Subaru B9 Tribeca (B9X)

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Back seat room is fine with a lot of flexibility in legroom

    Give that man a prize!

    You're one of the few that was able to figure that out, even most professional reviewers miss that.

    The handling advantage would only be noticed at the extremes. Bob and I got to take it on a moose-avoidance test, i.e. hard left and then hard right, and it really handled that emergency situation with a flat stance and little drama.

    The Murano they had along for comparison was squeeling tires and all over the place, quite a handful. One driver even got it up on two wheels, which is scary.

    Most of the time you won't notice the difference, though. Plus stability control on the MDX should kick in before that happens. Nissan should re-tune theirs.

    -juice
  • foxbat121foxbat121 Member Posts: 211
    Sounds like you did not have the climate control system on "auto" (what gives it away is that auto would never drop out of recirc in 90+ weather). I think most people would say that the climate control system, gets too agressive at cooling when in auto mode!

    Actually that's not correct. "Auto" mode will turn on recirc mode initially. However, when internal temp drop to very close to what you preset, it will turn off recirc. The problem is that in 90+ weather, the vent lets in too much hot air and you feel the A/C is not cold enough. I think that's a software bug in the climate control. If internal and external temp difference is too much (from 90+ outside to 70+ internal), it should never turn off recirc.

    I encountered this issue in a trip week ago. Manually turn on recirc solved the issue.
  • bluetranebluetrane Member Posts: 67
    "Sounds like you did not have the climate control system on "auto" (what gives it away is that auto would never drop out of recirc in 90+ weather). I think most people would say that the climate control system, gets too agressive at cooling when in auto mode!"

    I tried it both ways. It bothers me to have CC on recirc for too long

    "I agree the B9 could use more torque for sure. Did you try the transmission's sport mode? (not manual mode). It helps quite a bit, especially with more agressive downshifts."

    I didn't use Sport mode. I have this on my Audi and it absolutely tanks gas milage around town, and I find the way that gears are held to be a little unsettling. I'm sure it would have helped, but I couldn't see driving this way every day

    "So are you getting a leftover 05 MDX, or waiting for the new 06 model? They will be revised pretty significantly for 06, with a few nice features."

    I'm getting an 05 for $1500 under invoice (dealer incentive cash). With this, pricing on the MDX was less than $1000 over my quote on a Trib 7 Limited/Nav/RES. If the price delta were greater, I would have thought real hard about the Subie instead. Both manufacturers have nice lease deals now.

    FWIW, out of the cars I drove, I really liked the Volvo the best, but configured the way I wanted it was about $6000 more. The Highlander Hybrid is an amazing piece of machinery that feels like a strong V8 with 4 cylinder milage. It was $42k, missing some features I wanted, and thanks to unfriendly lease terms $150 more a month than either the Acura or Subaru. You can buy an awful lot of gas for $150.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    I'd rather give up a telescoping wheel and auto-down power windows just so I didn't have to visit my dealer for ignition coils and window regulators several times during ownership. Ironically, those auto-up/down windows are exactly what is failing.


    I wonder where you got the info on failing window regulators. I dont think its a good assumption to assume ALL window regs are failing and therefore a bad thing. I had all 4 windows auto down in the Pacifica and it was one of the few things that didnt fail ;) also never saw that as an issue on the Pacifica problems forum
  • newtosubienewtosubie Member Posts: 39
    I think Juice was referring to VW having window regulator problems. See post #4952. :lemon:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's more than my Forester takes in gas each month, easily. I probably use about $100/month in my total gas bill for 2 cars.

    Hybrids are selling for MSRP; with an MDX selling for a substantial discount there is no way they can match the lease terms.

    Yep, that was a common problem with VWs. Funny thing is the same people that ask for those features are the ones that complain the loudest when said features don't work.

