But Subaru's rear middle seatbelt attaches all of the way into the roof (like Honda's in the Odyssey and in the Acura MD-X). I'm just curious as to why the middle belt had to be attached to the roof, rather than built into the seat itself.
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Bonnie, Is it, um, ok if I go on vacation sans laptop? ;) Boy you don't miss a trick. Apologies for not emailing you with advance notice.

    I'm wheedling my way into getting the chance. Hehe Patti, can't say that I blame you. Sounds like a great perk! BTW we (wife & I) had a FWD 91 L that we sold (to our next door neighbor).

    The 1st generation Legacy has a height adjustable (but not telescoping) steering wheel and a quick release. Release the handle, the steering wheel flips up out of the way and you egress easily. Hop in, pull the wheel down and it returns to the prior height setting; very nice for two drivers of unequal height. I wish it was in the MY00, as I'm always banging my knees on the wheel after my (shorter than I) wife has been driving (well, it is her car).

    juice, you're crazy to let that Forester out of sight. Taking the 626 to the beach?!? (or will you have it back by then)

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Speaking of vacations, I guess it is a good time to say, um, gulp, I'm in training for the next three days on a new computer system and I'm heading to the Jersey shore from the 30th to the 6th. Not only will I not have a laptop, I refuse to bring a phone (camping with the family) - I'll still try to check in at night this week, but, after vacation, I'll have a lot to get caught up on too!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Patti: you must be putting in some overtime. Hope they're paying you!

    Wow, you get some nice program cars! You hiring?

    BTW, nice to know you own two of them. I know folks that work in the car biz that don't, it's kind of embarassing!

    On the center belt - I have a question. When you unclip it from the roof, does the lap belt portion still work for a child seat? That would be easier than using the shoulder belt and a clip.

    Good news/bad news: my new rims arrived today, but the Forester is with my dad! Ugh, have to wait. Longest two days of my life!

    -juice
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Okay - here is the response I got, from very reliable sources, about the recent press on this partnership:

    Thank you for your message. Recently, Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., our Japanese parent company, announced plans to build a Legacy-based pick-up truck in 2002 as a 2003 model. There was also discussion of plans to jointly develop a new concept sports utility wagon with General Motors, to be launched in 2004/2005. No further details about these vehicles with regard to launch dates, features, pricing, equipment, etc. are available at this time. Please check back for additional information in the future.

    I'll keep following this for you!!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Mike: a road trip w/o the Forester? No way! The 626 can't fit half our stuff and does about 3mpg worse than the Soob.

    Sorry, Patti, we can't let you go ;)

    -juice

    PS I put Ash's photo up on a new page, as well as Alan's new Forester.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hmm, wonder what they mean by "with GM"? Does that mean it'll be a Subaru built in a GM assembly plant? Or will it be sold as both a Subaru and a GM?

    -juice
  • nvynvy Member Posts: 74
    Ok,so you drive Subarus,and it's evident by the
    model year that you are one of us. As for me, I
    think it's important for folks who are promoting
    and representing their products have first hand
    experience. 190k on the clutch for my "89" which
    I drove ten years. I think it's time for an
    adjustment after the last Sunday drive. I have plans to keep it as long as possible. The future
    will render the early models a great reward.

    1974 or 75 since these cars have been around to
    my knowledge. Folk's who own the early models are in for a treat if kept in good condition. IMO.
    Topics for conversation. What's your take?
    Are Subarus worthy vintage material.

    Later
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    nvy, the folks at The Ultimate Subaru Message Board sure do! This was one of the first all-Subaru boards I found. IMO they are mechanical giants. Brats, Loyals, GLs, DLs, you name it, they keep it running. What cracks me up is their definition of new; one forum is named "The New Generation Of Subarus - Post anything dealing with Legacies, Imprezas, Foresters, Outbacks, or any other newer Soob here." The Legacy came out in 90, so for them, vintage Subaru is anything pre-90.


    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • edabramsonedabramson Member Posts: 16
    Sorry to be a pest. Did you happen to see my question (response 33)? Really important to my wife.

    Thank you,
    Ed
  • 2ndwnd2ndwnd Member Posts: 145
    >>On the center belt - I have a question. When you unclip it from the roof, does the lap belt portion still work for a child seat? That would be easier than using the shoulder belt and a clip.<<

    You can't unclip it from the roof. You unclip it from the seat and the whole belt rolls up into the roof, leaving no center belt at all, shoulder or lap. Kind of nice actually when you have four or less people in the vehicle.

    Dave
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Hi Ed! I gave Gina your nice message. I'm sorry I did not pick up on your original question. This is a bit tough to answer. Because I am with the manufacturer, I cannot recommend any modifications to the seats. This is because of all of the safety testing the car's go through. Since we haven't tested out the vehicle with different seating possibilities, I cannot tell you what to try. Even recommending a seat cushion to modify the angle of the seat could be construed as my making a recommendation. Bell Subaru is a great dealer and I enjoy working with them. You may want to have them take a look at it to see if they can make a recommendation.

    I'm sorry I cannot do more to help.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Have you had a chance to read my post/questions in post #323 in the "Future Models" topic area?

