Subaru Baja

ateixeira

Do the same with your Baja and you'll be fine. 3k is fine. Subaru does not use any special break-in oil, though, so a change at 1k will do no harm.

-juice

subearu

Have you thought about changing the oil & filter yourself? It's fairly simple to do - let us know if you need some help getting talked into doing it! ;-)

The synthetic vs. regular dino oil is a pretty popular topic. Just do a search here for 'oil' and you'll find plenty of reading to keep you awake at night. Also, you can do a Google search and come up with even more pros/cons of each.

http://oilstudy.spacebears.com/ - This is one site in particular that is doing an analysis on Mobil-1 right now at 1k intervals. So far, it's lasted over 10k and is still doing it's job. They plan on testing other synthetics as well.

-Brian

mrk610

I'm not one but the town I work for just got 3 yellow baja's donated by the local dealer for our beach patrol. They have all type's of advertisments on them for the dealer and subaru.

mike k

ateixeira

Cool. I hope they don't get flats, though, the spare is a donut.

-juice

rsholland

http://www.edmunds.com/spotlight/subaru/baja/baja.html?tid=edmund- s.h..spotlight..text2.*

ateixeira

Note that 2/3 are monotone. Only the cheaper Sport is shown in two-tone.

Saw another on the road, only my 2nd, on the way back from Bethany Beach. Man, do they stand out or what? Only an H2 or Element turns as many heads.

-juice

dcm61

I don't think that black turbo is really monotone. Remember the black turbo at NY, it had dark grey (almost black) cladding. But, I could be wrong. ;-)

DaveM

PF_Flyer

Well the tech folks tell me that they haven't been able to duplicate our chat adventure from last week, so hopefully that means a full house tonight!



The Subaru Crew meets every Thursday at 6PM PT/9PM ET... stop by and join us to talk Subaru or anything else automotive that might come up! Hope to see you there tonight!

/direct/view/.eea5f48

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ateixeira

Dave: you're right, but in that photo, it's monotone. At least they try to make it look that way.

-juice

rsholland

they want to make it look that way, but more a matter of the medium.

Anything on the web uses 72 low-res images. When you're using low-res images quality suffers. Therefore you tend to lose subtlety. A dark gray tends to look black, so if you have a dark gray & a black in the same image next to one another, it all looks the same.

Bob

ateixeira

Right. Or they photochopped it. ;-)

Heck, I bet the original photo was yellow/silver!

-juice

xuebanerzi

anyone know when the turbo versions are slated for release? A dealer in Novato, CA told me that they would be getting some in this month (June), but I haven't seen anything yet. Dying to get a new vehicle...

baja7

Can't seem to get into the chatroom on
thursday evenings. Got in several weeks ago, but nothing in the past 3 weeks. Any help? Thanks in advance.

Bill

subearu

check your 'preferences' - a link in the 'account center' over on the upper left of this screen. There's a Chat setting, make sure it's set to Java (the html/javascript one makes you manually refresh, blech!)

-Brian

PF_Flyer

The tech folks have the thing corneered. It DOES have something to do with the HTML option in the chat, so set it to Java and hopefully things will be back to normal for us next week.

And just in case you show up at the chat and find yourself in a room by yourself, check the drop down list at the bottom of the chat window. You'll be able to check to see if there are multiple rooms (which has been the problem) and navigate your way to the Crew!

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declansdad

Baja in public, on Old Georgetown in front of NIH. The yellow looks much better in person than any pics I've seen. And wouldn't you know it, an Outback s/w was right behind it (both from Fitzmall).

I wish the new Foresters could have those factory tinted windows!

Michael

baja7

Thanks guys for your help. In preferences, I have to options: Java Chat Applet or HTML/Java Script Chat. Which one do I use? Thanks in advance.

Bill

rsholland

What's wrong with this picture?

You saw your first Baja on the road today, and I saw 5 Hummer H2s today!

Bob

ningabe

Just got back from a week 1/2 2500 trip back and forth between The UP of Mich and Minnesota with my Baja. Only saw 1 other silver one in that time and about 6 or 7 Hummers.
I am really happy with the ride, I think plenty of power for passing(not fast off the line), no rattles and quiet, smooth on bumpy roads, like the power seat adjusting when tired, suprised at the gas milage, around 28 at higher speeds and around 32mpg on a 324 mile trip between 60-65mph(with a new engine!!), no problem in some heavy rain, no leaks, soft cover kept everything dry.

People seem to like it, like to stop and talk at gas stations about the subies they used to own:)

Jeff

PF_Flyer

Use the Java preference. From the way I understand it, if you use the HTML preference, you'll have to refresh the chat window every time you want to see new text that's entered. I got an email from the tech folks saying that they have the problem cornered and the debugging is in progress!

So be sure to join us next Thursday evening for the Subaru Crew Chat Adventure!

