Subaru Crew: Suggestions for Subaru

1…78101213…47

Comments

  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    And for the WRX wagons too! I'll probably get the Prodrive's since they look the best, but they're pricey (US$200).

    -Dennis
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Monica: I'm talking about the same ones. Volvo's front head rests are huge. You can't look into the blind spot on the driver's side at all.

    Safety is important, but not at the cost of visibility (which compromises safety!).

    Colin: please do. I'm dying for an excuse to get rid of these dog meat tires.

    -juice
  • joybelljoybell Member Posts: 275
    Had to take the old Loyale wagon for an errand yesterday because I needed a little more length for long tack box. Great visibility. Not so with my new Forester. I am beginning to think that in the new model Forester (2003) visibility has been sacrified a bit (maybe more than a bit) for style. That rear pillar (back of rear passenger seat) is really too fat. That, combined with the headrests make it a pain to see out to the left. I drove a 98 Forester a while back and the visibility was great. So why did they make a fat pillar on the new Forester? Is it for structural strength (in case of a roll over)? I'd like to think that.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You're right, the D-pillar is a little thicker. I didn't think it would be a problem, but next time I'm in my sister's car, I'll look closer. I have a '98, she has an '03.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Everything listed below is either available and/or standard on WRXs sold overseas:

    • Ambient temperature gauge.

    • AWP for the wagon

    • Additional plug outlet inside center armrest (for cell phones*), a la the Forester.

    • 17" wheels (standard), perhaps mounted with 215/50x 15 tires, instead of the usual 215/45x17 tires.

    * = current dash plug outlet dedicated to radar detector. ;)

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I understand that the all-new Legacy wagon has a storage area under the cargo floor for the cargo shade, when it's not needed. I hope the Forester and Impreza wagons also get this feature.

    Same with the MB-like outside mirrors, with the turn signals incorporated in them. The Forester and Impreza should also get that feature.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    A moonroof option for the WRX wagon, too, to go with the AWP.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    How did I miss that? Actually, what I meant was that the wagon should get the same premium package as the sedan.

    Bob
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    17" mounted with 215/50-15s??? ;-)

    -Dave
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    17" mounted with 215/50-15s??? ;-)

    Make that 215/50x17.

    Geez, I'm going to have to hire a proofreader before I post...

    Bob
  • kullenbergkullenberg Member Posts: 283
    Just jumped off the chat -lots of discussion re sportshift - would love to see it in the Forester XT before I buy one next spring < patti - you got your ears on?>
    Cheers
    Pat
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The XT could sure use it. The tranny hesitated for quite a while to downshift when I test drove it. I crossed the automatic right off my list, though I loved the 5 speed.

    IMO the H6 needs it too. That tranny is holding that engine back.

    Note that the lowly Mitsubishi Outlander and many Kias and Hyundais now offer this option, it should be the standard auto trans.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Every time I see the Holden Cross8 (Holden Baja) and their new Adventra (Holden Outback), I'm amazed by how good looking these vehicles are. I even like their One Tonner trucklet.

    http://www.cardesignnews.com/news/2003/030725holden-simcoe/index.- - - - - - html

    The Adventra is very attractive, but the Cross8 is simply stunning. I love the way the top edge of the bed sits several inches above the beltline, and the way the hard bed cover is so well integrated. Also, there are no silly "macho" bed sport bars that complicate the installation of any bed cover. The design is clean and simple, and it looks great from any angle. I really hope Subaru studies the Cross8, and applies the "high-bed look" to the next Baja.

    Notice the small subtle front fender scoop on the Cross8. I really would like to see this feature added to H-6 models. Subaru turbos have a hood scoop as their "signature," and a small fender scoop, like that on the Cross8 (and BMW M3) would make a great visual signature for the H-6 models.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Like the Outback and Baja, the Adventra and Cross8 are closely related. However, unlike the Baja, the Cross8 has an extended wheelbase which does two things: (1) Its profile is visually better proportioned than the Baja; and (2), more important, it positions the rear axle more towards the center of the bed, thus allowing for better (bed) weight distribution with more weight directly over the rear axle, and less rear overhang.

    So it's both better looking and it functions better in its role of being a trucklet. It's a "win-win" as I see it. Subaru, are you listening??

