Subaru Crew Cafe

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Comments

  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I saw that link over at NAISOC too. Interesting how the data was different from what I expected.

    Ken
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    a l'il birdie... or a whole lot of birdies told SoA ;-)

    -Dave *cough*one*cough*of the*cough*birdies*cough*
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    that SRT-4 video saved locally if someone needs it, although it is rather large (25mb) if I recall.

    -Brian
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    That video is with Jimmy Hoffa out at Giant's Stadium, no need to worry about that anymore :)

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's right, I forgot you're a "made guy".

    Didn't mean no disrespect by my comment...

    ;-)

    -juice
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Hoffa was hanging with Saddam and Bin Laden now.

    Greg
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    dragging down FHI wordwide profits!

    http://just-auto.com/news_detail.asp?art=41018&dm=yes

    http://reuters.com/financeNewsArticle.jhtml?storyID=2755910&t- ype=companyResultsNews

    Bob
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Ruh roh. That's not good. But at least sales in March were up 9%.

    -Frank P.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    See what happened when Patti left Edmunds.com? LOL

    Actually, I'd say it's timing - there are several new models arriving. Imprezas were not in dealers in significant volume yet. Forester XT and Baja turbo are around the corner. And the Legacy and Outback are no longer new.

    Hopefully as those arrive there will be pent-up demand and sales will recover.

    -juice
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    ...as I've been on the road the last two weeks. I did manage to get into the chat May 8 for a few minutes, then got dumped out. I think many others had that problem. Fortunately I should be local again for the next 3-4 weeks barring the unforeseen, so it's time to catch up on household and automotive chores.

    One thing I'm considering doing is taking my Forester to the dealer's paintless dent removal people; it's gathered a few pretty noteworthy dings in the doors and a quarter over the winter. With close to 54K on the odo do you think it's too early to do the 60K service? I'm planning a driving vacation in late summer/early fall but may still be traveling unpredictably on business between now and then. I've budgeted for it as I have $300 in Subaru Bucks to apply to the service - maybe $400 by the time I get to it.

    Thoughts?

    Ed
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If you think you'll come even close to 60k while on that trip, go for it now.

    If you have 2-3k miles beyond that, I'd wait. These would be highway miles anyway, the least demanding.

    -juice
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    No, not my Subaru. Lost compression on my 5.25hp B&S engine. Post mortem (it was pretty beat anyway and time for retirement) was loose head bolts and gasket damage.

    Redid the carb on my other mower and moved on to that one. It was a busy week at "Fibber's Mower Shop".

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good experience for you, if nothing else.

    My mower is gonna die a slow death. It's got a Tecumseh engine. The oil fill spout broke off once and I just sort of jammed it back in there. It's 11 years old and still going, though, so it would be a shame to replace it as long as it's still running.

    -juice
  • erics6erics6 Member Posts: 684
    Had some extra time this weekend so I test drove three different types of vehicles for the heck of it.

    1st test drive was a 04 WRX wagon. I like the styling better than the 03. Seemed to drive about the same. Lot's of pick up and go. Had to get around some idot entering the freeway at 30MPH. That turbo is awfully nice in those kinds of situations....Realization though that the WRX is just too small for me. I'll have to see what the Forester turbo and 05 Legacy do for me.

    2nd test drive was a CRV EX 5spd. What a disappointment! Nice clutch action, but the engine just didn't seem smooth through the rev range. Lot's of space. Conclusion. I wouldn't give up my Outback for one.

    3rd test drive was the Nissan Murano. I was impressed! Drove an AWD SL model with cloth. The CVT was amazing. Very smooth power delivery (unlike the Honda). Plenty of power. And 20/24 mpg. (I sure hope Subaru gets a CVT soon.) Very sporty feeling. More solid at freeway speeds than my Outback. I didn't mind the interior. I know Nissan has been dinged for cheap materials, but I didn't think they were that bad. Not Lexus quality, but pretty good. I like the exterior styling except for the cheap plastic/chrome grill. It will be interesting to compare the Forester turbo and 05 Legacy to the Murano. Hmmm....so many good choices.

    -Eric
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    One dealer has published a starting price of $25,520 for the XT, I hope that turns out to be the case. It's only $1113 more than an XS with the same equipment!

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I stopped by FitzMall-White Flint today, on my way back from Bethesda, and lo and behold—there was a black STi with gold wheels in the parking lot—sold of course...

    The black looks great. It appears to be the same black that we saw on the Forester turbo at the NY auto show, with tiny gold flecks.

    Fitz is not putting an ADM on the car, so said the salesman.* This car did not have a radio either.

    * = Juice, this was the guy who sold you your Legacy. His name was Maurice, and he sold the STi too!

