Subaru Baja

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They offer no-haggle prices, so no, they won't go lower. You could negotiate a trade-in value if you had one, I guess.

    -juice
  • dcm61dcm61 Member Posts: 1,567
    http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/spin/100489/article.html- ?tid=edmunds.h..reviews..5.*

    DaveM
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    that every writeup on the Baja turbo, is on one that features the automatic. I have not seen one writeup on a Baja turbo 5-speed.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's a pretty positive review, much better than reviews of the original Baja.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    it was pretty good. Still, knowing what the all-new Legacy looks like, and with a 5EAT sportshift, takes some of the luster off the new Baja turbo. Can you image the Baja built off the new Legacy, with all the accompanying new-generation upgrades?

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Wider track, bigger interior and bed, perhaps even more power...that has serious potential.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    but the new Legacy and Outback are so much more refined, especially in the details. When they debut, the new (but old-generation) Baja will look (and feel) really OLD!

    Bob
  • kimgurookimguroo Member Posts: 6
    Yes! I have trade-in car (2003 basic mustang-11200 miles) I want to have least $12500 but I don't know they will really buy at that price.
    can you give any tip on negotiate the trade-in car value?
    Thanks!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Right now the appeal is the price, I'm sure the new ones will cost a lot more, or just not carry the rebates of the current model.

    The market has a funny way of determining the value of a car, doesn't it? :-)

    Any how, on that trade, since Subaru is dealing with invoice price minus rebates, there's not a lot of margin there to negotiate the trade-in. I'm sure they'll offer you wholesale price (you can calculate Edmunds' values).

    You may be better off selling it yourself. That's what I've always done. You tend to get more, some times a lot more.

    -juice
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    Can anyone over 6' comment on the Baja headroom? I see it is 1 1/2" shorter than the Forester. Being 6'3", the Forester is fine for me, but the Baja's bed in the back has some appeal.

    John
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    Is it true that all the Bajas only come with the Power Sunroof? That could explain why the headroom is signficantly less, my '03 Forester XS does have a moon roof.

    Is a Baja without a sunroof an option?

    John
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
  • bstanleybstanley Member Posts: 2
    Just a heads up, saw this and it has some great pics of the Mystic Blue Bajas...

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&cate- gory=6467&item=2430857323#ebayphotohosting
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    Yep... we're going at it again!!

    Welcome to the Subaru Crew's Weekly Chat!

    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

    PF Flyer
    Host
    Pickups & News & Views Message Boards
  • kimgurookimguroo Member Posts: 6
    does AWD mean nothing for automatic transmission?
    Manual transmission is usually 50/50 front to back but automatic is mainly controled by front wheel. anybody have an opinion on this matter?
    Thanks!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Wrong, at least in the subaru case.

    The INITIAL torque split on the 4EAT is 80/20, on the VTD/VDC equipped cars, it's 45/55 torque split. Most other AWD systems (honda/toyota/etc on FWD based cars) is only Part time, banging in the rear when slippage occurs. On the subaru 4EATs they have weight sensors and ECU that actually shifts the power around BEFORE slippage occurs rather than after.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Sport model deleted leather but kept the moonroof. I think they should have delete the moonroof too, the make prices really competitive for light duty handy men.

    I found the interior a little snug, though head room was OK in front for me (I'm 6'). Rear leg room is a little tight.

    Subaru AWD sends at least some power to both axles at all times. You have a center differential so they are truly full-time systems.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    was a Baja (not the turbo) decked out to look like a factory Subie Rally Racer; WR blue with all the yellow graphics, gold wheels and hard bed cover. It also had a couple of bikes attached to the roof rack. It can be found at that "other" site in the Baja forum, in a thread started by Subie Gal.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Stopped by a Subie dealer today, and noticed they had a dealer display showing all the '04 models, and their features and colors.

    For '04, the new colors are:

    • Mystic Blue Pearl monotone (actually a late '03 color), and this is available on all models.

    • Pearl White with silver cladding for the Baja turbo (only).

