Subaru Crew Cafe

Kirstie_H

A reporter would like to speak to owners who are interested in obtaining equipment for their cars that's known as JDM - Japanese domestic market -that's available only in the Japanese

market, as the name suggests, but it can be obtained by some enthusiasts in the U.S. through after-market specialists.

 

If you are willing to talk about what you bought, how you found out about this equipment, or what you'd like to get from Japan but can't, etc., please send an e-mail with your daytime contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com by Wednesday, December 22.

jfl

Plus you could probably cook dinner on your tower at that point.

 

Or at least keep your coffee warm...

 

Jim

locke2c

0w20? o.O

 

wow I didn't know anything used 20 weight motor oil! that's seriously thin... sounds like something I'd put in motorcycle forks.

 

hope you've enjoyed the first 5k on your F-XT. oddly enough I just cleared 10k miles on my Evo yesterday, having only owned it since June I was mildly surprised but I have been driving it a bit including a few trips. :-D

 

~Colin

subearu

yep, the 3.0L V6 in the MPV is a Duratec motor and one of those spec'ing the 5w20 stuff. 0w20, according to the Mobil1 site, is specifically for those engines requiring 5w20 (including Ford and Honda). Although, Ford/Mazda state 5w30 is acceptable to use as well.

 

With the amount of miles we do, I change the oil 2x per year - typically March/September. The MPV will go back to 5w30 M1 in the spring.

 

I do enjoy my F-XT. I've had it for almost 8 months now, so I'm probably on pace for only 7.5k or so when it turns 1. Gotta make my commute longer, eh? ;-) A field trip to SIA wouldn't hurt either...

 

-Brian

kens

Yup, Brian is right. 0W20 is the recommended oil for some Ford and Hondas. I wonder how they would do in Texas heat!

 

Ken

fibber2

5w20 is a must in my '02 Ody (3.5l V6). Honda claims engine damage can occur with prolonged use of 5w30.

 

Steve

p0926

I'm probably on pace for only 7.5k or so when it turns 1

 

Sheesh Brian, my FXT will be on the high side of 22k when it turns one next week, Gotta find myself a shorter commute ;-(

 

-Frank

rsholland

all-new Land Rover LR3 on the street today, driven by (of course) a soccer mom...

 

Also, I've been seeing a lot of all-new Honda Odysseys on the road. It look like Honda has yet another hit on their hands. Yesterday I saw at three or four of them on the road, and it's only been on sale a few months.

 

Bob

rsholland

Now you can create your custom car badges to stick on the rear deck, or whatever...

 

http://www.youremblem.com/

 

Bob

rsholland

http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/smart23e_20041223.htm

lucien2

Is that evaluation at the end accurate? I get the impression from the euro press that Smart is fairly successful.

rob_m

Mikey got a transformer - a toy that converts to a warrior robot.

 

It's name is Silver Streak. It is a silver Impreza WRX (Subaru authentic, of course). The best feature is the removable intercooler that converts into a weapon. LOL!

 

Rob M.

grahampeters

G'day

 

The Smart City Coupe and Convertible (Smart ForTwo) has sold pretty well in Europe and has recently made it to Australia. Its great for inner city dwellers, aprtment lifestyle and that sort of thing. Also oddly. about half a dozen are used to tow a fleet of trailer mounted advertising hoardings around.

 

The little roadster is a honey. Think Frog Eyed Sprite updated to the 21st Century. Surprisingly roomy inside. A batch have also been worked over by Brabus and sound a real hoot.

 

Smart have also just released a four door fours seater that sound a bit rough. It is co-develkoped with Subaru who use the same basics for their Mirage/Colt

 

If I was living inner city with just myself or a partner, Smart would be an attractive option. However, I am not sure I would want to drive on American roads which are less crowded and have considerably more nutters driving vehicles five times their size. Even with their stunning Trinium safety cell, they would be no match for a Suburban

 

Cheers

 

Graham

lucien2

has a Brabus Smart roadster in its long term fleet.

ateixeira

They say a new platform for the RD-X, I thought it was going to be CR-V based. Maybe it is but they just don't want to admit it.

 

As for Shifty's comments, I mostly agree, at least with the first sentence. VW is in a mess and Subaru should learn from that. Their volume cars sat ignored for ages while they spent precious R&D funds on the failure that is Phaeton.

 

Subaru should contain their ego before they aspire to take on S classes, and focus instead on their strong products, expanding slowly out.

 

Formore no more? I'm surprised. Maybe they figure the B class has the US covered?