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    While at FitzMall, another salesman said that their rep from SOA said the Baja was a complete flop. He doesn't think the turbo will do much to spark sales either.

    Bob
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Sorry, I haven't been posting or participating in the Thursday chats. I've been really heavy in remodeling hell (still...). :-(

    I did find time today to wash the Wrangler and put on some taillight covers.

    Here's the link to the pics I posted over in the Jeep Photo Gallery.

    barresa62 "Jeep Owners: Photo Gallery" May 19, 2003 2:59pm

    Stephen
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Stephen-
    Nice:)

    Trunk Monkey looks very much at home :D

    -Dave
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I didn't think any of them had a radio. Isn't it a dealer option?
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    however, I assumed most dealers would be equipping them with radios.

    BTW, some one over at NASIOC reported seeing 4 STis at Herb Gordon Subaru in Silver Spring MD.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yes, Bob, Maurice. Good guy. He sold the OB to my dad, and he's also the VIP rep for that dealer, and deservedly so. I like that he's honest and knows his stuff, as much as any dealer staff I've met.

    I hope the STi is still there when I take my sister for a follow up test drive. If it would only stop raining, we would go. It rained last time she went test driving, and she wants to try them in the dry.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'm sure it's gone, as the new owner was there when I was there. They we just finishing the preping of it. All it need was tags when I left.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That means we'll soon start seeing them on the street. Cool.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Staying true to the Cafe's OT nature, I just had to share this funny piece of local news that's getting quite a bit of attention.

    Hooters is planning on opening it's first ever Northern California store at Fisherman's Wharf in SF and is stirring up some controversy:

    http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2003/05/20/MN- 68316.DTL

    Ken
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Glad to see some Non-PC places opening up in PC SF. I'm not a fan of the food there personally, although I've frequented them here. I'd rather hit a regular strip joint than go to hooters, it's usually cheaper and more entertaining ;)

    -mike
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    ....doesn't sound to me like there is any opposition on PC grounds, at least not in the article, my conservative friend. All the actual quotes (as opposed to the writer's interjections) center around the "family values" atmosphere of the location and concerns about massive chains diluting the charm of established locals. Not a word about political correctness that I can see. Except maybe the bit about Mom being worried about her daughter's church habits which, ironically, is a conservative touchstone.

    The funniest part for me is the franchisee dude is named Trani.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    What nonsense, the place is already full of chain restaurants! Cannery Row disappointed us for that very reason. They had nothing we couldn't find somewhere else, and mostly stores that exist right here in MD! Bubba Gump Shrimp? Yeah, fine dining, RIGHT!

    Same with Pier 39, it's a bunch of chain stores, not at all unique IMO. Hooters would blend right in. The place is like a mall, just open and with a bunch of sea lions thrown in for a touch of character. Another Bubba Gump Shrimp chain and a Hard Rock Cafe (so unique - NOT!).

    Carmel was unique, now you're talking true character. They had the cool sidewalk cafes, euro style. Now you're talking.

    Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved SF, and had the time of my life, but those two places in particular are very *generic* and mall-like. While there you can hardly tell you're in such a beautiful region.

    As far as Hooters, it's all relative. My wife used to object to the whole concept, but once while at the beach she craved wings and we tried it out. Keep in mind it's mid summer and everyone is wearing bathing suits, so the Hooters "uniforms" seemed downright conservative. She had to laugh at herself!

    I'll step off my soap box now...

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Just busting, I find it funny that people in the mid-atlantic and southern states here bring the family to hooters.

    -mike
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    well don't get me started on chains!! LOL. ugh, corporate dining, corporate winelist, so we can all have our freaking Kendall Jackson, the same every vintage, in the same familiar restaurants, with the same portion controlled menu, coast to bloody coast. Naff.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ding ding! We have a winner. That's what I'm talking about. We were actually a bit shocked to see the chains there, where are all the unique places?

    Chinatown, for one. Love the food there.

    Carmel too. The sidewalk cafes were to die for. Tiny little places squeezed in alleys.

    They're sprinkled around all over the place, but we didn't find Cannery Row or Peir 39 particularly full of character. The rest of SF was.

    -juice
  • erics6erics6 Member Posts: 684
    Corporate America is everywhere you look. Fortunately, there's still plenty to do in a city like SF.

    Unfortunately, my last trip a couple of weekends ago to the Bay Area consisted of a one day 10 hour drive down I5. Eat dinner. Pick up a rental truck the next day and drive back with the family heirlooms for my mom and aunt. Didn't even get to see the Golden gate bridge :(

    My favorites are Chinatown, golden gate park, and nearby Point Reyes National Seashore.

