Subaru Crew Cafe

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Comments

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    It was far more than having only 4 seats that hurt the Baja. I seriously doubt that anybody is going to cross-shop this Countryman against a Forester. They're two entirely different audiences.

    Bob
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Not very surprising. Remember that they never found anything wrong with the Audis either, but that didn't stop the company from almost being wiped out. 15 years later there was still a class action suit from owners suing for reduced resale values winding its way through US courts with glacial swiftness. The sharks have already started lining up the much larger cohort of Toyo owners for the same ridiculous thing.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    I think the point was that it was porky for such a small vehicle, not that they are competitors.
    This will go head to head with the Tiguan I think for some buyers, and in that regard, the Mini is better, the Tig comes in over 3400!!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Correct.

    I think in terms of size it's more Suzuki SX4, only more upmarket.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Can't say I'm surprised. . .

    tom
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Got myself a 2010 G37x Sport. It's definitely much more refined and comfortable (and A LOT nicer inside) and I got a good deal on my trade in. After the sales tax credit I think my depreciation from my purchase of the STI was around $600. Not bad for a year and 8 months of ownership. (would have got even more for the trade except there's a crack in the underspoiler and some wheel rash).

    I will miss my STI but my neck and back (and ears!) are now much happier!

    tom
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Congrats Tom. :) It sounds like a very nice ride. BTW, I know what you mean about the noise, as the road/tire noise on my WRX is driving me nuts.

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    Great, Tom, now how about sharing some photos! :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
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Someone invented a tire that has a smaller aspect ratio on the inside than on the outside. This creates a negative camber, like what many race cars have. The advantages are better handing and perhaps better mpg as well.

    http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/12/cambertire-could-increase-mpgs-improve-handli- ng/

    Bob
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Here's a quick photo:

    image

    Bob- it's night and day how much more quiet this car is than the STI! It's pretty fast in a straight line too!

    tom
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Very nice Tom. I've got two friends with G37x models, and they're very happy with them.

    Yours is a sport model with AWD. I'm assuming it has summer tires? My friends don't have the sport model.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Strange, but the concept makes sense. You want the rolling surface to be as level as possible, both for handling and for straight-line efficiency.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The G is the official sedan of Potomac, MD. 2 of my friends have them, and indeed, they're extremely nice.

    A welcome change from the 3 series norm, IMHO.
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    Congrats! My plan will take longer to hatch... gotta finish remodeling my house, sell it, sell my Evo, buy a new house and then finally get a new car. :)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Go get busy, then. ;)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    Absolutely! You know what they say about excuses, Colin.... :P

    Of course I jest; my list is longer than that. :blush:
    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
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    Nice! I wasn't sure whether yours was a sedan or a coupe (though I assumed sedan). According to Infiniti's website, the AWD version does not offer a manual... ? That's a shame.
    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
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Thanks guys. It is a sport model but is on all seasons, doesn't get the rear diff or upgraded brakes and suspension. It does get bigger wheels and sport seats (adjustable thigh and lumbar bolsters! Big improvement over the STI!)

    No manual, but it has a 7 speed rev matching paddle shift auto which probably shifts better than I do! It sure makes traffic a lot easier too.

    Colin, I finished all my projects and had to end it with some sort of a reward!

    tom
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    It's interesting but they must make it so the outer wall is stiff? They must be comparing it to tires with taller sidewalls? (taller than the inside one anyway)

    Would probably make the car look funny too.

    tom
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Actually I prefer the all-season tires. I found it frustrating that I couldn't drive in all that snow we had this winter with my WRX (yeah, I'm too cheap to buy winter tires) and its summer tires.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    More on this negative-camber tire, from Jay Leno and the tire inventor.

    http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/13/video-jay-lenos-garage-talks-with-camber-tire- s-inventor/#continued

    Bob
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    I prefer performance all-season tires, too. I have continental extreme dws right now... did the winter & tires swapping thing for several years and got tired of it.

    I would only use summer tires if I were still doing autocross or driving schools / track days.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Can I join the club?

    My miata has the Sport package and that comes with summer tires.

