I'll second that idea for tuning the H-6 to run on regular gas. I also have an alternative.
What's the deal with subaru specifying a 91 octane requirement? As far as I know, you can't buy 91 octane gas in america. Why don't they tune it to run on either 87, 89, or 93 octane? Then we would get more performane for our dollar at the gas pump.
Yes, Yes! This would be an instant buy for me. Of course, it would need a 6 speed manual so it could achieve 80MPH at or below 3,000 rpm. I sometimes get tired of having to run at 3700-3800 rpm at 80 mph in my '98 OBW 5 speed.
Go slower you say...... Nay, I say!
MNSteve (currently hiding in warm Mesa, AZ for the winter. Freeway speed limit of 75 mph. Most travel a bit faster)
I think that this vehicle will be available in the very near future - possibly in the spring.
I have been seriously considering an 05 GT LTD to replace my 99 GT LTD with 116k miles. Someone at my dealer hinted to me that there was another model Legacy coming out in March, and I would really, really like it.
Rob- I would think you would really, really like the GT ltd. What more could you want? (Ok, maybe about 50 more horses and better tires, which is easily acheivable)
If the 3.0 had more torque available at lower RPM, it might be really nice. but not nice enough for me to want one over my GT turbo! ;-)
Boston must be cold and white now, huh? I'll have to come back and visit sometime!
But you really need to read Bob H's review link for the Spec B 3.0 Legacy in the future models link. They tweak the suspension, give it a pretty cool exhaust, and I believe that they start stealing parts from the STI, like the transmission. Check out the body pictures. Totally tasteful lip spoilers on the front and back. BTW, haven't you been the one who has been begging for this on your trunk???
No snow in Boston, but 3-5 predicted by the morning.
Oh yeah, to keep this thread on track, my suggestion is that the Spec B is brought over here soon. I'd buy one on the spot. Rob M.
This is simple, and really it just involves making the storage areas for cargo covers function. The cargo cover is supposed to fit in a slot under the flooring in the rear cargo area on the Subies, it doesn't fit in that spot on Foresters b/c of the full sized spare. I know if I had a choice, I'd choose storing my full sized spare...but if you tell a customer the cargo cover stows in a special spot, then it had better fit!
Unless they changed it for the 05 models, the long narrow hollowed out area under the cargo floor of the Forester wasn't intended to store the cargo cover (it's not the spare but the strut towers that get in the way). You can use it to store an umbrella, fishing pole or in my case, a warning triangle. Of course it would certainly be nice if there was a place to store the cargo cover.
Maybe I'm in the minority here but it would be more useful than heated headlamp washers.
Maybe since I'm not as far north as most on this thread it's not that critical to me whereas a heated steering wheel would. I wouldn't have to remember to bring gloves...just get into a warmed up car with a warm steering wheel...ahh.
hmm, I disagree. I always wear gloves because you'll need them when you get out of the car, so I don't need a heated steering wheel.
but, if you follow any vehicles in snowy conditions in the mud or when salt or other de-icing solutions have been applied to a road, your headlights will be noticeably dimmer as they get dirty.
As I said before I don't live in a snowy area so the benefits are lost on me, but I recognize a majority of subaru buyers do live in cold weather regions.
Maybe what they need are a couple option packages so that people can select based on their wants/needs.
Eric, I'm with you on the heated steering wheel. I posted the same wish here. perhaps a year ago, and got laughed out stadium by the unkempt masses here.
So you've got one supporter here. Yes, I know, misery loves company...
Agree with you about headlamp washers, believe me I have looked at how they are fitted on a number of cars with a view to retrofitting them to the GT. Could be done but a little involved. One of these days I will get the motivation and go for it.
I've seen pictures of Forester's on the net with windshield washers. In some countries that may be mandated. Seems like a small job for Subaru to include them on our North American cars too. Up until this week I'd have said who needs heated seats. Well after using them in this latest cold snap all I can say is I'll never have another car without them. Heated steering wheel you say? Heck YES!!!
Add another vote for headlight washers! That is another item a lot of other manufacturers are now adding. As for heated seats and mirrors, I definitely missed them this past weekend.
I thought there is a spot to stow the cargo cover in the Forester... it's available on the WRX wagon where you lift the main cargo floor panel then the other two smaller floor panels on the sides behind the tail lights.
