Subaru Crew Cafe

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  • bluesunlionbluesunlion Member Posts: 38
    The Rant/commiseration: As some of you know, I drive a 98 Civic coupe. Last week, the A/C went out, so I took it to the local dealer. The dealership was great, but the hondacare ext warranty really angered me. My compressor had literally shredded inside, and the whole thing needed to be replaced, to the tune of $1700 or so. Hondacare took care of the compressor, etc, but would not pay for the new A/C hoses. ($170) I actually inspected the hoses myself, and they were full of metal shavings.
    anyway, for those who rant about Subaru warranty issues, this should make you feel better.
    The request for opinions: What is your opinion of the Mazda RX-8? at this point, there is not enough data to do more than speculate, but with the "4 doors" and styling, it just might be one I will have to test drive in addition to the WRX that I originally thought I was settled on. Anyway, I thought I would throw this topic out to y'all and see what the feedback was.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I hate the RX-8 from a styling perspective. They would be very hard pressed to ever equal, let alone surpass, the 93-95 RX-7 but what they've come up with is truly horrible.

    Speculating, I can't imagine how they can meet emissions and reach the power levels promised. A rotary engine is a lot like a two stroke piston engine.

    Oh about your warranty problem: the hoses are consumables therefore not covered. even though it seems obvious that their replacement was caused by the failure of a covered part, their lack of explicit inclusion in the warranty means that logic has no bearing on things.

    be glad you didn't have to pay for the compressor! (and in fact if you had, it would've been smart to search junkyards or get quotes from internet parts dealers-- that sounds REALLY high.)

    -Colin
  • bluesunlionbluesunlion Member Posts: 38
    That's what I figured on the warranty, but after specifically asking about whether the hoses were consumable or not, they were not classified as such. (I should have clarified that in the original post) What I was primarily trying to illustrate was that Honda can be just as ridiculous as any other manufacturer on warranty issues-logic definitely leaves the building on some issues that are reported.
    I would definitely agree with you on the RX-7 styling, but I really like the RX-8 also. Jury is still out until I see some offset crash tests though.
    -Rachel
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I like the 4-door concept. The styling's OK, IMO.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    blue: that stinks. I'd take photos, and show them, tell them you're mailing it to Honda HQ to see what they think.

    I'm the type that would go to an indy shop and order parts from a wholesaler (once out of warranty). $170 sounds absurb for a couple of hoses.

    I like the RX8 concept, and the feel of rotaries, but the look hasn't grown on me yet. The Z looks better, the G35 coupe better still (plus it has 4 seats).

    But they're all in a different price class than the WRX. If Acura builds that car Bob mentioned, that would really be the only competitor for the WRX.

    Read the Accord review on Edmunds, they tore it apart from the sports sedan angle, much preferring the Altima and Mazda 6.

    At least Honda got away from the insanity of not offering ABS on the DX and LX manual models. That crossed them right off our shopping list.

    240hp, Subaru. Tweak that H6!

    -juice
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    sorry, but I have been participating in i-club less and less lately. I thought the Mid-A board was still a relatively civilized place to hang out, but it looks like I might be down to just the Legacy boards.....


    http://forums.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=221824

  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Loosh: Agreed, it has become less civil, more immature. I try to limit myself to Tri-State and Forester Forum (a very small crowd that includes some of us here), and the occasional OT where the subject matter is pertinent. For example, someone had a kayaking question once that I answered.

    Ed
  • outback165outback165 Member Posts: 108
    From what I understand it's pretty tough now. It depends what you do for a living. I was recruited to this position which made all the difference. It's fun being back on this board, but almost impossible to stay on top of the reading. Any suggestions? I forget how I used to do it!
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    loosh,

    just don't read the threads that you don't like. mid-A seems normal otherwise to me!

    although it's not like I can talk, probably better than 75% of my posts in the last several months on the iClub have been in OT... :-D

    -Colin
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    yea it's just that, like Ed, I already limit myself to mid-a and legacy forum. For these dudes to just go off like that in mid-a (which was heretofor very cool) is depressing. I don't care about the politics per se, just the presentation.

    feh, you're right, just ignore that stuff. the signal to noise ratio on mid-a is still pretty good.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I do what lark does. I bounce from motorsports and general on occassion to Tri-state. Even in tristate I find myself getting into ***ing Contests far too often.

