Subaru Crew: Suggestions for Subaru

p0926

The huge displacement advantage of one of those honking big V-8s lets them get away with cruising at 1,000+ rpm lower. However don't dispair, that 4-banger of yours is designed to run at higher rpms and will last just as long (with much better mpg as you pointed out).

-Frank P

rsholland

Saab might disagree with you on that Mike. For years their turbos have had an integrated boost gauge in the main instrument cluster. I know that for a fact, as my old 9000 turbo had one.

Anyway, my point was, and many here seem to agree, the optional column mounted boost gauge is a Larry, Curly & Moe solution (aka: tacky).

Bob

p0926

Why heck, even my $10k 84 Nissan had a turbo gauge in the instrument cluster :-)

-Frank P

dcm61

My '89 GL-10 Turbo had a boost light. LOL

DaveM

rsholland

http://www.subaru.se/outback_utr.shtml

Navigation is standard on all but base Outbacks.

Bob

hypov

there are now a variaty of Navs in portable form available and at much lesser cost vs an OEM standard/option for those seeking to have one.
I'll rather cough up ~$800 for aftermarket than insisting on OEM for close to ~$2000.

-Dave

ateixeira

Move to Sweden if you want it. I hear it's nice there. ;-)

Check this one out:

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap60c/

$482, just get that plus a bracket for each car. Alternately, I have 3 cars, so getting an OEM NAV might end up costing me about $6 grand! :-)

-juice

paisan

However, being someone who actively tunes/modifies these cars, a boost gauge w/o an EGT gauge is pretty much useless. So yeah if you want a useless gauge to clutter up stuff, that's cool by me.

-mike

rsholland

Okay Mike, what's that? Not everyone can read your mind with all your acronyms.

Bob

paisan

As you raise the boost on the car, it runs leaner causing higher EGTs, high EGTs mean burnt valves etc. EGT and Boost Gauges go hand in hand, unless you aren't changing the boost on your car, in which case a boost gauge is pointless in the first place.

-mike

locke2c

I disagree that a boost gauge is worthless on an unmodified car. It's not as useful as oil pressure, which we don't ever get anymore, but it is more practical use than ...say outside air temperature. Gee whiz but no function.

~c

p0926

locke2c

I'm not saying people don't look at it. LOL

~c

paisan

Outside temp IS useful, more useful that is. Often times here in the NE (and I would think other places) there is often times you are driving in changing conditions where the temp flutters between >32 and <32 degrees. With the outside temp you are better suited to know the outside enviroment and possibilities of black ice.

-mike

ateixeira

We love the temp guage on my wife's car. I guess Colin touched on a sore spot. You can't have it back! LOL

Most Subies stay stock, not the ones mike touches, but most of them, so a boost gauge would be received favorably by those owners.

-juice

nygreg

the temp gauge and use it, particularly in the winter as Mike mentioned. However, I would never use 32F as a cutoff. There are too many variables affecting whether ice can form or not.

Greg

locke2c

I've never altered my behavior because of the outside temp-- I have it in both cars and I do look at it but it's just a gee-whiz factor.

We're getting off subject. Wouldn't you look at the boost gauge if present?

~c

hypov

When I bought my WRX, I opted not to have the boost gauge. After a year, I wished I had to check on the boost. Now that I've installed one, I rarely look at it... go figure.

-Dave

subearu

but I do like the fact that it is there and try to peek at it now and then while driving. Especially with the turbo being fairly quiet, some might not even know it's spooling.

And yes, it would be better if it was integrated into the dash rather than an add-on to the column.

-Brian

p0926

I seldom looked at it when I had one but it was still nice to have. Kind of like "yep, the turbo is working". My beef is either integrate it into the dash (inside the tach perhaps) or don't offer it period. It's the cheesy tacked on to the steering column after-market tuner look that I object to.

-Frank P

p0926

Great minds think alike :-)

-Frank P

volkov

When people run a functioning EGT where do they put it? Asking since most who go down the mod route tend to yank the EGT from the up-pipe. Do people put it back or plug it in the down pipe to avoid potential turbo "trauma"?

Nicholas

paisan

I also don't use 32 as a cutoff, but do use the temp gauge to let me know if there is ice potential, especially when travelling to the mts.

-mike

paisan

Theoretically you should have 4 EGT gauges witht he probes locate just inside the manifold pipes by each exhaust port. In actuallity I believe *don't quote me on this cause Z of AZP usually handles the technical installs* the EGT probe is placed by the exhaust manifold of cylinder #3 since it traditionally runs the hottest. I believe 3" down from the junction of the manifold with the engine is where it is placed.