 

-juice

rsholland

http://www.babez.de/vw/touaregexpedition.php

 

Over at nabisco, there are additional pixs, one of which is the roof rack being used as a tent for sleeping with 2 people.

 

Bob

rsholland

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101506

subearu

old news bob! ;-)

 

http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0409/24/c01-283496.htm

 

-Brian

ateixeira

How long before one of those rolls over? Look how top-heavy it looks.

 

They are heavily discounted now, the market it just too competitive. Add Subaru to the mix pretty soon.

 

Mazda5 makes so much sense that I bet it fails in this market. ;-)

 

-juice

kens

Lookie what I've started training for:

 

http://www.bsim.org/frame.html

 

Only 17 weeks away! It's been long enough since #1 that I've forgotten the pain of training.

 

Ken

rsholland

Way to go Ken! Start your training early. Waaaaay back when I decided to try my second marathon, I made the decision too late, and rushed my training, resulting in getting sick, and could not compete. So start early, and keep at it.

 

Bob

c_hunter

bluesubie

I'd rather drive that. :-) Good luck!

 

-Dennis

bat1161

Ken,

 

Good luck. That is something I do not beleive I could do - running that far (much less even 2600 feet). I am planning on doing the Bike NY tour in May. Much more my speed. As a matter of fact we have a club ride tomorrow morning!

 

Mark

ateixeira

I get winded climbing 26 steps! Go for it!

 

-juice

rsholland

You can do it if you train properly. That's the key. I was 36 when I did my first and only marathon.

 

Bob

kens

I agree with Bob. I believe the majority of people can complete a marathon if they train properly. It's all about building the aerobic base and endurance slowly enough to avoid injury.

 

For folks who normally run, it can be done in about a twenty week period. For those who are relatively sedentary, it might take the course of a year.

 

The most difficult part of marathon training isn't the marathon itself. It's the discipline needed to stay through the weeks and months of preparation. No matter how good a shape one is in, there will always be a need to do several very long runs of 15+ miles leading up to the marathon. That's several hours on the weekend dedicated just to running (on top of your mid-week milage). Completing the training is 90% of the challenge, IMO.

 

That's why training groups are very popular. It's harder to flake out when you know you're going to have a bunch of people on your case.

 

While I'm not any expert in marathon training, I'd be more than happy to share my experiences on training if anyone here is ever contemplating challenging 26.2 miles.

  

Ken

c_hunter

Ken is right -- when I was into racing (5K-10K), I'd say the mental aspect was the most important to training and success. It's got to be even more important for a super long distance run like a marathon.

 

Most I ever ran was about 10 miles, and believe it or not, boredom was the main thing that kept me from going further. I guess I had a relatively weak mind in that respect!

 

Craig

rsholland

I trained for about 7 months or so, gradually working my way up to about 60 miles a week, which is not a whole lot. Most runners I knew were doing abut 70 or so miles a week, and I knew one guy who ran about 120 miles a week! Towards the end of my training I put in a few long runs of 15 – 18 miles, as Ken mentioned. Prior to my start of serious training, my base level of fittness was that I could run a 10K at a bit under an 8:00 minute pace; but I had never run beyond 6.2 miles.

 

In the end, I ran it in a little over 3 hours and 24 minutes, which was about 7:48 per mile average. The first few miles were sub-7 minute miles, and the last few were around 10 minute miles. The first 20 miles I ran at a 7:30 pace; then I "hit the wall" at about mile 20, and those last 6 miles were pure hell.

 

The best part was I could eat like a fool, and still lost about 8 pounds over the course of the training. I think I was about 158 when I started the race, and was about 152 at the end of the race.

 

Bob

njswamplands

p0926

Ken,

 

Congratulations Ken. You've picked on of the most scenic courses to run but also one of the tougher ones.

 

-Frank

locke2c

I have never run more than 5 miles at a given time and could only count even that on one hand. 2-3 miles is more typical for me. Though I played soccer a lot until high school, I just haven't enjoyed long distance running. I mostly bicycle and I've cycled for 50 miles a few times, but a typical 'long ride' for me is 25-30.

 

Everyone has an opinion, and mine is that a marathon is just far too much stress on my body. I definitely understand, respect (immensely!) and admire those that choose to participate in one and complete it, but to me it offers very little return for what it costs in training time and the physical toll it takes.

 

I'll save my knees, ankles, and 4-5 hours.