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Wow, hope you've caught your breath, Patti. BTW, this is the #1 topic in the Town Hall right now!

    Lucien: the 215/65R15 tire is 0.3" smaller in diameter, which is -1.1%. That translates into about 0.1" less ground clearance (negligable) and a speedo where at 60mph it'll read 60.66mph (again, negligable). Tire Rack says up to 3% is within tolerance.

    I'd still measure the clearances carefully. Take a close look at the rear spring base, and the front tires' clearance to the fenders (turn all the way right, then left). Should be fine, though.

    Speaking of vintage Soobs, here's the world's true first Sport Utility Wagon, circa 1974.

    BTW, my rims look great! Now if I only had my Subaru to put them on! :(

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Patti,
    What is the rationale for not having folding seats in the sedan models? That has to be hurting business, I mean unless subaru just wants people to go for the wagon models? How much additional cost could be incurred by having the folding seats. (Most of the competition has folding seats) Sorry to be a bugger about it. I'm actually thinking of building and selling an aftermarket kit for people with the impreza/legacy sedans to give them folding seat capability. My dad's '97 Legacy L has em and they are great.

    -mike
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    6/26/00 8:34 am, Ogden UT. Well well well! There is a Subaru dealer right here, not 3 miles from my motel. Best of all they're not booked solid and they're servicing my car as I type. Ogden Subaru. Friendly folks.

    While on the topic, let me just say that the car has been great. The driver's seat has been comfortable enough although I must say that my old Peugeot's seats were better--but then Peugeot makes the best seats on earth, in my ever so humble opinion. I have been adjusting the backrest angle and so forth to change my driving position so that I don't wind up with some kind of permanent kink in my left knee or whatever. The engine's power has been more than adequate. It's no rocket, and one would be well advised not to pull out into 70mph traffic without having a sufficiently large opening, but at speed--any speed--the car goes very well. It can accelerate while climbing in the mountains, it can accelerate for passing on the freeway. Combine the power with the low center of gravity, the well tuned suspension, and the all-wheel drive, and I am hard pressed to think of a better car for the money for this journey-- except perhaps the GT wagon. It can climb mountain passes over rough road without even slowing. It feels solid and stable at all times and under all road and weather conditions. I'm very pleased with this car and I will be giving the coming 6 cylinder models a long hard look in the future. And I've been thinking about that 32mpg number; that seems incredible given that my best mileage to date has been nearer to 27, but it was mostly during my run DOWN out of the mountains, so maybe it's right. I won't know until the next fillup though. Blah blah blah, enough car stuff.

    6/26/00, Nevada. Pacific time zone. Salt flats. Distant mountains. The road rising up from a constant mirage. 50-foot high dust devils. 75mph speed limit. Garish roadside signs. Casinos. Lots of mountains; I-80 winds around among them. This is perfect territory for books-on-tape, and I have managed to take a pretty big bite out of _Confessions_of_a_Geisha_.

    To my surprise and delight my next fillup confirms that the 32 MPG number I obtained yesterday was indeed correct. Today I have averaged over 27 MPG through two tankfulls, with the speedometer indicating 70-85mph most of the way. So it seems as though the overall average is rising too.

    As I go farther west the green shades are replaced more and more with browns. By the time I turn south on US395 outside of Reno the land looks very much like a desert. But then I climb into the mountains one more time, headed for Tahoe, and the green returns.

    6/27/00 3:52 am, Lake Tahoe CA: blasted internal alarm is still waking me on eastern time. I treated myself to a lakeside motel room in a little town on the northern end of the lake called Kings Beach. I can look out the window and see the lake and the snow-tinged peaks beyond. Tahoe is beautiful in so many ways; even the air is a delight, filled with the kind of fresh scent the deodorant companies can only vaguely imitate. I have never experienced air that smells like this. The local folk don't notice it as much as I do but guess that it is due to pollen from the pines and other flora. Whatever, it is a treat. I walk down the block and into a small pub to get a sandwich. I ask the hostess, can I get it to go? "Totally", she replies. The guys at the bar are talking. "Can you believe that f___ing s__t, man? That guy is a total rager." "Yeah dude, I think he wants to be a skateboarder for life or something." These are adults talking, some of them my age (40's). I am not making this up. It hits me like the scented air; I'm someplace else now, someplace different from where I started out, someplace I am going to be living for an extended period. I sit at the bar to await my sandwich, sipping an Anchor porter, listening, wondering if the Bay area will be filled with folks like these.

    I'm in California now, on California time, if not yet physiologically then at least electronically. Today is my last road day and my plan is to take in a bit more of Tahoe and then make a dash for the Bay. Yosemite will have to wait. Equestrians have a phrase that a horse can "smell the barn", by which I think they mean that the animal senses it is close to home and perks up near the end of its day's efforts, anxious to get back to comfortable surroundings. That describes me pretty well. I have had a great run, a wonderful run, a run that has provided me with ample amounts of the stuff that will become treasured memories. Now I am ready for the road journey to end, ready to put my feet down in one place and unpack the trunk and air out the car and get out of these clothes. I can smell the barn.

