Not reall apropos of anything real relevant here, but I believe I mentioned in this discussion some weeks ago that I was disappointed with the Edmunds photos I'd seen of the new neo-T-bird interior. I've now seen a few photos of the optional two-tone interior packages, and I'll partly rescind my criticism of total interior dullness. The T-bird two-tone option isn't dull ... though whether it's altogether tasteful is a whole other issue.
Hmmmm, well, perhaps. I admit that the auto transmission was one of the relatively few things that didn't fall apart in the one Chevy that I've owned, but I also haven't had any problems yet with the one in my Forester.
I remember someone in here was talking about the Liberty... Saw one myself today finally :P
I was really surprized at how much I liked the Jeep Liberty after we saw a couple at the dealer today. Its really well built, and has a very nice interior with all the little touches that make it stand out.
The seats on the Sport model were VERY small, without much leg support though... The Limiteds were much better. I was also surprized at the Limited w/ leater and V6 and AWD/4WD (w/ low gear) and ABS was under $25k. Only the Santa fe is cheaper simularly equiped.
The interior space was good, better than the Forester and most of the competition, and the towing is 5000lbs with the V6! Good stuff. Didnt get to test drive it, but I heard it doesnt handle to well and isnt to quick... But its off-road abilities are comparible to the Wrangler, and probably the best in its class.
I'd still get a forester :P
BTW, saw a dealer today with NO mark ups on any of there Subaru's! Including the Yellow WRX! That was nice for a change...
tex: The only GM car I've ever owned personally was a used Buick, but its AT was smooth as silk (and not one of the old Dynaflows). Lots of GMs in the family - dad is on his 7th or 8th (lost count) Chevy 1/2-ton pickup.
ANYONE HAVE ANY INFORMATION AS TO POSSIBLE ENGINE OPTIONS ON THE 2002 LEGACY GT.THE H6 AND VDC HAS FOUND ITS WAY INTO THE OUTBACK SEDAN,ANYONE KNOW WHETHER SUBARU WILL OFFER THE SAME ENGINE OR A TURBO IN THE GT.
I'm actually quite surpised at the manual since I was told by SoA in '97 that the VC can vary up to 90/10-10/90 (wish I kept that email). Not that it really makes a big difference to me. So is the locking in R,1 & 2 a myth, or just outdated info? Also, the auto can't have a split up to 50/50?
I had a Sunfire loaner a few months ago. The car was junky but the auto transmission was great. I was so shocked. It shifted smoother than my wife's OB.
paisan, you think the Legacy won't get an engine upgrade for MY 02? I think it will get one before MY03. Maybe 02.5.
Intrigue - the Legacy will get an upgrade, but we just don't know when. Everything is speculation right now.
Nothing is guaranteed. Yes, the TH350s and TH400s seemed bulletproof, but, just based on my personal experiences with the 700R4 (is that the number? I'm not looking it up), I've seen 3 of them wasted in under 140K miles each.
And, don't forget, we're comparing AWD soobie trannies with standard RWD GM trannies (some with a transfer case). Very different properties and driving stress.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Good point, Rob. Sometimes comparo's get crazy like on some of the regular i-club discussions. Examples: 1) "Some of the best turbo's are autos (Grand National, etc.) and some can accelerate quicker than a manual". 2) "Corvette's, Porsche's, etc. come from the factory with Mobil 1 so it's ok for a Subaru." Apples to oranges. :-)
thanks for the information guys.my 2000 gt is my first subaru,i'm approaching 26000 miles,use it daily.the car has been flawless,no problems,sqeeks,rattles,etc.,only scheduled maintenance and oil changes. i'd like to trade my '98 intrigue in on another subaru before oldsmobile is phased out,but would like more power and vdc if available.the wrx is not for me,i like the legacy gt sedan,much better looking.
amishra...i'm a lousey typist,so hence the caps.sorry it insulted your standards,fortunately for me,2 individuals who were able to answer my question didn't have the same eyesight problem.
Your welcome. I would've said something but Ash already addressed it. :-) Some folks do it out of habit (maybe from work) and others do it to yell. It's funny though, when I read something in caps I imagine the person yelling.
