Subaru Crew Cafe

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Let's see if Finbarr can save Mitsu, he worked wonders for Hyundai. Mitsu has a different set of problems, though.

    OK, Bob and I registered for a fun little Benz event on 9/17, and I have a couple of extra invites. You can actually register two people.

    Anyone interested? Let me know and I'll give you the reservation codes. We can have up to 4 more people go.

    They have a drop-top drive with the SL and SLK, then an off-road drive with the M and G, and finally a 4Matic experience to show off their AWD. Sounds like a hoot to me.

    Any takers?

    These are for DC only, anyone else can call 866-766-5302 to see about other cities. They go to SF, SD, LA, Miami, Atl, Cleve, DC, Long Island, Central NJ, Boston, Chi, and Dallas.

    -juice
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    juice - do you have a link for the benz event? I want to see where and when the Chicago one is.

    -Brian
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    www.LoveMercedesTour.com

    Hutch might come. I think he's checking his calendar.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://autodeadline.com/detail?source=Chevrolet&mid=WKA200408- 1867685&mime=JPG
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Hypov, I signed you up with me for the Nassau Colleseum event :)

    -mike
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    finished just in time. also pulled the engine & tranny from my buddy's Talon TSi AWD this evening, what fun.

    image

    image

    there's some neat stuff in the doors, but it's totally obscured and looks bone stock.

    ~Colin
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Oh no, not the 'rattle-the-trunk' option! ;-)

    what's the specs of that stuff Colin?

    -Brian
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Jacoby may be a bit late on posting his report on the Legacy/Outback Vegas "Ride-'n-Drive" that juice and I went on back in May, but it's an excellent write up with great pictures. Enjoy. :)

    http://www.subdriven.com/index.html

    BTW, juice and I were in the last red Outback VDC, IIRC.

    Bob
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Enjoy while the link stays up you mean....
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Those Subdriven photos of the Outback VDCs, on the dirt road, shows many 4x4 trails off in the background. That area is an absolute off-roader's paradise and playground.

    Bob
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    a lot of my carfi gear is pretty old but I haven't had it installed in over 5 years. I never put it in my '99 RS because I did the autocross thing and had a fairly loud exhaust on it too. I sold a few pieces here and there over the years but had a good core and just bought a few new things.

    - receiver/head unit: Clarion 9175. matches the grey dash nicely, but I think I just toasted the transport... won't load / unload cds now :( was supposed to be replaced by a new Clarion deck but the seller (I found through eBay) is flakey to say the least. meh!
    - in dash eq: AudioControl 4.1. it has a parametric eq for 40-80hz, then linear ones for 150hz, 500hz, 2khz and 8khz. it also has balanced output and steps the signal up to 13v (head units produce 1-4v), which results in a really clean, strong source for the amps.
    - front doors: Memphis M-class 6.5" coaxials (not pictured-- indistinguishable in stock locations). best speakers I've heard for less than $150 a pair in a long time.
    - rear deck: stock Mitsu crap. can't hear them from the front anyway which is the way it should be, but I sat in the back for a bit and it sounds good. the fronts still have enough power that you can hear them.
    - trunk: Memphis 1 farad capacitor. helps during moments of large current draw and, within reason, a cap is a cap so I picked this one because it somewhat matches the amps.
    - trunk: Precision Power PC4100. it's a 800 watt rms amp. currently configured to give 100w to each front door and 400w to the sub. it has fairly sophisticated crossovers built-in.
    - trunk: Precision Power PC250. it's a 200 watt rms amp. it's driving the stock speakers at 50w each. the crossover here isn't nearly as flexible but fine for my rear-fill application.
    - sub: JL Audio 12w3v2 with dual 2-ohm voice coils. the spare tire, jack and mounting hardware was removed and the sub enclosure is fiberglass braced with medium-density fiberboard. there is a false floor about 2" deep also made of MDF and obviously it's covered in the grey trunk lining carpet that is reasonably close to the stock stuff (wheeltubs and seat backrest).

    I think it turned out pretty nice. I listen to pretty much anything but country and hopefully this system will be flexible enough to do it all well. and this won't surprise you guys, but my home stereo is decent too. :)

    about the rattling actually I'm really surprised... the Evo doesn't rattle at all except for the license plate which you can't hear in the car and intend to address anyway. at least at the volume levels I've tried so far-- I'm not sure where I've had the system yet but would guess maybe 6 or 7/10ths. it also seems to have very sturdy rear and sideview mirror mounts. ;)

    ~c
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good for GM. This is a great real-world test, too. And great PR for them.

    Colin: isn't that a good 100 or so lbs of ballast? ;-)

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    oh, forgot to mention that the maximum current draw on the system is 110 amperes at 12 volts. while the car is running it will draw less since it's ~14.4v. I have a 100a circuit breaker and I doubt it'll ever trip.

    it's probably about 100 pounds yep. car seems much slower now. :( haha, NOT. I noticed no handling, acceleration or braking changes but then again I wasn't autocrossing or anything. it's nothing like when 3 big dudes are in the car with me.