    Dry grip is great, sure, but it's undriveable in snow and even heavy rain. Fortunately it's my fair-weather ride. :shades:

    Another complaint - noise and a harsh ride. I hope my replacement tires will have a little more give in the sidewalls. I may even try to fit a taller sidewall.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    I have the same Conti's on my SVX. They are quiet tires and supposedly do well in the wet and snow (haven't tried them in either yet). Dry grip is more than adequate for street driving- anything more aggressive should be left to the track!

    tom
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Ohhh boy oh boy oh boy. Me want. Badly. Must win lottery....
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Heads up for TDI shoppers - TrueDelta flagged the new ones as problematic, O2 sensors or something. They list the odds of getting a lemon and the TDI's odds are fairly high - 9% chance.

    I'd look more in to it or wait it out, til VW sorts it out.
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    That's what you would pick if you won the lottery? :P

    Which reminds me... is it time for Juice's annual "100K Garage" discussion? :D
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    I thought that was around Christmas ... no?

    We started school today ... only 179 days to go .. LOL

    I am assigned in three different schools in two different school districts ... I don't even start at the same school every day ... I think I'll set repeating reminders in my phone so I at least know where I'm headed every day ...
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I thought that was around Christmas ... no?

    Yup, it was our annual "stocking stuffer." :)

    Bob
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    He doesn't necessarily have to win the jackpot- one of the smaller prizes,say $30k.
    ;)

    tom
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    exactly. Not Lotto or Megamillions, just he local lottery. Like a pick 4 or something.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    some of the best handling vehicles on the planet.... under $25k. Editor must have deleted that bit. (not THE best, mind you... so kind of weak kool-aid)
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    I'm months out from purchasing, but I like to have a plan. :)

    I am now thinking that perhaps I should get a small / midsize SUV so I can tow dirtbikes, ATVs and maybe even a boat (say 25' absolute max). Problem is, I've literally never been interested in this type of vehicle before. I am very sure I don't want a truck. I will tow probably a dozen times a year, but I'll use the interior space of the SUV all the time, and crew cab trucks don't cut it for me.

    Likewise, large SUVs are out. I just don't want to drive something the size of a Sequioa, Armada, Suburban, etc. Yes, I do realize that medium SUVs that can tow a boat may not get any better mpg than a large SUV. :)

    So it is:
    Small/Medium SUV
    $30k or less preferred, hard cap at $35k
    New or CPO -- older than ~3-4 years not desired
    Automatic
    4WD or AWD -- low range transfer case not required
    Able to tow at least 5,000 lb
    Not overly concerned about mpg, but better would be nice

    Definitely no hybrids. Would love a diesel but I don't think there are any in this price range since the bigger German SUVs have them and they're big $$$.

    I looked in the Smart Shopper forum and did not see any active threads about vehicle suggestions so I posted here. I know you folks are savy, so even if most of you don't own vehicles like this I'm hoping for some ideas. :)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited August 2010
    25' is a good sized boat, hmm...

    I'm really likin' the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It finally has an interior worthy of the price, and the new Penastar engine is good enough that you probably don't need the V8. It's a poor man's Mercedes, too.

    The main negative is it's not that big - but you like that about it. You don't need the interior space that I want. $33k list for a 4WD Laredo model. Discounts may be sparse - I can't even find one at Fitzmall.

    I'd also take a look at the 4Runner. Fitz has 5 for $32-34k street price range w/4WD. May feel a bit big to you. Resale is strong and they win JD Power Durability studies all the time.

    Gosh, everything else has gone unibody. Kia Borrego? Maybe if you like old-school trucks. Or a Nissan XTerra ($23,808 at Fitz, only 1 in stock) as well, the Pathfinder you'll find big.

    Tahoe's too big. Explorer went unibody and it also big. A new Durango is coming but that'll basically be a long wheelbase Grand Cherokee.

