Subaru Crew Cafe

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You're not kidding! The shoulders are literally full of abandoned cars, it's ridiculous.

    November to April with snow tires? Wow, around here that seems excessive. Most of the time our first significant snow doesn't happen until January.

    -juice
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    November to April with snow tires? Wow, around here that seems excessive. Most of the time our first significant snow doesn't happen until January.

    Remember juice - I'm in Boston. The weather is a little different than DC. We had snow 3 weeks ago and I've seen snow fall as late as early May. I also go to Maine quite a bit - you never know what you'll see up there.
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    We ski, thus necessitating more tire, more longer. No more studs, though, and I'm kinda proud of that...

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    I usually put them on Mid November and they stay on until mid April. Mine are on Rims and it takes all of 30 to 45 mins to change them over.

      So what if they wear out every two or three years what price your life? After driving even the Titan with and without snows I will take the snows every time thank you.

      Plus the cost of one at fault accident will far outweigh the cost of a good set of snow tires, taking into account deductible and increased premiums.

      I usually drive according to the conditions, and I realise that snows are not a magic bullit, but they give that little extra bite for stopping and going and sometimes that's the difference between hitting and missing something.

      Cheers Pat.
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    It appears timely that we were discussing the merits of snow tires. Just heard the news and we have a winter storm warning, the first of the season.

     Forcast is freezing rain then snow up to 25 centimeters by tomorrow. Glad I put the snow tires on already.

      Cheers Pat.
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    I have been running all-seasons on both the GT sedan and Outback for years with no problems.

    I commute 90 miles round trip from north of Boston to the NH Seacoast every day. On occasion, I hop up to the ski chalet in the NH lakes region on weekends.

    The Outback is great in the snow. I have backed it up a snow packed 200 foot 35 degree driveway at the chalet because I am too lazy to carry luggage, skis and a cooler up the 40+ stairs from the road!

    The GT tends to get pissy at about 8 inches of snow, where it is slung much lower, and the tires are fatter. I usually leave it home, and use the Outback.

    The fact is that the roads do not stay snow and ice covered for very long. Most roads are somewhat clear either that day, or the next day. I would find it hard to justify winter tires - just my opinion!
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    So where do you ski at in NH?

    Craig
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    The chalet is located 5 minutes from Gunstock. Waterville Valley, Loon and Cannon are under an hour up 93.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I realize that, and boy, was Bosten ever cold when I went. You feel the chill down to your bones!

    If I needed snows I'd definitely get a 2nd set of rims. Doesn't take too long to mount them, plus you don't suffer from bad luck like Colin did when they damaged that rim.

    Speaking of which, did they take care of that for you?

    -juice
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    of snow before the snow tires go on...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Interesting that they considered the run-flats an advantage. Some folks were scared away by the lack of any sort of spare.

    Also, in Edmunds' survey the VCM (variable cylinder management) was rated the most desireable feature, not the run-flats.

    -juice
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    What season was it when you visited Boston?

    I have snows on steel rims. I was able to get a set of Honda hubcaps for free by asking on another board if anyone with an LX who upgraded to alloys wanted to make room in their garage. I've never had great luck with alloys in the winter so using snows/steelies protects them as well. I also look at snows as buying my next set of tires up front.

    I use a floor jack and it takes me less than an house to swap all four.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    December IIRC? Our friends lived in the city and didn't even own a car. That meant we walked everywhere. Beautiful city, though.

    -juice
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    December IIRC? Our friends lived in the city and didn't even own a car. That meant we walked everywhere.

    That's pretty common. It's a small city and if you can get around using the T and cabs, no need for a car. Especially when a parking space adds $100K to the cost of a condo!!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Look familiar?

    http://response.jp/issue/2004/1201/article66026_1.images/77141.ht- ml

    Developed for the European markets, and have been designed together. They all have 1.0L gas engines or 1.4L diesel engines. They are probably slightly larger than the Subaru R1/R2, which they greatly resemble.