    • The silver cladding is the same silver as last year. I thought the silver one at the NY auto show, had a different silver. I guess I was wrong.

    • The Yellow/silver cladding is not available on the turbo.

    • The black/dark gray cladding (same as '04 LL Bean) is a turbo only color.

    • There is a medium gray/silver cladding, which is available on all models.

    • The Regatta Red/silver cladding and silver monotone remain from last year, and are available across the board.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's a low of choices for a low-volume vehicle.

    Did they have any turbos in stock yet?

    FWIW, I've seen a couple more on the road, finally.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    ... no '04 Bajas in stock.

    Bob
  • rackerpackerrackerpacker Member Posts: 14
    I think the Baja is great for an old woman like me and I love the look--I flipped when I first saw it as I think its the greatest looking "whatever" I seen. But I like the black and silver color. But the yellow is growing on me. My problem is I only have 10,000 miles on my 2001 Outback and trade-in is sorry price unless I sell it myself.
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    anyone see any "substantial" review of the baja turbo? I haven't seen any numbers, just the casual write-ups of Edmunds and one other east coast reviewer. Also, when is the MT turbo due out? Anyone know about gear ratio on it?

    John
  • wilcoxwilcox Member Posts: 582
    That's about it.
  • wilcoxwilcox Member Posts: 582
    Let's say the dimensions are:

    41" wide

    71" long

    Can it fit without scrubbing the bed walls?

    I think a high mileage full size utility vehicle would be good to have instead of a sedan or small pickup. Anyone know for sure...
  • jimqpublicjimqpublic Member Posts: 23
    If this would be a regular occurance, no way. The center of mass for the ATV would be about 3' behind the Baja rear axle, probably overloading the rear axle and seriously unweighting the front axle.

    I'm assuming that the ATV weighs at least 400 pounds. The Baja has a possible load capacity of around 1000 pounds, but that assumes that most of the load is passengers. Otherwise the rear axle would be overloaded.
  • wilcoxwilcox Member Posts: 582
    Wonder if Baja could handle the 41" width and the 71" length "ASSUMING" only one, 200 lb person is in cab.?

      That's less than 600 lbs. grand total...the equivalent of about 4 average persons.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    He could back it in.

    -mike
  • wilcoxwilcox Member Posts: 582
    Judging from the responses concerning bed measurements on Baja, I'd say bed capacity and carrying utility is not a priority to owners or potential owners. Looks seem to be the major attraction.

      It's probably because the open bed is about as useful as a sedan's trunk....except if one puts their groceries in the back, then wind, rain, dust, the sun, and animals can get into it.

      And besides not being capable to carry a small ATV, it can't even go to Home Depot and carry a piece of plywood home with out special rigging.

       This "4 door El Camino" is about as useful as teats on a bore hog IMO. But it "looks cool".....and can probably manage traveling a wet dirt road with no ruts...then the "looks" are just covered with mud, dirt, and dust.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    image

    And here are a few more http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/2003/nyias-03/index_3.htm

    My guess is the weight would be ok.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Is that 4 guys sitting in there, or 5? I can't tell if hypov is in there or not.

    rackerpacker: Outbacks cost more to begin with, you could almost break even, maybe only spend a grand or two to swap. Baja prices are amazingly low.

    I'm also seeing more and more of these on the roads, finally. They are no longer so rare.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    7 guys in it.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    ROTFLMAO!

    OK, so unofficially, we got a payload of about 1400 lbs? LOL

    -juice
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    I have to believe that Subaru has done more to the baja turbo than just speed up a regular baja. I have heard that ground clearance is 1" higher, so I am thinking possibly some suspension mods as well. Anyone hear anything?

    John
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    still trying to clear out '03 inventory. I doubt you will see anything until late November, at the earliest.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Plus, they showed the press the XT and the Baja Turbo at the same time. The XT is lighter and the press models came with the 5 speed, so it's a lot quicker than the auto Bajas available early on. Not surprisingly, the reviews focused on the XT.

