Subaru Crew Cafe

15859616364343

Comments

  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    ...is most likely made here in Kenosha, WI. Enjoy!

    A Jeep friend of mine has a hoist in his garage that can lower/raise the hardtop - makes installation much easier. He recently put on a lift kit and does take his Jeep to trails with rock climbs and whatnot. He says it's a blast.

    Did you get the alloy wheels, or stay with the steelies?

    -Brian
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I believe you're right about the I-6.

    Yeah, I've read where folks have gotten a hoist to take the hardtop off. I figure I (and an unsuspecting friend) will take it off as summer starts and put it back on when the weather gets too bad around late fall.

    I got the aluminum wheels (I believe). What I got was the 30" Wheel pkg (15 x 8 "Canyon wheels") and Goodyear Wrangler tires (30 x 9.5). The pkg includes the Dana 44 (in the 5spd model, like mine) and gas-filled shocks. I also have the limited slip (called trac-lok) and 4whl disc brakes. I opted not to get ABS as it really interferes w/off-roading (plus, I wasn't too fond of it in my WRX).

    Stephen
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Any reason you didn't opt for the Rubicon model? You going to try one of those Jeep Jamboree's? There looks to be in your neck of the woods (well, Idaho is near you ;-)

    One thing about the Jeeps is that suspension lifts are very common and proven. So you shouldn't have any worry about that aspect.

    -Brian
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I heard it's selling for well over $30K right now. Crazy money for that!

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    That the Jeep Rubicon is VERY rough riding on the street, much more so than other Wranglers.

    Bob
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    Stephen, how is the maneuverability of the Wrangler? Is it easy to park in tight spaces?
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Saw this photo on the VWVortex forums for DCCD:


    http://www.kconline.com/zach/postpics/cdiff.jpg


    Thought it was kind of funny.


    Ken

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/FutureModelHomePageStatic/0,,24367,00.html


    At a glance

    Wheelbase: 139.8"

    Length: 224.2"

    Width: 78.8"

    Height (4x4): 76.0"

    Width between wheelwells (bed): 50.0"

    Bed depth: 19.9"

    Bed length: 6'7"

    No GVW or payload ratings yet


    Check out the bed and bed accessories. It's got adjustable tie downs for sides, back & floor! Sprayed in bedliner is great too. With tailgate down, and using the bed extender, 4'x8' panels fit just fine.


    This truck is a winner folks!


    Bob

  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I really like the looks of the Ruby w/its 16"wheels/tires and black rocker panel guards. In the end, I couldn't justify the extra expense (& rougher ride) considering how much off-road I will do that requires the Ruby's amazing off-road abilities. Basically, what I would be paying for (other than the larger tires/wheels) is the 4:11 gearing & Dana 44 front & rear axles incl locking axles ability. I thought about the Sahara but don't really care for the body-colored fender flares or the limited ext color choices. All & all I like the options I got such as the Dana 44 rear axle, 30"tire/wheels, trac-lok, 4wh discs, 4.0L I-6, & HD 5spd manual.

    The Wrangler is very easy to drive in traffic and to park, due in large part to its 32.8 ft turning circle and quick steering. The low torque (max 235 lbs @ 3200) is good for getting off the line quicker than most would imagine. Because of all the torque, I don't have to shift as often as I did in the WRX which helps in traffic.

    Oh yeah, my first tank full of reg unleaded was 20.2 & almost all freeway at about 69 mph. Not bad for an aerodynamic brick that's not broken in yet. :-)

    Stephen
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    ken-- good find! I remember reading the UK FAQ on the impreza turbo years ago and their description of the DCCD (available since STi3) was something like "used to induce burning smell in the cockpit." yep, the LOCKED position is off-road only.

    -Colin
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://just-auto.com/nd.asp?art=39938&dm=yes


    Sounds like Honda has a better grasp as to what the Baja should have been.


    Bob

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Both from Volvo: The S60R and the V70R.

    Unlike the STi, Volvo needed 5 cylinders to pull it off. Both vehicles are AWD, and have either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed tip-tronic.

    There is a write up in the current issue of C&D.

    Bob
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I saw that on the news last night and the ad is really over the top.
    I guess cars use fuel that is only purchased everywhere except the middle east.

    -Dennis
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Yes, that ad is a little over the top. Ironically, the person who funded the commercial apparently made their money off of oil.

    While the commercial is a little far fetched, I do hope it will cause some people to think twice about their vehicle selection from a gas consumption standpoint.

    Ken
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    the latest issue of Automobile magazine in the mail today. In their "'03 All Stars" section, the WRX tied with the BMW M5, as their favorite "Sports Sedan!"

    Also David E. Davis listed all the cars he drove last year. Among his favorites: The Forester!

    Bob
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Sweet. I'll be looking in my mailbox today.

    I also finally got a chance to read C&D's recent comparo of family sedans. While it tied for 5th, the Legacy had some very positive comments. The stability from the AWD and chassis rigidity were what stuck in my mind. Actually 5th isn't so bad in a very competitive segment with brand-new models like the Accord, Camry, Passat and Altima.

    Ken
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Anybody read in the news about this teenager who killed his friend with cyanide-laced soda (purchased over the Internet), over the jealousy of a girl? It made national news last night and today.