    Bob
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    The Peugeot I've seen in Mexico... pretty cool micro car but I just freak out thinking about it in a major accident.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think it has to be in the context of a city car, with a city commute. Those things will likely see very little highway driving, and thus should avoid high speed accidents.

    We own a 3rd car so I can understand it's purpose. It would be car #3, for commuting only. Realistically you would own another car, or maybe even a truck, for weekend chores and to haul the family around and stuff.

    Chop off the top and I'd very seriously consider something in this class as a replacement for the Miata, with one caveat - it has to be fun.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    no, they have not resolved the wheel issue yet. it's frustrating and I'm crazy busy at work today so I'll discuss it later.

    there was snow on the ground yesterday after maybe 2-3" fell monday night. the Evo did awesome with winter tires... and in typical Kansas fashion, it was very bright and sunny yesterday from lunchtime on (and today!) so there isn't a lick of snow left.

    the Evo is plenty filthy though and loaded up with salt. it's also coming due for an oil change, and since I did the first few myself I'm thinking about having the dealer do this one, inspect other stuff, and detail the car.

    ~c
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, I try to do an oil change right before winter. I did all 3 cars about a month ago, so I hope that lasts me until March.

    Brrr. I hate wrenching on the cars with cold fingers.

    -juice
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    That can very much apply here in the US where there are limitations on what type of vehicles are accepted in urban, city and regional areas but for places like Mexico and such, these rules don't exist. I rarely see a truck weight capacity limit and that's on open roads...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Agreed, but I still think that's fine.

    This vehicle will be targeted at a very focused niche.

    I really think city governments could to a lot with these to reduce congestion. These can often park straight, facing the curb, and take half the spot of a normal car. So parking meters could charge half as much.

    They could be allowed in HOV lanes or on restricted roads. There's talk about closing Rock Creek Parkway here in DC, but I think they could open it only to PZEVs and city cars like this.

    Creative ideas like that could reduce congestion for everyone without costing the government much at all.

    Bottom line - it's not a conventional car, so you can't apply conventional thinking to it.

    -juice
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    (north of Boston) and had to drive back to NY in it. Major bummer in a Hertz rental Taurus with 22k hard miles on iffy tires. The stretch from Wocester into the Conn hills was pretty slippery.

    Just rain now in the Hudson Valley so the snows still hang on the wall waiting for next weekend.

    My only surprise about the Ody vs. Chryco van test is that the Ody only won by a hair. I was exceedingly unimpressed by our 10 days with the '05 T&C Touring we had this summer on vacation. Was happy to get back into our '02 Ody.

    Steve
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    My only surprise about the Ody vs. Chryco van test is that the Ody only won by a hair.

    Steve, remember, this was done in Detroit, by Detroiters. Frankly, I'm surprised the Odyssey won at all with that crowd. :)

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Legacy & Outback up, everything else is down.

    http://www.media.subaru.com./

    Bob
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com//editorials/1101237418/

    "Heaven help the chicken that decides to cross the road in front of a driver using a manual transmission. "

    "Operating a manual transmission is an inherently difficult and dangerous procedure... "

    Not sure where to begin... Grrrr!

    -B
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    What this guy misses is that manuals are more "FUN" and more "satisfying to drive" than automatics.

    Bob
  • I guess the author has never downshifted an automatic on a downhill road covered in ice. Nothing will pucker my cheeks more than that solid automatic tranny downshift "thunk" when trying to slow my speed going downhill on an icy road. With a manual I can lengthen out the engagement to get my speed under more control. An automatic has no clue it's icy out, and just slams into a lower gear like normal.

    Personally, I've found automatics to be so disconnected that I find myself more distracted with things other than driving. With a manual, I'm focused on the driving experience and conditions.

    -Ty
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,399
    In his 4th paragraph..."At the same time, neither foot is available for instantaneous braking."

    Reads like this guy advocates left foot braking!

    I won't waste any time being upset because this guy has made up his mind ... and his opinion means nothing to me.

    Jim
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    What a complete maroon! For whatever reason, this guy clearly has an axe to grind and doesn't mind exaggerating to the extreme to present his point of view.