It works on the WRX, but I'm not sure if it works on the Forester. Like the original poster said, the spare may extend over to the area near the slot where the cover would go. I'll have to have a look.
I've posted that a few times over the last year or more. I have the same problem in my '01 Outback with seeing the instrument panel while wearing sunglasses. It fades to 'nothingness'.
applying some real paint to the front bumper of my white 04 XT. Seems that they put on cake icing, chalk or some other non-permanent coating. I'm used to stone chips, but I'm guessing hits from leaves, bugs and even bird feathers take it down to the black plastic. I have 3M on the hood and fenders, maybe need it for the whole front end.
Also there's a joint in the lower side skirt near the rear door that keeps filling up with mud and grit. Annoying.
Despite the above, I now quite like my white car, esp. with tint.
Thanks Subaru for making each drive such a fun event.
Two recommendation for future Subaru Automatic Climate Control: 1. The system should operate in a "single" mode, unless "dual" is selected. It is a pain to adjust both sides every time you want a temperature change, especially when there is only one person in the car? 2. The Subaru Outback is clearly an awesome winter vehicle. In the winter, dressed for winter, drivers need the option of setting the heat at less than 66F, without engaging max AC that occurs at 65F. When it is 0F outside, I want the heat in the car at about 60F. I find that I have spent most of the winter messing with the ACC. Usually, I find I have it in the off position and my seat heaters on high.
I truly believe that many of the ACC issues are due to the above considerations.
but here they are (some should be standard, some may be optional): 1. 4/50 warranty. 2. Free maintenance. 3. Impreza WRX: 6 sp MT w/real overdrive (save fuel on highway if you don't feel like racing), leather, sunroof available on wagon. 4. WRX: better lumbar support. 5. Impreza RS: side impact airbags at least available. 6. All Imprezas: side curtains at least available. 7. Impreza WRX/Legacy GT/Outback XT: rid of junk Potenza RE92 tires (160 tread wear index!) for something more durable and better in rain/snow. 8. Legacy/Outback: HID, 6-speed MT w real overdrive (see above), telescopic steering wheel column, NAV, steering wheel controls also on lower trims. 9. Bring Legacy H6 3.0 to US, also Spec B if you wish. 10. Make H6 3.0 manual available, no matter the model. 11. Legacy/Outback: make sunroof available with cloth seats. 12. Upgrade some dealerships, bringing them to "upmarket standard". Insist on better presentation of the brand within multibrands, esp. here in Southeast. 13. Turbo boost gage on all turbos!!
Part of being "premium" brand, as you aspire to be, is bringing personalized choices, not "cookie-cutter", one fits all Toyota Camry approach. More engine/transmission/option choices (at least available on paper for special order), are perhaps more expensive to market and manage, but this is the cost of being upmarket. You want to be in the first leage - act like you belong...
While it is true Toyota offers many options, my experience was that most of them are on paper and when you ask actual dealer for them, you will run into wall of "no". The actual stock is usually three-four different "predetermined" configurations with choices of color (say: stripper, couple of mid-levels, and full). They are built around pricing points rather than possible customer preferences (I say once Matrix with leather seats and no power windows :confuse: ).
Anything other than that would require special order, which may or may not be actually ordered. I read somewhere that most Japanese do not actually do orders, they rather try to fit whatever rolls of the conveyor belt to the customer's requests.
My point is that "upscale" manufacturer needs to be more prepared for "strange" combinations, not just mainstream.
I can't disagree with that. We went to 4 dealers and could not find a 4 cylinder 5 speed with ABS (SE or LE, either model). Seems like a pretty simple thing to find, but no.
Is anybody from SoA reading those posts? Just wondering...
Subaru has great product, basics of their products and marketing strategy are (I think) brilliant, but the execution is sometimes completely incomprehensible for me. Like why would Legacy H-6 manual be available in Europe, not US (if I am not mistaken US sales are by far larger than European), why they get into "upscale" ambition and not get NAV, HID lamps at least available. What is the thinking there? Similarly, not aknowledging reality of their current buyer, they put in their commercials preposterous "Germany in mourning", instead of aiming at Volvo or Acura, where they could easily steal their customers. Nobody considering $35+ car with "room" for $45 will seriously look at someting top of the line for $32 MSRP, without "basic" luxury features. I simply don't get this thinking. While it is nice to try to beat the best kid, you first need to pass comfortably the second tier.
