Subaru B9 Tribeca (B9X)

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Comments

  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    Hi! Just starting lurking a couple of days ago and just had to join in the fun.

     

    I'm lovin' the Tribeca. Never had a Subaru but will really consider this one. We are currently shopping the crossover world and had some #'s to share...

     

    These are all w/out DVD or navigation systems since we didn't want them.

     

    Freestyle AWD LTD - Every option (except DVD) -

    $30k - this is a Z plan price - $32-$34 is a range. There are some rebates on the SEs now.

     

    Volvo XC90 TD AWD Leather - some options/not all - 3rd seat, premium sound, SC, no reverse sensor... $40k (again Z plan price so higher)

     

    Pilot EXL - $29k

     

    Highland LTD 4WD Leather - $31k

     

    Acura MDX Touring - $38,500

     

    Soooo, if I could get the Tribeca less than the Volvo/Acura...I'd be there.
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    Please tell me regular unleaded?
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Premium will be "recommended," but you can get by on regular in a pinch with some loss of power. That's assuming the engine is the same on current H6 Outbacks, which it appears to be.

     

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I cringed a bit when I heard this suggested, but let's include it any way. I think the Ford is a step down from the Pacifica in terms of the interior, but still, it is roomy and practical.

     

    Freestyle AWD Ltd: $30895

    SAC/heated mirrors pkg: $695

    Rear A/C: $595

    Sunroof: $895

    DVD: $995

    (Nav is not available)

     

    $34,075 without Nav. Aftermarket would cost you maybe $900 for a small screen, much more for a big one. Let's call it $35k if you make that relatively big sacrifice.

     

    Oh, by the way, the Explorer above was also sans Nav, add a grand for that at least, also.

     

    Freestyle $35k (aftermarket Nav)

    Pilot $36k (aftermarket DVD)

    HL $39k

    Pacifica $40k

    Durango $41k

    Explorer $42k (aftermarket Nav)

    Rendezvous Ultra $42k

    MDX $44k

    X5 3.0 $53k

    SRX V6 $55k

     

    -juice
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    As you can tell from the above we've been shopping. I would like to get some general Subaru info/feedback. This would be a first for us. We've had a long line of Volvos and currently own a LR Disco (:()-

     

    The closest dealer is about 20 miles from us...should that be problem with a Subaru? (We are quite use to visiting service folks)

     

    We do need the 7 seats so this looks like it might be a good alternative to the models we are considering. Would have considered wagons before but needed the rear seats.

     

    Actually have a Freestyle on order but may change that decision based on some serious cold feet.

     

    Highlander back seat too small. Acura too much$$. Pilot - can't fall in love with it even though it is functional. Freestyle - has everything we want but am still very hesitant...Volvo - $$, dealer a long way (warranty work) reliability issues, etc.

     

    Don't even want to consider a minivan as we have a generic version of the Burb that we can use for space.

     

    The goal, buy a car, love it, pay for it and drive it til it dies.... :0

     

    Could I have found it?
  • sdufordsduford Member Posts: 577
    This feature comparison exercise is utterly pointless. First of all most people don't shop for cars that way, second it leaves out much more important factors like performance, safety, comfort, quality, expected reliability, driving dynamics, service quality, etc.

     

    And a lot of those qualities are mostly based on perception, not necessarily on reality. The way the brand is perceived will have a huge impact on that "perceived value".

     

    I go back to my earlier comparison with all those car ads that exclaim "compare us to Camry and Accord! We have more features and we're cheaper!" In the end, that doesn't matter much, as the market has so aptly demonstrated.

     

    If Subaru prices itself beyond what the market thinks any Subaru is worth, then it doesn't matter how much equipment it has. If the Tribeca is priced similarly to vehicles that may be percieved by most as being of better quality, then it still doesn't matter if it has more toys.

     

    Sly
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm not sure how sales are, but I see a lot of these, so it might qualify as a sleeper hit.

     

    Also, it may be closer to the Tribeca because it is car-based and has sporting intentions, plus you can get a V6 with 18" rims and rear-biased AWD. It's smaller, but still, let's include it.

