Subaru Crew Cafe

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  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.subaru.com/
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/nissan30e_20041030.htm
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101137
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Well, I've had a crazy week trying to find a car for my mom.

    She finally decided to wait a year to get the new body S500. So they decided to buy a 'sporty'car for my dad instead.
    They looked at:
    996 911
    C6 Vette
    330 or M3
    545
    E500

    And finally decided on a loaded LS 430.
    Go figure. They came around full circle and bought the car I initially recommended to my mom. ;-)

    Whatever makes them happy! They bought a black one, Chrome 18" (245/45/18) wheels, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, laser cruise, usual HID, Nav, Mark Levinson stereo, Keyless system, etc. I haven't seen it yet but they really like it, especially my mom.

    I wonder who's going to end up driving it? ;-)

    Thanks for all your opinions and help. I'll probably bring up the topic again next year!

    tom
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Nissan- I actually have that Quest and haven't had problems with it (yet) but I understand a lot of people have. I'm happy they extended my warranty to 5/50K. Maybe I'll keep it until Subaru makes a minivan or the Odyssey hype dies down.

    Saturn- Where are they going up to? Maybe they'll fill the spot Oldsmobile left behind! ;-)

    tom
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Aha, excellent choice. I am sure they will be thrilled with the LS, no matter what kind of car they "think" they were buying....

    Craig
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Rolls SUV: why not? Think of all the Grey Poupon you could fit in it! ;-)

    Nissan: OK, but did they address the buffeting problem? And what about the early cars? If I were shopping around I'd wait at least 6 months to see if that problem truly went away.

    Saturn upscale? They're joking, right?

    Ion is perhaps GM's single worst car. Vue ain't much better. If anything, they should slash prices and move downscale to compete with Kia for the entry-level buyer. That's basically where their product is.

    So maybe any change is a move upscale, I guess.

    -juice
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    The Saturn article says they aspire to be Honda/Toyota. When Saturn was first proposed, the Accord and Camry were the targets. By the time they finally introduced the line, Accord and Camry had gone up in size and features - Saturn was competing against Civics and Corollas.

    Suzuki does the Kia thing for GM. They should kill off Saturn - it's not like it's anything special anymore. The L series was nothing but a polymer bodied Opel. The Relay is a rebadged Montana. There's no there, there.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I agree, Saturn should be a sales model, not a division. They could keep the outlets and sell certain models no-haggle.

    -juice
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Maybe Saturn could be more European? I still think your average European Opel or Ford is much better than what we get here. If they could make them much more refined and reliable Americans would buy them.

    tom
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    I wouldn't be one to jump into comparison of Kia and Suzuki or even Saturn for that matter. If you're talking about the 5-7 yrs ago Kia then yes, but the Kia's now are nothing short of cheap materials like Saturn.

    You gotta give credit where it's due. You may not want to admit it but Kia and Hyundai are making big companies dance to a different tune.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Maybe Saturn could be more European? I still think your average European Opel or Ford is much better than what we get here. If they could make them much more refined and reliable Americans would buy them.

    GM has SAAB for that.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Nahh, I was thinking "low end" European. Kinda Ford Focus like, or the Mondeo (It's coming, I can't remember the name they're giving it for here though.)

    GM already has too many divisions, which is why I thought they dropped Oldsmobile.

    tom
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Thanks Craig. They love the car. Maybe my mom will end up buying one too? She likes it more than the S500.

    I think I'm the only one disappointed. I was looking forward to 'borrowing' the 911. ;-)

    tom
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I don't think the Mondeo is coming here. There is going to be the Ford Fusion - a Mazda 6 based Accord/Camry competitor which will replace the low end of the Taurus line.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Koreans are competing with the domestics. That's what being cross-shopped, at least for now. It's also why Lutz deleted standard ABS from many GM cars - to compete on price with the Koreans.

    Euro-style is the plan for Saturn, but GM is being inconsistent about it. Why did Chevy get the Malibu Maxx, why not just give Saturn the original Opel? And the Cobalt (Astra derivative) also should have been a Saturn.