-mike

paisan

I always love more info personally, so yeah bring back the multitudes of gauges. Actually I'd really like to see an LCD panel between the tach and speedo that would have tons of potential readings. Since OBDII gets a lot of input they could have a scroll through type thing where if one of the readings is out of the ordinary it would automtically switch to that reading. Normally you could choose which one or 2 show up.

I think Audi and/or MB has this already, but I'd like to see it on the subies as well.

-mike

dcm61

Actually I'd really like to see an LCD panel between the tach and speedo that would have tons of potential readings. Since OBDII gets a lot of input they could have a scroll through type thing where if one of the readings is out of the ordinary it would automtically switch to that reading. Normally you could choose which one or 2 show up.

Patti posted this last night in the 2005 Legacy/Outback thread:

"I'm psyched! Just the electronic set up alone (with various system reads, codes ability to be displayed on the trip odometer, etc.) will set this car apart."

DaveM

paisan

Haven't waded over there yet

But on the ODO? That must be one big ODO! :0

-mike

nygreg

I would spend too much time watching them instead of the road. <yelling out "cool" just before T-boning someone>

Greg

kenoka

I think she meant the trip computer

ateixeira

Already? Yep. We never sleep here at the Subaru Crew!

OK, first and foremost, do NOT change the basic formula, the 2005 Legacy and Outback lineup is very impressive. Don't mess with success.

The are minor nit picks, in fact some of you will even laugh at how insignificant they are, and that says a lot about how I feel about the basic car.

Any how, here goes...

1. The door sill protectors don't wrap all the way around the door sills. Why bother with these and then go only 3/4ths of the way?

2. The glove boxes are not lined, not even on the VDC or GT Limited. This is odd because I believe some current models have a felt liner, so why cut that feature out? Especially when moving upscale.

3. On wagons, the hatch pull down is like the original Forester, i.e. just an indent and not a real handle. They fixed this on the 2001 Forester, so why go back and repeat an old mistake? The handle is not manicure-friendly.

OK, I realize how pathetic that sounds, but I had to suggest something!

Any how, great job with the 2005! My main suggestion is to give yourselves a pat on the back, I love it!

-juice

rsholland

I've mentioned this before, but the design of the interior door pull interferes with the operation of the power window switches. That needs to be re-thought.

The green cruise light on the dash is a little hard to see in daylight. I'm sure Colin will see that as a plus.

Bob

rsholland

I like to see a centered, Forester-like covered storage bin on the top of the dash. Yes I know there's a small covered storage cubby above the audio, but when the NAV arrives, that storage bin will disappear.

FWIW, my wife uses that covered storage bin on our Forester all the time, and has commented on useful it is a number of times. I don't think she'd care for the one on the new Legacy/Outback nearly as much as the one on her Forester.

Bob

rsholland

The recent HUGE spike in gas prices has me wondering if Subaru should offer an economy performance versions of the new Legacy, Outback and Forester turbos, in addition to the current models.

It could easily be done, as it would be merely a parts-bin job. Take the 2.0 WRX engine and put it in both models, add the 6-speed STi manual, and in the case of the Forester, also offer the 5EAT Sportshift.

What I'm suggesting here is offer models essentionally like those found in the rest of the world, with the addition of the 6-speed, and in the Forester's case, the 5EAT. Frankly, I don't think gas prices will drop to pre-spike prices. I suspect higher gas prices are here to stay. They may drop, but I don't ever expect them to be really low again.

The biggest problem I see would be ramping up for production. I think the market would be very receptive to cars like this.

Bob

rsholland

the back of the front seats are now a hard plastic. Not sure that I like that; I would think in an accident those could be knee crushers for the rear passengers. I'd much rather see the backs of those seats being a soft material.

Bob

cptplt

I suspect whats more important is what is behind the plastic (or any soft material). If there is a hard metal frame, thats what will likely do the real damage.

paisan

SVX has em.

-mike

rsholland

With the new Legacy and Outback, Subaru got the meat and potatoes right. The question is how much frosting on the cake should Subaru offer?

If you look at other premium brands like Lexus, BMW, Infiniti, Volvo, etc.; you will find the following dessert toppings:

* Memory seats (often hooked in with outside mirrors and power pedals)

* Rear view camera

* Rear beeping parking sensors

* Heated steering wheel

* Smart cruise control that adjusts to traffic conditions

* Heated rear seats

* Seats that cool the passengers

* Reclining rear seats in sedans

* Seat that massage you

* NAV

* Satellite radio

* HIDs

* Auto open/close on all windows

So, waddya think? Should Subaru offer any or all of the above at some point on the new Legacys and Outbacks? What about the even-further-upscale 7-passenger crossover?