    -juice
  • willocwilloc Member Posts: 19
    I just returned mine last night, I am buying my 2nd Outback right now (2005 XT Ltd 5-speed), but took the B9 out for a day to check it out. I agree with most of Bluetrains comments except I never had an Audi to compare it to! I really did enjoy driving it and it looked damn nice parked in my driveway, it is a beautiful design even with the nose (which I don't mind one bit either). It is a little lacking on torque, but it feels about as fast as the 03 Outback VDC that I am trading in right now, so it's not too bad. I'm sure it's comparable to the Murano or most other vehicles people are shopping the B9 against. The rear visibility is a bit of an issue especially for short people (I am 6' so no major problem - but the rear window and pillar make a big blind spot). The radio is pretty good but does not compare to the McIntosh in my VDC..I wish Subaru would strike another deal with McIntosh soon because I will probably wind up upgrading the speakers in my new OB too. Bass is a bit boomy and the sound in general is a little hollow, but it is still good nontheless. Anyway to sum things up, if I were shopping for an SUV it would be at or near the top of my list, it does handle real well and is very well built. You can feel the quality in the heavyish doors, fit and finish very good, etc. And the gas mileage seems very good if it stays close to EPA ratings.
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Sounds like Subaru's sport mode is not as agressive as Audi's. I use sport mode by default on my Outback XT, and have not noticed an effect on gas mileage (of course, consider that I have a 30 mile highway commute each way, so I'm in 5th gear a lot). What I do like is the responsive downshifts and the more realistic upshifts. In regular mode, the 5EAT shifting is way too conservative and feels wimpy. You can tell they are trying to eke out every last mpg.

    At that price, the MDX is a great deal. You're not the first person to compare an 05 MDX against the Tribeca, and it's certainly compelling with MDXs going for well under invoice. And to think that back in 02, I would have been on a waiting list for an MDX!

    The auto climate control in my wife's Acura TSX is pretty much invisible in it's operation, in that all is displays is "AUTO" and the temps on the display when in auto mode. SO you never know what it's doing -- vent, recirc, fan speed, are all happening behind the scenes. I think the MDX is similar. But the system works well and we rarely have to pop into manual mode (where you do get the full display). I did have to convince my wife to stop fighting with the system and just let it do its thing. You can pretty much use only the temp for adjustment and not worry about the rest.

    CRaig
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    That's different than the auto CC in my Outback -- if it's over a certain temperature outside (~90) versus a target of 70-75 inside, it will pretty much stay in recirc the whole time. I agree with you that it should keep recirc going in these cases. Especially in humid weather, you want to maintain the cool dry air inside the car.

    Craig
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Either you like the nose or it bugs you.

    link (Inside Line)

    Steve, Host
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    When I called Kenwood I said I believed both the Nav & radio were thiers.

    According to Subaru, the HU is a Panasonic, one made specifically for the Tribeca. The Nav is indeed the KNA-DV4100 model. These are likely incompatible with current aftermarket iPod connectors, according to the Subaru rep who emailed me a month or so ago. Still, there HAS to be a way...I just know it!

    -Karen in AZ-
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    funny ... watching the video the ad before was for a $25k Buick! for a $1.2 Million dollar car! LOL 1001 hp and 250 mph! ouch thats fast
  • b9driverb9driver Member Posts: 118
    I don't think the MDX can really match the B9 because the MDX (If I've got this right) has a much inferior AWD system that is really FWD until slippage happens, then it become AWD, but without antilock breaks. This has been posted here and in other forums. The whole point of the SUV is to have a true AWD system and Subaru truly leads in this area. I'm sure the new MDX will be a more serious AWD crossover and lead the class perhaps.
    The only SUV I'd possibly pick instead of my B9 would be the RX330...but I really think Subaru has the lead for crossovers at the moment...by a small margin.

    BTW, added the bug deflector today and went out for a bug swatting drive. Looks nice on the blue. Didn't get any bugs on the windshield (or hummingbirds, a bonus!) so I guess it works.

