Subaru Crew Cafe

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Comments

  • tayellowtayellow Member Posts: 1
    How do I remove radio to replace with CD unit? Thanks
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://wardsauto.com/home/efficiency__best_engines_091208/
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Well, maybe someday, but not next year...

    http://industry.bnet.com/auto/10003098/subaru-passes-200000-in-us-next-up-300000- /

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    For you, wes:

    http://www.carspace.com/ateixeira/Albums/misc/000325%20Outback%20pulling%204Runn- er%20out%20of%20puddle.jpg/page/photo.html#pic
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Interesting, I think last year the STI's engine was on there. I guess with similar power for less $$$ this new version of the EJ25 replaced it.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    Hahahah; nice. Somehow, I never manage to get any photos when I do something "heroic." :shades:
    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
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Fantasy-Forester-Full-STI_724278.htm

    Bob
  • damish003damish003 Member Posts: 303
    Been away for a long time, and of course, coming in asking for help. Sorry to be selfish, but I could use the crews advice.

    I still have an 05 Impreza, love it, and am looking to replace the wifes old 95 Neon. The thing still runs, amazingly. I'm out of work, so I'm looking for something I can pay cash for, around $2000 to $2500 or so. Really don't want anything other than a Subaru. From what I've seen, I'm looking at 1997 to 2000 Legacy, Impreza and Forester. Maybe Outback. Most cars of that age are in the same general pricerange. I don't need a wagon, although it would be OK, and stick-shift if fine.

    Question is this...if you were looking for a Subie in that price range, which model would you lean to from a reliability standpoint? I'm aware of the typical head gasket and wheel bearing problems at that age, but would a particular model be more reliable or less so than others? I have a local dealer that deals quite a bit in older Subarus, and picked up techs from the local Subaru dealership.

    Thanks much!

    -Padron-
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Interesting that another Forester XTI is out there now, aside from Subaru's own "one off" XTI shown around the USA.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    Well, given the head gasket issues with the 2.5L, I would say that a 95 or 96 Legacy/Outback with the 2.2L or an Impreza from any of the years you listed might be your best shot. However, if you are willing to put in the bench time, you could also come out well by picking up a Forester, Outback, or Legacy from the 96-00 range that has a known gasket issue and repair it. It is a lot of work, but not very expensive.
    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
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    or you might get 'lucky' and get one during those years WITHOUT a head gasket problem ...

    my car is technically a 2001 model, but mechanically it's more like a "late 2000" model ... and I've gone 121,000 miles without a head gasket problem ... (of course now that I've said that .....)
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.cars101.com/subaru/dogs.html
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    That's true; quite frankly, though, a lot of folks who are selling (or trading in) their cars of these years are doing so precisely because of the HG problem. As it is not a sure bet that an overheating situation will occur on a test drive, there are all too many folks out there that look to dupe potential buyers and charge them for a used car in 'good condition', rather than disclosing the problem(s) and selling the car for half that price as they should.

    When someone who is on a very limited income is looking to get a used car that is not going to require twice the investment a day after purchase, it is best to play it as "safe" as possible. ;)
    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
  • damish003damish003 Member Posts: 303
    My doing the labor to replace a head gasket is not happening...three left thumbs over here :) I'm hoping to find one that had the problem and had the head gaskets replaced already. Of course, I'm not sure how to tell if it's been done, assuming I find something at a used car dealership that doesn't know the history. Perhaps the Carmax would mention it. Going older to a 95-96 is a thought (hat tip xwesx). I suppose it's a gamble no matter what. What does replacement go for...anyone know?

    -Padron-
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    I agree ... too many don't disclose problems ...

    so does that mean no one would want to buy my car ????

    (I guess the folders of documentation of what HAS been done would help)
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    What about trying the hint for buying "older cars" I read on here?

    Someone posted that when they were in the market for a used car they'd spot older couples in a parking lot with a model they might be interested in. Without "spooking" the couple, he would ask them if they might be almost ready to "trade in" for a newer model. Often these people do keep up the maintenance on a vehicle, and sometimes it would give a lead on a good used car.

