Subaru Crew Cafe

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/p117e28a7d32c3639ede6- 52e7e6468cd6/f9f61cb3.jpg

    Here is another view of this strange concept. It's based on the Dakota.

    You have to open the rear glass and slide the seat back for the rear passengers to fit. Note the hinge, seat goes up and back.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/p03c504e89ead73354f84- 0b4d36d391be/f9f61ce3.jpg

    I don't think Bob got pics of these, but I did.

    Coupe reminds me a little of the Calibra, a little. The sedan looks like the Astra sedan that's been sold in Brazil for several years.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/p5c4ad92c526d616aba97- b01eb50bcafd/f9f61cec.jpg

    Sorry, I meant Saturn Relay. Actually, no I didn't. ;-)

    Crossover Sport Van, that's gotta be the dumbest label EVER.

    Nose job of the very, very old Chevy Venture. Worst attempt at a new minivan recently.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Let's change the grille and call it a Buick, shall we?

    http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/p649012ddea242763bbcd- 8afa98b807ab/f9f62249.jpg

    So alike it looks like someone just photo-chopped the grille on there. Pathetic.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/p0452644783edcea954e9- c06076a81136/f9f62262.jpg

    Look at that beak! Why do they have to be so pointy? I'm sure this car is a foot longer than it needs to be.

    G6 replaces the Grand Am, but it has a very long wheelbase, 112" I think, vs. 106" for the Malibu on the same platform. Actually the platform is shared with the Saab 9-3.

    It's supposed to get a 3.9l V6. The 3.5l in the Malibu was good, so this actually has potential to be more than just a rental car. Pricing looks high, though, so they still built-in rebates.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bob shows a nifty feature Isuzu probably designed for GM. The gate's cable can hook in two places. Use the upper one, and lumber rests on it and the wheel wells perfectly. The other one lets it go down all the way:

    http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/p5692da73ed6abf3c67b7- b5a834e812ff/f9f62277.jpg

    Very simple, very genius. I love simple ideas like this and the Mazda6's rear seat back release, so I took photos.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/p0c95d8f5461240025ec9- 83a931501f31/f9f6257a.jpg

    Hey Ken, check out the Legacy in the background of that pic. That was the 2.5l wagon, Limited model.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/p43b719af7900f6f0822f- ef1b4ce372ca/f9f62583.jpg

    Dodge had a whole Mopar display downstairs. Actually their aftermarket presence is amazing. You can put a front LSD in an SRT-4 and it's covered under warranty.

    Subaru could learn a thing or two from Mopar.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    How 'bout this Viper V10 in what I think was a Barracuda?

    http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/pa7b323252eb6cf571eb5- ddb25e252b22/f9f6258b.jpg

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid99/p844e382fb82ef4422476- fb165151b9b4/f9f6258d.jpg

    Now here is a Liberty you can off road. Too bad it took about $50,000 in add-ons to get there!

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    We've got one as a rental, while our Impreza Outback is (finally) getting repaired from our Thanksgiving accident.

    It's the first time in a long time that I've driven a new car without power windows, power mirrors or power door locks. I really can't complain, as the car is is the result of the Subie dealer who is repairing the car screwing up, and Patti/SOA coming to the rescue.

    Now—and actually speaking from experience—I can honestly say that Patti is a huge asset to SOA and to Edmunds. :)

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Finally you felt the benefit of having her around, personally.

    -juice
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,399
    I think it's great that Patti is here to assist Subie owners in need. (And the wonderful job she does!) However, I hope I never need her professional assistance.

    OTOH, would love to meet her, and the rest of the crew, when we have our get together at SIA.

    Jim
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Lessee... I was rooting for the Seahawks. They got beat by the Packers...soooo... what the heck, Go Pack! Well, we all know what happened there, so...

    No picks. I'm just going to watch, enjoy, and may the best team win.