    Bob
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    point of view ... I have to say (whispering) I don't like the Baja but I do like the Holden vehicle ...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The deep bed is an intersting idea and really adds capacity.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The '04 F-150s have deeper beds. The Explorer Sport Track also has a deep bed.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Both the base WRX and Forester XT would benefit greatly from the STi's 6-speed tranny. Also include the Baja and Baja turbo too!

    Let's also not forget automatic fans: 5-speed SportShifts for these vehicles too!

    Bob
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    It's simple, really.

    In Japan, Australia and New Zealand WRXes are available with SportShift and VTD.

    In Japan, the Forester Cross Sports is available with Sportshift and VTD.

    None of those cars are equipped with the new 2.5L turbo. However, here in the US the Baja Turbo, equipped with that engine, is available with Sportshift and VTD. The US market Legacy GT, equipped with the rank-and-file Phase II EJ25, is the only model available with Sportshift and VTD.

    I can see no logical reason that automatic equipped WRXes and Foresters in the US market are not available with Sportshift and VTD - if not standard, as an extra cost option. The parts exist. A Forester XT with Sportshift and VTD would make me a very happy camper indeed...and I would pay for it as an extra cost option.

    Ed
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'll be bold and suggest that the regular 4 speed auto be phased out completely. Maybe keep only on the very cheapest, entry level models. Even then, maybe not. Mitsubishi offers it on the lowly Outlander. Kia has one. Hyundai has one. Dodge. These are econo-brands!

    Subaru is talking about going upscale, I really that at this point a 5 speed auto with Sport shift is a basic requirement.

    It won't even stand out, with 6 speed autos used by Jaguar and BMW, and a SEVEN speed auto on the way for Mercedes Benz.

    The turbo engines in particular would benefit from Sportshift, so maybe start there next year, and phase it in to all the other models the year after that.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    also are on the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. I think I read the next Golf will get a 6-speed automatic too. So, yeah, Subaru is now just getting into a 5EAT, when perhaps they should also be working on a 6EAT.

    Bob
  • bkaiser1bkaiser1 Member Posts: 464
    The lowly Beetle Convertible has a 6 speed auto, and it's priced in the low $20's...not that it seems to help the performance of that particular model. It's interesting that VW paired such an advanced transmission with such and ancient 2.0l engine. I agree that it's time to banish 4sp autos to the history books. Of course, I'll continue buying manual transmissions so long as they're offered, but it's nice to have options!

    Bob- I noticed that you wished for a place to store the rear shade when not in use...my 04 WRX has a recess under the floor that's designed to hold the shade! A great feature, one that I missed in my Outback. I usually kept the shade in the garage because it was always in the way when I folded the seats (which was most of the time). I noticed the WRX would accomodate the shade about 2 weeks after I bought the car...finally got to the owners manual!

    B
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Bob- I noticed that you wished for a place to store the rear shade when not in use...my 04 WRX has a recess under the floor that's designed to hold the shade! A great feature, one that I missed in my Outback. I usually kept the shade in the garage because it was always in the way when I folded the seats (which was most of the time). I noticed the WRX would accomodate the shade about 2 weeks after I bought the car...finally got to the owners manual!

    Under the cargo floor? I wasn't aware of that. I had read that the all-new Legacy had that feature, and was hoping that feature would trickle down to other Subies. I wonder about the new Forester, if it too has that feature? Any new Forester owners know about that?

    Bob
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    Since Subaru will probably be using this car as their new flagship, why not go all out? I've read some complaints that the doors look too much like Mazda RX-8...point well taken.

    Why not lean more exotic with its look? What about gull-wing style doors, not like a Delorean, but more like a Lamborghini Murcielago for instance, where the doors tilt more up than out?

    It would be an exotic, high performance car on the cheap! ($40,000 compared to 200,000)
    Eric
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I disagree. Leave them as they are. So what if they're similar to the RX8. The RX8 stole the idea from extended cab pickups. Gull wing doors offer no advantage over the B11S design, as far as I can see. Mercedes, who originally came up with that idea, abandoned it. They must have had good reason not to further explore the idea.

    Bob
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    Point well taken about the extended cab pickups, but I'm not so sure Mercedes has abandoned the idea. Look at the SLR Concept. Anyway, to each his own.:)
    Eric
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Saw a Boxster with those tilt up doors.
    Thought it was neat, but I don't think I like to stretch to get the door close.