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rsholland

well sort of... Yesterday I got a chance to drive a new Forester turbo 5-speed. It has the same engine as the upcoming Baja turbo.

All I can say is WOW! What a sweet engine. There is no turbo lag, and you can really feel the power build when you're out on the highway. It's a very easy engine to live with, as it feels not unlike a big American V8.

Bob

ateixeira

Michael: I like the tint, too, but Outback is a car so we won't see it - it's not legal in some states.

-juice

germs

So I'm thinking about buying a baja, obviously my main concern is the less than ideal engine especially since I do a decent amount of driving above 60 mph on flat expressway's. Not sure if anyone can ease these concerns. Is the engine super weak or bearable? Does the engine do alright at high speeds? (above 65mph)

Ideally, I'd wait for the Turbo, but with the great deal I would get and my present need for a vehicle, I can't wait.

Thanks in advance for all input.

rsholland

Only you can decide that. Get out and drive it; several times if need be, over the course of a week or so.

The deals in all likelihood will remain. The dealers want to sell these things, so in many ways, you're in the driver's seat (pun intended!). Take as much time as you need, and drive it as many times as you need before buying. Then, and only then, will you know if the vehicle is right for you...

Not to cloud your decision any, I recently drove a Forester turbo, which gets the same engine as the Baja turbo. It was very hard to wipe the grin off my face after that experience. The downside is: Expect to take a hit in gas mileage. The Forester turbo certainly did.

Bob

jimqpublic

I posted an almost identical message on the "Forester Turbo in 1 year" thread. Does anyone know details about whether it will be:

Active Torque Split type where it's nominally front wheel drive until slippage is detected:
http://www.subaru-global.com/about/awd/2322.html

Or is it Variable Torque Distribution Electronic Control AWD (V-T-D) where it's nominally 65% rear, 35% front wheel drive until slippage is detected:
http://www.subaru-global.com/about/awd/2323.html

Thanks,
Jim - Dreaming of an ugly yellow car

paisan

Even the "lowest" 4EAT trannies put 80/20 split. There is no 100/0 split available on any subarus.

Here is a writeup I did on the 4EATs in the subies.
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19- 6455

-mike

jimqpublic

Paisan, thanks for correcting me. I did think that the automatic models in the US were 90% front wheel drive bias in normal operation. I really like the 50/50 distribution in my MT Outback.

Jim

paisan

The ATs were 90/10. After the 95MY they went to 80/20.

-mike

jimqpublic

Thanks to "kens" posting on the Turbo Forester message thread I now have official Subaru Spec's on the new Baja Turbo.

I found the spec's at the http://www.media.subaru.com site. Go to "Baja" then "Turbo at a glance" and "Turbo Specs" in the upper right corner.

WOO-HOO! Baja Turbo does have the VTD transmission and 2400 pound tow rating for both trannies!

The GVWR isn't listed but dry weight is fairly porky at 3670 pounds.

Jim
Dreaming of an ugly yellow car

ateixeira

I sampled the 2.5T engine in a Forester XT, and I have to warn you: you will suffer from deep remorse if you like power the way I do and get the N/A engine. It's easily worth the wait to get the turbo.

Compared to the H6, it's torquier at all rpm, from idle on up. A lot torquier, too.

-juice

rsholland

http://www.4are.com/cgi-bin/_b/news/1/pressrelease.cgi

Can you say O U T B A C K ?

Bob

paisan

I dunno bob. It makes sense. Let's say you have wet smelly dogs to haul around? Would you really want them in the back of the outback? Or any other items that you don't want to fly away, but could be yucky.

-mike

rsholland

Besides, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Bob

bkaiser1

Bob, I have to agree -- the bed cap makes absolutely no sense to me. I guess I've had trouble really seeing the utility of the Baja anyway since its introduction...my OB wagon seems infinitely more practical and useful for most tasks.

I regularly carry 4 big wet smelly dogs in the back of my wagon and wouldn't even think of putting them in the open part of a pickup bed, but the enclosed area of the baja is way too small to accommodate more than 2 retrievers. It seems that the baja's small bed/small back seat combo has so many more compromises than a traditional wagon, it's no wonder sales have been sluggish. The baja's a novel concept, but it's just not one that I can truely see much value in...and the bed cap only serves to weaken its actual utility.

Brian

wwxman

Power: Current Baja has adequate power for everything -- as long as your accustomed to an SUV type acceleration, not WRX acceleration. This issue was WAY overstated, IMO because it was a Subie (with closet speed feaks prowling these boards).

Bed Cap: The hard snugtop lid is GREAT. It is a lockable trunk. I can have mine off in 30 seconds (but its real awkward without 2 people). Thus, I can have an open or closed bed depending on need.

Utility: Guess what, that open small bed is REAL useful. I can't tell you how many things I can put in it that woudn't have fit into my old SUV -- I think about that every time I visit the nursery and throw a large 7' tree in the back.