    Above the fray, and below the radar...
    Cheers!
    Paul
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    the AFC champ is gonna be a massive favorite in the superbowl no matter which team it is, or who comes out of the NFC.

    ~c
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    I'm thankful for having re-discovered the joys of skiing after 12 years or so (since before my oldest was born) - taking the littlest ones up for their first lesson next weekend.

    I wonder if the relatively aerodynamic shape of a cargo ('coffin') box for hauling ski toys would impose less of a fuel mileage penalty? Both cars have flat crossbars, so portability between the Subaru & Suburban shouldn't be a problem.

    Where do you usually ski?

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    CR said something to that effect, that the hard cases had a small fuel economy penalty than the soft carriers, which aren't as aerodynamic.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    you what we missed at Detroit? The Hummer H3! We skipped pass the Hummer display, as I recall.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Was it there? It actually debuted in LA, I'm not sure it even was at NAIAS.

    Not that I'd ever buy one, so I really don't care much. I guess it would be interesting to see some of the features and ideas others could mimic.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    You may be right... Anybody know know for sure if it was at Detroit? If it was, I sure would have liked to look at it.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bob - check out the CR-V thread, Sabrina is back and now says there are 7 reports of CR-V engine fires.

    Talk about emissions! LOL

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    There seems to be an issue there. It seems that those posted are in the Northeast, which means those CRVs most likely came from the UK, not Japan. From what I've seen posted, it seems to happen after an oil change has taken place, which indicates to me that for some reason, the oil change wasn't done properly. There has been mention of a oil filter gasket possibly leaking, or it could be something else. But you're right, it is something to be concerned about, since nobody seems to have the definitive answer yet. Thanks for the heads-up.

    BTW, I did drive a new CRV today, and it really is impressive. I hate to say it, as the Subie gods will wreak havoc upon me, but you should check one out, as it the (baby) space-to-low-cash-outlay ratio is pretty darn good. Not as much fun as a Subie (but still fun), and a lot less expensive than a Pilot, et al. The dealer quoted me $21.8K for the EX automatic (MSRM ~ $23K) which comes with a moonroof. The 5-speed would be less. This fire issue does cloud the matter greatly, however. Actually I'm still hoping for an Outback Sport. We'll see...

    Bob
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    I have always been predisposed to Hondas, but have passed by the CR-V twice. In 97 I test drove one, and it was woefully underpowered (~125hp in that revision). I didn't like the tippy feel either.

    In Aug 02, we test drove one of the newer CR-Vs. Definitely had better power, but the handling was still way too tippy for me (my wife noticed it too). I didn't like the interior either -- it was a chocolate color with oddball seat fabric (which has been improved as I understand it). I did like the back seat space and utility (better than my Outback) but that rear swinging gate was a real turnoff. Had we gotten a CR-V, I probably would have been cursing that gate even in our driveway (tight on space and sloped).

    Thankfully, that test drive pushed us to the Forester, and it was exactly what my wife was looking for! I do wish the Forester had more back seat room, but it's rarely an issue for the two of us. Even if we have kids, I think the Forester will be adequate for quite some time. My neighbors, on the other hand, decided they needed an Expedition for their newborn, which is utterly nuts!

    Craig
  • zmanzman Member Posts: 200
    That must be one big baby!
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    probably the whole 'safety' nonsense. put everyone in a tank! :rolleyes:

    ~c
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Yeah, the guy did comment that he likes being in the bigger vehicle in the event of a collision. What about if he hits a bus or brick wall! Or another Expedition! Personally, I'd be more worried about how the vehicle protects occupants in a collision, not how it will fare against the other car....

    Craig
  • cusafrcusafr Member Posts: 184
    I am looking to buy a wagon (Legacy or Outback) this summer. I'm sure by then the 2004 Models will be discounted. However, is that really the way to go, or are the 2005 changes significant enough to warrant the cost difference?

    Would like to hear opinions if you don't mind sharing.

