Subaru Crew Cafe

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  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Curious, did you get that same foul oder when starting off from a dead stop in deep snow that I got? The next time it snows, I'm definitely going to turn off the traction control, to see if that eliminates that problem.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Never.

    And I do know what that's like - my mom owned a Chevrolet Marajo (basically a Chevette station wagon) and it had a horrific fuel smell throughout its entire life.

    She switched to Fiats, and later to Hondas.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Bob - turn off the TC and start in 2nd gear in deep snow. It works for me with my Passat.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Yup. Now all I need is another blizzard to try it out. ;)

    Bob
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    It doesn't take much to get a Subaru clutch to burn.

    Truth! :)

    Still no snow or ice here... not that I'm sad, mind you.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited January 2011
    From the current issue of DRIVE magazine:

    http://www.drive.subaru.com/Win11/itsWhatMakes.htm

    A quote from this article:

    "The fuel injectors were moved to the cylinder heads. In the EJ engine, they were mounted in the intake manifolds. The relocation enhances the flow of atomized fuel, helping to improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust gas emissions."

    Isn't that Direct Injection? Or am I missing something?

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited January 2011
    First I thought "no way", but reading it again, it does sound like DI.

    I wonder, though, if the fuel is injected directly in to the cylinder itself? Or in the intake path in the heads, and still not DI?

    The intake manifold is now plastic, no longer metal, and that could explain the move.

    Either way, the closer the injectors are to the cylinder the better.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Interesting that they talk about things like exhaust system revisions, but don't really address the block design at all. Looking at just a little bit of the internet chatter out there, I am certainly not the only one curious about this aspect of the new engine!
    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
    Good news, because it's sort of a forecast of future sales. Or at least people considering a future purchase.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Just ordered mine! Thanks for the link!

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I did also, saw it on Facebook just now, too.
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    Haha, that's cool!
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Sweet. I love that tennis ball - it is pure genius! :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
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Just ordered it.... But.... how do I attach it to the grid antenna in the rear quarter window??????? :P
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    edited January 2011
    We'll just have to see, now won't we?! :D

    I am just wondering how fast I have to go to get the skin to come off, and whether or not it is tethered so I can put it back on again! :shades:

    Speaking of ordering it, they didn't have AK in their list of state codes, so I hope they send it to me. The zip is the only thing that is really important for the USPS, so I hope they'll send it as is (I used Arkansas - AR instead) and USPS will ignore the erroneous state code. :surprise:
    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 January 2011
    I was going to report that error on the Subie Facebook page, but by the time I got there, they posted the following:

    Subaru of America, Inc.
    Thank you Subaru fans for your tremendous participation in our 'Get More Gs' Tennis Ball Giveaway! Unfortunately all Tennis Balls have been snatched up, but keep checking for more contests and giveaways throughout the year. Thanks again for your continued Subaru love! :)


    Well, that was quick! I don't think this was up for more than 4 hours!

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Whoa! That was fast! Well, thank you for posting the link here; otherwise, I never would have seen it.
    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
    Yep, thanks ... I guess I found it pretty quickly ... lol
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    My 2010 had its first mechanical failure - a blown power steering hose. Apparently Subaru uses a rather non-cold-tolerant ATF for its power steering fluid. I am not sure if this is a recent change, but I never had a Subaru in the past that had an issue with a power steering system.

    Any way, I suspect the hose failed during our last bout of cold weather (just before / during Christmas). I was getting some burning oil smell in the car when I would stop or slow, but initially thought it was residual from the loose oil filter incident just a couple weeks prior. Just before New Years, I became suspicious because the smell seemed worse (rather than the opposite) and I started hearing a distinctive PS pump noise, so I popped the hood to find fluid sprayed all over the place. *sigh*

    So, I took it into the shop on Tuesday and they said they would turn it around same-day. Then, they didn't have the hose and said it had to be flown up from Portland (OR)... they would have it Wednesday. So, I leave the car and manage without it for another day. Wednesday, they say it didn't come in, so I leave it another day. Yesterday, they didn't bother to call. Today, I called and asked about it, to which they replied that the part wasn't available in Portland either, so it had to come in "from another depot." I should mention that our local dealership is now a Kendall dealership, which is a "family owned" business based in Portland (which, I imagine, is why they sourced the part from that location). Again, they expect it today, so we shall see.