Glad you're happy with your Legacy. My wife is nearing the end of her 99 OB lease and is considering purchasing it. She's disappointed that Subaru didn't offer her a deal though. At the end of her 95 Rodeo lease, Isuzu knocked a few grand off of the residual value. Guess they're more desparate for sales.
Well you can get the VDC sedan and just [non-permissible content removed] the GT springs/shocks and you'll effectively have a GT sedan with the H6 and VDC.
Also I'd expect an early 2003 GT H6 or turbo kinda the way they did the forester one, real early, but still MY03.
Wow, the torque splits are different from what I understood was the case.
I also thought that the manual tranny could go almost front or rear wheel drive depending on the situation. Also, I thought 4EAT was 90/10 but you're saying 80/20.
Any chance Subaru would do a quick technical write up in a future issue of Drive or something? I think there's a lot of misinformation out there.
I'll have to go check my copy of the Outback brochure - I thought it said the AT could put upto 90% to either the front or the back. It's really only 60/40?
Even the brochure says "90/10" in normal driving for the 4EAT. And yes, it's VTD - not to be confused with VCD like the guy on Subaru Showroom says. Oh, my head hurts.
While I stated I would like to see 4000, I think 3500 is more realistic and probably doable. So, change my choice to 3500, if you don't mind.
Speaking of towing...
Anybody see the latest issue of Consumer Reports? They tested the Acura MDX, Volvo XC, Audi allroad and the Lexus RX300. All these vehicles are car-based, and this is their tow ratings (also in order of CR ranking):
Allroad = 3,500 lbs.
MDX = 4,500 lbs. (so, 4000 isn't out of the question for the STX)
RX300 = 3,500 lbs.
XC = 3,300 lbs.
Also, while CR made mention of the VW 4-Motion as an alternative, there was no mention of the the H-6 Outback (or even the word Subaru)—which, as we all know, Subaru is pushing as a near-luxury AWD wagon. So, it seems Subaru's marketing has yet to convince the folks at CR.
Not sure if that requires a special towing package or not. I know the MDX has some restriction on frontal area. If it exceeds a certain figure, then the towing is greatly reduced. I'm not sure what that figure is. Also the MDX has a donut spare, as do all the others except the RX300.
However, my point was clearly made by this test. Car-based SUVs/wagons can be made to tow a respectable weight. So, Subaru... let's get with the program.
Here is the skivy on the MDX, went and looked it up:
2000lb towing capacity is std.
add the towing package for unknown $ figure: PS fluid cooler AT Fluid cooler Hitch wiring harness This gives you a 3500lb towing capacity and only 4500lbs if you are towing a boat!
We both know that the GC and Highlander have their advantages and disadvantages. I would much rather a Highlander, only because it drives much nicer than a GC, and it still meets my towing needs.
Ross- I wanted 3000 also but since it was taken, I opted for 3050.
Mike- What's the winner get again? Let me guess... the thrill of navigating for you at the next Subaru get-together! (Juice seemed to think it was better than any amusement park ride)
Consumer Reports unfortunately wasn't very specific regarding the MDX's towing capacity. It is 3500 lbs for a standard trailer, and an absolute max of 4500lbs on for boats. The 1000 lbs extra for the boats is because they tend to be more aerodynamic. However, keep in mind that in order to even get an Acura trailer hitch install, Acura forces you to buy the ridiculously priced steering pump cooler and the transmission cooler. The coolers are pretty pathetic. Just a bunch of thin metal tubing to dissipate the heat. 3500 lbs is also only if you have trailer brakes, same as the Honda Odyssey minivan that the Acura MDX is based on. Without that, it's a miniscule 1000 lbs, I think, same as the BMW X5 (don't get me started on their hitch problems either! Well, unless you really want to know ;-)).