    Personally, I'd be comparing the Jeep and 4Runner.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    Boy, towing at least 5,000# definitely puts out you of "small SUV" territory. Mid-size units typically top out at 5, maybe 6,000. Once you get into that range, the ones mentioned by AJ are about it. Midsize pickups are the best fit, I think, for that kind of towing, but if you need the interior space without having the compartment separated, the midsize is out. You may have never considered it, but take a look at the Ridgeline - that thing, while ugly, is incredibly well thought-out and have very good interior space. There are also nice caps that you can put on them that will essentially make it an SUV. I'm not trying to dissuade you from the SUV route, I promise! :blush:

    In real-world driving, you'll still get better fuel economy in a mid-size than a full-size, unless maybe you opt for a V-8 option (as is available with the Jeep). The mid-size will net you 18-22, with the full size netting you 16-18.
    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
    Can a Ridge tow 5k? I thought Honda were 3500, 4500 for boats due to the aero shape.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Great video from Autoblog reminded me why I always loved Senna:

    http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/video-get-your-f1-fix-during-the-break-with-3- 0-of-the-sports-g/

    Watch him pass several other legends (Schuey, Hill, Prost) like they weren't even there. In the wet! On the first lap!

    The guy was insane, and that's part of the reason we loved him!
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    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
    Says 5k, indeed.

    I think Honda beefed up the trans in the Ridge, and then started putting it in other vehicles in the lineup. Ody problems dropped after it got it in MY2007, I believe.

    So that makes sense.

    For Colin, though, they're big and very trucky. I bet he'd prefer driving a JGC most of the time.

    They do have that in-bed cooler and some other neat tricks, though.

    Dunno, Bob likes those, but I never really fell in love with them, and I'm not sure why. I'm the perfect target buyer - a handy do-it-yourselfer with kids. Come to think of it, tossing beach chairs in the bed would be easier than using the van. I might even have been able to take the dishwasher AND the fridge, rather than one at a time...
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    A co-worker has one and I ride in / use it from time to time. It is a well-done vehicle, and even though I find it horridly ugly (as with most Honda/Acura vehicles), I cannot help but like it.

    I agree, though - it feels big. It is probably a little larger, dimensionally, than the Jeep, but certainly not bigger than your van. If someone gave me the option, today, of a Sienna AWD or a Ridgeline, I would probably go with the Sienna. Of course, I have always been a fan of vans. :blush:
    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
    edited August 2010
    As was mentioned, your 5K towing requirement puts you out of the small SUV catagory.

    I love the all-new '11 Grand Cherokee, and have driven several of them. It's based on the new MB ML model, as they were both engineered (together) before Mercedes split from Chrysler.

    The V6 feels a bit weak, but it can tow 5K. V8 version has plenty of power, and can tow over 7K.

    Pricing? A base V6 GC Laredo with QuadraTrac I (no low range, but still full-time AWD/4WD, and with a 48/52 front/rear default power split) might be in the $35K range. The 4x4 base MSRP starts at $32,215, according to the "Build My Own" section of the web site.

    Here's the link:

    http://www.jeep.com/en/2011/grand_cherokee/?bid=4672065&adid=226784106&pid=50558- - - - - - - - - - - - 913&KWNM=jeep+grand+cherokee%20&KWID=118116146&channel=PS

    If you add the Off-road Adventure I Package you get: QuadraTrac II (has a low range), full-size spare, tow hooks, skid plates, Selec-Terrain (has several additional off-road settings: sand, sport, rock, etc.) it'll add another $950. I would get that, if it were my car, but you said you may not need/want it. They even offer an Off-road Adventure II Package, which adds a height-adjustable suspension (called Quadra-Lift Air Suspension), and a few other off-road-oriented goodies. Not sure of the price on that, as it has yet to be released. To me it just seems silly not to get a Jeep without real off-road capability, but that's just me.

    The all-new Dodge Durango will be announced soon. It will be essentially a slightly stretched Grand Cherokee, with a 3rd-row seat. Pricing and equipment are unknown at this point.

    The all-new Explorer is also interesting, but I'm just not attracted to it. It too has 3-row seating.

    Same with the new 4Runner; just not interested. Full-time 4WD only comes with the top trim model.

    You may want to look at a Highlander, as the optional tow package gives it 5K towing. Not sure of the pricing. If you go to the Toyota site, I'm sure you can price one out.

    I see a lot of Honda Pilots around. They can tow 4500, I believe.

    A Nissan Xterra can tow 5K. Pricing probably in the low 30K range, maybe less depending on equipment. It has part-time 4WD only (or RWD).