    :(

    On a sad note, I saw 3-4 WRXs today in my travels on SI. That is more WRXs in 1 day than I've seen on SI since '98 :(

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I only hang out in the "Rumors and News" area, and that too is loaded with first-graders.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.auto.com/industry/ford31_20020731.htm

    2003 will be the last model year. How much you wanna bet Ford introduces a HD LWB version of the (far better) Expedition to replace it?

    The current Expedition is really a competitor for the Tahoe, not the Suburban. A LWB version, that can haul 4'x8' paneling with the tailgate closed, like the Suburban (and Excursion) would make a heck of a lot of sense.

    Bob
  • bluesunlionbluesunlion Member Posts: 38
    yep, TXIC on I-club pretty much imploded. good thing about it is that some of the major troublemakers found another place to hang out. Hopefully, some of the not-quite-on-topic fun stuff will creep back in, but I'm glad the blatant PW-ing and flaming is gone.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    of car manufacturers beefing up their warranties. Subaru should also consider this, IMO.

    Bob

    http://www.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=2933
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Suzuki's will be transferrable!

    That's a first. DCX, Kia, Hyundai aren't. I think this could easily be VERY costly for Suzuki!

    -Colin
  • red927red927 Member Posts: 118
    The new Subaru Mastercard program switches from MBNA to Chase. Looks to be the same basic program. See the Subaru website for details.

    I also noticed that the website still has not been updated to show the 2003 Legacy and Outback models even though the pricing has been released and the cars have been on the dealer's lots for a few weeks.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    they ain't on Valley Motors lot here in MD yet. Actually the showroom has been cleared of Soobs to make room for a porsche or 2 (the porsche shorrom was damaged in a service bay fire)!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I go to i-Club only when I need to research something specific. Even then, I usually get the answer here first.

    Bob: can Ford do that? I mean, with the new independent rear, it's not based on the F250/350 any more, is it? So they don't have the platform.

    It's too low volume to be profitable, and it kills CAFE numbers.

    Interesting about Suzuki.

    I heard Hyundai may drop their warranty after 2006. Thing is, in Hyundai's case, the warranty is not transferable, so it can actually hurt resale value, because people would rather buy new to get 10/100 instead of what's left of the 5/60.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'm assuming this is what you're referring to?

    << How much you wanna bet Ford introduces a HD LWB version of the (far better) Expedition to replace it? >>

    Absolutely!

    The '04 F-150 will have an IRS. I also expect to see the F-150 to offer a HD version, to compete with Chevy's 1500HD Crew (8600 GVW), which is what the Excursion's GVW is. Ford currently offers a HD F-150 with a 7700 GVW, so a 8600 GVW isn't much of a stretch. The Chevy 2500 Suburban (3/4 ton) has a 8600 GVW.

    Also, one other news source (Detroit News?) has also suggested that Ford will eventually replace the Excursion with an Expedition-derived vehicle. Ford's not getting out the large SUV market. The Excursion will die, but it will be replaced, mark my words.

    My guess is, their Expedition lineup will look like this:

    &#149; Expedition: 7000/7300 GVW (as it currently stands) to compete with the Tahoe.

    &#149; Expedition U-150: 7700 GVW (LWB) to compete with the Suburban 1500.

    &#149; Expedition U-250: 8600 GVW (LWB) to compete with the Suburban 2500.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    is the cover story of this week's AutoWeek. They give it an excellent write-up. Apparently all the new engines are now DOHC. The 4-cylinder engine looks like it comes right out of the CRV; same displacement and horsepower.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I didn't realize the F-150 will go IRS. Wild.

    And 1 less foot-pound of torque in the Accord, for some reason (exhaust routing?). Interesting that Autoweek liked it, because Edmunds didn't think it met their definition of a sport sedan at all.

    Loosh: it was Turn 3, actually. I spoke with that S2000 owner again. He said there was little runoff area, but at least speeds were lower in that turn when he wrecked.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    << I didn't realize the F-150 will go IRS. Wild. >>

    The '03 Eddie Bauer 4x4 Expedition has a 7300 GVW. Currently, the heaviest F-150 offers a 7700 GVW, so I'm sure, with just slightly heavier rear springs/shocks, the rear suspension will be up to the task.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I thought it was interesting that C&D rated ride and handling lower than the live axle competitors, though. The Expedition actually got the lowest scores.

