Subaru Crew Cafe

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  • pathtomaxpathtomax Member Posts: 215
    Thanks to everyone for their insight and information. I have been waiting for the Forester updates and it is good to hear that we are looking at January at this point. At least, I can take a look at the Forester to see if it has the options that I am looking for. When the Tribeca came out, I thought it was the perfect design- now, I keep confusing it with the new Grand Caravan things on the road!

    I really enjoyed driving the CVT. It was my first experience with it so I went and test drove the Rogue in two different driving experiences. Plus, I am looking at the fully loaded model which includes the paddle shifters. This allows for very easy passing on the highway.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Early Rogue reviews seem pretty good. I kinda like it, and it's probably the most fuel efficient in its class with that CVT and the 2.5l.

    I'll probably test drive one, and things I would inspect closely are the visibility (blind spots at that thick D-pillar) and the CVT operation.

    Looks like Subaru will still have the 4EAT in the 09 Forester with its 2.5l, but I'd love to be wrong about that.

    I'll definitely compare those.
  • pathtomaxpathtomax Member Posts: 215
    I did notice some of the blind spots while viewing the rear. Also, the middle seat does not have a head rest- this allowing *slightly* better viewing. But, I am sure that Consumer Reports will have a field day with them negating the middle passenger head rest.

    The CVT drives very well. I do love my Subaru's as a company, but I just can't seem to get past their 4EATs. It was funny getting into my 01 Outback after driving the CVT. The Rogue was so smooth and quiet, and my Outback just constantly hunts for gears. After 5 years and 116k miles, it doesn't bother me- it is quite endearing how my little guy keeps going and going.... :D
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    So get a Subie w/a 5-spd auto. :) Darn smooth, IMHO.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Some friends got an Altima with that powertrain, and I test drove it a few weekends ago.

    It's both peppy and efficient, which is nice, but I still didn't really like the feel. It has that rubber band effect, and the exhaust stays at the same level so it drones somewhat (a little).

    I had a scooter with a CVT back in college. Add to that a 2 cycle engine, and you had one strange feeling powertrain. 2 cycle engines don't have engine braking because there is no compression stroke. Let off the gas and it's like coasting in neutral, even though it's not. :D
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Well, Daniel turns 16 on Saturday, so we're in the market for another car to add to the fleet - not necessarily HIS car, but one he can use as needed & deemed necessary by parental decree :)

    Obviously, a Subaru is top of the list, and we definitely need a wagon, but it seems all the examples in our price range have a ton of miles on 'em - generally in excess of 150K. Now my trusty '97 OB just turned 124K with no issues other than wear & tear (needs a clutch), but I'm still a little leery... anyone able to reassure me?

    I also need clarification on the AWD systems, AT vs. MT, in the late 90's/early 2000's vintages - manuals are a full-time 50/50 split, but how do the AT's manage the power?

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The ATs are roughly 80/20 split but can go to 20/80 if need be.

    -mike
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    My first choice would be a stick, but I have to convince the wife :)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    I'm tempted to say give the '97 OB to your son and get something for yourselves, but I preferred to teach my daughters on automatics. I wanted them to focus externally on the cars, traffic, and people outside and not worry about gears and shifting.

    My older daughter has since learned to drive a stick (and took great pride at being the only girl among her circle of friends with that ability!)

    So instead, I'll say "wishing you success in your car search".

    Jim
  • leo2633leo2633 Member Posts: 589
    I agree with Jim. My first son learned to drive on a stick, and I realized that it was too much at once for a new driver. My daughter, and then my youngest son, learned on an automatic. That allowed them to learn how to drive, without having to also learn how to operate the clutch and shift gears. Both subsequently learned how to drive a stick, and did quite well with it. I also found myself much less stressed in teaching them to drive on an automatic.

    I also like the idea of giving the old OB to your son, and getting something new for yourself!

    Len
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Get yourself a new Outback XT!

