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Subaru Crew Cafe

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    ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    DH suggested that "harvest gold" is the most appropriate fall refrigerator color ...
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    fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Ooh, I think he nailed it. Gotta go get some spray paint. Heck, it's November already. What will the neighbors think? I'll be the pariah of the back country.
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It's been at $2.97-99 and won't budge.

    I can go a few miles north and find gas for $2.71, but I have to plan trips and take the right car with me.
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    volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    I'd say that the minivans will win hands down, but mid-size to full size truck last I was shopping had only a slight difference. In some cases, the real world I4 is worse vs V6 mileage in the mid-size trucks.
    BTW Could we stop bringing up the PU versus utility trailer debate and stick to less polarizing topics like Dems vs Republicans or maybe an abortion debate?
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    rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited November 2010
    No doubt the minivan will win the gas mileage war, but it won't win the can-do-it-all war. There's a reason why pickups are so popular (and no, it doesn't have anything to do with how much hair you have on your chest).

    Bob
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    colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    After this discussion I'm considering a 4 door truck but still absolutely not getting a minivan for my family of 3. :)
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    lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Ok first, the background.

    i am a hopeless car nut. And poor.

    My OB is rusting, and has recently taken to stalling and throwing CELs. There is also an ominous whine coming from the driveline, and a sound that goes away when the clutch is depressed....I will assume throwout bearing. And so I am faced with having to put some more money into a car that is now rusting, which in and of it self causes me anguish.

    So a couple of days ago my Volvo nut friend, who knows I can't afford to buy a new car anytime soon, tells me his Volvo mechanic (who owns 5, including a 240 he stripped and built back up with a turbo driveline) is selling two of his cars. One is the ground-up 240 turbo build project (which is very hot).

    The other is a 1998 V70R AWD. I am very tempted. I drove it today. It looks about half as old as my car; in fact, it could pass for 3 or 4 years old it is so clean. the interior is in very good condition, with leather and alcantara seats. Heated power seats. There is a sunroof. It has 240hp. It is an automatic :(

    it goes like stink.

    it has tail gunner seats, so when Kirsten's folks visit we wouldn't have to take two cars to go anywhere.

    It's just a solid hunk of car. It isn't as nimble as the OB, but it is more substantial, and is perfectly happy out on the highway just blasting along at 135kph. Which the OB decidedly does not like. It has 150k on it (same as the Sube) and is $5k.

    So anyhoo. Yea. I'm considering taking the couple grand the OB likely needs and diverting toward the purchase of this Volvo. It's super clean, has been serviced by the owner who is himself a Volvo mechanic, would serve our needs well until we feel we can buy another car (like when the Clubbie is paid for), and would be a more luxurious DD for me.

    Flame away :shades:
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    saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    I test drove one of these when it was new: Lots of go, plenty of stop, BUT lean like the tower of Pisa in tight on and off ramps. Also lots of shift shock between 1 & 2 at wide open throttle.

    I remember the great leather seats..as close to a throne as is available in a car.

    If you buy it, you will have to drive like a Volvo driver. :shades:
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    lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Oh yea, he also replaced the stock suspension with Bilstein. :)
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    saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    It sounds like a bargain. What about parts' costs and availability for elderly Volvos these days?
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    lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    A bit pricier than we are used to as Subaru owners of course. The only big bugaboo is the angle gear for the AWD....close to a grand. Some R owners remove the propeller shaft and make the car fwd rather than fix it. But this example is so clean that it would probably be worth the fix should that ever occur. Most of the more popular XC70 parts are the same as well, and thanks to the outback, Volvo sold quite a few of those.
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    fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    A guy that regularly parks next to me at work owns an R wagon of this vintage, and he seems to be quite in love with his car. It does sit much lower than my '02 OBW, so it isn't quite as good when we have to leave work on snowy days, but otherwise it looks worthy. From what you describe, there doesn't seem to be much of a downside for this to be your bridge car to better times when you can buy what you want.
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    lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    edited November 2010
    The deal is done. The Volvo plus 17" Pegasus rims and new summer tires (blizzaks on the stockers) for $4500 and the Subaru. He wants to fix a couple of niggles first, then we'll do the deal.

    Here she is:
    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3222228/1998-volvo-v70-sykesville-md-us
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    rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Looks nice Loosh. About 10 years ago we rented a similar Volvo wagon while touring the UK for about a month. It was FWD, not AWD, and we loved it. A very nice car.

    Bob
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    rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150303120700375&set=a.248600560374.3060- 71.238312155374

    http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/14/nissan-murano-crosscabriolet-revealed-on-face- book/

    http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2010/11/2010-la-auto-show-2011-nissan-m- urano-cross-cabriolet-revealed.html

    To be announced at LA show this week. Stylish AWD, 4-passenger convertible; what's not to like?

    Bob
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    saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    Stylish AWD, 4-passenger convertible; what's not to like?

