Subaru Crew Cafe

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Comments

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Out of the "Big Horn" Catalog on my site.


    http://isuzu-suvs.com/bighorn/bh13.html


    -mike

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Pretty cool, but I want something with sides. Those seem kinda small considering what a Troopa could haul.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The thing that really blew me away about the BMW trailer is that it has an independent suspension!!

    So now even your cargo can be comfortable. :)

    Seriously, I'd love to see Subaru partner with a trailer company and offer a trailer that can be custom-fitted to your needs, whether it be for a motorcycle, or hauling trash to the landfill. I think there's a market for it.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Seems like overkill. A solid axle can hold the weight, and noone is sitting there feeling the possibly rough ride, so who cares?

    Maybe if you're transporting animals? I dunno. Bikes have suspensions, so again that's overkill.

    -juice
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I notice that MT still has GM helping develop the SUW. http://www.motortrend.com/future/2005_2.html


    And why can every other manufacturer have detailed plans for future vehicles, but the 2005 Legacy gets 'redesign' as the only text? C'mon Subaru, get some cojones and show your hand already!


    I'm waiting! ;-)


    -Brian

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'm not quite sure why or if you'd want an indy trailer suspension. I doubt it would be beneficial at all, heck it might be even detrimental to towing.

    I think that trailer looks goofy with the 5-series tail lights!

    -mike
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    This has absolutely nothing to do with Subaru topics (unless you count the fact that Subarus are particularly kid-friendly) but I know that Serge and a couple of other posters are Jewish. If so, how good is your Yiddish?

    Tamsin has just done the classic kid homework thing - she is playing Tumbalalaika in an eisteddford tomorrow and has mentioned that she has to explain the song to the audience. I know it is a Yiddish riddle song, but am lost on the meaning (my distant forebears fled Poland long ago and pragmatically converted to whatever local religion had the lowest profile!).

    I seem to remember that one riddle line asks what can cry without shedding tears, the maiden answering "the heart can cry without shedding tears".

    Anyone have a better memory?

    Cheers

    Graham
  • leo2633leo2633 Member Posts: 589
    Anyone here get Sirius (or XM, for that matter) in their vehicles yet? I really like Sirius, but its a couple hundred dollars for a new headunit, and related gear, and a $12.95 monthly subscription. (BTW, you can get Sirius through your computer and listen all day for free. Check it out. Nice quality sound and no commercials.)

    Len
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I stopped by a Jeep dealer today, and saw my first 5-speed V6 4WD Liberty on the showroom floor. 5-speeds are VERY rare...

    In any event, while sitting in the car, I checked out the owner's manual, to look up towing. As we all know, most SUV/trucks manufacturers now put restrictions on *unbraked* trailers, and it appears Jeep is no different. Here's how it's worded in the manual:

    • Jeep *recommends* trailer brakes on any trailer weighing over 1000 pounds.

    • Jeep *requires* trailer brakes on any trailer being pulled by a Liberty equipped with ABS.

    This ABS restriction is a new one for me. I've never heard of that before.

    Bob
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    My Yiddish is practically non-existent, though I would love to learn the language...my parents used to talk Yiddish when they didn't want my brother and I to understand...when he picked up some of it, they would switch to Polish (they both came from Lodz). I do know, however, the difference between shlemiel and shlemazel. The shlemiel spills the soup, the shlemazel gets the soup spilled on him!
    If you get me the woeds, maybe my mom can translate them.
    -Serge the shlemiel-
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    Thanks Serge. Turned out Tamsin got a passable version of it off the net. She then won her age group at the eisteddford so we are polishing her halo.

    Mind you, not too much glory to it as she got a touch of reality when I heard her practising her bragging after the event - "I won last year and again this year...". A sharp reminder to be "gracious in victory, and in defeat!" was delivered. pointing out the ungracious child we saw lose last year, whilst showing hubris. He won one section this year but the nerves were so bad he had to keep running to the toilet.

    It won't be her turn, next time, so she needs to learn how to lose, as well as win.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bob: I'm puzzled, why would ABS hurt you when towing?

    Here's my crystal ball, optimistic as it may be:

    2004:
    * Forester 2.5l LPT with 200+hp
    * Low Ranges appear across the board
    * STi WRX
    * H6 Baja
    * H6 Legacy 3.0 GT with shiftronic + VTD
    * H4 bumped to 175hp
    * H6 bumped to 240hp

    2005:
    * STi Forester
    * new Legacy with longer wheelbase
    * WRX coupe, to be named SVX, including STi model
    * Grand Forester (the SUW basically) with H6

    -juice
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    which one in your list would be deemed the flagship model?

    -Brian
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'm pretty much in agreement, although I'd restrict the dual-range models to just the Outback (including the Outback Sport), Forester and Baja models.