Once upon a time, yes. If you see people referring to "Patti", she is from SoA and had someone helping her pass these suggestions on to the Product Planning Dept. (among hundreds of other Customer Service tasks).
She got a promotion and is now in a different department. Not sure if anyone else from SoA is checking here or not. If not, hopefully they will be soon.
I haven't frequented these forums for some time but I have a rant that I hope you all would be gracious enough to read.
begin rant: Maybe it's because I'm getting blind as a bat, but one thing I dread about driving at night is when someone comes up behind you with their high beams on or HID's for that matter and blinds the #$%^ out of you through your rear view mirror and side view mirrors. Ok, there are auto dimming rear view mirrors, but what about auto dimming side view mirrors? I believe some models already have them on like Toyota avalon, mercedes, audi. I suggest that subaru make this at least an option on say the Legacy, Outback , and Tribeca. I know my next new car will have them on it! Whew! end rant...
This thread has just about died since Patti has left, but I've got some good news...
While at the B9 Tribeca SOA Ride-&-Drive, juice and I spent a great deal of time talking with Dave Sullivan, the B9 Tribeca Brand Manager. Dave is the guy ultimately responsible for the Tribeca. This is his baby, and he very much wants it to succeed.
The good news here is that Dave visits Edmunds almost daily, to see what we're saying about the Tribeca (specifically) and Subarus (in general). He is very much in tune with what's going on and being said here—he listens! He really went out of his way yesterday to seek out our opinions. This was over the course of the whole day, and not just a single 5-minute discussion. I would say that he and I touched base with one another perhaps a dozen or more times over this 6-hour event.
He is definitely one of the "good guys," so I'm suggesting that we once again start posting our suggestions for future product here in this thread. Dave will see them as they pertain to the Tribeca, and hopefully will also pass along suggestions that are not Tribeca-related, to the relevant parties at SOA who would be interested.
I love my 05 2.5i Outback. Had leather seats put in at the dealer. The car is a dream and reminds me of what Volvo used to be. I do wish that Subaru would offer a 4 cyl engine in an LL Bean edition as well as satellite radio. Subaru seems to be a few years behind in responding to consumer desires. The sound system on mine is pretty bad and makes me miss my 04 Honda Accord. Though I love Outback, if Honda ever makes the Accord wagon again or (something similar), I'll go back. Honda has the dependability, mileage and amenities that Subaru should have had 5 years ago. Still love the car though.
Last year, around December, I was all excited to get the 2005 Outback. I went to several dealers, test drove the 2.5i AT, XT MT and VDC models. At each visit my excitement declined.
First was the fact the memory seats was not offered. Me and my wife share the same car and we have quite difference in height. When she get's in the car is not a problem, either the seat is already in the position she left, or at the position way back I left. When I get the car, if the seat is at the position she left, wait to reposition it all the way back so then I can enter the car. With a manual seat this happens in one second. With power seat I have to wait several seconds.
Second was door handles on the 2.5i. Why are they black? Darn, my 1998 Accord cost me only $18K and it has door handles same color as body. Why Subaru needs to make 2.5i less attractive this way to show the value of the other models?
Third was I could get only get leather seats if I also get sunroof. I'm tall (6'5") and my head gets very close to the roof in the limited. I want leather and no sunroof, but Subaru can't do that for me.
Fourth, I've seem other power seats and I don't understand why Subaru's leave so little space under it. This leaves practically no space for rear passengers feet.
Because of all this I put my purchase on hold. I decided to wait to see what the 2006 model would offer.
Tribeca is now a new excitement, but gas around $2.50/gal is not so wise to buy a SUV.
Comments
What's the deal with subaru specifying a 91 octane requirement? As far as I know, you can't buy 91 octane gas in america. Why don't they tune it to run on either 87, 89, or 93 octane? Then we would get more performane for our dollar at the gas pump.
Eric
Here we only get 87, 89, and 93 at pretty much all stations.
Eric
Sly
-juice
Go slower you say...... Nay, I say!
MNSteve (currently hiding in warm Mesa, AZ for the winter. Freeway speed limit of 75 mph. Most travel a bit faster)
I have been seriously considering an 05 GT LTD to replace my 99 GT LTD with 116k miles. Someone at my dealer hinted to me that there was another model Legacy coming out in March, and I would really, really like it.