This wasn't the case until just after the MDX was introduced, so me thinks that they found out that the tranny wasn't suitable for towing loads for extended periods. I think that's why they force you to buy the coolers if you want to have the hitched installed by the Acura dealer, even if you only intend to use the hitch for a bike rack. It seems that they're afraid that you will tow w/o the coolers and then any tranny problems will be on their dime. I have read of at least one case in an MDX discussion topic where the person just about overheated his tranny (and he had the coolers!) when towing his boat up a slight incline for a short distance. Some MDX owners claim that towing over 4000 lbs over a long haul is no problem, but I'd be very very wary of doing something like that, especially for a unibody vehicle. Personally if I had the MDX and wanted to tow, I'd stick to 3500 lbs max just to be safe.
Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Figured that it was about time that I posted my wishlist for the next generation Legacy GT for re-emphasis to your product planners. It's short, so here goes:
Bring back the split folding rear seat. I'm sure the "safety" issues can be addressed, as other manufacturers have.
Side airbags with cloth seats. Don't try to force me to buy slippery, cold in winter, sticky in summer, high maintenance leather. Never again.
Since we just need a little bit more oomphf, a turbo would be great, if they can make it better. I.e., more fuel efficient and able to run on regular gas.
Side to side traction control with the AWD. No need to be quite as fancy and expensive as VDC.
Don't keep ramping up the prices as with the H6's. You will chase away more buyers than you will attract. We're still not dealing with Bimmer buyers here.
Side to side traction with AWD is basically VDC without a few components; basically it's just 4 wheel traction control. I doubt that it would be much cheaper since VDC only adds a few more things such as a steering angle sensor, a yaw sensor, lateral sensors, and a slightly different computer. When the MB M-class first came out for 1998, it came with 4ETS (4 wheel electronic traction system). The next year ESP was standard equipment and it incorporated 4ETS.
FWIW, the MB E-class doesn't have foldable rear seats either. The previous generation model did though, but only as option.
Three biggest things on my wish list for the Legacy and Forester (in order of importance) are side curtain head protection airbags, rear side impact airbags, and HID Xenon headlamps. I wouldn't mind seeing rear seatbelt pretensioners too eventually. I know that the NHTSA has opened up an investigation on them, but more and more manufacturers are still offering them in increasing numbers (ex. Nissan will offer them on their new Altima, and Volvo will offer them soon as well), and Subaru needs to offer them to compete.
Drew, I know all about the X5 hocus pocus trailer hitch...
$1500 in LABOR alone to get it installed. Why you ask? Removal of the dual exhaust + rear bumper is required. I'm suprised that the X5 has such a low towing capacity though.
Yep the FWD based MDX aka (mini-van) like hte Azteck isn't meant for towing, IMHO.
Ford (Corporation) seems to be starting a trend by equipping many of their new SUVs, right from the factory, with frame mounted hitch receivers. A hitch receiver is standard on the Navigator and the new '02 Explorer 4-door. The Explorer comes standard with a Class II hitch, which can easily be upgraded to a Class III hitch. I believe there are others too that offer a standard hitch receiver. I think GM is also doing this with their latest SUVs.
IMO, this is a good trend. I hope others fall in line. Subaru, are you listening?
Okay, before you write this off as another one of Bob's wacky ideas, please hear me out...
But first... I had to bring my Explorer back to the Ford dealer yesterday. It seems that when they replaced my tires, they managed to pinch two of the valve stems. So, back to the dealer to get that fixed. While I was there, I noticed that the Ford dealer has also become a "Featherlite Trailer" dealer. Featherlite, as the name implies, makes high-quality aluminum trailers of all sorts, shapes and sizes. As I checked this out, while I was waiting to have my tires repaired, I got to thinking...
Would not be a great idea for Subaru to partner with one or two trailer manufacturers, and offer a "Subaru Trailer?" Think about it...
* Subaru already has an extensive list of dealer options that cater to "active lifestyle" owners. Adding a small utility trailer (that is custom-tailored to work with a Subaru) seems like a natural thing to do.
• There has been loads of discussion on this forum to suggest there is a market for such an item.
• When I say custom-tailor, I mean offer a small utility trailer, rated at 2000 lbs., that comes standard with some sort of braking system. If it doesn't come with brakes—forget the whole idea. There are plenty of other non-braked trailers out there to choose from. Subaru would be wasting their time with offering an unbraked trailer.