    -Frank
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Explorer Sport Trac to be redesigned.

    http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0412/02/B01-21929.htm

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    As expected, CT is tiny yet they buy twice as many Subies as FL.

    No surprise that Legacy is doing well, check out how sedan sales have soared. This is without a folding rear seat!

    beanboy: absurd. Manuals give you much better control of engine braking and acceleration. They keep the driver involved and alert. Automatics often shift when you don't want them to, with perhaps Porsche Tiptronic the only exception I've experienced.

    Acura is on a roll. TSX and TL are hits, and now the RL has had a good start. And the funny thing is the MDX is their cash cow. Let's see what they can do with the RDX.

    Bob: Ford is laughing all the way to the Bank. The Sport Trac is loosely based on the 1986 Explorer, and could probably trade its roots to an early 80s Ranger pickup.

    Yet it's a best seller. I can't figure out pickup buyers.

    -juice

    I guess you don't respond to something that ignorant.
  • ozman62ozman62 Member Posts: 229
    The phrase 'can't chew gum and walk at the same time' springs to mind. Obviously Bob never mastered the manual transmission, or he would understand that changing gears becomes an 'automatic' process that a competent driver can do without having to think about each 'step' involved. You don't have to hear the engine, or watch the tach, you just know when to do it. But I agree, that for some, an automatic transmission is a better choice. (no dis intended to those competent drivers who choose autos for reasons other than being uncoordinated, tee, hee)
    Owen
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Juice: I thought the Explorer didn't come out 'til 91 (when we bought our first)??

    Cheers!
    Paul
    (parent of a teenager as of yesterday - yikes!)
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    The Sport Trac is based on the Ranger. Heck, Ford was able to keep the Mustang on a 20 year chasis, why not the Sport Trac.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    When did Explorers first come out? It think it was ealier than '91. Jeep had the Cherokee in '84 IIRC.

    -juice
  • fandcfandc Member Posts: 51
    The same site carries a counter argument to Mr. Elton's (presumably satirical) article.

    http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/truthaboutcars.html
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Has anybody else seen the new Buick LaCrosse commercial featuring Aerosmith's Dream On? Are 70's rock afficiandos ready for Buicks already??

    Somebody, please - when a Duran Duran song is used in a Buick or Mercury commercial - take me out back on put me out of my misery. That's when I'll know I'm old.
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    The predecessor to the Explorer was the Bronco II.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    But didn't they start using the Explorer name in 1986? And 4 doors...

    80s bands are having reunion tours, that makes me feel old. :-)

    -juice
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    juice I hear you. Duran Duran just released a new album this week.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I know, my wife asked me to buy her the CD!

    RE-flex, flex-flex-flex-flex-flex

    Just kill me now. ;-)

    -juice
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    According to the Edmund's TMV calculator 1991 was the first model year for the Explorer. 1990 was the last for the Bronco II.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    RE-flex, flex-flex-flex-flex-flex

    LOL and thanks - I just spit New Coke all over my Members Only jacket!!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    But didn't they start using the Explorer name in 1986? And 4 doors...

    The Explorer "name" first showed up on Ford F-100/150 pickups, as a trim level, prior to the Ranger-based SUV we all know. That may (?) go back to the '70s, but I'm not sure.

    The Explorer SUV debuted for MY91. I know, because we had one of the very first made.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I just spit New Coke all over my Members Only jacket!!

    Hopefully it won't spill on your Sergio Valente jeans. ;-)

    '91, I stand corrected. Maybe I was thinking about the Blazer?

    -juice
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Hopefully it won't spill on your Sergio Valente jeans. ;-)

    Guilty - but c'mon it was the 80's and I was young. I plead insanity.

    Looking back I doubt I could get one leg into those jeans today!!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'll spare you the story of my break-dancing days. I'm lucky I didn't break any bones!

    -juice
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    You & us both, Bob! We bought a used '91 XL from Budget. In some ways I still miss that rig. It was sure comfortable.

    Cheers!
    Paul
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