    ~Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    3 paisan-sized adults, you mean? :o)

    I should talk...

    -juice
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    For those who are tired of getting the shaft by your insurance company. Geico is now servicing "NJerseyians". IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!
    Alot of guys on nasioc have gotten great quotes and are changing to Geico...
    Me..... I have a better policy and only paying $4 more than Allstate.
    I encourage you to go online or call Geico and put a stop to the insurance monopoly here in NJ.

    I had Geico when I lived in NY years ago and regretted leaving Geico but I didn't have a choice. Now you, we, do!!!!

    Have fun...

    PS-People have been reporting an average of $1200 - $3000 savings! UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!

    Whooo-hooooo!

    I'm not a Geico rep nor do I have any affiliation working with them. Just looking out after my buddies here :-)
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Geico completely sucks here in Wichita. There is no local claim rep, no facilities of any sort. Two friends filed claims and had to wait more than a week before a claim rep traveled to town to inspect.

    Sometimes, you do get what you pay for. Geico's long history of financing or outright purchasing radar & laser guns for police departments also doesn't sit well with me.

    ~c
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    YMMV, my wife was with Geico and when we got married she switched to my insurance because it was cheaper at that time (State Farm IIRC).

    Now we go through Costco's Executive Member program. First they went through Travellers, then they moved to AMEX. We get good rates because Costco executive members tend to be affluent and have lower claims than usual.

    Also, AMEX gives Costco members free roadside assistance, I just found out.

    Definitely worth shopping around for prices and benefits.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think their HQ or at least a main office is near where I live, basically in Friendship Heights in DC. They have drive-in claims there, the guy that hit my wife's car had them and we got a check quickly.

    But yeah, they pay for all the radar gear the MD State Police use.

    -juice
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Rumor around here used to be that if they got wind of you owning a detector, you're cancelled.

    Advertising heavily here the last couple months, too.

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Geico doesn't offer coverage in MA. If they did, that little lizard would be cowering under a desk trying to avoid the avalanche of claims. They'll have to raise rates everywhere else in the country (rates are set by the state here and you can't be cancelled) to cover their losses!!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Paul, that wasn't a rumor. It was true. Years ago they refused to insure anybody who owned a radar detector. As a result I wrote them off long ago. I don't know if they still have that policy.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    It looks like these are from a national dealer's meeting.

    http://www.2005hondaodyssey.com/products.htm

    It's a good upgrade, nothing radical, just what their customers would likely want. It appears to have matched the Sienna (minus the AWD option), but is MUCH(!) better looking than the Sienna.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    (although I don't remember where, or I would post the link) that MB and BMW are considering offering a pickup.

    If that happens, you can bet it will be a "lifestyle" pickup. Think Explorer Sport Trac or Chevy Avalanche (or Honda SUT) in terms vehicle. It certainly won't be a "work" truck in the classic sense. Most likely they will be just off-shoots of their existing SUVs.

    All the more reason for the Baja to continue, in a new and improved version of course.

    Bob
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I was thinking more like Denali or Escalade. Makes sense though, particularly for MB since they already have extremely potent forced induction engines that would be awesome in a truck.

    ~c
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've been following the future Ody thread, so I'd seen those.

    To me, the improvements are incremental, mostly, but noticeable as a whole. My fave is the variable displacement, the EPA mileage figures are 20/28 for what is probably the most powerful van out there. Power and efficiency, nice.

    VCM is only on the high-end models though. They should have made it standard.

    I'm on the fence regarding the PAX system since it'll be hard to find replacement tires (and a place that can mount them).

    They'll offer an 8 seat model, but no AWD (maybe later?). The 2nd row windows go down, but not the 3rd (we speculated they might).

    Basically they did a good job matching the Sienna and really only added VCM.

    Luxury trucks sort of crack me up, but what do I know? They're cash cows.

    -juice
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
    i saved zero dollars on my geico quote. let the monopoly continue LOL
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Jeep will double its model lineup within the next few years.

    http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0408/22/d01-248299.htm

    Also, for '05 all Wranglers will come standard with a 6-speed manual, and there will be a Rubicon version of the LWB Wrangler Unlimited.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    It's well known that FitzMall has some of the best Subie pries around. Well they also sell Saabs at their Frederick, MD store. I found the following on their web site. BTW, "Desert Silver" is the same color as the Subie "Champagne Gold," or darn close to it,

    2005 Saab 9-2x Aero   
     
    Body: Aero 5DR Color: Desert Silver Interior: Black Leather Stock #: G050790
          
    Delivered Internet Price: $28,092 Factory Invoice: $30,031
    Delivered Value Price: $28,431 MSRP: $31,290

    It had the optional moonroof, 17" wheels, but no "Cold Weather Pkg (heated seats, mirrors windshield deicer)"

    Bob
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,399
    It had the optional moonroof, 17" wheels, but no "Cold Weather Pkg (heated seats, mirrors windshield deicer)"

    Isn't it ironic that "Swedish" Saab does not offer a cold weather package?