    Even though you said no pickups, I would look at the Ridgeline. It's the best combo of car an truck out there, and can tow 5K. You can also put a dirt bike in the bed, so you wouldn't need to trailer it.

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    I like like the look of that Jeep at least as well as the outgoing model. Amazingly, the Exploder looks nice, too - MUCH better than its terribly bland predecessor.

    This is way off the current topic, but I rode in a 2005 Legacy GT last night that is heavily modified, including a souped up STi drivetrain; it runs a 12-second quarter mile. That was the first time I had actually been in a modded performance car, so the driver entertained me with a couple bursts of acceleration. :surprise: Dang! I almost wish I had never experienced that.... :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
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Dang! I almost wish I had never experienced that....

    Oh boy, your done. It's all downhill from here! :)

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited August 2010
    Okay, my '09 WRX just had the 30K service today. I was told I will need new tires soon, which I already knew.

    I'd really like to replace the summer Dunlop SP Sport 01 tires with a good high-performance all-season tire—and one that doesn't cost an arm-and-a-leg. I'd also like a tire that doesn't produce a lot of road noise. The tire size is 225/45x17.

    Any suggestions?

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited August 2010
    Looked it up - the Ridgeline is 6" longer than my van, which is already big. I'm sure the JGC is a lot shorter.

    I did consider a Ridge, but I think I use the 3rd row more often than I feel the need for an open bed. I'll need it again next year for that big family trip to Florida.

    For me the main thing that pushed me to the Sienna, though, is gas mileage. I can break 30mpg on trips, 27+mpg no matter how fast I go. :shades:
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    edited August 2010
    Ridgeline is absolutely out. I'd rather drive an F-150 but my father has a crew cab and it's not big enough inside.

    I didn't think that a new 2011 JGC would possibly fit into my budget, but now that I'm looking it might be possible to get a decent one for right at $35k. I see that the Flex EcoBoost AWD definitely is over $35k and it doesn't tow too much anyway.

    What about older vehicles? Looks like 2007-2008 VW Touaregs can be had for $27k-$32k. They tow 7,700lb it looks like.
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    Can't speak to the road noise, as I don't hear tires much with a 3" turboback exhaust.

    I will say that for nearly the same amount of money at the Tirerack you can buy the Continental Extreme DWS instead of the BFG Gforce Supersport A/S, which were my last 2 tire purchases.

    The BFGs had acceptable snow and ice performance and good dry grip, but underwhelming wet road and actually had poor hydroplaning resistance. I had a few seat-puckering moments in what I felt was tame rainy weather, having driven the same roads for years and years in all conditions.

    Much more impressed with the Continentals, although they do howl when pushed on dry road. They have good grip, but you'll hear them way before you would have heard the BFGs.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    edited August 2010
    Honestly, I think I would try the Continental ExtremeContact DWS, as it likely meets all of your criteria (depending on what you mean by "doesn't cost an arm-and-a-leg") and has a pretty decent treadwear rating.

    I like my tires to perform well, but I also want them to last a while (miles-wise) so that I am not replacing tires any sooner than 50,000 miles.

    I would suggest the Goodyear TripleTred, but my experience with those is that they are a relatively noisy tire.
    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
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    Oh, look at that! I swear I started working on my post before Colin's was up... no collusion! :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
  • morin2morin2 Member Posts: 399
    Most 25' boats (other than aluminum boats) will be over 5000 pounds for the total package - boat, motor, trailer, tank of gasoline and gear. A 5000 pound limit puts you closer to 20, maybe 21' tops.
    And you will need to launch and retrieve that boat at some ramps that may be slimy, so yes a 4WD and real limited slip rear diff are needed.

    Most people tow well under the max tow rating. I've towed a lot of 25' fiberglass boats and the weight pushes the tow vehicle around, so you want a heavy vehicle, heavy brakes and body on frame construction. There is no small or mid-size SUV capable of the job. My current boat, a Scout 185SF center console, comes in at around 3500 pounds total with motor and trailer and I use a truck rated at 10K to tow it. Better to err on the side of too capable rather than not adequate. The greatest mistake people make is in figuring if the tow vehicle can pull the weight without considering if it can bring that weight to a stop when that critter or child jumps in the road, or a light changes, or any other reason why you have to stop quickly.
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