     

    AWD FX35: $36,440

    Touring pkg $2900

    Nav pkg $4300

    DVD $1600 but it requires Sport pkg for $1500

    $46,740

     

    Now it has a lot more equipment, but even it we ditch the DVD and Sport package with its 20" rims, you're still talking $43,640.

     

    Any way you look at it, you'll pay more for this 5 seater.

     

    The point this proves is that sportiness is expensive, folks. Look at the X5, also.

     

    Dunno if the Tribeca will match these, but it'll be fun to find out. I bet it dusts of the rest at least.

     

    -juice
  • sdufordsduford Member Posts: 577
    That's only a $100-$150 per year difference. Big deal!
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    OK - Current car REQUIRES premium and I've been told not to ever, ever let it fall below 1/4 tank. Not a great habit, but pretty use to letting that light bulb come in. Also, told to only use Chevron gas. We drive in fear of using the wrong fuel and scope out Chevrons all around the place. Was hoping for a regular fuel vehicle but have had Premiums for a while....

     

    What about Middle Grade?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    anotherwagon: wait to drive it. I think the drive will demonstrate the differences between a Freestyle and a Tribeca, or even a Pilot for that matter.

     

    If you wait prices on the Freestyle will only drop more, can't hurt.

     

    Sly: but what if the Tribeca changes the way people think about Subaru? This is not your uncle's Loyale.

     

    I agree the usefullness is limited, so we can do this exercise again once the Tribeca is for sale, OK?

     

    Meanwhile, bear with me. I'm doing this just to show that the MSRP is not overpriced like some people seem to think. It's actually on the low end of asking prices.

     

    -juice
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    True - not a big deal. If...I'm not at the shop w/service issues all the time. I've either picked some bad cars or have bad car karma....
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    and for those who have seen the vehicle in person, the opinion is clearly very positive. I'm talking about what I have read in other forums. Yeah, there are still those out there who have not warmed up to it, and who may never like it. I'm especially happy to hear comments from those who don't frequent car forums (average Subaru customers, not gearheads). They seem to be totally unaffected by the styling. They either like it, or it at least it doesn't seem to bother them. It almost seems like a non-issue, as they more concerned about the vehicle in general and its features.

     

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    JGC Ltd AWD $34,690

    Nav $1200

    moonroof $800

    SAC $490

    Tire pressure monitor $85

    Antiskid $500

    DVD $1200

    heated seats $250

     

    $39,215 with the 230hp V8. No 3rd row, however.

     

    -juice
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    I agree w/the changing the way people think about Subaru. First thing hubby said when I told him the price range was "For a Subaru" - I promptly made him look at the web site to see what all it had on it. Feature wise - puts it in the running with all of our other comparisons. Price wise - in the range. If the reliability holds in line w/the other models then OK. Great alternative.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Freestyle $35k (aftermarket Nav)

    Pilot $36k (aftermarket DVD)

    Highlander $39k

    Grand Cherokee $39k

    Pacifica $40k

    Durango $41k

    Explorer $42k (aftermarket Nav)

    Rendezvous Ultra $42k

    MDX $44k

    FX35 $47k

    X5 3.0 $53k

    SRX V6 $55k

     

    -juice
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    Forgive me if it is here, but what is the ground clearance?
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    8.4."

     

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Agree 100%.

     

    The real point of this exercise is to realize how well equipped the Tribeca will be.

     

    Yes, it pushes the envelope for Subaru's prices, but so do the features, size, and interior ambience.

     

    -juice
  • anotherwagonanotherwagon Member Posts: 301
    Completely throwing this out there but consider this....

     

    A lot of folks buying the Freestyle are also buying the extended warranty since it is a new model, new technology, etc - just in case. So that adds to the cost. (I know, it would for any model - but I don't think as many would buy for the Pilot (reliable) as they would for the Ford. They are also buying mtn. plans. More extra $$.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'm trying to remember here: Didn't Dave the Brand Manager mention that the engines' and transmission's computer settings had been re-adjusted somewhat from the Outback H6, to help compensate for the added weight?