    Jim
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    um no ironic isn't the right term considering they do offer it as a $600 option, it's just that the example car Bob is using does not have it. :)

    there are exactly 4 options for the WRX wa.. I mean, 9-2X Aero. premium, sport, cold weather and automatic transmission.

    ~c
  • mimasmimas Member Posts: 6
    A few days back, I had asked opinions about Civic and Corolla as a second car for my wife. I know there is a dedicated thread for this discussion. I just wanted to get opinions from Subie owners (since I own a forester). My wife liked Civic better. I am negotiating with dealers in my area and a dealer is offering 500 under invoice which I think is very good deal (without any trade-ins). A friend of mine is selling away 2003 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback with 20,000 miles for $10,500. The car is in very nice shape and well maintained. It has optional 4speed-auto, moonroof, and ABS. Is it worth considering Hyundai Elantra? 5yr/60,000mile warranty can be transferred but to not 10yr/100,000mile powertrain warranty. In terms of equipment, it is essentially Civic EX + leather + TCS + foglamps + hatchback. I have never purchased used cars (and non-subarus) before, so I am little confused... Civic EX will cost - $17,765 (1.9%financing) and Elantra will cost $10,500 (6.03% financing). BTW can anyone please suggest a good lender for used cars (private party purchase).
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Right you are Colin. It's also interesting to note that the same $800.00 Impreza automatic costs $1,250.00 in the 9-2x. I guess that's one example of how Saab is able to offer a longer warranty.

    I believe the 4EAT found in the 92-x is more expensive(!) than the 5EAT-VTD-SportShift found in the new Legacy/Outback.

    Bob
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    I know that Hyundai has improved with their quality. Both my niece, and sister-in-law have Hyundai's and have no complaints. They seem to run well, and were inexpensive when first purchased.
       As for cheaper rates, try lendingtree.com or elaon.com. They seem to have some of the lower rates. Also try bankrate.com for comparative rates.

    Good Luck!

    Mark
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    PAX sounds like a risky gamble to me. I can understand the sports car world (Corvette has runflats??) taking a chance on this, but not in a family van. Expensive and no support system out there.

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    6 speed on the Jeep is a good idea. With big tires, my former roommate cannot take his I-6 Jeep on the highway very fast in overdrive. Gearing is key.

    That used Elantra seems like a deal if you want the equipment.

    Otherwise get a Civic VP, I've seen them for around $13k IIRC. You'll sacrifice some features, though.

    Bob - that's wild. Saab name, Saab price for options.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    not spoiling anybody's party by saying this, but did anyone see the German Rally on SPEED last night? The weather conditions were horrible, and Solberg went off the road in a spectacular fashion. His car was absolutely totally, and it's amazing that the both of them weren't killed, judging by the damage to the car. Solberg walked away, although I'm not sure about his navigator. I think he was taken to the hospital to be checked out.

    http://www.wrc.com/ULImages/Homepage/solberg-krasch-05-webok.gif

    I couldn't believe all the individual concrete road barriers on side of many of the roads. They certainly look VERY dangerous, and I believe Solberg hit one, causing his accident.

    Bob
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Apparently the roll cage collapsed, allowing the roof to cave in and almost clobbering Phil Mills' (the co-driver) in the head. He's lucky.

    I didn't see it last night, but was hoping to catch a re-run if they show one. I always forget about the rallys on SpeedTV, need a TiVo...

    Craig
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I don't watch rally anymore but happened to catch this by chance. terrifying.

    btw it's times like this that the old forum software's "hide message" feature would be really handy.

    ~c
  • ozman62ozman62 Member Posts: 229
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Maybe they'll re-examine the engineering of those roll cages. While it's true nobody died, I'd say that was due to pure luck more than anything else.

    I still can't get over those individual concrete barriers that lined much of the course. They have to be among the most dangerous "protection" devices I've ever seen!

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Use something like water-filled ones that break apart when hit, absorbing the impact.

    Not concrete!

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Unfortunately juice, these were on narrow old country roads that look no wider than your average driveway. They've probably been there since WW II if not earlier. They were never intended for 100+ MPH sprints by WRC racers.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://autodeadline.com/detail?source=&mid=WKA2004082349023&a- mp;mime=JPG

    http://autodeadline.com/detail?source=&mid=WKA2004082348583&a- mp;mime=JPG
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    500 will be a bigger than the Legacy so that'll be its angle in this segment. 200hp Duratec is standard I think.

    Legacy will be about the size of a Futura, which might get AWD also.

    Freestyle will, IMO, be a bargain. It's supposed to come priced well below the Pacifica, never mind Subaru's "premium" 7 seater.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    The 500 -- I wonder if the naming is in response to Chrysler's 300?

    My dad used to drive a Ford Galaxy 500 waaaaay back. It was such a piece of junk. Constantly breaking down. But it was big.

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Taurus is outdated, overdue really.

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Freestyle will, IMO, be a bargain. It's supposed to come priced well below the Pacifica, never mind Subaru's "premium" 7 seater.

    Yeah but it's still a Ford... ;-)

    -Frank
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=100661
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://usautonews.auto123.com/en/info/autonews/index,view.spy?art- id=27615
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