    I doubt it will happen though...

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    No question - the Grand Forester.

    Explorers (XLT 4x4 models) start in the low 30s, so I think pricing had to be along those lines.

    For the VDC, I think they should cut the price, even if it means dropping the stereo. Get it to $29,950 or so.

    The Grand Forester could start at $26,950 or so (H6, but cloth), and a Limited model could cost $30,950 (heated leather + moonroof), right where the volume sellers are priced.

    -juice
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I think it will be some upscale Outback, with all the possible toys, H6, dual range, VTD, VDC, and monotone paint.
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    It's not exactly automotive, but everything goes in the Cafe, right?

    Can anyone recommend a safe portable electric heater (for the average size bedroom)? I've heard oil-filled radiator type ones are the safest, is it true?

    Oil, Radiator, Heater -- all automotive terms, so I thought it's ok to ask here. Plus, there are no other forums I'm hanging out at as much as here.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I have several, they are safe but take a little longer to warm up.
    Delongi I think makes a good one.

    -mike
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Whatever type of heater you get, I recommend Pelonis. It's a very good brand and they have excellent customer service. I believe they make oil filled. I'm not sure what their web site is (pelonis.com?).
    edit: Pelonis does have an oil-filled-
    http://www.pelonis.com/pelindx5.html

    -Dennis
  • artgeckoartgecko Member Posts: 78
    The big advantage to the oil filled heaters is a consistant temperture. The traditional electric heaters heat the air around them, quickly, then shut off , Then it gets cold, and they come back on, cycling over and over. The oil filled saturate with heat, and radiate over a longer period of time. Less fluctuation in temp. Think of them as a big heat sink.

    My folks had one in the family room for years with shears hanging right on them. Not too hot, and no safety problems.

    Steve
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Kate: I second Dennis on the Pelonis. A cheaper electric model that's worked well for me is the Holmes HeatSafe.

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

    Not sure whether you can get them in SF but we get oil filled radiators with a fan section which moves air over one end. Very effective and has effect of dissipating warmth over a wider area.

    As a general principle, oil filled are the way to go. Less injuries and little chance of setting the house on fire.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    We used a DeLonghi up in the cold CT winters...very good and even heat
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Kate: they almost have what you want in a flagship now, including the monotone. Only the dual range is missing.

    The electric heaters with fans get noisy, and they dry the air out badly. They are also dangerous if they get tipped over, unless they shut off automatically.

    Go with oil filled. They are usually quiet, though you may hear some popping as the metal expands and contracts.

    Or get a wood burning stove. :-)

    Thumbs down on the Hilux' styling. I much prefer the cleaner GX470. Is the wheelbase a little longer on the Toyota, though? It seems longer.

    -juice
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    they almost have what you want in a flagship now, including the monotone. Only the dual range is missing

    yes, this why I thought they're less likely to deviate from the Outback-based flagship to a different line (Grand Forester). Unless of course that is really a GRAND vehicle.

    But hey, they dumped (um, "departed from") Crocodile Dundee, so everything is possible.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    from teaching today, I noticed the local Honda dealer had some new '03 Accords on the lot, so I stopped by.

    I think it's a very handsome vehicle. It looks much better in person, than in the photos. I didn't drive one, but I did sit in one. It's very roomy, and exceptionally well thought out. I was particularly impressed with the front seats, which were very comfortable, and had very good side bolsters. The one I sat in was an EX 4-cylinder model, with cloth seats.

    If only Honda offered it with AWD...

    Bob
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    sounded more like Pat the "hondafreak" :-)

    No, no more Accords for me. Husband's is falling apart, and it only has 70K on it.
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    For me, it's not big items like the engine blowing up, but the little things that break and drive you nuts: driver's sun visor hinge that doesn't stay fully up, cracked plastic surround of inside door handle, broken heater knobs, etc.

    Many years ago after changing a waterpump on a Honda Civic, I swore I'd never buy another Honda product. Unfortunately, my wife decided on this used Accord. This is the last one for me!

    Jim
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I've owned some sort of Honda virtually every year since 1965, and rarely had any problems with any of them, big or small. We recently had some rather large expenses on my daughter's '92 Prelude, but it has over 140K on it, and we're the second owner. Check my profile for the complete list of Hondas owned. I just wish they were committed to AWD, like Subaru is.

    In any event, I like the styling of most current Hondas, and especially the new Accord's looks. The common rap against Honda, in terms of styling, is that they're "boring" or "bland." Perhaps in the eyes of some, although I don't think so. Honda is aware of that criticism, and took steps to counter it with the new Accord. I think they succeeded.