    -Dave
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It's a weight issue. You end up with hinges at the top of the car, those need to be reinforced, too. High center of gravity, high cost, etc.

    Forester has a storage compartment under the cargo floor that'll fit an umbrella, but not the cargo cover, at least on my '98. It's not wide enough, nor deep enough. Anyone with an '03?

    -juice
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Now y'all got me curious.
    Like juice mentioned, I know it fits an umbrella for the WRX wagon [shouldn't be anymore diff from the Forester]. Have to look at it again, maybe the sides opens up.

    -Dave
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Checked my wagon.
    Nope, just an umbrella size compartment :(

    -Dave
  • bkaiser1bkaiser1 Member Posts: 464
    In the 04, the shade fits in a well immediately inside the rear hatch...it requires opening up all 3 flaps along the back (spare tire cover and the 2 little ones to the sides). There's a cutout in the styrofoam well-liner that accomodates the entire shade under the floor. Since the hatch opening is so narrow, it takes a little contorting to get the thing in there.

    Brian
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Brian's right. He got me curious, so I went to a dealer this afternoon to see for myself. And indeed there's a storage pocket for the cargo shade. The car I looked at was an Outback Sport. It's right behind the rear bumper, and as Brian said, it takes some finagling to get it in there.

    I then checked out a new Forester, and it too has this feature. At least I think it does, as I just lifted the cargo floor to see if there was a trough molded into the styrofoam liner, and it was there. It did seem a bit small, however, and unlike the Outback Sport, I did not try to fit the cargo shade in there. I just assumed it would work.

    I forgot to check a Legacy/Outback wagon, however.

    I must say that was a very pleasant surprise. :)

    Bob

    P.S.
    I checked my son's '96 Impreza Outback to see if it too had this feature. It does not. I will check our '01 Forester when my wife gets back from the beach tomorrow.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cool feature!

    I take mine out, and...where do you put it? It gets dirty if left out, too.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    How's this for a suggestion?

    It would be great if Subaru could put online, the entire owner's manual of each model it makes. I'm literally talking about every page. The site would be broken into sections (chapters) just like the printed version. If you have a question about how the climate control works (or cargo shade storage), you would head to that section, just as if you were reading the printed manual.

    This could be linked to the SOA web site.

    I think this could be an invaluable resource to Subaru owners, and Subie nuts like myself.

    Patti, what do you think?

    Bob
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    You can get to the owner's manual of the vehicle you register at my.subaru. So, they have 'em out there, just restricted to what you have registered with your account.

    -Brian
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Oh there! I'd been wondering what were those sections there for. In that case, the '03s have them too.

    -Dave
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'm suggesting they be available to anyone who want to see it. I really thing access to the information found only in the owners manual would be a good sales tool for those who want in depth knowledge about any Subaru before making a purchase.

    Subaru Online Library
    Taking this concept a step further, it would be great for Subaru to offer an "Online Library" in which you could access the following via PDFs:

    &#149; Owners Manuals for all models and all years.

    &#149; Recall Notices.

    &#149; Technical Service Bulletins.

    &#149; Any other relevant information that owners and/or customers might want.

    Subaru Global
    This information should be available for all Subaru international markets, and could be accessed via the Subaru Global site, or by the respective corporate site. For example:

    Subaru Global would offer access to all this information, whereas SOA would only offer information pertaining to US-spec models.

    Breaking this information down into reasonable size PDFs would be the way to go, and make it very simple for those online to use.

    Bob
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    what this site (Town Hall) is for? For the consumer to come and ask questions about whatever aspect of the vehicle they're interested in.

    I agree though, the owner's manuals should be more available, at least downloadable like Mazda's. I was able to download the entire owner's manual for our MPV.

    -Brian
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    We can't do that as well as Subaru can. A lot of what we say is clouded by our desires and experiences. We are not in a position to know everything that is to be known about Subarus.

    I think (corporate) Subaru is in a much better position to offer accurate information&#151;and much more detailed information, than we'll ever be in.

    I think an Online Subaru Library or an Online University of Subaru where students of Subaru could learn as much about the product as they wanted, and as in as great detail as they wanted, would be a huge benefit.