    Thanks,

    CUSAFR
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Did I tell you guys about my coworker who traded in a Trooper for an Expedition? He only has two kids but each wanted his or her own row of seats! I'm not sure which I found more amazing, the reason why he bought the Expedition or the fact that he was so willing to admit it.

    -Frank P.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    CUSAFR- While I'm sure that the pricing on the 2004s will be very attractive by the time summer and the 2005s arrive, the changes are definitely significant enough to warrant seriously considering the 2005s. I suggest you do a side-by-side comparison and then decide which is more important to you, the features on the 2005s or the savings on the 2004s. FYI: by this time next year you'll probably be able to get a 2005 for close to invoice.

    -Frank P.
  • zmanzman Member Posts: 200
    CUSAFR: Also, keep in mind that depreciation tends to spike when a model undergoes a significant alteration. If you plan to hold on to your vehicle for a long time (over 6 years, say) then that is less of an issue.

    Frank: Your co-worker's probably related a guy near me who has his and her Hummers, and whose two teenagers each got an Explorer when they got their licenses.

    Zman
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    a guy near me who has his and her Hummers, and whose two teenagers each got an Explorer when they got their licenses.

    I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

    -Frank P.
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    My name is "Brenda" and I owned Suburbans in the past. I had 3 children, and I DID put them each in a separate row, however ... <submitting defense now> ... I also hauled church youth group and girl scouts ... and usually each kid had a friend along no matter WHERE we went ... so it's not like we had mom and 3 little ones!

    For a short time, we were also the main transportation for our own 3, a grandchild, and the grandchild's father .. so when we loaded the "family" it was six adult sized people and a baby seat ...

    <feels cleansed after confession>
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    <rant> While a full-size SUV is not on my horizon, I sometimes cringe when I hear of all the complaints of those who do purchase these vehicles. So the wife puts each child does get a separate seat. Big deal. Maybe the husband also tows a big boat trailer on occasion? I just think owners of these vehicles are easy pickin's for criticism. We rarely, if ever, do we know all the reasons for their purchase.

    The ones I "do" have a complaint about, are those who purchase these vehicles strictly for the "bling" factor.</rant>

    Bob
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Bob-
    But it's the large majority, at least here in New York, these vehicles are owned strictly for the "bling" factor, and the cause that the little minority who have to share the criticism. :(

    Brenda-
    You might still be owning a Suburban. Don't know about IN, but here in New York, my OB, OBS, and the WRX wagons are classified as Suburbans.

    -Dave
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    In your neck of the woods, I would agree. Where I live, which is mostly rural, most people buy them for the right reasons.

    I actually have more complaints about people buying mid-sized SUVs than full-sized SUVs. In this class of vehicle (mid-size SUV), I think there are far more people buying them for the wrong reasons. Here's where AWD crossovers make far more sense. I also think these mid-size SUV owners are starting to realize this. I bet there are plenty of older Explorers and older Grand Cherokees being traded in for Pilots and Highlanders, which make far more sense for most of these people.

    Also keep in mind that modern (and sensible, efficient) SUVs/crossovers are a relatively recent products. Prior to a few years ago, these vehicles were just not available, hence the purchase of all these inefficient SUVs. The demand far preceded the availability of decent vehicles.

    Bob
  • zmanzman Member Posts: 200
    But his and her Hummers (under the small business loophole to boot)? These are not your working class Ford F-150's I'm talking about. Sorry, that's just begging for criticism. And then he goes and brags about it at the local diner. Pretty much ruined my hearty three-egg omelet with sausage and hash browns.
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Walker-
    Won't be long he'll be crying, as gas price will be shifting to CA $$$$$ with MTBE being flushed from our pumps.

    NJ will be introducing CA emission standards on its vehicles and pretty soon the rest of Tri-State would follow suit.

    -Dave
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    If you're on a very tight budget then waiting for the 2004 to be discounted may not be a bad idea. The upside to getting a 2004 is that the model has several years of debugging under it's belt (not that the Legacy had any major issues).