Bob

locke2c

I wouldn't buy any of that except the express up&down windows (have it now) and perhaps HIDs.

I would buy a telescoping wheel though. unfortunately unless standard equipment I can see that being part of a huge luxo package.

~c

ateixeira

I'll try to be open minded, you guys know I like a back-to-basics affordable/light/sporty vehicle. Any how:

* Memory seats - people do ask about these
* Rear view camera - not needed given good visibility
* Rear beeping parking sensors - again, just unnecessary
* Heated steering wheel - I'd say no way, but they do sell well in the snow belt
* Smart cruise control that adjusts to traffic conditions - no, it makes you car sick
* Heated rear seats - overkill luxury, plus kids in boosters make this waste
* Seats that cool the passengers - a bit gimmicky, perforated leather is fine
* Reclining rear seats in sedans - would block dog guard and cargo cover
* Seat that massage you - overkill IMO
* NAV - probably highest demand item on your list
* Satellite radio - optional, sure, demand increasing
* HIDs - maybe, lemme try the projector beams first
* Auto open/close on all windows - would be convenient, at least close on driver's for tolls

Now, on the 7 seater, things like the backup camera might make more sense. And the 2nd row seat should slide fore/aft and tilt.

-juice

paisan

Should be standard, as they have the technology in their parts bin from 1988, 89, 91, 92-97!!!!

-mike

ateixeira

My wife is tall so I never had that issue, but people do ask for that feature.

-juice

locke2c

I'm 6', but have short arms and long legs. I like telescoping wheels.

~c

hypov

couple that with a multi driver [style] ECU memory and the practical gauge goes up a notch.

-Dave

rsholland

there are a few that I would welcome. I'd like to see the NAV, and we know it's coming. I've said before I'd welcome a heated steering wheel. HIDs? Maybe, maybe not? The rest is pretty much fluff, but many "luxury" customers are asking for these items.

I posted this list primarily because many of those features are now found among the vehicles Subaru wants to position itself against. So my guess is many if not all of these items Subaru is considering for future cars, especially a larger 5-Series-sized sedan, that could be built off the 7-passenger crossover.

Bob

ateixeira

Subaru has the benefit of being able to watch VW's move upscale, and learn from it. I think they went too far too soon, and dealers weren't prepared to sell luxury cars.

-juice

rsholland

is making this transition too quickly. They're trying to do it over night. That won't happen. It will take a decade, if not longer, for this to happen IMO.

Bob

njswamplands

* the memory seats with the side mirrors tied in as i have huge variance in positions with the significant other ( if not greater than $500 ).

* rear parking sensors. had those on my old windstar and they are just an added comfort when trying to cram into a small parrellel spot, sneaking the last 2 inches when backing in ( if price is around $200 )

* rear camera, audible warnings are good enough and better than trying to stare at a screen whilst backing up ( if free )

* rear seat warmers. man that was nice on that cold night on a late night run in the swamps in the back of that Audi A6. but in my car, i dont sit back there, make them suffer and agree with juice on waste if booster seats ( if free ).

* heated steering wheel, nice but not on the top of my list ( if free ).

* smart cruise control??? with jersey traffic. ( pass )

* seats that cool passengers ( give me a break ).

* sedans, i would never buy a subaru sedan ( famous last words )

* seat that massage you. if it worked well bring it on, i'd pay a lot for this one.

* NAV much needed but this price has to come down. i did not get it on my odyssey as $2k is way too much.

* satellite radio is nice

* HID, pass

* auto open all, pass

EXTRA and by all means keep that gigantic XT sunroof.

dcm61

It would be helpful to indicate (or at least document in the owner's manual) the amount of fluid between the Low and Full marks on each of the dipsticks. It used to be pretty much standard on oil dipsticks that it was 1 quart between Low and Full but I'm not sure that's the case any more. I have no idea what the difference is between the marks for the front diff and ATF dipsticks. Since the front diff and ATF dipsticks aren't the easiest to access, it would be very helpful to know how much needs to be added. Can you tell I just completed the 30k mile service?

DaveM

p0926

Unfortunately there's no such thing as "free". If Subaru were to include one or more of them, then it would be far better to have these items offered as options, otherwise the base sticker price will sky-rocket into luxury car territory.

-Frank P

njswamplands

i didnt know what to type but yeah as options is the right answer but then again having these options available means the car might have to be made different thus still costing us all