    From the road,
    Dave

    ..Mike

  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    hehe juice, this topic is out of control. I'm sure our new-found popularity has nothing to do with Patti's SoA presence -- NOT! ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • pckcpckc Member Posts: 1
    Patti(or any one with a similar problem),
    I have a 98 Forester and have been haveing problems with the blower. My fan periodically won't come on when I start the car . Sometimes it comes on in a minute, other times it takes days to come back on. Because of this the A/c doesn't work which is miserable here in the summer. I have taken it to the dealer twice. Once they had it for almost a week and then put in a new blower motor but it is still doing it. Does anyone have a similar problem? The dealer said that they contacted Subaru but noone has reported anything similar. I saw the one post on the cycling a/c but this seems different. Thanks! pckc
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Tell WDB to say hello to our numerous bay area friends. All that with a Palm, eh? You seen the new ad where the guy gets a girl's numbers "beamed" to him with the infra-red port? Kewl.

    paisan's question has been brought up by several others. Someone also asked if the sedan offers a roof rack to load up gear and stuff, anyone seen one?

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Pam - not sure what you mean by blower, but I believe the fan is on a thermostat, and only operates above a certain temperature. Perhaps your A/C problem is unrelated?

    -juice
  • newobeenewobee Member Posts: 15
    As a relative newcomer I can sure appreciate this forum being #1. It IS impressive that Patti is here representing SoA and pretty reassuring to a first time Sube owner like me.

    But also the HELP and enthusiasm that is found here is fantastic. I am learning so much. And it sure feels good to this "auto-ignoran" middle-aged woman...knowledge is power! I have a long ways to go (in fact I welcome any suggestions on a good book that would explain some BASIC car stuff--mechanics and maintenance.) What a resource this place is...thanks to everyone.

    And thanks to WDB for the well written road journal. I've enjoyed it very much. We'll be driving our OB from Iowa to New Brunswick in mid July, an 1800 mile trip. It would be neat to read other's journeys too. Separate topic idea??

    Cheers to you Numero Uno people!

    --Kathy
  • newobeenewobee Member Posts: 15
    yeesh...I'm IGNORANT, not ignoran. Heh heh.
  • barresa11barresa11 Member Posts: 277
    Nvy, I believe that some of the first Soobs to hit our shores were in the late 60's w/the Subaru 360. It was, IMHO, a cute little mini car but didn't sell very well here. The first FWD Soobs began selling here in (I believe) 1970/71. The next generation of Soobs began in 1972. The style stayed the same w/the exception of larger bumpers, etc through 79', possible 80'. This is the style of Soobs that AWD was introduced on. I believe it appeared on the wagon first. This may be the model(s) you were referring to. FYI, there was a website put together by someone showing the history of Soobs by model and year. They have great pictures of the lesser known Soob like the 360 (some cool little vans too)and first FWD models.
    Sorry, I'm kind of anal about cars: makes, models, and years.

    Stephen
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Kathy - post it here, then hide it like Mike did. Or, put it in the Events topic. Any good road trip is an event in my book.

    I believe the 360 was FWD. In fact, it was the first FWD import sold in the USA. So they were the pioneers, before Honda or even Toyota, as a matter of fact.

    Anyone have that URL?

    -juice
  • yellowbikedonyellowbikedon Member Posts: 228
    Juice,

    During the late '50s-early'60s, SAAB 93s were sold in the USA. Also, the German DKW (which later merged with Audi) was imported into the states during that period. These, it seems, predate the Subaru 360 here. See, there are benefits to being "older"!

    Don
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    there are benefits to being "older" Institutional and historical knowledge aside, let's see: savoir-faire, apperception, sagacity, circumspection, patience, balance, wisdom, decorum, courtesy, humility, respect. One of these days, I hope to have some of these qualities.

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sorry, I should have said first Japanese FWD car in the US!

    Hey - those dune buggies look like fun. My dad has something similar built on an old Beetle platform.

    -juice
  • cvccteccvcctec Member Posts: 7
    here is a photo of a 1958 subaru 360. for those of you who have no idea what one is. note the hinges on the back of the doors "suicide doors"
    image
  • yellowbikedonyellowbikedon Member Posts: 228
    Come on guys. I'm red-faced and embarrassed!

    Juice, I knew you must have meant Japanese cars re: FWD. Your knowledge of automobiles is really wonderful. Even at this age, I can still learn much from you, Mike and the contributors to this board!

    With thanks,

    Don
  • cvccteccvcctec Member Posts: 7
    Also I am pretty sure these early subaru 360's were Rear wheel drive (not AWD) similar to the volkswagon beetles.(I have not seen any info stating that they were AWD and the rear engine configuration would not be very suitable for AWD.)then again I may be wrong.Still I would love to get my hands on one of these 360's. Too bad they are 25HP, Ive had Go Karts with more HP! but then again I would be running short of garage space with my 1980 Honda civic/cvcc and the new impreza on order.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    hee hee. Reminds me of an ad in Autoweek for a similar vehicle..."will blow the door off an Isetta." I LOL'ed at that one.
This discussion has been closed.