    You have the perfect excuse! :shades:
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Well my Drivers Training in HS had cars with autos (obviously) but both family cars were manuals so the vast majority of my "seat time" was in a manual. Of course back then the traffic wasn't near as heavy as it is now :)

    -Frank
  • leo2633leo2633 Member Posts: 589
    My driver training was in Dad's Ford pickup with a "three-on-the-tree" manual trans. I remember that clutch was pretty heavy and had a LOT of travel in the pedal. Now THAT was driving!

    Len
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    I learned in a candy apple red 66 Ford Fairlane GT with white racing stripes down along the lower sides .... and the car was only about 3 years old at the time ... guess that dates me - probably also "spoiled" me ... lol

    It had an auto but it was the shifter on the floor between the bucket seats ... my mom and I thought we were "cool" ....

    Then after getting the license the first car I drove was a '57 Chevy .. also with an automatic .. wonder how many of those were even made ??!!!!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I did driver's Ed in 1986 and they still had 3-on-the-tree style manuals. We had to drive those for a day, but they were not part of any testing.

    Thing is, I don't think any new cars in 1986 still had those (4-5 on the floor was common), so it was almost pointless.
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    OK... I'll chime in, too. My high school used automatic Dodge K cars for driver's ed. :sick: There's no lookin' cool in one of those.
  • css1css1 Member Posts: 247
    Here is my 2 cents:

    I learned on a 75 Cutlass - practiced on and took the test in a 66 Fury III, Now, that was a car!
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Jim, et al:
    He has the distinct advantage of learning both: My MT Subaru, and Mrs. Hammerhead's Suburban. Doing well driving both.

    My driver's ed. car was a '72 Nova with a 305. Rocket car. :) Parent-mobiles at the time were a 64 LeSabre wagon 445 4bbl Wildcat, and a 71 Skylark coupe.

    As far as who gets what car, depends on what we find. Household budget numbers say nothing 'new' at the moment, but if the right Legacy GT or late 90's/early 21st century OB came along, he might get mine. I sure like mine though, and it gets a new clutch next week. Independent Subaru shop that also has sales... might have to shop too!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Hi Paul! Any snow yet? We're supposed to get a dusting here. :)

    My driver's ed car was a Toyota Corolla. Very boring.

    I'd say get something he can fix and work on, but not so bad that it will strand him and you'll have to go and get him. :)

    I need to get a new car too and give my current car to my son to drive. Of course, he's only 13. :)

    Hey, where did all the smilies go?

    Have a good weekend everyone!

    tom
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    24 inches at the Lookout Pass summit. Opening day yesterday :)

    Couple inches on the ground here... just enough to make the side streets fun.

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,704
    It is disturbingly warm here; it was +45 on Thanksgiving, but down again to around +10. Sure not the winters of old. What little snow we did have melted to a heavy, crusty mat after that warm spell. Alyeska Resort outside of Anchorage is closed for, I think, more than a week now due to avalanche danger from ridiculously warm temps followed by heavy snowfall on top of the melted, icy layer. :sick:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • toboggantoboggan Member Posts: 283
    Boo Hoo! The local ski area only has several runs open this weekend. Will be fully open Dec 14th. But at least it has been cold enough to make snow.

    Ever had problems with fog in the winter time at the Lookout Pass ski area? My last trip through it was foggy and rainy. But then, in a Subaru you don't worry about fog. :shades:
  • css1css1 Member Posts: 247
    Picked up my 5P Ltd Diamond Gray w/nav this morning.

    Much softer ride but still handles as well as my 06 did. Engine is noticeably more powerful and tranny is smooth compared to the 06.

    Hopefully by 2010 subaru will bring the interior amenities up to speed.
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Not as much fog at Lookout as we get at Mt. Spokane.
    Winter storm watch warning in effect now - 3 to 6 inches for the lowlands!