    If they don't come through, I am going to have them give me a loaner for the weekend - and it will have to be AWD. :mad:
    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: 17,728
    No go; loaner it is! :cry:
    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
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Don't feel bad. It takes usually 3-4 days to get parts here in NJ, and the warehouse is in southern NJ. I have very rarely seen any PS pump or hose issues at all.

    I have been seeing more and more rodent issues with wires and hoses as they start to use more Soy in the rubber/insulation manufacturing.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Now on my CTS-V I had 2 PS Pumps go on me even after I had put in a big huge cooler. Finally Redline Synthetic PS Fluid did the trick, you might want to give that a try, see if they will put that in for you, well worth the $.

    -mike
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    edited January 2011
    Yeah, I was pretty surprised that the issue came up since this is Subaru #4 and winter #2 for the car, but if the stock Subaru ATF doesn't have good cold flow properties, it will create a ridiculous amount of pressure in the hoses until the engine creates enough heat to warm up the fluid that is in there.

    The dealership said that they switch out that stock fluid with some "aircraft hydraulic fluid" when they do their winterization process. Well, I will sure be adding the power steering system to my list of fluids to change when I winterize mine!

    When I went to get the loaner, I told them I wanted something with AWD. They came back with "any model in particular?" I was rather surprised, as it sounded like I could have my run of the place (wohoo!), but I just said, "no, it doesn't really matter. I just need AWD and room for four." So, they gave me a 2010 RAV4 Sport. It is okay, being simple, quite roomy, and with some practical features (especially for living in northern climates!), but it is an automatic, of course, so that took some adjusting. Neither of us has driven an AT in well over a year, so we both keep stomping the floor looking for the clutch.... :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
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I have been seeing more and more rodent issues with wires and hoses as they start to use more Soy in the rubber/insulation manufacturing

    Yep - happened to me not once, not twice, but THREE times!

    2002 Legacy spark plug wires
    1998 Forester ignition coil/wires
    2007 Sienna wiring harness
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    I was looking at new cars with my parents- they're looking for a new sedan and we took a look at the new Hyundai Equus. I will say it is a very nice car, the interior is extremely comfortable and the seats are so soft, much nicer than any BMW, Mercedes, or Lexus I've ever been in.

    BUT, the dealer was asking $5k over sticker!!!!!! They said they were asking $15k over sticker but it was the end of the year and they just dropped it to $5k! They also told me the new Elantra's were selling for over sticker!

    Has Hyundai become the new Honda/Toyota in terms of selling with second stickers?

    I told the dealer it was a nice car, and even if the car itself is the equivalent of a Lexus, it simply does not carry the same image. But they seem to be selling them at $5k over for now anyway (about $70k before TTL- :surprise: ).

    tom
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The dealer is nuts, IMHO. Dumb strategy that only scares people out of showrooms. I'm sure they just have short-term supply shortages and are "fishing" for a sucker to come along and pay list+.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    I don't know if this is still true, Tom, but in years past when I visited the Bay Area pricing over sticker just seemed to be the norm on every desirable model. People just weren't willing to travel a great distance to get a better deal, as all the dealers south of San Fran seemed to be in collusion! Going out of state wasn't an option due to CARB, so they knew they had you. In the NY metro area, going out of state for a car only results in a sales tax paperwork issue, and I've done it when the local dealers wouldn't deal.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    I agree it's nuts! But I totally didn't expect it from a Hyundai dealer (a major one in Orange County). Does this mean Hyundai has made it to the big times like Honda and Toyota???

    It was just a shock to me- but I think the benefit of the Equus is that you can buy an equivalent of an LS 460 (maybe better?) for less. It's not up to an S-Class or 750i though performance wise, although the interior like I said is gorgeous. But at $30k less, I'd consider one. Not at $10k less though.

    tom
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    They are asking over sticker because it's new and lots of people will pay over sticker for the latest and greatest.

    In reality, Hyundai only plans to sell about 2000 Equui in North America per year so there won't be that many available.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Does this mean Hyundai has made it to the big times like Honda and Toyota???

    Yep.

    Heck, to me:

    Sonata > Accord & Camry
    Elantra > Civic & Corolla
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    I have to agree, at least from my experience with Hyundai. I haven't driven the last several model years, but they do look much nicer than their competition. Prior to that, they drove much better than their competition with a price equally as favorable.