The Problem with Subaru and Trailers As has been discussed to death on this forum, is Subaru's braking restriction. I have yet to find a utility trailer rated at 2000 lbs. that has brakes. They don't exist to the best of my knowledge. So, the net effect is have a 1000 lb. GVW for your trailer—which is lousy!
So, if Subaru would partner with a trailer company or two, to offer a 2000 lb. trailer with brakes, it would truly be offering Subaru (and other small trailer customers) a worthwhile item, found nowhere else, that can maximize Subaru's trailering capability.
Featherlilt currently offers a model (#1683) that is is 4'6"x8' that is rated at 2000 lbs. It does not have brakes—but if Subaru got together with Feather lite, and convinced them that there is a market for this trailer with brakes, and sold through Subaru dealers...
I mentioned that Feather lite makes aluminum trailers. That's both good and bad. It's good in that the trailers are light, and won't rust. It's bad in that aluminum is expensive. The trailer I mentioned (#1683) costs $1061.00. A comparable steel trailer would be about half that. But, for those who want to maximize their payload, aluminum is the better choice. The empty weight of this aluminum trailer is 350 lbs. A similar steel trailer will be about 500 lbs. That why I suggest Subaru partner with two trailer companys, one that offers aluminum, and another that offers steel.
Here's the link for Featherlite: BTW, there are many options not listed on the website, such as sides, etc.
Isuzu japan offers trailers as accessories sold at the dealer. Check out http://isuzu-suvs.com/bighorn/ on one of the pages where Isuzu sells em as accessories from the dealer!
Check page 13 of the link, to see what Mike is taking about.
This is exactly what I'm suggesting Subaru offer. Although, for my usage, I would like to also see sides offered as an option, as well as a ramp at the rear. It should also be able to handle 4'x8' paneling. What they show here are trailers and accessories aimed at "recreational" use, such as boating, watercraft, motorcycles, etc. I would also like to see some "utility" features offered as well. These trailers appear to be aluminum too.
Mike, doesn't it drive you nuts when you see some of the great stuff offered to the home market, which we never see?
I'm convinced because of all the discussion on this forum (and not just by me) on trailer issues, that there is a market for Subaru to offer a small trailer, that can be outfitted in any number of ways, to utilize the full 2000 lb. rating. If Subaru gets into the engineering of it, or at least provides engineering guidelines to a trailer partner, it could provide an excellent product, that to date, is unavailable to Subaru owners.
If anything, it will get me to stop complaining, which I'm sure everyone will welcome.
Yep it burns me up to see all luxury items offered in the home market that GM won't allow Isuzu to put on for over here. The trailer is a good idea, while a std. hitch IMHO is not a great idea. It's wasted weight for people who never intend to tow/connect anything to the hitch. A DIO of hitch is fine with me, but I am on your side about towing capacity. That is one of the 2 items that stopped me from getting a new subaru this time around.
"Built it, and they will come"...Fields of Dream was it?
Patti, built it, and they will come. Bob's gonna be first in line. Give the subie something to tow it can call its own. Get it? "Subaru can tow its own"... get it? ... never mind... just a brain fart.
Mike, but did you know that it was originally only a Class II hitch with a 3500 lbs rating? When people kicked and screamed since many had ordered the X5 months in advance expecting the advertised 6000lbs rating, they redesigned the entire thing. In order for it to be sturdy enough, dismantling of the aforementioned components was required. Also, the hitch doesn't just require the removal of the rear bumper, but the permanent uninstallation of the rear bumper shocks. This means that any BMW hitch equipped X5 will not hold up as well to rear impacts as demonstrated in the IIHS' tests.
Regarding trailers and Subaru, I think the main issue is that if there is anything wrong with the trailer, customers will then go to the dealerships with the problems and that's probably a whole area that the company wants to avoid. Can't blame them there...it's somewhat dangerous when you associate with an outside company and put your brand name on the product.
Car manufacturers use outside companies all the time. I'm sure the "Subaru" roof carriers and various accessories are not manufactured by Subaru, but by outside companies. Also Jeep and Mercedes offer bikes with their name attached, again built by outside contractors.