    Bought a car today, but that's for another post :)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    whadja get huh? .. whadja get ???

    we had snow on thanksgiving day .. actually a pretty good heavy snow for awhile and then it even started sticking ... had a good covering on all the trees, roofs, cars, an inch or so on the ground ... the grandsons thought they were seeing BIG snow .. we keep telling them it's 'just getting started'!

    It was snowing a bit ago today ... the forecast said it would be between 27 and 35 today .. so far it's been between 17 and 26 !!!

    Paul said his family had a 71 Buick coupe ... my first husband had a brand new 70 Buick Skylark Grand Sport which was a souped-up Skylark coupe ... it was banana cream outside with a brown leather inside ... when a 'good' car could be had for about $2000 that car was $5200 drive out price ... it was a pretty car ... 455 engine .. if you hit the gas without your seat belt on tight you'd find yourself in the back seat! It looked like it was 'all' hood ....
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Dad's was a pretty bland medium-blue 350CID CPA-mobile - really light in the tail so it wasn't a particularly good snow car.

    What did I get? 99 LGT wagon 5spd. A little on the high-miles side, but came with snows & summer tires, in immaculate shape, and bought from a fellow ski patroller for about $700 under KBB. Drives very nicely. Already fighting the teenager for who gets which Subaru! :)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Paul,

    Nice choice onthe car, and good luck deciding who gets what :) .

    Mark
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Wow, those are very, very hard to find. Trust me ;)

    Like Brenda, my learning experience was in a 455 Buick, specifically a 1967 Riviera GS. Well, that and a 1983 Lincoln Colony Park wagon.

    My wife taught me to drive manual back when we were dating, in her 1982 Isuzu I-Mark Diesel. Come to think of it, we learned a LOT in that car :shades:
    She's a good manual driver-- she learned to drive stick at age 13, working a 1962 International 11/2 ton farm truck, which at that time would have been 22 years old. And no synchros, baby.
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    I had no idea they were that rare - our main criteria were wagon, under 100k miles, manual tranny, and price range. 3 out of 4 ain't bad, and I think we did pretty well on price.

    I seem to remember trying to drive an old Willy's through the woods as my intro. to manual trannys... limited success :)

    Many of the fire engines in the fleet when I was first hired were 5-speed manuals (5th was OD), square-cut gears, no synchros, and timing wasn't everything, but it sure helped!

    Mrs. Hammerhead grew up on a ranch in eastern Oregon - drove the tractors, balers, harrow beds, you name it. I think she got tired of shifting :)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    I'm curious from all the posts here, when (if at all) and where did you learn to drive stick? It seems to me that most people growing up on the East coast learned on autos, while those from the center of the country west learned both.

    For myself, I learned auto on a 66 Caddy Fleetwood Brougham. I finally learned stick back in '88 when I was getting my first car for $75 - a '76 Toyota Corrolla (took one lesson from a school).

    Mark
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,704
    Mrs. Hammerhead grew up on a ranch in eastern Oregon - drove the tractors, balers, harrow beds, you name it.

    Same here! But, my folks sold the ranch when I was about 10, so I was relegated to using the old International tractor to mow a couple acres of idle field after that.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Oh yeah, I learned how to drive a manual in a 1972 Datsun 1200. Took about an hour to get down the basics in a deserted store parking lot. Since then I've driven all manner of manuals, everything from the afore mentioned Japanese encon-o-box to 5-ton Army trucks :)

    -Frank
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    Although I know the basics and have driven in a few parking lots with a stick, I have never really HAD to drive one. I "think" in a pinch I could make it work, but who knows ????

    My daughter who is living with me has an HHR with a stick. Maybe she'll teach her old mom to drive it!
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Yeah, the most important thing to know about learning to drive a stick is to learn in someone else's car :P
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,704
    Hahaha! I laugh, but it really is no joke!