    Robert B
    5 Pass Tribeca
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    so where are they hiding the plate with the cars color code on the Tribeca? Its not on a strut like other Subarus, on on the door etc. is it under the engine cover????
    Or better still does anyone know if Titanium silver metallic is the same as titanium pearl??
  • foxbat121foxbat121 Member Posts: 211
    Actually from what I know, Limited models get Kenwood HU and upgraded speakers while base models get Panasonic HU. Nav, being only available on limited models( probably why base model can't have NAV), naturely get connected to Kenwood unit.
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    Sounds like you did not have the climate control system on "auto" (what gives it away is that auto would never drop out of recirc in 90+ weather).

    Craig, just an FYI: Mine DOES do this. I usually just hit the auto as soon as I start it up, and the recirc will stay on for a while until the cabin cools, but then after a few minutes it will kick off by itself. I can usually tell because the car will start sucking in the 110-degree air we've been having lately, and I will quickly (manually) kick the recirc back on.

    If I set the controls manually to begin with, they tend to stay put. I've lived in the Phoenix area for over 20 years, and I can tell you we all pretty much leave the recirc on most of the year...it makes a huge difference if the outside temp is over 70.

    -Karen in AZ-
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    It's on a metal plate on the lower part of the pillar between the driver's door and the rear left door, facing outward. Mine says "33A", which must be for Atlantic Blue.

    The dealer can actually look it up via your VIN, too, I think, but 3 digits is easier than 16 gazillion :-)

    -Karen-
  • aixaix Member Posts: 30
    Hello everyone,
    After falling in love with the Tribeca in May, I just joined the Tribeca club. Very excited! Pick it up on Monday. I got the DVD and Nav system. I was wondering if any of you Nav owners got a touchscreen protector for the GPS-NAV display? For those of you who've owned a GPS-NAV model for a while, do you recommend getting a screen protector? How have the screens been holding up? Thanks in advance. :)
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
    I just joined the Tribeca club

    ok your annual membership along with your initiation fees are now due.please show up to the weekly TH nite subaru chat on edmunds to discuss your payment. thank you.
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    Screen Protector

    I have never seen a screen protector.

    But having been with a manufacturer of high use touch screen products - I do not see the need for one. The glass panels are pretty tough & are part of the bumper to bumper warranty.

    You may be thinking of touch panels that have a vinyl membrane surface that can be damaged or cut. Those are pressure sensitive - these are capacitive or sonic technology and probably wouldn't work with anything placed over them.

    Save your money
  • nhstevenhsteve Member Posts: 79
    There was some mention previously about getting the facotry wheels swapped with factory wheels that had been chromed. Any further word on this? If not, can I buy chrome wheels for the B9?

    Steve
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    Congrats, aix! I have seen screen protectors somewhere (one of those aftermarket web sites, I think), but mine is holding up very nicely. I just clean it with a soft damp cloth once in a while to get rid of fingerprints. I have 6000+ miles on my vehicle, picked it up in mid-June, drove 3000+ miles on vacation and used the Nav quite a bit...no problems, other than once in a while we disagree on the route -- I usually win, though :-)

    -Karen in AZ-
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    Hi Steve

    That was me.

    I checked with the sales guy that sold me my B9 & told about this company & he said he can not find the contact info.

    He has promised to keep looking - but I'm not holding my breath.

    John - Chicago
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    OK, I have a dilemma. I keep calling the Tribeca a "car", but that just doesn't do it justice. "SUV" is such a mouthful. Since the Tribeca is based on an Outback, and the OB is considered a wagon here in AZ, do I call my Tribeca a "wagon"? That's doesn't seem to fit, either. Or, since the OB it's based on qualifies as a truck in the insurance industry, do I call it a "truck"? "Vehicle" seems so generic. "Beca" and "Becky" seem to be taken already. "Becker" is one of my favorite TV shows, but he's so obnoxious. My mom thinks I should call it the "Blue Bug", but then doesn't that bring negative connotations to the front end? Oh, woe is me....