    However, the standard Legacy already sells at a pretty steep discount (some at below dealer invoice cost) so chances are you won't get much lower unless it's a demo model you're talking about.

    If I were in your position, I would go with the '05 Legacy instead. As Frank pointed out, there are enough improvements in it's driveability, safety and performance to warrant getting the newer model. Also, the standard Legacy tends not to be a very sought after model compared to the Outback so one should be able to find it at a competitive price from the get-go.

    Ken
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Definitely go for the 05. The only reason I'd consider the 04 is if I needed the car right away. The 05 models have a wonderful industrial design flair that the 00-04 models are really lacking.

    Craig
  • cusafrcusafr Member Posts: 184
    I was leaning toward the 2005 anyway, and now I'm convinced. It does help to get other opinions to better formulate your own.

    Now: The Legacy or the Outback? If the cost difference is not part of the equation, which 2005 is better and why? Actually, I guess this can better be answered after the new Outback is shown.
    Which auto show and when?

    Thanks everyone. A great bunch of people here. I will join all of you as an owner, but it will have to be several months yet.

    CUSAFR
  • rthompson10rthompson10 Member Posts: 75
    Well the patriots just scored and now I'm debating- do I watch the rest of the game or take the car(03 OB) our for a spin(figuratively, not literally) in this nasty NJ weather.
    Looking out the window I've seen a Firebird, and another FW drive car fail to get up this little hill. The BMW X5 made it with no sweat.
    I've lusted after Suburbans; Expeditions, Sequoia's- don't know why, maybe my lack of emotional intelligence according to my wife(Where's the couch!). Could I justify it- yes. Do I need it with my one child- probably not.
    Joke for the day: A naked man walks into a psychiatrist's office completely wrapped in cellophane. The psychiatrist says- I can clearly see you're nuts!!!
    Robert
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Bob, in this instance I am not buying that argument, I just got back from visiting my daughter in TX, and I mentioned in a previous post that even I was somewhat dismayed to see that the vast majority of the vehicles were either full size 4+4 trucks full size SUVs and surburbans, 99% of the time only the driver was on board.

      I count my daughter among these as she has a Tahoe full size SUV, she typically runs between $160-$200 gas a month through this thing.

    Now if an outsider from Europe for instance was in that little corner of TX as I was and saw the same thing that I did it does not take much of an imagination to see how the argument could be made for the war was all about oil.

      Bare also in mind that the visitor from Europe is paying typical about $7to$8USD for a gallon of Gas versus about $1.40 in the states.

     I don't care what argument you make for full size vehicles, in the end it is mostly because we can, not because we need, most of the people driving full size have no real need for them.

      Cheers Pat.
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    It's like that everywhere in the US, and it blows my mind how people can justify such a large vehicle when 99% of the time it's just the driver on board. Total overkill in my opinion. It seems like a lot of these drivers are pushy or on some type of vehicular power trip too. I just don't get it.

    Craig
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Anybody have a need for Porsche? Or, closer to home, an STi?

    Sorry, I don't buy the argument that we have to be the vehicle consumer police here. I say let people buy what they want. If it pleases them, so be it.

    Bob
  • zmanzman Member Posts: 200
    Patriots 24-14. Yeah! OK gang, I'm ready to take on all comers for the Super Bowl.

    Zman
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    The argument could be made that a lot of us could do without a car entirely, but that is not the point, the Arabs are able to hold us hostage for oil because they can. If most folk choose to drive gas guzzlers what ever happened to responsibility here.

     My point is that most people could get by very nicely with more fuel efficient vehicles, if our gas consumption was cut in half we would not be so dependant on oil from the middle east.

     Cheers Pat.
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    The Pats had an excellent game. Being a former New Englander, I think I'll be pulling for them in the Super Bowl. Plus, I've always liked Bill Belichick from his days as the Defensive Coordinator for the Giants under Parcells (I'm really a Giants fan, but let's not talk about it this year...).

    Craig
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