    I remember cringing when I taught my wife to drive a manual in my '69 Chevy C20. Ugh, it was tough to keep going at times.... :D
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    I learned to drive a stick on my third car, a used Fiat 124 Spider with a 5-speed.

    Several years later I crashed the car about 350 miles from home, got it running and drove it back home. Then learned the frame was bent! Eventually, I found a shell and transferred ALL the running gear and mechanicals into the shell. Later sold it before my second daughter was born.

    Jim
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Interestingly I learned to drive stick in my 2nd XT6 which had a 5MT and I stupidly put in a 4-puck copper clutch on it, thinking it would hold up better, not realizing it's made for LOTS of power and was like an on-off switch. I think this helped me out though cause it forced me to be smooth with it.

    -mike
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Learned on a Toyota pickup truck (back when there was only one- no name!)

    Self taught- jumped in, stalled twice, and just went. Sort of. ;)

    Luckily, it held up to my high school abuse. :D

    tom
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Hey, great car Paul! I really liked that model GT. If you need any help or ideas on how to clean it, Pat ought to be able to help.

    We're soaked here in Seattle- did you guys just get more snow? I'm envious.

    tom
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I learned stick when I first learned to drive - on a rusty Chevette with a 4 speed on the floor. It ran on pure ethanol, too.

    I later refined my skills on a VW Fusca 1300 (Beetle to you) in driving school, then again in a Chevy Cavalier in Driver's Ed here in the US.

    Only the Cav was automatic.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I learned on my uncle's '41 Chevy stake farm truck with a crash box (no snycros on any gears) that you had to double-clutch, when I was 12, and very similar to the one in this blog.

    http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/3603

    Bob
  • toboggantoboggan Member Posts: 283
    Hey, Paul, I retired from the ski patrol several years ago after 37 years doing "you fall, we haul". But the 2 areas that I patrolled at were flatlander hills of about 300' vertical with manmade snow (hurts if you take a bad spill). Got both Subarus ('98 OBW, 2008 Tribeca) through the patrol deal (lifetime member).

    When I learned to drive the only automatics were in some GM cars. I learned in a '50 Chevy and Mercury with 3 on the tree.

    MNSteve
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Nope - we got a record amount of rainfall for the date - 1.18 inches. Lookout got dumped on by about 2 feet of snow - back side chair opens Thursday! :)

    All the snow in the valley is a goner - you can again see the leaves I didn't get raked up :(

    Signed all the paperwork this afternoon - the 99 LGT is officially ours. Forest green with dark gray leather interior, 5 spd & seems like a shorter throw than on my 97. 154k miles but it sure doesn't drive like it. Sifted through all the maintenance paperwork - had bilateral head gasket replacement about 30k ago :) looks like they did it right from the parts list & the description. Had crummy studded tires on it - one was new 10 days ago (warranty for a tire that suffered a terminal tread separation). Apparently they weren't aware of the tire-diameter requirement. Went to my tire shop today - they gave me full retail credit for the newest one, in essence I got 4 tires for the price of 3. Paid about 700 under KBB, unless you qualify the condition as excellent, in which case I paid about 1400 under! :)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    I just hooked up with the ski patrol last season - and from day one, wished I had done it sooner! After 25+ years in EMS in one form or another, I really should have gone this route before now. I love it! We have about 1100' of vertical, summit is about 5500'. 60 inches at the summit as i speak :)

    Haven't bought a new Subie yet - saving that for after the Suburban and the 99 I just bought today are paid for. Then I get to buy myself a new one, pay it off before I retire!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    My first "near encounter" with manual shifting was on my then-girlfriend-now-wife's VW Bug, which had an unusual Auto Stick tranny. It had no clutch pedal. To engage the clutch, you had to push down on the gearshift knob (which was, in this case, a baseball). If I remember right, air pressure from the spare tire is what powered the windshield washer fluid sprayers in that car. :D

    "Real" shifting came a couple years later when I would on occassion drive my uncle's tiny old Honda hatch (CVCC) which we affectionately called "the pumpkin". It was actually pretty fun to drive. That's been the extent of it so, like Brenda, I'd pretty much need a refresher course at this point. :) I did enjoy what little "rowing my own" I did, though.
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    It is obviously a bit different Down Under. Kids learn to drive on manuals and if they don't their licences are endorsed for Auto Only. I learnt on a variety of manuals including a Renault 16 witha four speed column shift which seemed to be connected to the transmission with rubber bands. The contrast with the sharp control over my sisters little Datsun 120Y could not have been greater.