    -Eric
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Yes, unfortunatley Fisherman's Wharf is overrun with chains and tourist traps galore. I don't really like taking out of town people there except to point out that it's the Wharf. I don't think any locals would go there just to hang out.

    Even Chinatown is bordering on being a tourist trap. There are a few restaurants where I would actually eat , but the others serve mediocre food. For real Chinese, you need to go to the Richmond or Sunset district or even out to Oakland Chinatown.

    The same with Cannery Row in Monterey. I use it just to get to the aquarium -- one AMAZING place.

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

    I have to admit that I thought the only guys getting a decent feed in Monterey were the seals and a very cool sea otter lounging right by the wharf, eating clams. The opening technique, requiring him to carry a stone under his armpit, which was then used to open the clam, was nifty. Besides, he had the technique for cleaning up after dinner sorted out just fine. Roll over once and the clam bits wash right off your fur.

    Now if only the restaurants were as good.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Graham,

    Yes, those seals are something. I've seen some roll in the water several times to get off all the little shell bits. Or were they trying to season the clams with some sea salt?

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    We spent the day in the aquarium too. Figured it was more fun than shopping at stores we already have back home, LOL.

    With 2 nights at a Hotel in Monterey, we spent the other day in Carmel and driving down to Big Sur. So we hardly stayed in Monterey at all!

    -juice

    PS How come there's no beach at Pebble Beach? ;-)
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    or SFO, for that matter: My trick is to go see the sights, go be a tourist, then go to my sister's house in Marin for dinner... she's a graduate chef, the company is always good, and the bill at the end of the meal is a lot lower! Chains are fine for familiar, "comfort" food. I've been homesick & sought out familiar signs for that reason.

    OK, now I'm hungry... :)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    and, from a dining out perspective, am pretty much inconsolable at this point. :)
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6040&sid=17- 5&n=156

    It will be interesting to see how this GM promotion pans out. It's certainly got a catchy jingle.

    Bob
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Good point Paul. It doesn't take a whole lot of effort wherever you are to find out where the locals eat -- even if you don't have a chef-sister in town!

    I always make it a point to go by local recommendations whenever I'm on the road. All you have to do is ask someone.

    I'm glad I contacted Loosh when I traveled to Baltimore last year! Those were some fine eats.

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    GM has a long way to go to stop the hemorrage of market share. Start with long-term reliability, then resale values, then the addiction to incentives.

    More importantly, designs are improving but still have a long way to go. Remember how empty the Malibu Maxx stand was at the NY Auto Show, and how crowded the Dodge stand next to it was?

    Lutz has just barely put a dent in the old GM.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    and I'm posting from Exeter, NH. Up here to attend my niece's graduation from the U of NH.

    Loads of Subies up here! In fact, yesterday we went in to Portsmith, and everywhere you looked, there seemed to a Subie or two.

    Driving back today to MD. It's roughly a 570 drive, an all day affair, for sure.

    Bob
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    ...until you've seen a decked out Navigator with low profile tires and funky chrome rims. The chrome rims have an outer flat part that turns with the wheel. So, when you stop, they still spin. :rolleyes:

    -Brian
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I just saw the same wheels on a fullsize Chevy P/U in Seattle. Different strokes for different folks, but it reeks of gold chains & Aramis circa late 70's, IMHO...LOL!!

    Stephen
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    of the 1st time having the softtop on.

    barresa62 "Jeep Owners: Photo Gallery" May 25, 2003 3:30pm

    Stephen
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Stephen: Saw the same wheels ther other day, and I'll be darned if I can even remember what kind of car they were on. My 11 year old thought they were cool. Proves he's a normal 11 year old!

    I get two chances to visit your fine city over the hill in August for Mariners games - 1 with the wife, 1 with the boys. Save some good weather for us!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    make that Portsmouth NH...

    Even saw two Bajas!

    Bob
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    A normal 11 yr old to be sure! LOL.

    Yeah, I'm working on keeping the Aug weather nice as my sister and family are visiting from Indy from the 9th to the 16th. August is traditionally a good month though. I'm sure they'll have the roof open at Safeco and you & yours will have a great time!

    Funny, I want to make a trip to E.Washington w/the Jeep this summer...go figure.

    Stephen
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Haa went there for 1 year, couldn't stand the rural area. Also didn't have a car up there so that didn't help either!

    :)

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Picked up a flatbed trailer down in MD/DE on saturday :) Yippie.

    It's even got some bling on the fenders.

    Got a good price:
    Tandem Axle (1 brake axle)
    Wood Deck (full deck)
    16' with beavertail
    $1700.

    -mike
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