Comments
I was really surprized at how much I liked the Jeep Liberty after we saw a couple at the dealer today. Its really well built, and has a very nice interior with all the little touches that make it stand out.
The seats on the Sport model were VERY small, without much leg support though... The Limiteds were much better. I was also surprized at the Limited w/ leater and V6 and AWD/4WD (w/ low gear) and ABS was under $25k. Only the Santa fe is cheaper simularly equiped.
The interior space was good, better than the Forester and most of the competition, and the towing is 5000lbs with the V6! Good stuff. Didnt get to test drive it, but I heard it doesnt handle to well and isnt to quick... But its off-road abilities are comparible to the Wrangler, and probably the best in its class.
I'd still get a forester :P
BTW, saw a dealer today with NO mark ups on any of there Subaru's! Including the Yellow WRX! That was nice for a change...
Ed
-mike
-mike
I'm actually quite surpised at the manual since I was told by SoA in '97 that the VC can vary up to 90/10-10/90 (wish I kept that email). Not that it really makes a big difference to me.
So is the locking in R,1 & 2 a myth, or just outdated info? Also, the auto can't have a split up to 50/50?
I had a Sunfire loaner a few months ago. The car was junky but the auto transmission was great. I was so shocked. It shifted smoother than my wife's OB.
paisan, you think the Legacy won't get an engine upgrade for MY 02? I think it will get one before MY03. Maybe 02.5.
Intrigue - the Legacy will get an upgrade, but we just don't know when. Everything is speculation right now.
Dennis
And, don't forget, we're comparing AWD soobie trannies with standard RWD GM trannies (some with a transfer case). Very different properties and driving stress.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Apples to oranges. :-)
Dennis
amishra...i'm a lousey typist,so hence the caps.sorry it insulted your standards,fortunately for me,2 individuals who were able to answer my question didn't have the same eyesight problem.
thanks dennis and mike.
I would've said something but Ash already addressed it. :-) Some folks do it out of habit (maybe from work) and others do it to yell. It's funny though, when I read something in caps I imagine the person yelling.
Glad you're happy with your Legacy. My wife is nearing the end of her 99 OB lease and is considering purchasing it. She's disappointed that Subaru didn't offer her a deal though. At the end of her 95 Rodeo lease, Isuzu knocked a few grand off of the residual value. Guess they're more desparate for sales.
Dennis
Also I'd expect an early 2003 GT H6 or turbo kinda the way they did the forester one, real early, but still MY03.
-mike
Wow, the torque splits are different from what I understood was the case.
I also thought that the manual tranny could go almost front or rear wheel drive depending on the situation. Also, I thought 4EAT was 90/10 but you're saying 80/20.
Any chance Subaru would do a quick technical write up in a future issue of Drive or something? I think there's a lot of misinformation out there.
Ken
BTW, isn't it VTD and not VTC? ;-)
David from Brooklyn: 2000lb
Dennis: 2500lb
Paisan: 2600lb
subearu: 2750lb
Soon2bsubee: 2800lb
David(dsattler): 3000lb
Frank P: 3050lb
Ross: 3100lb
Kate: 3500lb
Bob: 4000lb
-mike
-Brian
-mike
Even the brochure says "90/10" in normal driving for the 4EAT. And yes, it's VTD - not to be confused with VCD like the guy on Subaru Showroom says. Oh, my head hurts.
Dennis
Check can be mailed to me
Mike aka Paisan
C/O Paisan's SVX Fund
-mike
Speaking of towing...
Anybody see the latest issue of Consumer Reports? They tested the Acura MDX, Volvo XC, Audi allroad and the Lexus RX300. All these vehicles are car-based, and this is their tow ratings (also in order of CR ranking):
Allroad = 3,500 lbs.
MDX = 4,500 lbs. (so, 4000 isn't out of the question for the STX)
RX300 = 3,500 lbs.
XC = 3,300 lbs.
Also, while CR made mention of the VW 4-Motion as an alternative, there was no mention of the the H-6 Outback (or even the word Subaru)—which, as we all know, Subaru is pushing as a near-luxury AWD wagon. So, it seems Subaru's marketing has yet to convince the folks at CR.