PF_Flyer

JUST IN CASE our chat gremlin acts up tonight, remember to move to the last chat room on the drop down list at the bottom of the chat window. I don't expect that we'll have a problem, but it's good to have a plan!!



The Subaru Crew meets every Thursday at 6PM PT/9PM ET... stop by and join us to talk Subaru or anything else automotive that might come up! Hope to see you there tonight!

/direct/view/.eea5f48

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ateixeira

It's an Outback with a dog divider. ;-)

closet speed feaks

I resemble that remark.

-juice

rsholland

Reports of a Mystic Blue Pearl monotone Baja at some GA dealer (Subaru of Gwinnett, near Atlanta? ... Frank, are you near there?) in the nasioc Baja forums. From those who have seen it, they say it is a very dark blue. No pixs yet. Could this be an early release '04 model?

When we were at the NY show in March, one of the Subie reps said that there was to be a monotone blue model for '04.

Bob

rsholland

Kostamojen posted over at nasioc that he spotted a monotone blue Baja at Maita Subaru somewhere in CA. Kos, if you're reading this post, where is that dealer located?

Sounds like '04 Bajas are beginning to ship now. I don't think the Baja turbo ships until late in the summer. Reports are that automatics will be released first. Don't know when 5-speed turbos will begin shipping.

Bob

ateixeira

I might drive a turbo to sample the VTD/turbo combination.

Blue ought to look good. I want to see Subaru come out with a light blue metallic. Some 2005 Legacy pics have been in such a color.

-juice

rsholland

Someone from nasioc just e-mailed me pixs of this new monotone blue Baja. The color looks great. Believe it or not, this is still a 2003 model, according to the window sticker!

The blue is very dark, almost black, and it is metallic.

Bob

subearu

that's gotta be the dark metallic blue that we've seen before in the Japan Legacy models. Me likey!

-Brian

ateixeira

Saw the PDF (thanks Bob), it's called Mystic Blue Pearl and it looks like it has specks of light blue, silver, and a little purple in the paint. Nice.

-juice

baja7

Help me, I have been waiting for the Baja turbo, but a dealer is offering a new 03 yellow, auto Baja for $17,999. Is this a good price, are dealers desperate, or will 03 prices fall even further?

I drove O3 auto extensively, and it has marginal power, but the cost differential is about $8to$9K, based on a 04 turbo baja costing about $26k+extra tax on the higher price. Sooner or later, you have factor in the cost difference, unless you are addicted to power. I know, my present car is a BMW Mcoupe, but a nice low price Baja seems a good choice.

Pros and Cons appreciated. TIA

Bill

rsholland

If you want price this is hard to beat. Also, you can bet the new turbo won't be discounted heavily for a while.

Bob

ateixeira

I have trouble believing that price, to be honest. $18k with automatic?

Or it is $18k, plus freight, plus $499 processing fee, etc.

Shoot, even then that's dirt cheap.

I gotta say, though, I've sampled the engine in the XT, and that turbo is just sweet.

-juice

fastfoord

so far the best price i have found is in MD at 19562. Anyone have any tips on dealers really dealing?

could Baja7 above tell us what state this price is in?

thanks
fastfoord

baja7

Sorry for the late post, I was preoccupied buying a new 03 yellow baja, auto w/65miles for $17,999 and $156 for installed bed extender plus $1410tax,$161 regs&$50doc fees, with 24 month 0% financing.

San Diego is dealing, call Alex Ciejek, Balboa Subaru, 8010 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA92111,585-278-7100. They have been running this ad about a week, any yellow 5sp or auto is 17,999 plus tax&license. No other add-ons. They have a lot of cars, some yellow, with the end of month I think they want to sell these cars that have been there since last year.

I checked the inventories of So Cal dealers and there are alot of unsold cars. I was going to wait for the turbo, but at this price, the difference is about $8-9K for the 04 turbo plus possible triple registration in Oct/03 and increase tax on the larger amount.

The 03 Baja is a wonderful riding, but a tad under powered car, but at these prices I would call California. Later on with some after-market goodies pump up the horsepower, being careful not to void the warranty. Only one caveat: my other car is a Mcoupe. Email if you like.

LOL
Bill

PS: Get the lowest price in San Diego and shop it around the inter net managers. Balboa's price is real, at least on the yellow. With the 04s coming, I think the prices might go down further. These Bajas are not the sport, I haven't seen a sport in San Diego.

ateixeira

If they are under $20k there isn't a whole lot of room for dealing. They must already be dipping into their holdback. It's a fair price, the dealer employees have to eat! :-)

Congrats Bill!

-juice

fastfoord

Juice,

You sound like you may work for Subaru?

;-)

My job as a consumer is to get the lowest price possible. If they have to sell them under cost
then there may be a problem with the product, marketing or sales of the product, or other that
they can't move them. Or maybe they just priced them a little too high to start with?

fastfoord