    I expected the opposite. Maybe Ford hasn't sorted out the suspension yet. Or maybe they had to compensate for the loss of the solid axle? Just a guess.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I liked their quote about the Expedition, and I agree with it: "It's like most Americans, overweight and out of shape." If it had more power, and was lighter, it would have done much better in the test, I'm sure. Although, I didn't feel the power to be lacking in the one I drove. The Expedition is actually heavier than the much longer Suburban! In a couple of years they will offer a 4.5 V6 diesel in both the F-150 and Expedition.

    Basically it needs to go on a diet, and it needs further suspension "tweaking." With a little work, it would be about perfect. They loved the interior packaging, though. It's the best there is in that market segment, in that respect.

    To put it in some perspective, I drove a new Expedition about a month ago. As big as it is, it drives much, MUCH, nicer than my Explorer. The turning circle is less than 39' which for a vehicle that size, is amazing.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You tested one? The new kind?

    I think most Subies are in the mid 30s for turning cycle, so that's not much bigger.

    I guess it's gen I, and they'll refine it as they go.

    -juice
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    I'm going to the Outer Banks to an area called Pine "Island", between Duck and Corolla, and will be disconnected from the net (yea!) for a whole week (leaving Sunday). See ya when I return.

    Cheers,

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    << You tested one? The new kind? >>

    Yep, about a month ago, a 2003 9-passenger XLT 4x4, with the 3-passenger front split bench It was at a 1-price dealer here in Ellicott City. Out the door for around $33K, IIRC, which is a great value, IMO.

    I was shocked at how tight the turning circle was. It's about the same as the much smaller Honda Pilot.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'm leaving for Ocean City, MD tomorrow for a week, and will be in Wilmington, NC the following week (for several days) to move my daughter back to collage.

    So, I too, will be net-free for some time...

    Bob
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    looks like you're left to hold down the fort! Good thing you have Charles and Tati to help you.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    $33k ain't bad for all that truck. I'm not into Titanic sized SUVs, but much smaller SUVs surpass that price range easily.

    'K guys, we're confirmed for 8/23 BTW.

    -juice
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    3pm?

    ..Mike

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yep.

    -juice
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Only the moderator, subearu, mrk610 and I were there.

    Ed
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    well... I went for a motorcycle ride, had dinner with my dad and then rode some more.

    you asked. ;-)

    -Colin
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    busy buying a new tent for camping this weekend and I have a significant commute home now that I work on the eastside of Lk Washington (I live on the westside of the Lake.

    Stephen
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    My excuse: I was having an earlier than usual dinner. Ya know -- wife kinda gets mad when I get up in the middle of dinner to join a chat.

    Ken
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Was just out having dinner with some subie buddies. Working on AZP Installs, trying to figure out how much to charge for install of subie parts. :)

    -mike
  • bg18947bg18947 Member Posts: 184
    Note the available H6 Legacies

    WELCOME TO THE SUBARU MID-WINTER NEWSLETTER 2002

    Winter is well and truly here, and we thought as a valued Subaru enthusiast it was time to update you on what's new at Subaru.

    All new 2003 Forester 2.5 is here.

    Launched in July the Forester allows you to Roam where you want to. Featuring sleek new styling, 200mm ground clearance and of course road hugging AWD.

    Some of you may have noticed them in your local town.

    Priced from $37,990 check it out on www.subaru.co.nz/allnewforester2.5 or see one of our Subaru Authorised Dealerships - free call 0800 SUBARU (0800 782 278)

    New six cylinder Legacy sedan and wagon here soon.

    Wait no longer the new Legacy six cylinder RS30 sedans arrive in October and the GT30 wagon arrives early next year.

    Naturally, these vehicles come with a full complement of luxury and safety features as well as the power of a 3.0 litre flat six cylinder engine. A Legacy GT30 wagon is currently travelling throughout our nationwide Subaru Dealer Network.

    So feel free to give them a call and see when it is in your local area.

    If you would like more information on the RS30 click here.

    SubWorld Authentic Clothing

    Introducing the all-new range of Subaru Authorised clothing. From caps and T-shirts to high-tech rally jackets its the full kit for your body.