     

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yes, he said the engine calibrations were different. We might even see peaks at different rpm, at least.

     

    Warranties and accessories are tough to factor in. But yes, this would generally help Subaru, because for instance they offer 3 years of roadside assistance, while Honda and Toyota include none.

     

    Also, the powertrain warranty is 5/60, Toyota matches it but Ford and Honda don't.

     

    Then again, BMW, Volvo, and Saab will include free maintenance for 3-4 years.

     

    So Subaru is certainly better than average, but some do even better.

     

    We asked Dave if Subaru would consider a longer warranty or free service. That's not determined yet. Remember, some LL Bean models did get free service. We'll see.

     

    I do it myself so to me it's not a big deal, but I do think that adds value, sure.

     

    -juice
  • jay_24jay_24 Member Posts: 536
    Juice, can you play your price gaem again for base models? 30k is a real sticking point on price for me. Why? I don't know. but 30K for something that will be worth next to zero in 10 years just isn't a good investment.

     

    Anyway if my requirements are 6 cylinder, keyless entry, cloth seats, air, automatic, and 3rd row. How does the MSRP come out then?

     

    --Jay
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    juice, alright go ahead and throw in Sienna AWD (just for amusement sake).

     

    John
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I thought about pricing the Land Rover LR3, but after seeing it in person, it's so much bigger, so much heavier, that I don't think that would be fair.

     

    Plus it's off road oriented and the Tribeca is street oriented. Price would break into the $50s FWIW.

     

    Let's do the Lexus RX330, which might end up being cross shopped a lot.

     

    AWD: $37,800

    Premium pkg $2145

    Performance pkg (18" + Sportshift) $2530

    Nav $2350

    DVD $1840

    6CD $500

    heated seats $540

     

    Total would be an eye-opening $47,705. In fairness the packages include HIDs and a self-leveling suspension.

     

    You could get the 18" rims and not get Sportshift/HID/Self-leveling suspension for a lot less. But even then it would run $45,390. Let's say $45k, a nice round number.

     

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Freestyle $35k (aftermarket Nav)

    Pilot $36k (aftermarket DVD)

    Highlander $39k

    Grand Cherokee $39k

    Pacifica $40k

    Durango $41k

    Explorer $42k (aftermarket Nav)

    Rendezvous Ultra $42k

    MDX $44k

    RX330 $45k

    FX35 $47k

    X5 3.0 $53k

    SRX V6 $55k

     

    Jay: that might take too long! :-)

     

    In reality I'm looking at the car I'd want price no object. So yeah, wife wants Nav and we both want DVD. I'm dreaming a bit.

     

    RX400H would require a mortgage to afford if you want it loaded, so let's not bother.

     

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Aviator might be a closer match than Explorer, given the Tribeca's interior mood is closer to the Lincoln's (by far).

     

    Eh, why not?

     

    Aviator AWD $44,305

    Nav $2995

    DVD $1415

    heated seats $895

    sunroof $1595

    6CD $895

     

    Total is $52,100.

     

    And trust me, I've taken long trips in my buddy's Aviator, it's bigger, but no better inside. Kinda too square to be hip, actually.

     

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    That's how SOA is promoting this vehicle. What's that all about?

     

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    ML350? Sure, I'm on a roll so why stop now?

     

    $38,670

    Trim pkg $1700 (unheated cloth is std)

    3rd seat $975

    sunroof $1350

    Nav $995

    6CD $1250 (only a cassette is standard)

    Heated seats $650

     

    $45,590, and that's with no DVD system! Two grand might get you a 9" DVD screen. Let's call it $47k. And no free service any more.

     

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Freestyle $35k (aftermarket Nav)

    Pilot $36k (aftermarket DVD)

    Montero $37k (aftermarket Nav)

    Highlander $39k

    Grand Cherokee $39k

    Pacifica $40k

    Durango $41k

    Explorer $42k (aftermarket Nav)

    Rendezvous Ultra $42k

    MDX $44k

    RX330 $45k

    FX35 $47k

    ML350 $47k (aftermarket DVD)

    Aviator $52k

    X5 3.0 $53k

    SRX V6 $55k

     

    Endeavor does not offer Nav nor a 3rd row, so I'll leave it out. Mitsubishi might not be around to honor your warranty any way.