    This happened less than 5 miles from where I live. They all went to Centennial High School in Ellicott City Maryland, which I've been to many times when my son was running track in high school. My son's track/cross country team often competed against Centennial HS (which, BTW, has put out some of the best HS track/cross country runners in the state of Maryland).

    Small (and scary) world...

    Bob
  • tocatoca Member Posts: 147
    Good articles on the various 4 wheel drive implementations:

    http://www.trucktrend.com/features/tech/163_0206_4x4/index.html
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Interesting article. The Forester in some markets (5MT) has low-range gearing. Does that classify it as 4WD?

    Ken
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    you live in the Irvine, CA area, and are a member of the Impreza Club!

    http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=299724

    We need such a deal being members of the Subaru Crew!

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The new 2.0L 115 HP VW Beetle convertible is available with a 6-speed automatic. (Must have a really narrow powerband to need 6 gears!)

    Bob
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    I saw one today. Rear seat tight for an 8-year-old girl (saw it with my own eyes!) and the trunk is about the size of 4 plastic grocery bags. Enormous externally folded top and pastel colors like the original. The only people swooning over it were teenage girls, so I'll bet you'll see a lot sold as sweet 16/debutante coming out/high school/college graduation gifts.

    Ed
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I took these the day after I bought the Jeep.
    image
    image
    image

    Stephen
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I can get them at a discount, just contact me offline :)

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    But I found an american car I'm excited about...

    -mike
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    If you weren't OCD before, you now have a full membership with that black Jeep!

    -Brian
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    If I were to ever get a Wrangler, it would probably be much like yours. Did you get it with the dual-top option? Also, with the full doors, such as your is equipped, do you miss not having a door arm rest? That would drive me nuts, not having that feature.

    Bob
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Steve. My brother in law bought one last year, a lot like yours.
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Bob: I know what you mean about the door armrest (or lack of one). I read owners' comments about that. Actually, the door panel sticks out just enough to act as an armrest for my left arm. The console is a much better armrest than the WRX for my right arm (due to the console height). Yes, I do have the Dualtop option. It's the only way to go in the somewhat soggy NW. :-)

    Stephen
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The new Nissan Murano and Infiniti FX45/35 have clearly put "SPORT" into this class of vehicle, or so the car rags are saying. Granted, they're not much good off road, but all the magazines are praising their on-road attributes—especially those of the new FX45. One magazine went on to say it's on-road handling is better than the BMW X5, which is (was!) the head of the class.

    Huge wheels/tires
    One of the reasons may be due to the huge low-profile tires and wheels these vehicles come standard with:

    • Murano = 235/65x18
    • FX45 = 265/50x20

    The king of the big wheels, however goes to the new Rolls-Royce, which comes with 22" wheels!

    Bob
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Stephen: Nice photos and nice ride! Looks sharp. So, are you going to keep this one stock? ;-)

    Bob: The downside to BIG tires -- very expensive to replace.

    Ken
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    or to even find replacements... At the moment they're "odd" sizes, unique to only those vehicles. I doubt your local Mr. Tire will have any in stock...

    Bob
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Well Stephen a WRX she ain't, if you intend any off roading you will have your hands full keeping that baby clean,LOL. I guess you have the modding bug out of your system after your negative experience with the WRX.

    Good luck with your new ride It looks really good, and keep on posting.

    Cheers Pat.
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Nice pictures. Keeping the black clean would lead to a divorce though. Hey, what is all that green stuff on the ground and the bright light in the background? ;-)

    Greg
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Although not as nice as your STi'd wagon. :-)

    -Dennis
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Nice ride Stephen.
    I like the funky rear windows.

    Could almost hear Kate...
    "Where's the model?" :D

    -Dave
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I have a strong feeling that if the Dodge Magnum Sports Wagon comes out in the form that the mags are showing it, I will be leasing or buying one of these. We shall see.

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    What happened to that 350 HP turbo H-6 Legacy you said you might get, when it comes out?

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    That's a big when. I can't wait for SOA/FHI to get off their behinds to come out wiht a larger sports car/GT... It's been how many years... We'll see, 460hp 480lbs torque is nice in a 4000lbs vehicle :)

    -mike
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'd probably lease it though, to protect myself from poor workmanship once the warranty was up :)

    -mike
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    as the C&D article pointed out, traction control, etc, might not be part of the picture. A rear drive car here in the NE? I don't think so.... Frankly I think the Pacifica (less power, but AWD) makes much more sense, and is a good target vehicle for SoA.

    Steve
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'd take it with LSD. I'd be keeping the Trooper and/or SVX for winter weather :)

    It's a muscle car, I don't think it's meant to be practical (what car with 460hp/480lbs torque is?) hee hee.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It's FWD based to which I'm not very fond of. :(

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    There may(?) be an AWD Magnum in the works. It's been rumored.

    Bob
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    http://www.edmunds.com/future/2004/chrysler/pacifica/5drwagon/specs.html

    Edmunds lists it as 'on-demand 4wd', but also says above that AWD.

    I thought Chryslers' AWD (at least in the minivans) was a 50/50 split type, not FWD-like. At least this article ((http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/44278/article.html)) says it's full time. Would Chrysler use an entirely different system?

    -Brian
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Isn't it even built on the mini-van platform? I'd guess if it was a PT system, then it would be to save gas milage.

    -mike
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