    -Karen-
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    It's a "crossover." :)

    Bob
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    First of all Karen SUV or XUV are a smaller mouthful than wagon.

    More importantly - it appears you just have too much time on your hands :-)
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    OK, so when I tell my friends and family we are taking my vehicle, I say, "hey, jump in my crossover!" Hmmm...that'll go over real well. ;)

    -Karen-
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    Hm, the way I say "SUV" or "XUV", it's three syllables. Wagon is only two. Car is just one. Maybe I should just point...

    And yes, I should probably be doing something more constructive right now, but I have had too much coffee this monring :-)

    -Karen-
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I would just say 'car" then, as it's closer to being a car than an SUV.

    Bob
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    hmmm, have to check when the wife gets back but could have sworn all it had was the air pressures there. thanks though.

    do you have a pink fastener holding your lower body trim between the front door and the wheel well, if you open the door and look down I see this pink fastener, wonder if they left something off on mine!

    I was looking at the manual and it says there should be a model plate ID tag on the drivers side in the engine compartment, mine doesn't have one, neither does it have the emissions ID plate on the firewall on the passenger side like it says in the manual! my car was made in May, maybe they were still "new " at it!

    only problem I can find with the design really is the rear hatch is too heavy to close with one hand, gotten used to closing it that way with my previous Subes.

    wife likes the car so much she wants one - which is why she is out driving it right now! (its supposed to be for the in law - I'm just "breaking it in" for her- I think this car may be needing lots of oil changes in the future and thats always my job, hehehe)

    I had oodles of various 3M protective plastic stuff for door edges, headlights etc I never used on my WRX, this car is perfect!, put some on the foglights and the door edges esp the rear ones where it has that sharp corner.
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    last night I took this off ramp from the tollway in the Tribeca, looked down and I was almost doing 50 and not noticing it at all, hardly any bodyroll and it felt very safe and surefooted. I take that ramp in my WRX with summer tires well over 50 (well, well over 50!) and its like on rails, in my 98 Legacy with all seasons it gets a little scary at 50, in my minivans its REAL scary at 40 and I get slapped by the wife if she's in it! This Tribeca is pretty good! See how it does come snow time, though I think I will ditch these Goodyear tire junk for Nokians if they have an appropriate size, their website lists the WR as having the correct size but then there are no specs and it says TBA 2004, isn't it 05 now???
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
  • urabus1urabus1 Member Posts: 5
    CALL IT YOUR B9 -- AND TRY TO LAY OFF THE COFFEE
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    hmmm, have to check when the wife gets back but could have sworn all it had was the air pressures there. thanks though.

    Not on the door itself, but the frame between the doors...

    do you have a pink fastener holding your lower body trim between the front door and the wheel well, if you open the door and look down I see this pink fastener, wonder if they left something off on mine!

    No pink thingies on mine that I can find. Maybe they missed something when they did the PDI...I'd take it back and ask them to check it over again.

    Just my usual 2-cents'-worth...

    -Karen in AZ-
  • niktusniktus Member Posts: 1
    Ugly nose. One thing can ruin everything. I would never buy it. Subaru designers again did a mistake, just like with 2002 Subaru impreza WRX.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm sure the Bugatti folks disagree. Interesting similarity.

    By the way, in 2002, Impreza sales doubled from the year before. Subaru had serious trouble keeping up with demand. In fact they had to cut some Forester production at the Gunma plant to make more of those WRXs, which to this day remain a cult car favorite.

    Pink = STi, let's hope they left some other STi equipment on your Tribeca. :D

    aix: congrats and welcome to the Subaru Crew.

    -juice
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    So you joined Edmunds today and that is your first post?

    I don't own a B9, but I owned a WRX and liked the look. In fact, Subaru sold 50% more of those than they projected and the car has a cult following. From the look of it, the Tribeca is going to be very successful too.

    It's a good thing people like you are posting one-liners here and not buying Tribecas -- plenty more for the other people who want one!