    It's also the perfect gift for Fathers Day (Sunday 1 September).

    Come and view the full range at www.subaru.co.nz/gear or visit one of our Authorised Subaru Dealerships.

    PLUS....
    Here's your chance to win your very own Subaru Rally Team Jacket (as pictured) - perfect for any lucky Dad this Fathers Day. Simply email us the name of one the 555 Subaru World Rally Team drivers. Entries close August 16, 2002

    Rally News

    Subaru drivers lead the NZ Rally Championship in both Group A and Group N going into the last round of the competition.

    Bruce Herbert is heading the points table for Group A with Chris West for Group N. The determining title round is coming up early October with the Rally of New Zealand.

    Also, check out all the action on TV3 for the Rally of Finland to watch the 555 Subaru World Rally Team compete. Coverage starts tonight at 11:45pm with a preview of the Rally.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    America gets screwed by the Auto Industry.

    Why are we the last to get everything good?

    -mike
  • bg18947bg18947 Member Posts: 184
    I'm contemplating another future Subie purchase. Has anyone had experiences with car-topping a canoe on the Outback versus a Forester? My Legacy GT sedan doesn't have enough ground clearance with some of the rough parking lots. Also, the Yakima roof rack on a 2000 Legacy doesn't feel as solid as it did on my 91 Accord. Outbacks and Foresters have low enough roof heights for canoe handling.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sorry Ed, our RAS server had a massive outage, since 4:30 yesterday and still now. I was a bit peeved. I hope the hosts offered some trivia?

    I want one of those GT30 or RS30 Legacys, why does the US get everything last?

    -juice
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    "The Legacy RS30. Now the famed performance and handling of the Legacy B4 sedan comes with the power of a 3.0 litre, flat six cylinder."

    ooooh, that RS30 is sweet! *ahem* oh Patti...

    :-)

    -Brian
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hey guys, the Baja's starting price is just $23,995. Some of us were predicting prices $2-4 grand higher.

    In fact, I thought the price would be the same as the Outback Limited, at $25,869. The Baja is significantly cheaper.

    When the H6 arrives, it may be the cheapest way to get it!

    -juice
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    The last thing I did was update my McAfee.

    Now, when I turn on the power it just re-boots on it's own.
    The Windows 98 screen appears and everything seems normal, but then the screen goes black and the re-booting starts.

    Any ideas?

    -Dennis
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    try booting with left shift held down, this prevents anything in the Startup group or "run" keys in the registry from loading. services still start, but if something is conflicting with mcafee this might help.

    if that doesn't work, fire it up in safe mode and find the main executable(s) for mcafee. (used to be vshield.exe or something like that-- been a few years) rename it temporarily see if that changes anything.

    beyond that, ask more questions or get professional help! ;-)

    -Colin
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Did you update or upgrade? For some upgrades, you have to delete the previous version on your computer. I had all sorts of trouble when I upgraded my firewall. The manufacturer didn't have a red, flashing warning about it when doing the upgrade. And naturally, I didn't READ the readme first. (Hey, I got better things to do!)

    Anyway, you might want to check to see if that's the problem.
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Oh don't be sorry, juice. I was just surprised it was so empty.

    I'll have to look at subaru.co.nz. Have to imagine the non-OB H6 wagons will get here eventually.

    Looking at paisan's SVX pics tells me that Subaru is no less guilty of decontenting than other Japanese manufacturers. See the little things like lighted switchgear and the gearshift indicator in the instrument cluster? Seems like the early '90s was the high-water mark for the Japanese auto industry. Now you have to pay more for the little things that once came standard.

    Ed
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Give me a ring tonight if you get stuck with the PC. I could probably shoot over and look at it for yah. 917-596-3354.

    -mike
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Ed,

    the SVX was nearly $30k decked out in 1992. that was WAAAAYYY too much money for Subaru to be playing in. also think about how expensive the XT6 was.

    some of the technology was way too expensive to replace and Subaru started getting a rep for being costly to work on and unreliable. ask Paisan about the active air suspension. ;-)

    fast forward to today. sure there's some low-cost things that could be included. but all the stuff the SVX and XT6 had shouldn't be...

    -Colin
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