    I think the dealers have too much say, and the message from GM about its divisions gets blurred. They have no real distinctive character.

    Chevy, for instance, sells american trucks, euro GM small cars, mainstream sedans, and the halo sports car. Huh?

    Pontiac was a Chevy with cladding. Now it's a Chevy with a big, pointy beak and no cladding.

    Buick is a softened Chevy for old people. Their van and SUV are clones too.

    Saturn is a hodge-podge of leftovers no other division wanted.

    Cadillac is perhaps the only GM brand with an identity.

    GM is a mess, and Lutz isn't helping much.

    -juice
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I won't link to the Temple, but they are reporting the Honda SUT will be called Ridgeline and (the name will be) revealed at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The official debut will be at the NAIAS in Detroit in January '05.

    -Brian
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Tom the Mondeo was here already in an earlier incarnation, only as usual Ford totally screwed up a good car for the North Americam market and called it the Ford Contour.they Did the same with the Escort and to a lesser degree the Focus.

     In Europe the Escort was a desirable car unlike the bland offering we got here.

      Cheers Pat.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    That's what I mean. We get these watered down versions of good cars. They should bring them over in 'pure' form. That would make Saturn more desireable. Other than VW, where can young people buy inexpensive European cars? They can't. (and even VWs are kinda expensive.)

    tom
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    What is an SUT?

    Cheers

    Graham
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Sport Utility Truck.

    -Brian
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Brian, no you didn't scoop me. I read that too, but didn't post it. >-)

    Bob <asleep at the wheel>
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Interesting that this is the first time that I recall that sunbelt vs. non-sunbelt states were reported.

    http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/DotNet/Newsroom/Query.aspx?Sit- eName=Subaru&Entity=PRAsset&SF_PRAsset_PRAssetID_EQ=93501- &XSL=PressRelease&Title=Releases&Cache=True

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    at SEMA shows aggressive wheels and tires. Those not likely to see production. :(

    http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101170

    http://hondanews.com/CatID2073?mid=2004110245774&mime=asc

    BTW, the "Ridgeline" name had been long rumored, but was just confirmed at SEMA. Another name in contention was Rockline, but I think Honda wisely decided against it as the vehicle wouldn't like be able to live up to that name. :)

    Bob
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    What you call a Ute.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Sunbelt vs Non Sunbelt"

    The greatest potential for Subaru growth is in the Sunbelt states. That's where they can tell if "premium" can sell as AWD is not the selling point in those states.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Wonder if those wild mirrors will make production, I doubt it.

    To me that just looks like the old SUT concept with big tires. Did anything else change?

    IMHO it's not even newsworty.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I would be driving a C5 corvette if I lived in the sunbelt!

    ~c
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    juice - don't forget that the SEMA show is for people who will be reselling accessories. The Ridgeline is a new vehicle which if it is anything like the other recent Honda truck introductions, there will be a large market for aftermarket accessories.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Trucks do get a LOT of customization.

    I read once what the average Dodge truck owner spends on Mopar accessories and my jaw dropped.

    If Subaru improved the Baja I bet it could be a cash cow, too.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Trucks do get a LOT of customization.

    I read once what the average Dodge truck owner spends on Mopar accessories and my jaw dropped.

    If Subaru improved the Baja I bet it could be a cash cow, too.

    BINGO! I couldn't agree more. Both Jeep and Land Rover do a large amount of business in accessories. In fact, all pickup makers offer an extensive option list, from purely decorative to extremely functional. A great example is to check out the Nissan Titan's accessory list. It's very impressive.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    shown at SEMA. Subaru (it appears) to be sponsoring a funny car dragster. Images are over at nabisco.

    Bob
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I saw the thread in powertrain bragging. RWD but still Subaru powered.

    ~c
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It's sad that SOA is paying for a dragster. I can't get any money for real road racing where AWD is actually USED. Not to mention the fact that SOA routinely (and should) denies warranty claims for drag racing.

    Argggggg.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If anything they should sponsor someone in maybe the NOPI AWD classes in a real WRX.