    If I were shopping in the $65,000 range, though, I think I would opt for that pickup I spec'ed on the $100K list last month! :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
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I don't think you can find any other chauffer-driven car for that price, though. It's created a new niche, in a way.

    In price it competes with the E-class, but it's closer to a poor man's Maybach.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    I'm sure it is! I checked it out on the Hyundai website yesterday, and it is a beautiful, luxurious car. I'm just too practical for it, but that wouldn't stop me from at least driving one given the chance. :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
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    FWIW the first month sales beat the VW Phaeton's first month (two, even) by a wide margin.

    It's still too early, though.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    I thought it was going to be Phaeton 2.0, maybe I'm going to be very wrong. I have been very impressed with their recent offerings, especially their styling. I predicted and I believe they have succeeded in breaking into the Honda/Toyota stronghold by producing competitive product, but this niche rarely relates to quality/bang for $$. It's all about cache, and I'm not expecting this to continue. Had they waited a couple of years post respectability and then done a luxury marque intro, I expect it would have been more successful. Still, who knows.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    VW keeps going back and forth on the decision.

    The current Phaeton is the same old one with the new corporate grille. I don't see why it would do any better this 2nd round.

    Even if it did, I bet lots of those sales would cannibalize the A8.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    VW said yesterday the Phaetonn would not be back for at least one generation. Their goal is to build volume with the newly revealed NA market Passat, the new Jetta and some forthcoming competitive crossovers.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ah, yes, the 2012 Mediocrity (Jetta) and Grand Mediocrity (Passat).

    Both will do more volume, watch, but VW totally sold out.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    The Jetta is watered down compared to previous gens but the market demanded a Corolla/Civic competitor. The MK V was too expensive.

    The new Passat is getting praise from VW Vortex. They say dash strokers should be happy and that performance shouldn't suffer. I'll give VW the benefit of the doubt because sacrifices have to be made to compete against the Cam/cord/anata/bu. Hopefully it'll maintain some Teutonic cues while being an afforadable option.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Did the exterior have to be so bland, though?

    At least the interior is nice.

    Vortex is cool, I actually worked with some of those guys, met several of them in person (highlight: road trip in an S5 to an AWD bike shop in Philly). But...it is a VW site, so they write articles about how great FrontTrac Audis are.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    edited January 2011
    You misunderstood. What I meant was that I thought the Equus was going to be like the Phaeton all over again and not in a good way.
    3 years ago, I loved the upscale feel of the Vera Cruz interior and agreed with reviews which put the top end model on par with the Rx350 for luxury feel at a much lower $$. We were this close to buying one but didn't, most likely due to the lack of a factory NAV/back-up camera which at the time I considered a gross oversight for a vehicle of that size and price range, nevermind the upper tier segment it was trying to challenge. I was willing to go aftermarket, but Dra hates wires and anything that looks cobbled on so she wouldn't take the risk. Others shared our opinions or had different issues it seems, because the VC has not been a huge seller. Sounds like this time they didn't leave anything missing other than the prestige, so maybe it will work.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Did the exterior have to be so bland, though?

    One person's bland is another's inoffensive. Polarizing designs typically don't sell well.

    As for the Vortex - I should've said Vortex Motorsports. They do more than VAG product websites there.

    The users can be downright brutal though.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My bad, just re-read and you said the Equus may be Phaeton 2.0, now I get it.

    Volume is still very small, FWIW. It will never sell in big numbers.

    3 years ago, I loved the upscale feel of the Vera Cruz interior

    So did I. At the New York Auto Show I told Charlie and Bob that I felt that way, particularly the soft leather on the comfy seats. I dragged them to the Hyundai display to show them what I observed.

    We still went with a minivan, but Veracruz made my short list, too.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yep, and with a sub $20k price, the new Passat's sales will double.

    I still say they sold a bit of their soul.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    My car is finally, finally, fixed! I probably shouldn't be so thrilled since I rarely even get to drive it. *sigh* Eight days to get it fixed! A power steering hose! :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
    Make sure they cleaned up the engine bay.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I still say they sold a bit of their soul.

    Ah - that's OK. As a Euro sedan, it had plenty to spare unlike the Japanese appliances it competes against.

    ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, it has become an appliance. I hope it's reliable!
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