    Price, perhaps?
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited November 2010
    no, it doesn't have anything to do with how much hair you have on your chest

    Exactly, pickup owners only think that's the case. :P

    Can a pickup carry 8 adults? And keep 150 cubic feet of stuff dry? ;)
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats.

    When I first read "poor" and "Volvo" I was like, huh?

    But then I thought about it... Rs are nice, AWD, wagon, boxy, well cared for, tuned by someone who really knows them.

    Heck yeah, that's a nice ride. Congrats.
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've been e-mailing Bob back and forth and said the same thing - that's gonna be $40k plus once it's equipped.

    Having said that - I think it will find its niche. The Murano already appeals to style-conscious females, and carbiolets serve the same people. All this does is combine the two.

    I think it's a neat idea, very original. Nissan is sort of breaking the rules and coming up with cars that don't fit an existing segment (what is a Juke?), and it just might pay off for them.

    Sure looks a HECK of a lot better than an Acura ZDX or BMW X6, that's for sure.
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    rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'm sure I can find a bunch of stuff a pickup can do, that a minivan can't, without too much trouble. Sort of like putting a spin on things to prove your point; we all can do it.

    Bob
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    volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Just so I am not misunderstood, my comment about minivans winning hands down over a PU was only referring to gas mileage. As to utility they both have their own upsides that the other can't compete with. Key here is to buy the one you really need more. That's why we have the Yukon XL - we need the passenger and luggage capacity of the minivan, but also the towing and off road capabilities of the PU.
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited November 2010
    I was joking. No way am I letting Loosh borrow my van for that manure haul. LOL

    Lucien: use volkov's Yukon XL.

    :D
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    lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    the Volvo has a hitch, so I'll be borrowing someone's trailer. ;)
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You'll be the first person in the world to find out if a 6-wheel drift is possible. :D
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    tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Congrats Loosh.

    I like volvos- "boxy but safe!" ;)

    It might be good knowing the mechanic in case anything goes wrong too. But nice, solid cars. I was tempted to pick up a volvo wagon as a DD but got a little side tracked. :D

    Enjoy!

    tom
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    colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    Whoa, man. $4,500 AND the Subaru?? Have you already signed everything... because it sounds like you're being taken to the cleaners. :cry:

    Looking right here on Edmunds TMV (ignoring other pricing sites for now), the a 1998 V70R with 150k is worth $2,500 - $5,000. Meanwhile your 2002 Outback wagon base 5spd with 150k is worth $5,000 - 7,000. Yes, the Subaru has 75 less horsepower, and yes, I love horsepower.

    But if you REALLY meant $4,500 plus your Subaru in exchange for the V70R... This is a very bad deal for you. I wouldn't give $4,500 lightly for the V70R, but some examples might be worth it. Maybe.

    I hope that's what you meant, that you're keeping / selling your OBW separately and paying $4,500 outright for the Volvo.
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    lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    edited November 2010
    my OB is a 1999, and has rust, so it barely qualifies as "average." Edmunds TMV= $1500-$1800. "rough" condition (which the rust might automatically qualify for) is under 1k. It needs a center diff, new EGR valve, brakes, and throwout bearing.

    here's the V70R in person-
    http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2889/4561/32222280038_large.jpg

    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3222228/1998-volvo-v70-sykesville-md-us?p=5

    interior:
    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3222228/1998-volvo-v70-sykesville-md-us?p=7

    as you can see, this guy easily qualifies for our OCD club. As it stands, it needs nothing and all maintenance is up to date. The car comes with the stockers and snow tires. Part of the deal is the pictured 2004 Pegasus 17" rims with brand new summer rubber (~$1k).

    It's no bargain, but nor am I being taken to the cleaners. I have a car worth barely $1500 and that needs at least $1000 in repair. So I am trading that plus $2500 for a car of same mileage, far better condition, a healthy dose of luxury upgrade, winter rims and tires, and a fine upgrade in power. I've wrestled with it, and I am pretty sure I am at peace with the whole thing.
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    colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    Oh, for some reason I thought you had a 2002 and it was in good shape excluding the mechanicals you recently posted about.

    Still sounds expensive to me. Also don't forget that stick on the Volvo was $41k, and parts & services have an annoying habit of trending with vehicle purchase price. I don't think a 150k V70R will be cheap to own over the coming 3+ years regardless of OCD. (But OCD is far better than abused & neglected.)

    Good luck! :D
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    hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Mine needs a center diff as well... quoted $1500 all done.
    Think we could find someplace to give us a twofer?

    Cheers!
    Paul
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    colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/subaru-impreza-design-concept-has-us-hating-o- n-current

    It's gorgeous... but I've seen that shape before. Headlights, beltline, faux (or real) brake ducts...

    It sure looks 'inspired' by a 2004-2008 Acura TL to me.
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    rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'd say more Volvo.

    Bob
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    colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    ..And I posted in the wrong thread! I see you've put a link up in Future Models. Durr! :)
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    tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    It won't make it. Why would Subaru build a nice looking car!!!! :P

    It would be nice not to keep hearing about ugly Subarus!