If the 3.0 had more torque available at lower RPM, it might be really nice. but not nice enough for me to want one over my GT turbo! ;-)
Boston must be cold and white now, huh? I'll have to come back and visit sometime!
tom
But you really need to read Bob H's review link for the Spec B 3.0 Legacy in the future models link. They tweak the suspension, give it a pretty cool exhaust, and I believe that they start stealing parts from the STI, like the transmission. Check out the body pictures. Totally tasteful lip spoilers on the front and back. BTW, haven't you been the one who has been begging for this on your trunk???
No snow in Boston, but 3-5 predicted by the morning.
Oh yeah, to keep this thread on track, my suggestion is that the Spec B is brought over here soon. I'd buy one on the spot. Rob M.
-Frank
DaveM
The Cold Weather Package should include heated windshield washer nozzles front and rear (for wagons) as well as headlamp washers (heated if possible).
Ed
Mark
Eric
You could buy a lot of gloves for that much. :-)
-juice
Maybe since I'm not as far north as most on this thread it's not that critical to me whereas a heated steering wheel would. I wouldn't have to remember to bring gloves...just get into a warmed up car with a warm steering wheel...ahh.
Eric
but, if you follow any vehicles in snowy conditions in the mud or when salt or other de-icing solutions have been applied to a road, your headlights will be noticeably dimmer as they get dirty.
I definitely vote for headlight washers.
~Colin
Maybe what they need are a couple option packages so that people can select based on their wants/needs.
Eric
So you've got one supporter here. Yes, I know, misery loves company...
Bob
i like the feel of a steering wheel in my hands and gloves dimish that so a heated wheel is nice but not a killer
Cheers Pat.
(j/k .. like you don't get enough of that kind of thing at home!)
Sly
Chuck
I thought I'd ran out, but after 10 miles of driving it started working again, probably melted with engine heat.
I'll add some lower temp fluid but if the alcohol evaporates I guess that could always happen.
-juice
Mark
I thought there is a spot to stow the cargo cover in the Forester... it's available on the WRX wagon where you lift the main cargo floor panel then the other two smaller floor panels on the sides behind the tail lights.
-Dave
-Dennis
• All H-6 automatics get VDC.
• The Outback H-6 sedan is replaced by a comparable Legacy H-6 sedan (and wagon).
• A Legacy 6-speed manual is offered (not holding my breath on this one, however)
• Outback and Legacy turbos get a 6-speed manual, and that non-turbos get the HD 5-speed now found on the turbos.
• 5EATs replace 4EATs.
• NAV is available on all "Limited/LL Bean" models.
Bob
impossible to read on a SUNNY day with Sun glasses on......How about some bulbs behind ???
deadeye
Also there's a joint in the lower side skirt near the rear door that keeps filling up with mud and grit. Annoying.
Despite the above, I now quite like my white car, esp. with tint.
Thanks Subaru for making each drive such a fun event.
JP
-juice
1. The system should operate in a "single" mode, unless "dual" is selected. It is a pain to adjust both sides every time you want a temperature change, especially when there is only one person in the car?
2. The Subaru Outback is clearly an awesome winter vehicle. In the winter, dressed for winter, drivers need the option of setting the heat at less than 66F, without engaging max AC that occurs at 65F. When it is 0F outside, I want the heat in the car at about 60F. I find that I have spent most of the winter messing with the ACC. Usually, I find I have it in the off position and my seat heaters on high.
I truly believe that many of the ACC issues are due to the above considerations.
1. 4/50 warranty.
2. Free maintenance.
3. Impreza WRX: 6 sp MT w/real overdrive (save fuel on highway if you don't feel like racing), leather, sunroof available on wagon.
4. WRX: better lumbar support.
5. Impreza RS: side impact airbags at least available.
6. All Imprezas: side curtains at least available.
7. Impreza WRX/Legacy GT/Outback XT: rid of junk Potenza RE92 tires (160 tread wear index!) for something more durable and better in rain/snow.
8. Legacy/Outback: HID, 6-speed MT w real overdrive (see above), telescopic steering wheel column, NAV, steering wheel controls also on lower trims.
9. Bring Legacy H6 3.0 to US, also Spec B if you wish.
10. Make H6 3.0 manual available, no matter the model.
11. Legacy/Outback: make sunroof available with cloth seats.
12. Upgrade some dealerships, bringing them to "upmarket standard". Insist on better presentation of the brand within multibrands, esp. here in Southeast.