     

    Montero also does not offer Nav. Loaded up it runs $37,124, call it $38k with aftermarket Nav, at least.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I was just reading the press kit on this model I got at the show. Unlike the last generation ML, the "lo-range" is now only available with the optional "off-road package." Outgoing models had this feature standard across the board. I think this is a mistake (making it optional) on MB's part. This used to be a feature that set it apart from the X-5, etc. Not so any more, or at least "less so" now. :(

     

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Now for one of the closer competitors. No 3rd row is a biggie, but style might make these two draw from the same pool of customers. They're also sportier.

     

    It's not as cheap as you might think. Only the SE has Sportshift and it has the sport suspension, too.

     

    SE AWD starts at $31,460.

    heated leather/roof/6CD $4250

    stability control/tire pressure monitor $750

    Nav $2350

    DVD $1720

     

    Total would be $40,530.

     

    You'd trade off the 3rd row for for HIDs and a rearview camera.

     

    This is definitely the closest competitor, IMO.

     

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, Bob, but that puts the ML closer to most rivals, which also lack it. Mercedes probably had to contain costs.

     

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Pathfinder 4WD LE starts at $35,310.

     

    Add Nav ($2000) and DVD ($1600) and you reach $38,910.

     

    Seems like a good value until you try to sit in the bolt-upright 3rd row seat. It was by far the least comfortable 3rd row I sampled at NAIAS.

     

    So the Tribeca sort of splits the difference between the Pathfinder and Murano, i.e. it seems to blend the characteristics of the two.

     

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Freestyle $35k (aftermarket Nav)

    Pilot $36k (aftermarket DVD)

    Montero $37k (aftermarket Nav)

    Highlander $39k

    Grand Cherokee $39k

    Pathfinder $39k

    Pacifica $40k

    Murano $41k

    Durango $41k

    Explorer $42k (aftermarket Nav)

    Rendezvous Ultra $42k

    MDX $44k

    RX330 $45k

    FX35 $47k

    ML350 $47k (aftermarket DVD)

    Aviator $52k

    X5 3.0 $53k

    SRX V6 $55k

     

    -juice
  • sworkssworks Member Posts: 10
    :)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    For the fun of it! Let's toss in the SUV that some people think it most resembles.

     

    How ironic that the Subaru is the one that uses a platform that isn't borrowed and the boxer engine, no?

     

    Base model starts at $43,665, but options cost a fortune.

     

    Tire pressure monitor $590 (ouch!)

    Dual-zone ACC $550

    Nav $3050

    Sunroof $1100

    6CD $715

    heated seats $960

    18" rims $1800

    donut spare $170 (for a donut?)

     

    $52,600. No 3rd seat, though a stretch version of the Touareg will have it.

     

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Jeep has done the same with its new Grand Cherokee. If you want a low range, you now have to buy the pricey models with a the Hemi engine. I think this is about the dumbest thing Jeep could ever have done.

     

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, I included the Pathfinder so now I gotta include this also.

     

    4WD Ltd V6 starts at $36,610. The V8 has AWD but let's allow 4WD since that model is cheaper.

     

    SAC adds $650

    sunroof $900

    DVD $1997

    Nav $2300

    3rd row $1195

    Homelink $125

    Sport suspension $450

     

    $44,277. Not as cheap as you thought, I bet.

     

    Freestyle $35k (aftermarket Nav)

    Pilot $36k (aftermarket DVD)

    Montero $37k (aftermarket Nav)

    Highlander $39k

    Grand Cherokee $39k

    Pathfinder $39k

    Pacifica $40k

    Murano $41k

    Durango $41k

    Explorer $42k (aftermarket Nav)

    Rendezvous Ultra $42k

    MDX $44k

    4Runner $44k

    RX330 $45k

    FX35 $47k

    ML350 $47k (aftermarket DVD)

    Aviator $52k

    X5 3.0 $53k

    Cayenne V6 $53k

    SRX V6 $55k

     

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    As you can see, there are number of so-called mainstream vehicles that are a lot pricier that one would normally assume.