    I think that gen TL was the last nice looking car Honda made!

    tom
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    xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,809
    edited November 2010
    Subaru gets too much unjust deriding when it comes to "ugly" cars, I think. They seem to go with ugly every other model, but aren't nearly as consistent at it as Honda.

    I would definitely like to see them build beautiful cars all through the line-up this next go-round, though, since I may be in the market as we reach the end of the next generation for most of the models. This Impreza is a good start, now if they can improve on the Forester (which looks very nice this time around!) for the next gen and scrap the current gen Legacy/Outback when designing its replacement, they should be in an excellent position to shake off the old stigma for good.

    It looks to me like they're making the most of their recent, but lasting, sales surge.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
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    rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited November 2010
    "Subaru gets too much unjust deriding when it comes to "ugly" cars, I think."

    You're not alone. Almost every half-wit auto journalist/blogger/commentator resorts to the "Subaru makes ugly cars" mantra whenever they report on Subarus. Most of them wouldn't know or understand good design if it hit them between the eyes. They're all sheep who follow the herd. Just ignore them.

    Bob
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The new concept is too good looking. They will be dumb-founded and not know what to say.
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    kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/05/autos/subaru_sales_jump.fortune/index.htm

    courtesy of cars101.com
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    colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    Turbodiesel Outback and Forester would be massive. I know FHI and Subaru don't have as much money to blow as other marques for EPA certification, but I hope that they are working hard on bringing the 2.0L turbodiesel to North America.
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited November 2010
    its incentives in October were the second-lowest in the industry at $474 per car, representing 1.8% of the sticker price.

    That's the most important part - and why they're making profits, not just sales.

    Again, though, my fear is that they don't get complacent. Hyundai shook up the mid-size segment and is about to do the same with the Elantra in the compact segment (40mpg on all models, 4 wheel disc brakes std, 6 speed auto or manual).

    The Impreza concept shows they get it - they have to make a splash.
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    volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    edited November 2010
    How's the weather up there? We have been in an artic blast for over a week now which came on the heels of a snow fall. -38 with the windchill on Monday morning. All the roads are covered in boiler plate already here. Even most of the busy boulevards have only one lane of double track pavement with full ice on the other lane. Plenty of Subie driving conditions to have fun in.
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    And that's before any John Cooper Works magic:

    http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/mini-countryman-configurator-powers-up/

    Frightening.

    I did one up in heated cloth, moonroof, but I didn't see a turbo option (maybe it can't be paired up with options I chose?) and it rang up at $28 grand. So figure $30k with the turbo.
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    robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    But that's the Cooper S All 4 top of line model with every box and accessory ticked. Remember, Mini has never been shy about asking for (and getting) top dollar.

    Heck, Odysseys and Siennas are crossing $40K. I never would have expected that.
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited November 2010
    Yeah but you get 3 times the amount of metal (literally).
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    robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    But only 1/3 of the fun!!

    Also, how did you hit $47K on the Countryman? I cracked $37K without John Cooper Works and under $42K with.
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Autoblog did, I'm not sure how.

    I didn't go gadget-crazy, and kept it closer to $30k, which is a down-to-earth price for a 4 seater.
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    xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,809
    Juice, they have three options: The Countryman (FWD), Countryman S (FWD Turbo), and Countryman ALL4 (AWD Turbo). You have to choose the model (not intuitive at all) at the initial screen by rolling over the "Countryman" name before you get into the build screen. When I built an ALL4 out (realistically), it came to MSRP of 30K.

    It's high (I think), but I could live with that.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
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    xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,809
    edited November 2010
    How's the weather up there?

    It is AMAZING!!!! I love, Love, LOVE it! Hahahahahahaha. Seriously, I keep pleading with friends who won't venture out to let me take them to the store, work, etc., just so I can have an excuse to drive.

    Yeah, it is pretty much zero traction on many roads, glare ice (freezing rain for three days will do that), etc., but this is my kind of driving. I took my Escort to work on Monday - that was an adventure! I made it to work (~20 miles) and home without incident, though, which is more than I can say for probably 50% of the people who ventured out that day (even in their 4WD / AWD)! Tires count for a LOT in this kind of weather. Since then, I have driven my wife's Forester, which also has great tires. She has no interest in driving on these roads, so I pretty much commandeered the car!

    -38? Ho doggies! We are having a really warm winter so far - nothing colder than -13(F) on the books yet. It is supposed to get cold by the weekend though, and keep dropping. Right now, it has been at 33F/0C for about three days straight. It's pretty unbelievable, really: Unprecedented in Fairbanks.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    $32,604.

    That still cloth seats, no convenience package (so no Bluetooth) and no Navi. I got all the sports stuff and a moonroof.

    The same money buys an F-XT Touring, I think even with navi.

    Different audiences, though.
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    xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,809
    edited November 2010
    Here's a short little video that shows a bit of the fun.

    link title
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
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    ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    At 1:15 is looks like skateboarding.

    CAREFUL, man, that's insane. Do you have studded tires?
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