Bob
-mike
David from Brooklyn: 2000lb
Ed: 2350lb
Dennis: 2500lb
Paisan: 2600lb
subearu: 2750lb
Soon2bsubee: 2800lb
David(dsattler): 3000lb
Frank P: 3050lb
Ross: 3100lb
Kate: 3500lb
Bob: 4000lb->3600lb
-mike
PS: Sorry bob, Kate already stole 3500, so you get 3600lbs.
This is starting to look like bidding on The Price Is Right!
Ed
However, my point was clearly made by this test. Car-based SUVs/wagons can be made to tow a respectable weight. So, Subaru... let's get with the program.
Bob
2000lb towing capacity is std.
add the towing package for unknown $ figure:
PS fluid cooler
AT Fluid cooler
Hitch
wiring harness
This gives you a 3500lb towing capacity and only 4500lbs if you are towing a boat!
Data source: Carpoint.com and cars.com
-mike
Since they're re-engineering the vehicle to make it a pickup, how difficult/expensive would be to add this added convenience?
People who buy pickups, even wimpy ones, want to be able to tow.
Bob
-mike
Bob
Ross
-mike
Ross
-Brian
David from Brooklyn: 2000lb
Ed: 2350lb
Dennis: 2500lb
Paisan: 2600lb
subearu: 2750lb
Soon2bsubee: 2800lb
Ross: 2999lb
David(dsattler): 3000lb
Frank P: 3050lb
Kate: 3500lb
Bob: 4000lb->3600lb
-mike
Mike- What's the winner get again? Let me guess... the thrill of navigating for you at the next Subaru get-together! (Juice seemed to think it was better than any amusement park ride)
-Frank P.
This wasn't the case until just after the MDX was introduced, so me thinks that they found out that the tranny wasn't suitable for towing loads for extended periods. I think that's why they force you to buy the coolers if you want to have the hitched installed by the Acura dealer, even if you only intend to use the hitch for a bike rack. It seems that they're afraid that you will tow w/o the coolers and then any tranny problems will be on their dime. I have read of at least one case in an MDX discussion topic where the person just about overheated his tranny (and he had the coolers!) when towing his boat up a slight incline for a short distance. Some MDX owners claim that towing over 4000 lbs over a long haul is no problem, but I'd be very very wary of doing something like that, especially for a unibody vehicle. Personally if I had the MDX and wanted to tow, I'd stick to 3500 lbs max just to be safe.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Figured that it was about time that I posted my wishlist for the next generation Legacy GT for re-emphasis to your product planners. It's short, so here goes:
Bring back the split folding rear seat. I'm sure the "safety" issues can be addressed, as other manufacturers have.
Side airbags with cloth seats. Don't try to force me to buy slippery, cold in winter, sticky in summer, high maintenance leather. Never again.
Since we just need a little bit more oomphf, a turbo would be great, if they can make it better. I.e., more fuel efficient and able to run on regular gas.
Side to side traction control with the AWD. No need to be quite as fancy and expensive as VDC.
Don't keep ramping up the prices as with the H6's. You will chase away more buyers than you will attract. We're still not dealing with Bimmer buyers here.
Otherwise, don't mess with a good thing.
FWIW, the MB E-class doesn't have foldable rear seats either. The previous generation model did though, but only as option.
Three biggest things on my wish list for the Legacy and Forester (in order of importance) are side curtain head protection airbags, rear side impact airbags, and HID Xenon headlamps. I wouldn't mind seeing rear seatbelt pretensioners too eventually. I know that the NHTSA has opened up an investigation on them, but more and more manufacturers are still offering them in increasing numbers (ex. Nissan will offer them on their new Altima, and Volvo will offer them soon as well), and Subaru needs to offer them to compete.
$1500 in LABOR alone to get it installed. Why you ask? Removal of the dual exhaust + rear bumper is required.
Yep the FWD based MDX aka (mini-van) like hte Azteck isn't meant for towing, IMHO.
-mike
IMO, this is a good trend. I hope others fall in line. Subaru, are you listening?