13. Turbo boost gage on all turbos!!
Part of being "premium" brand, as you aspire to be, is bringing personalized choices, not "cookie-cutter", one fits all Toyota Camry approach. More engine/transmission/option choices (at least available on paper for special order), are perhaps more expensive to market and manage, but this is the cost of being upmarket. You want to be in the first leage - act like you belong...
2018 430i Gran Coupe
You actually get lots of choices, from stripped to loaded to the gills.
-juice
when SOA is selling less than 10% that many cars of any given model, of course their option lists are going to be shorter and trim packages broader.
~c
Anything other than that would require special order, which may or may not be actually ordered. I read somewhere that most Japanese do not actually do orders, they rather try to fit whatever rolls of the conveyor belt to the customer's requests.
My point is that "upscale" manufacturer needs to be more prepared for "strange" combinations, not just mainstream.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
-juice
Subaru has great product, basics of their products and marketing strategy are (I think) brilliant, but the execution is sometimes completely incomprehensible for me. Like why would Legacy H-6 manual be available in Europe, not US (if I am not mistaken US sales are by far larger than European), why they get into "upscale" ambition and not get NAV, HID lamps at least available. What is the thinking there? Similarly, not aknowledging reality of their current buyer, they put in their commercials preposterous "Germany in mourning", instead of aiming at Volvo or Acura, where they could easily steal their customers. Nobody considering $35+ car with "room" for $45 will seriously look at someting top of the line for $32 MSRP, without "basic" luxury features. I simply don't get this thinking. While it is nice to try to beat the best kid, you first need to pass comfortably the second tier.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
She got a promotion and is now in a different department. Not sure if anyone else from SoA is checking here or not. If not, hopefully they will be soon.
-Dennis
I haven't frequented these forums for some time but I have a rant that I hope you all would be gracious enough to read.
begin rant:
Maybe it's because I'm getting blind as a bat, but one thing I dread about driving at night is when someone comes up behind you with their high beams on or HID's for that matter and blinds the #$%^ out of you through your rear view mirror and side view mirrors. Ok, there are auto dimming rear view mirrors, but what about auto dimming side view mirrors? I believe some models already have them on like Toyota avalon, mercedes, audi. I suggest that subaru make this at least an option on say the Legacy, Outback , and Tribeca. I know my next new car will have them on it! Whew!
end rant...
Thanks for listening!
Eric
While at the B9 Tribeca SOA Ride-&-Drive, juice and I spent a great deal of time talking with Dave Sullivan, the B9 Tribeca Brand Manager. Dave is the guy ultimately responsible for the Tribeca. This is his baby, and he very much wants it to succeed.
The good news here is that Dave visits Edmunds almost daily, to see what we're saying about the Tribeca (specifically) and Subarus (in general). He is very much in tune with what's going on and being said here—he listens! He really went out of his way yesterday to seek out our opinions. This was over the course of the whole day, and not just a single 5-minute discussion. I would say that he and I touched base with one another perhaps a dozen or more times over this 6-hour event.
He is definitely one of the "good guys," so I'm suggesting that we once again start posting our suggestions for future product here in this thread. Dave will see them as they pertain to the Tribeca, and hopefully will also pass along suggestions that are not Tribeca-related, to the relevant parties at SOA who would be interested.
Bob
Dave, if you read this, please don't be shy! Speak up once in a while.
First was the fact the memory seats was not offered. Me and my wife share the same car and we have quite difference in height. When she get's in the car is not a problem, either the seat is already in the position she left, or at the position way back I left. When I get the car, if the seat is at the position she left, wait to reposition it all the way back so then I can enter the car. With a manual seat this happens in one second. With power seat I have to wait several seconds.
Second was door handles on the 2.5i. Why are they black? Darn, my 1998 Accord cost me only $18K and it has door handles same color as body. Why Subaru needs to make 2.5i less attractive this way to show the value of the other models?
Third was I could get only get leather seats if I also get sunroof. I'm tall (6'5") and my head gets very close to the roof in the limited. I want leather and no sunroof, but Subaru can't do that for me.
Fourth, I've seem other power seats and I don't understand why Subaru's leave so little space under it. This leaves practically no space for rear passengers feet.
Because of all this I put my purchase on hold. I decided to wait to see what the 2006 model would offer.
Tribeca is now a new excitement, but gas around $2.50/gal is not so wise to buy a SUV.