    I used that method with an acquaintance when my husband was looking for a used car and one model that he liked was one that she drove. They weren't ready to trade in yet, but a few months later they called us ...
  • morin2morin2 Member Posts: 399
    If you're considering going as far back as 95, I really like the earlier generation boxy Legacy - especially the 93-94, the last of the FWD Legacies, and 2 fewer axles to worry about if you really don't need AWD. Also, they are so easy to work on. My son has my old 94 and has had it for 5 years now - it has survived teenage driving and college. The 94 has both airbag and r-134.

    I'll second the 2.2 L advise - remember that Impreza used it all the way up to 2001.
  • damish003damish003 Member Posts: 303
    I live in western Pennsylvania, so AWD is pretty much a necessity here. That, and I just really like AWD even on a nice sunny day. I'll keep the 2.2L advise in mind when going older on these cars. I might try asking folks I see with older Subies if they might be interested in selling...good idea! Thanks all!

    -Padron-
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Me likey.

    Interesting that the electrical harness is the same as the STI's.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'll hop on the 2.2l bandwagon. Maybe an 00-01 Outback Sport.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    That's a great point, Brenda!

    If you can buy a car from a private party - especially an original owner - who has all the maintenance records, that is a valuable thing.
    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
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Well sorta...

    http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2009/12/mini-beachcomber-concept-at-the- - - - -2010-detroit-auto-show.html#more

    http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/detroit-preview-mini-beachcomber-concept/

    This is cool!

    Bob
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    slim pickins over at NASIOC right now. Anything in his price range is in Wisconsin. Nothing in PA or OH.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I will starty by agreeing that the CONCEPT is cool.

    I hope they do not produce it, though. We all know it would get doors and lose 99% of the character of the concept if made production.

    It will end up just a too-heavy, too-small SUV.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    We all know it would get doors and lose 99% of the character of the concept if made production. .

    No, we don't know that. Mini has an excellent track record of produced really cool vehicles. If they decide to enter this market, I have no doubt that it too would be very cool—even with doors.

    BTW, if you check out the Autoblog link, there is a pix of it with doors.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2009/12/its-really-happening-aston-mart- in-cygnet-city-car.html

    This what we can expect, as the ever-tougher worldwide government-imposed fuel regulation take effect. I expect more similar cars from brands you would never expect.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ah, saw the doors, I guess they're removeable, a la Wrangler.

    That would work for me. I like open cars. I just hope that feature makes production.

    Close it in and it loses the appeal totally.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Old Conventional Wisdom: ownership of many brands, to spread the costs and meet CAFE standards as a multi-brand corporation.

    New Conventional Wisdom: partner up and sell your own version.

    Aston is owned by Prodrive, right? So they can no longer rely on being in the Ford family.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    There is no word that this car will make production; in fact, Erin in her post says no way will it be produced. I hope she's wrong here; and If it does get green-lighted—doors or no doors—I love it. :)

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    I think it is ridiculous - that's why I like it so much! It looks cute, yet practical (for this area, anyway) and capable. I think they should put an AWD system on their Cooper S, too. :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
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Very cute. I guess I've not been doing a good job of keeping up because I'd not even heard of the Mini "Countryman". What's it going to look like?

    Hey speaking of concept cars, when is the DC auto show? Next month? I'd like to go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

    -Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm in.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Think Mini Outback; and with AWD—and supposedly with a high-low transfer case!

    Bob

    http://wot.motortrend.com/6600296/auto-news/mini-countryman-may-go-rallying-will- -be-awd-only/index.html
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    I am all for the dual-range T-case. The manual Forester could really use one of those.
    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
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Well, if you move overseas, you'll get your wish. Here's the link from Subaru Australia:

    http://www.subaru.com.au/models/forester/x/wagon/specifications/all/

    The dual-range 5-speed is offered in most markets with non-turbo H-4s—and used to be offered here.