    Promoting RWD isn't image enhancing.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    If anything they should sponsor someone in maybe the NOPI AWD classes in a real WRX.

    Promoting RWD isn't image enhancing.

    -juice


    Agreed, RWD might as well sponsor a NASCAR Racecar, since those aren't remotely resembling the real cars they supposedly are.

    -mike
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    LOL, which one is going to sell more cars?

    the warranty excuse is weak. you WILL have your warranty denied if you are truly road racing, also. driving schools, perhaps not.

    the car was built to put Subaru's face in front of drag racing and import fans. if it wins some races along the way, good for ESX and Subaru of America. but all it needs to do is increase recognition of the brand and sell a few cars... and for that, it's a SLAM DUNK to choose drag racing over road racing in terms of total exposure and exposure gained per dollar spent.

    ~Colin
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    True, but I can have the opinion that it's a sellout. Even if it were an AWD Drag Race car that would be fine, but to sell out the heratige of the car.... It is my OPINION that it's not in the tradition of Subaru and it will sell cars in the short term but not gain any long-term customers.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    the warranty excuse is weak. you WILL have your warranty denied if you are truly road racing, also. driving schools, perhaps not.

    You are far more likely to break your car drag racing v. time trialing. (Real Road racing would void the warranty by default since the safety rules dictate mods that would void your warranty)

    -mike
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    true, you can have as ridiculous and thick-headed of an opinion as you want. :-P hehe

    here's an article written by one of the finalists:
    http://www.fullthrottlemarketanddesign.com/esxsubaru.htm

    here's a pic of the winner, Julie Stepan: (it is a link and not embedded because the image is not mine-- go to the website for more info)
    http://www.revo1.com/SubbieDragDriver.jpg

    she's going to drive the 9 second WRX STi 'street' car that ESX campaigned in 2004, and Ali (the dude on the right who owns Easystreet) will drive the tube-chassis, RWD, EJ-powered 'STi'.

    ~Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The street car at least makes some sense to me...

    I dunno, it's a slippery slope. The graphics on that shirt she's being given scream "NASCAR" to me.

    That's OK, they are aiming for someone younger than me.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.overboost.com/picture.asp?a=1327&i=DSC03166.jpg

    http://www.overboost.com/picture.asp?a=1327&i=DSC03191.jpg

    Subaru and Easy Street Motorsports announced they will be running a Pro-Class all-wheel-drive STi built by Bob Norwood of Norwood Autocraft. Ali Afshar, president of Easy Street Motorsports&#151;or ESX for short&#151;will be driving the 950-horsepower ESX STi.

    Bob
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    but just found out that SCCA has killed ProRally in the US due to insurance costs.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    you're definitely late to the party. it's almost a non-event though, because it's being taken over by Rally America.

    SCCA isn't doing it... but it isn't dead.

    ~Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, just new ownership.

    Any how, the writing was on the wall - they had no manufacturer support any more. Subaru had noone willing to compete (so much for Hyundai's grand plans).

    Back to the ESX, aren't stripes Dodge's thing?

    -juice
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    A reporter is wondering if anyone has had trouble getting parts for cars and trucks from the 1985-1997 model year. If you have a story to share, please send it to jfallon@edmunds.com by Friday, November 19, 2004.
    Thanks!

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Do JDM parts count?

    It's not hard to find OE parts built for the US, but people had trouble looking for things like rain guards for earlier Subies that were only sold in Japan and other markets.

    Probably not what the article is looking for, though.

    -juice
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    ....IBGTOgetsaztekcladding
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    audia8q "MAZDASPEED Mazda6 for 2005" Nov 4, 2004 12:48pm

    280 lb-ft at just 3000rpm from the MS Mazda6. 18" rims, too.

    Subaru needs an STi soon, if not a Sport Package for the GT with a slight power boost and bigger rims to match that.

    -juice
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    where have you been Juice? ;-)

    beanboy "Subaru Crew: 2005+ Subaru Legacy/Outback" Sep 23, 2004 10:12pm

    Plus, I posted this: subearu "Subaru Legacy/Outback" Sep 23, 2004 9:24pm

    -Brian
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