    Craig
  • jerrys2jerrys2 Member Posts: 189
    Karen ...
    what did you pay for the Splash guards, installed? Also still working on turn off for seat belt chimes, doesn't seem to work but I will keep trying.

    Jerry
  • photoguy2photoguy2 Member Posts: 164
    Ugly nose

    You know I've got an ugly nose too... I've been told my whole life I have a big nose... funny my wife (who is stunningly beautiful by the way) loves me and thinks I'm actually handsome... (I did take her to the eye doctor and found she did need glasses and now she does not comment on my nose..)

    Moral of the story...? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is a weird first post on edmunds however... Strange thing to come on board to post...but, welcome aboard! :)

    I LOVE MY NOSE!
  • photoguy2photoguy2 Member Posts: 164
    Categorical dilemma

    I've got it!! Call it the nose! :P
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    LOL! How 'bout the "schnoz?" Let's all go for a ride is in the schnoz!

    Bob
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    Karen

    If want that international flair, try one of these:

    Proboscis

    Nederlands (Dutch)
    slurf, snuit, neus

    Français (French)
    trompe

    Deutsch (German)
    n. - Rüssel

    Ελληνική (Greek)
    n. (ζωολ.) προβοσκίδα

    Italiano (Italian)
    proboscide

    Português (Portuguese)
    n. - probóscide (m)

    Русский (Russian)
    хобот, хоботок

    Español (Spanish)
    n. - probóscide, trompa

    Svenska (Swedish)
    n. - snabel
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You want a big nose, look at the SLR. SLK to a lesser extent.

    Portugues would actually be "Nariz".

    -juice
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    Jerry,

    I just followed the directions on Karen's website and it worked 1st time. just follow exactly (just turned key to ignition but didnt start the car) and did the steps...

    Earl
  • subienewbie2subienewbie2 Member Posts: 458
    Jerry

    Additional tip.

    I tried it many many time with no success.

    I finally got it right when I slowed down. You MUST do a complete latch & un-latch each time. I kept trying to do it by holding the button in and sliding the tongue in and out quickly. That does not work. You must insert & release all 20 times as required.

    When your finished with all the in and outs - go take a cold shower.
  • photoguy2photoguy2 Member Posts: 164
    When your finished with all the in and outs - go take a cold shower.

    I only got to 14 and had to stop..... :) :P :blush:
  • photoguy2photoguy2 Member Posts: 164
    what did you pay for the Splash guards, installed?

    Jerry, FYI, I paid $85.00 for the splash guards from my dealer and $45.00 for the install. As Karen mentioned make sure the installer knows that there are wires in the way (front) if you have puddle lights.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    thanks Photoguy2 for the info. I just called my dealer and told them to watch for the wires when they install the mudflaps. he said that the flaps are not like the other cars where you just back out the screws and install the flap and reinsert the screws! why would they not think that mudflaps would be an option customers wanted.

    the technician has to use a template to mark the holes and drill into the car to mount the mudflaps :mad: I hate having the car body drilled, even if it is covered by the mudflaps...
  • bt2bt2 Member Posts: 11
    Would someone please direct me to Karen's website describing how to deactivate the seatbelt warning chimes and any other helpful hints on how to do it right.
    Yikes, it's driving me crazy.
  • movedormovedor Member Posts: 65
    So I took my wife to test drive the Tribeca this weekend and she found it very handsome, both inside and outside. I asked her specifically about the nose, and she said it is beautiful. As many members pointed out "beauty is in the eye of the beholder".

    She complained of rear view when trying to back the car from the dealer lot. She asked for the option of a camera or proximity sensor. Nice car, she said, too bad the rear view breaks the deal.

    Anyone could post some pictures, close and far, of proximity sensors installed in the bumper of Tribeca?

    Another point she made was about the bike rack.
    The car is too tall for her with a roof mounted rack. A trailer hitch would be ideal, but so far I couldn't see any picture of a Tribeca with the trailer hitch mounted. Can someone post pictures of the trail hitch as well?
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