    -juice
  • comanche_ajcomanche_aj Member Posts: 18
    subaru baja is a disgrace! you cant call it a car, you cant call it a pickup, and you definately cant call it good looking. its small size will suffice for the target-market of average grocery-getters, but in its true sence, its a chevrolet avalance without the cab opening to the bed, and its smaller. i dont like them, but thats just my opinion. -ajjjjjjjjj
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    I have an '03 Forester, it is a great car. But I also farm and so have to transport batteries, chlorine, pesticides, and lots of stuff that should not be in a cab. I don't want a full size pick up and its lack of handling and low gas mileage. The baja has a lot going for it, but it will be a niche market.

    John
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    Well... bring that thought to the chat tonight and see how it goes over!

    Welcome to the Subaru Crew's Weekly Chat!

    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

    PF Flyer
    Host
    Pickups & News & Views Message Boards
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    What vehicle with an open bed handles better? Accelerates faster than a Baja turbo?

    Nothing. It may not be for you, but it has its appeal.

    BTW, Consumer Reports gave it a very good overall rating, well above the Honda CR-V and Element, for instance.

    -juice
  • baja7baja7 Member Posts: 14
    I have an 03 NA Baja, 165hp/auto. Is it worth it to reprogram the ECU for some extra HP and better MPG? Cobb is suppose to be bringing one out for the NA engines. Thanks in advance. Bill
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Just read a writeup in C&D on the Baja Turbo auto (again!). Not much new, 0-60 in ~ 7.2 IIRC. The bigger question is: Will there be a 5-speed version offered? C&D mentioned that a cloth-seat 5-speed turbo may be offered; but the way the sentence was worded, it sounded like Subaru may be re-thinking about even offering a 5-speed turbo! Not a good sign...

    Bob
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    I seriously doubt that reprogramming the ECU will give you both hp and MPG increases. If that were the case, Subaru would have already done it. You might change the "happy compromise" and get one or the other, but not both.

    John
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They would have to sacrifice something - maybe emissions or longevity (or both), to tweak even a tiny bit of both out of the 2.5l.

    Bob - my dealer says slow sales may kill the 5 speed, I hope not. Give it a chance!

    -juice
  • lennxlennx Member Posts: 73
    I breifly considered the Baja but it is small, is only 4 passanger, and has tiny bed. And they want 22 to 24k for it?

    If you have any real need for a TRUCK or need to bring 4 or 5 people with you, this just does not cut it. However, I am sure there are people who want a small car with some open storage. There just aren't as many as Subaru expected.

    http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat- _code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=01312402
  • boaz47boaz47 Member Posts: 2,747
    I thought the Baja was going to be a hit. After the WRX it looked like Subaru was on a roll. We even had a friend at Church get one last year. However from reading Autoweek and Subaru's press releases it looks like Subaru is having the same old problems selling it as they did when they tried to sell the SVX. Subaru wants too much money for what you get. The Autoweek article indicates that Subaru will be discounting the Baja big time and cutting production quite a bit. I believe the solution might be to make the Baja fall more in line with other small trucks down around the 15k Bracket. If not maybe we are seeing the second killing of the Brat.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Never happen.

    The Baja has the same content as an mid-level Outback or Legacy, all of which are $20+K.

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    What pickups are 15K? Yeah you can get a stripped down workhorse model, but that's not subaru's demographic.

    -mike
  • lennxlennx Member Posts: 73
    15K? Sure. But it would be a full size truck. Or a nicely equipped small truck.
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    $4k for my 1992 toyota R.N.P. U. that i bought in 2002 with only 118,000 miles.

    Now optioned up with Aiwa CD/ Mp3 player and bed liner and homemade bike rack. personalized with Tony Stewart decal, Apple Computer decal, Shimano decal, Specialized decal, and Yellowsotne decal.

    Actually the point fo all of this silly rant was the ideal pick up for me was on with enough bed to be useful at a price I could afford. And so far it has been a great investment.

    TWRX (can any one figure the meaning of "R.N.P.U."?)
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