    I've mostly driven manuals down through the years although the Kluger has an excellent auto. Recently hopped into a manual hire car and got a hell of a surprise. Took a moment to remember what to do.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • toboggantoboggan Member Posts: 283
    The last 6 years on the patrol was in charge of the candidate training. Many of the candidates were nurses, police and fireman. Then headed up the Senior candidate program for the last year I was active. On one hand I miss it, but on the other hand various body parts, that were abused earlier in life, were starting to vigorously complain. Plus old age was reducing the stamina level, especially for wrestling a toboggan down to a snowmobile on the flats..

    But my trusty '98 OBW brought me through to the ski area through some really snowy days. It helps to have Blizzaks and ABS.

    MNSteve
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    My wife is the candidate this year... I might volunteer to ride in the training toboggan!
    We ski as much as we want, spend time in the top shack otherwise :)

    The '99 got new Toyo Observes yesterday - way quieter without studs!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I wanted to share my first experience driving my FWD Sienna in the snow.

    We got about 2" of snow, enough to force schools to open 2 hours late, but they did open. Not a big amount at all.

    I picked up my wife at the airport. The Sienna got around OK, the steering is well weighted but feels very numb, so you have no clue what's going on at the tires. It feels a bit disconnected compared to our Subies, basically.

    Then we took my daughter to baskbetball practice, it slid around the (untreated) parking lot a bit.

    But the big scare came on my very own driveway. It's probably only about 3 or 4 car lengths long, and has a very mild incline, but the Sienna stopped dead in its tracks 3 times while driving up to my car port.

    I was pretty surprised. The tires only have 7k miles, OE all seasons.

    Basically I went up slowly, and just lost momentum and came to a dead stop.

    I added light throttle, saw the traction control light blink, and the tires dug in and got me moving again, only to stop forward progress again, and 2nd and a 3rd time.

    So it worked, I made it, but barely. I think I'm going to have to park at the bottom and walk up when I get a lot more than 2" or so.

    I guess you can go up faster and use your momentum to make it up, but I don't want to crash in to my car port, plus that doesn't sound very safe.

    Up hills is where FWD fails. The weight shifts to the rear axle, the front don't have enough weight or traction, so you're stopped dead in your tracks.

    I won't go as far as saying I regret getting a FWD van, but when it snows, I'm taking the Subaru, period.

    We went out again that night and the Legacy laughed off the measly 2" of white stuff.

    I swear when we parked it stuck its tongue out at the Sienna. :P
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    A set of decent snow tires for the Sienna would help it, no doubt. Haven't had a chance to get the Artic Alpins on the MPV yet, already have 10+" of snow this week with some more Sunday expected. Maybe tomorrow I can spend a chilly hour getting them on. Stopping and tracking seem to be ok with the BFG Tractions T/A's I have on there, just starting to move is the part that slips.

    The S40's T5 makes it easy to spin in the snow. The auto has a W mode (winter) that seems to start in 3rd, making it harder to spin, so I leave it on that during the storms. Otherwise the stability/traction control will reduce power and brake the affected wheel(s). Need to really test out and feel the stability control in the snow, but so far in just a quick swerve test on my empty street had it surprisingly tracking properly, you could hear/feel the affected wheels braking and keeping the vehicle on track.

    Only thing I miss from the F-XT is the ability to "wag" the rear. :shades:

    -Brian
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