Bob
But first...
I had to bring my Explorer back to the Ford dealer yesterday. It seems that when they replaced my tires, they managed to pinch two of the valve stems. So, back to the dealer to get that fixed. While I was there, I noticed that the Ford dealer has also become a "Featherlite Trailer" dealer. Featherlite, as the name implies, makes high-quality aluminum trailers of all sorts, shapes and sizes. As I checked this out, while I was waiting to have my tires repaired, I got to thinking...
Would not be a great idea for Subaru to partner with one or two trailer manufacturers, and offer a "Subaru Trailer?" Think about it...
* Subaru already has an extensive list of dealer options that cater to "active lifestyle" owners. Adding a small utility trailer (that is custom-tailored to work with a Subaru) seems like a natural thing to do.
• There has been loads of discussion on this forum to suggest there is a market for such an item.
• When I say custom-tailor, I mean offer a small utility trailer, rated at 2000 lbs., that comes standard with some sort of braking system. If it doesn't come with brakes—forget the whole idea. There are plenty of other non-braked trailers out there to choose from. Subaru would be wasting their time with offering an unbraked trailer.
The Problem with Subaru and Trailers
As has been discussed to death on this forum, is Subaru's braking restriction. I have yet to find a utility trailer rated at 2000 lbs. that has brakes. They don't exist to the best of my knowledge. So, the net effect is have a 1000 lb. GVW for your trailer—which is lousy!
So, if Subaru would partner with a trailer company or two, to offer a 2000 lb. trailer with brakes, it would truly be offering Subaru (and other small trailer customers) a worthwhile item, found nowhere else, that can maximize Subaru's trailering capability.
Featherlilt currently offers a model (#1683) that is is 4'6"x8' that is rated at 2000 lbs. It does not have brakes—but if Subaru got together with Feather lite, and convinced them that there is a market for this trailer with brakes, and sold through Subaru dealers...
I mentioned that Feather lite makes aluminum trailers. That's both good and bad. It's good in that the trailers are light, and won't rust. It's bad in that aluminum is expensive. The trailer I mentioned (#1683) costs $1061.00. A comparable steel trailer would be about half that. But, for those who want to maximize their payload, aluminum is the better choice. The empty weight of this aluminum trailer is 350 lbs. A similar steel trailer will be about 500 lbs. That why I suggest Subaru partner with two trailer companys, one that offers aluminum, and another that offers steel.
Here's the link for Featherlite: BTW, there are many options not listed on the website, such as sides, etc.
Bob
http://www.featherlitemfg.com/Ie/specs.asp?sltSegment=Rec&sltBodyStyle=Util&sltSeries=30&strModelID=26
Bob
-mike
This is exactly what I'm suggesting Subaru offer. Although, for my usage, I would like to also see sides offered as an option, as well as a ramp at the rear. It should also be able to handle 4'x8' paneling. What they show here are trailers and accessories aimed at "recreational" use, such as boating, watercraft, motorcycles, etc. I would also like to see some "utility" features offered as well. These trailers appear to be aluminum too.
Mike, doesn't it drive you nuts when you see some of the great stuff offered to the home market, which we never see?
I'm convinced because of all the discussion on this forum (and not just by me) on trailer issues, that there is a market for Subaru to offer a small trailer, that can be outfitted in any number of ways, to utilize the full 2000 lb. rating. If Subaru gets into the engineering of it, or at least provides engineering guidelines to a trailer partner, it could provide an excellent product, that to date, is unavailable to Subaru owners.
If anything, it will get me to stop complaining, which I'm sure everyone will welcome.
Bob
-mike
Patti,
built it, and they will come. Bob's gonna be first in line. Give the subie something to tow it can call its own.
Get it? "Subaru can tow its own"... get it?
...
never mind... just a brain fart.
Regarding trailers and Subaru, I think the main issue is that if there is anything wrong with the trailer, customers will then go to the dealerships with the problems and that's probably a whole area that the company wants to avoid. Can't blame them there...it's somewhat dangerous when you associate with an outside company and put your brand name on the product.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Barry -
Thanks - I'll share!
Patti
Bob