    Bob
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I'd rather Subaru concentrate on delivering product we want, like XT MT w/Premium Pkg., WRX wagon w/Premium Pkg., 5EAT, sportshift, 6spMT, more power, etc. "Build it and they will come" - and they'll have a much better reason (cheaper!) to put more of that stuff online.

    I was told once (ok maybe a few times ;-) that the TownHall is not to be the place to find out where information is (like on other sites that we can't name anymore), but they'd rather TownHall to be the goto place to get your answer(s). From the main townhall.edmunds.com page:

    "Edmunds.com's Town Hall is the most comprehensive online community for automotive consumers, with approximately 2.1 million messages posted about all aspects of vehicle purchasing and ownership."

    I think with the vast knowledgebase we already have here in the Subaru Crew, you pretty much have a decent start to a School of Subaru :-) (Patti would be the Dean ;-)

    -Brian
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Sorry to report but the narrow horizontal subfloor cubby in the '03-04 Foresters will not hold the cargo area cover. It is still approximately the same size as in the '98-02 cars - maybe good for a broken-down fly rod or pool cue but not the cover.

    How do I know? I drove an XT today. Yes, I will report...

    Ed
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Ed are you talking about the one at the front of the cargo area, where it meets the rear seat? Or are you talking about the space between the rear bumper and the spare tire? I know the one by the rear seat won't hold the cargo shade.

    Bob
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    I don't know about the one behind the rear bumper, Bob. That looked pretty shallow to me too, but I didn't try sticking anything in there.

    Ed
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    Sorry to be off the topic, but I had an idea: most of us subaru owners enjoy the high performance, utility and value of regular Subaru vehicles. Now that Subaru seems to be shifting its focus towards more luxury, why should they risk losing us as customers by going luxury and raising prices (more than 30,000). What about launching a line of luxury subaru vehicles in the future to compete in the luxury market, and still keep the regular amount of luxury Subaru vehicles? For instance Lexus and Toyota, Infiniti and Nissan, Honda and Acura.

    I realize this would require a great investment, and it would be in the far future, but this would allow them to diversify their market without losing loyal customers.

    Eric
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Eric: that might be called "Saab", LOL.

    IMO my.subaru.com is already great, I'm quite happy with it as is, thanks a lot for having it! :-)

    I print out each line item, put it in a binder. Voila, I have a wonderful folder full of service records, both my own and the dealer's. Brilliant.

    July sales hit a record, right after the STi and XT intro. Coincidence? I doubt it. Keep the interesting products flowing, Subaru. Surprise performance from both, STi stealing attention from the EVO (great timing), and the XT blowing 911 Carrera's doors off, sure don't hurt.

    -juice
  • earthwomanearthwoman Member Posts: 47
    I made an interesting observation this evening while washing my Forester. It is a MY03 Forester X. I was checking psi of my spare and took a better look in there.

    Yes, there is a neat and well designed foam cut out across the far rear of the cargo area under the carpeted cover. The cargo cover fits perfectly into it for out of the way storage.

    I was/still am humored by this setup though. The cargo cover fits in there only when the spare is removed. huh?! So it looks like the choice is...spare tire or cargo cover. The full size spare is too tall and gets in the way.

    I am supposing the Forester is sold somewhere with those little weinie spares and in that case the cover fits?

    Anyone else notice this oddity?

    Rebecca
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Amazing! Thanks for checking, BTW.

    AFAIK, all Foresters (world-wide) come with full-size spares.

    Is there anything in your owners manual regarding this cargo shade storage? I think it's mentioned in the Impreza manual, but I can't swear to that.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    the solution is for Subaru to make the spare tire well deeper&#151;and NOT to start using wimp spares!

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Impreza gets a donut, so maybe that's why it fits in that car.

    Hmm, I'd still choose the full size spare, between the two.

    Bob: I disagree. They would have to either raise the cargo floor or sacrifice ground clearance.

    Instead, how about a cover that slides into the seat back?

    -juice
  • earthwomanearthwoman Member Posts: 47
    Bob: It is not mentioned as storage for the cargo cover in the manual. I just looked. I remember reading here that the Forester is on the same frame as the Impreza. Is that correct? If so, maybe the design is for the Impreza where both the small spare and cover would fit and they left it the same in Forester? I don't know.

    Juice: I see you said basically the same thing. I'd prefer the full size spare as well.

    Rebecca
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.