    I would love to see Subaru come out with a Legacy coupe, patterned on the formula Honda uses for their Accord coupe. That is: Use most of the components from the sedan, but offer it up in a sexier body, with more sporting pretensions—like the Accord V6 w/6-speed tranny. According to the '03 Accord coupe brochure, besides the V6 and 6-speed, that model (V6/6-speed) also comes standard with 17" rims and a sport-tuned suspension.

    Bob
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    But I thought we were lobbying for a return of an SVX-type performance coupe? I don't think a Legacy coupe will fly at all. That is, the typical Accord coupe buyer never has and never will set foot in a Soob dealer. Subaru needs to continue its shift to performance-based market focus and leave the "pretentions" to others. Just my $.02 =)
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    In fact some components were shared between the SVX and Legacy in '92 not a whole lot, but some.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bob: yuck, the new Accord has a saggy butt and a Kia Rio front end. I wouldn't want to be associated with the cheapest car in the land.

    Of course I only got a glance of it in person, with you at Fed Ex field on the way to the M-B event. But the rear looks crooked, like it's been in an accident, or maybe droopy like ice cream that has melted in the sun.

    I'd prefer to see a WRX-based coupe. GT style coupes never sell that well, lots of great ones have failed.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    He said Forester will get a 2.5l turbo, too. If this is just a rumor, and we end up getting a 2.0l, it's a pretty strong rumor.

    He also said the Legacy will get a turbo, and not the H6. During our test drive I mentioned the 2.5GT should really become a 3.0GT, he said he doubts the H6 will even make it into the Legacy because a turbo is far more likely.

    Baja was too new, so he had no idea.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    part of the Accord Coupe's (new) role in life is to attract former Prelude customers. The new '03 Accord Coupe is far sportier than previous Accord coupes, especially the V6/6-speed/17" wheel model.

    I do think a sportier Legacy coupe will fly (pun intended!). It will keep the costs down, and therefore make it far more accessible to a much larger audience. Besides Honda, BMW does this with their 3-series coupe.

    Bob
  • cb70cb70 Member Posts: 226
    Saw a whole bunch of them while in Ireland and Scotland this Spring. I also saw a whole bunch of X-Trails, the vehicle that Nissan boneheads should bring here.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've also seen them, though I don't recall where or when.

    They are cute, even if they copy the original Pathfinders. But Land Rover has moved the Disco upscale, so they're just offering entry level choices.

    Saw an Accord up close during lunch. What bothered the buddy that was with me was the very small bumper, front and rear. In both cases, lights are a mere 2" or so away from the intial point of contact. I wonder how they'll do in the bumper bashers, but it doesn't look good.

    The profile view is the best. Kinda Mazda 6-ish. The rear still looks saggy. The front hood still looks Kia Rio-ish to me, though the headlights themselves are attractive.

    -juice
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    I don't know if I'd trust dealer rumors. Their job is to sell today's models. Often, they are kept in the dark until launch. They may give input on what customers want, but I'll bet they get specific information on a "need to know" basis.

    My $0.02.

    Jim
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, but why would he tell me there would be a 2.5l turbo Forester in the future? I mean, that would make me less likely to buy a car today.

    But generally, yeah, when they say they doubt more power is on the way, they're usually just trying to get you to buy a car right now.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I think dealers are willing to divulge future model information when it's sufficiently far off in the future that it won't impact sales today. Maybe that's an indication that we won't see a 2.5T Forester anytime soon...

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm hoping for March. I'll let initial demand calm a bit, and snatch one of those bad boys.

    Or an H6 Baja.

    Or a Blitzen. Choices, choices.

    -juice
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    The introduction of the 2003 Forester here in Australia saw the temporary deletion of the 2.0l turbo GT. This is to be replaced in 2003 by a 2.5l turbo. Given the police use the Forester GT fairly widely here in Victoria, it would probably be a wlecome return for them.

    I suspect that the shift to the 2.5T is a global one, focusing future development on the larger turbo across more product lines. I would be surprised if you did not see it in the US at some point.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I totally agree with you. Let's hope it comes to pass... :)

    Bob
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,398
    Certainly, one thing Subies need to keep up with the competition is more power. I'm sure the acceptance of the WRX hasn't gone unnoticed!

    Our wishes for Blitzen, B4, Turbo Forester, STi, etc. may yet become reality.

    Jim
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Graham,

    So it's a 2.5l turbo, not a re-introduction of the 2.0l turbo? Stateside, I haven't seen any plausible reference to a 2.5l turbo motor, only the 2.0l turbo (currently in the North American market WRX) and 3.0l H6 (normally aspirated).

    Curiously waiting for your answer.

    Cheers,

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I second Mike's request. Where did you hear this? Are there any web links that mention that?

    Bob
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Last night's winning numbers for the NY pick three were 9-1-1.

    http://1010wins.com/topstories/StoryFolder/story_1770389092_html


    -Dennis

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