 

~c

rsholland

Well marathon running is definitely in my past. I ran the Maryland Marathon in 1981. Now even 3 miles for me is a good workout, especially on these old knees.

 

Bob

Karen_S

I never did a marathon, but still try to get out on the trail a few times a week. I won't embarrass myself by giving my time...it stinks. One thing that is helping with my stamina, though, is Pilates. I've been taking a class twice a week for three months now and the difference in my posture and abdominals is amazing. Plus, my frequent back and shoulder pain has become almost nonexistent.

rsholland

Karen, I've gone from well under sub-8 minute miles to ~ 11-minute miles now, but I'm also 40+ pounds heavier. What matters is that you're doing something. Anything is better than nothing.

 

Bob

kens

The best part was I could eat like a fool, and still lost about 8 pounds over the course of the training.

 

Yes, definetly a side benefit to training! You can eat all you want and not gain a pound.

 

Bob finished his marathon in excellent time. A sub 3:30 is something to brag about, even for a seasoned marathoner. My goal with this marathon is to enjoy the process in both training and race. While my goal is finish well under 4 hours (the Big Sur "hill" adds about 20 minutes to one's flat course time) I'm not doing any real speedwork. That alone cuts a lot of intensity and makes the training more enjoyable.

 

Marathoning is a lot of stress on the body and it's not everyone's cup of tea. There are times when I question my own sanity, especially when I'm headed out the door and there's a Pacific storm blowing rain sideways outside. But sure enough, I'll see other "crazies" out there running with me in bad weather that'll keep me going.

 

Ken

rsholland

The next day, I felt like I had just given birth, as I could barely walk without feeling pain. A few days later I was back out running again—but MUCH shorter distances! I think I started with a very easy and very slow 1 mile jog.

 

Bob

tsy

Good luck Ken.

 

I personally don't enjoy running for the sake of running- which is why I ride a bike! ;-) Although I have no problem running while playing Soccer or Basketball.

 

Bicyclists always look happier than runners!

 

But the weight loss is nice! As are the health benefits!

 

tom

rsholland

combined with a beautiful 60 degree day, and I just went out and 3.3 miles at lunch—and I feel better already.

 

Bob

kens

Good for you, Bob! Keep it up. Maybe a halfie sometime in the future?

 

Ken

(enjoying his rest day today)

rob_m

Last September, I rediscovered swimming as an exercise option. Burns as many calories as running, but is much easier on the legs and knees.

ladywclass

does pulling the plug and fighting the current count?

rsholland

We can always count on you to offer a new and unique slant on any given topic.

 

Bob

ladywclass

maybe I really just wish I had a little more oomph to do some exercising ... I'm pretty sedentary ...

rsholland

Well use Ken as your inspiration.

 

Bob

jfl

Just got back from vacation and doing many sets of fork/spoon curls a day. 8~O

 

Jim

rob_m

Thanks, Brenda! Every time I think of your comment, I start laughing and get water up my nose. Rob M.

bigelm

I'm not sure if this link is against Edmunds policies...

 

http://www.autonews.com/images/news/11045.gif

  

DETROIT -- The 2005 Chrysler 300C SRT8, a high-performance version of the sedan, gets an extra 85 horsepower and a $6,275 price bump over the rear-drive 300C to $39,995, including a $625 destination charge.

 

The addition to the 300C lineup goes on sale in the spring, the Chrysler group said Monday. Exterior color choices are limited to silver or black.

 

SRT, for Street and Racing Technology, is the Chrysler group's designation for vehicles that have been modified by the factory for higher performance.

 

The main change for the 300C SRT8 is an increase in the displacement of the Hemi V-8 from 5.7 liters to 6.1 liters. That boosts the engine's output from 340 hp for the 5.7-liter unit to 425 hp for the 6.1-liter unit, an increase of 25 percent. Torque increases from 390 pounds-feet to 420 pounds-feet, a 7.7 percent increase.

 

Other changes to the engine include a higher compression ratio and redesigned cylinder heads and manifolds for better air flow. The engine block, crankshaft and connecting rods have been reinforced for greater strength.

 

Exterior changes include revised front and rear fascias, a decklid spoiler and body-color grille insert.

 

*This is going to get really interesting... I'll be looking into this!

locke2c

Sounds like a winner as long as they keep the badging to a minimum. That's part of the appeal the 300C has to me... low key.

 

If it had an obnoxious interior that would be unforgivable. Badges on the body at least can be removed!

 

~c

paisan

I'll wait for the price on the AWD SRT8

 

-mike