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    Yeah, I know. It is not all that much of a reduction, but it is far better than nothing! I will probably have to put a much better quality clutch plate in it if I want to do much mild off-roading. The stock plate stinks to high heaven with even a little slippage. :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
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Please keep the detachable doors. That reminds me of my dad's Dune Buggy. :shades:
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Again, no word that this concept will ever make it beyond the auto show circuit. If it does get approved for production, yes, doors would HAVE to be part of the package.

    All Wranglers have doors—but you can take them off. I would expect the same for this car.

    Bob
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    The stock plate stinks to high heaven with even a little slippage

    You're not kidding! You should have smelled mine when I was doing a poor job trying to back up a loaded trailer up a steep curving driveway :(

    -Frank
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I encountered a similar situation with my WRX. I was trying to gently climb a small curb once, and the smell the clutch emitted was not at all confidence-inspiring.

    Having experienced that, I find it hard to believe that Subaru allows towing with their manual-equipped cars.

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    I have always preferred towing with manuals, but I am not sure whether I will enjoy it with this car or not. I plan to install a hitch this Spring, so we shall see, but I have no intention of going hog-wild with it (as I do my '69 C20). :D

    The biggest problem is that the engine bogs down once you hit about 5 mph, so feathering the clutch is necessary. The moment you do, though, out comes the stink. I really have to be working the clutches on my truck or Escort to get them to burn.

    I really do not mind replacing the clutch plate, but it is a heck of a lot of work for something that should not be necessary for a long, long time (even if it is heavily used!).
    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
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    FWIW, I towed with my 1998 Forester and the clutch did fine.

    Our 2002 Legacy would not have done as well, but only because the throttle was not very linear. Much too much like an On/Off switch.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    I remember you telling me about that, along with backing the trailer down Bob's driveway a time or two, if I recall correctly.

    I think it will be fine for general towing, but what may not be so much fun is the very low-speed, precision stuff over uneven terrain, pulling up steeper inclines at low speeds (like my driveway), etc.

    There are two reasons I want to get the hitch:

    1. For use with a hitch-mounted cargo tray. I will be able to expand my general cargo space, along with being able to carry taller items that would be awkward to get on the roof or inside. This will likely be the most common use.

    2. To pull a small utility/ATV trailer with probably 1000# of stuff on it (coolers, Honda Big Red (3-wheeler), and small ATV tailer) for our annual dipnet trip to Kasilof (1,100 miles round trip) each July.

    So, as you can see, I will not be actually towing very often, but that one planned trip will involve beach/sand driving and it is often tricky finding a "spot" when the site is busy. I usually like the challenge of backing a trailer through a ridiculously tight spot. If I am smelling stink the whole time, though, it may dampen the experience. ;)
    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
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I think it will be fine for general towing, but what may not be so much fun is the very low-speed, precision stuff over uneven terrain, pulling up steeper inclines at low speeds (like my driveway), etc.

    I agree. Flat towing on smooth pavement, it should be fine. Where problems will occur is when the pavement gets bad and/or is hilly.

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

    I have never had much problem backing with a manual but you do have to be very careful of the clutch, no matter the brand of car. The clutch in my Outback lasted about 80,000miles with fairly frequent towing The dual range transmission did make it a little easier.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    It is not overly uncommon for me to tow well over the rated limit on my '69 C20, and even though I frequently feather the clutch, I have never once burned it. That one has about 72,000 miles on it with the original clutch (and everything else, for that matter!).
    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
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Graham, with the dual-range tranny, could you "shift-on-the-fly" from low range into high ranges and vice-versa? Or did you have to come to a complete stop before changing ranges, like a conventional 2-range 4x4?

    Since the gear reduction between both ranges is slight, I would think that would be possible, no?

    Bob
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Updated VW Thing, perhaps?

    kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Nah, the Thing was a VW "thing." ;)

    This speaks to the original Mini Moke of the 1960s.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini_Moke

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    This one hurts. Saab, one of my favorite brands, will be no more...

    http://www.autoobserver.com/2009/12/gms-sale-of-saab-fails-swedish-brand-to-die.- html

    http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/breaking-swedish-patient-succumbs-deal-for-sa- ab-is-dead-on-th/

    Bob
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