     

    Bob
  • carguy1234carguy1234 Member Posts: 233
    Juice gets the rose colored glasses award, that's for sure!

     

    I'm moderately interested in this vehicle, but am still scared off from previous bad experiences with Subaru products. Plus the Baja pretty much flopped both market acceptance wise and reliability wise. Maybe they learned something from that one.

     

    Maybe this will be better, we'll see.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, now I changed my mind. In the interest of making a complete list, I'll add the LR3.

     

    HSE starts at $49,995, add:

     

    rear seats pkg $1250

    cold pkg $1050

    Nav $2650

     

    Total is 54,945, and that's without a DVD player. Add $2 grand for an aftermarket 9" screen, and we'll call it $57k.

     

    -juice
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Well, the B9 is a lot closer to the mainstream than the Baja ever was, so that is a big difference right away. Look at Juice's list, and it is clear that the B9 has a lot of potential competitors. I don't think the Baja had any. It was a new category and seems to have flopped the way Subaru executed on it.

     

    Craig
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    mainstream vehicles that are a lot pricier that one would normally assume

     

    A fair thing to conclude from the exercise.

     

    Note I tried to itemize options prices so you could price your own. Or use Edmunds' pricing tool.

     

    VW Touareg, anyone?

     

    V6 starts at $36,515. Add leather pkg for $2200 and Nav for $2650. You still can't get a 6CD changer or a DVD player. So for a total of $41,365 you are slumming it (LOL).

     

    Add aftermarket 9" DVD and we're talking $43k optimistically, and the stereo still only takes a single CD. We'll let that slide.

     

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Freestyle $35k (aftermarket Nav)

    Pilot $36k (aftermarket DVD)

    Montero $37k (aftermarket Nav)

    Highlander $39k

    Grand Cherokee $39k

    Pathfinder $39k

    Pacifica $40k

    Murano $41k

    Durango $41k

    Explorer $42k (aftermarket Nav)

    Rendezvous Ultra $42k

    VW Touareg V6 $43k

    MDX $44k

    4Runner $44k

    RX330 $45k

    FX35 $47k

    ML350 $47k (aftermarket DVD)

    Aviator $52k

    X5 3.0 $53k

    Cayenne V6 $53k

    SRX V6 $55k

    LR3 $57k

     

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Volvo XC90 2.5T: $35,525

     

    Premium pkg $2995

    3rd row $2100

    heated seats $625

    AWD $1775

    Nav $2120

    DVD $1995

    18" rims $750 (nice that they offer it)

     

    Grand total $47,885.

     

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Why not. I'll add the AWD Sienna to the list, just for comparison.

     

    You really gotta get the XLE Limited, because that's how you get SAC, VSC, heated leather, sunroof, wiper de-icer, and 17" rims.

     

    To that you still have to add plenty. Prices start at $38,060, then we add:

     

    smaller 7" DVD plus Nav, $3580

     

    Total is $41,640 but you do get a rearview camera. Great, great van, but still costs more for a mainstream brand and a less luxurious interior. Tons more space, though.

     

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    This lacks AWD, which is a biggie for anyone shopping for an SUV, I think.

     

    Still, lets say you live in Florida and never go skiing and have no relatives out-of-state. There are 6 people like that. ;-)

     

    I'll compare an EX-L with DVD and Nav, because the Touring has mostly stuff that is specific to the Ody. All-inclusive price is $34,610.

     

    Now that's a bargain, IMO. Even when you factor that AWD makes the Pilot roughly $2000 costlier than the equivalent Ody model. It's just too bad Honda doesn't offer AWD.

     
    Edit: maybe you could add the price of snow tires? Call it just over $35 grand?

     

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Freestyle $35k (aftermarket Nav)

    Odyssey $35k (no AWD)

    Pilot $36k (aftermarket DVD)

    Montero $37k (aftermarket Nav)

    Highlander $39k

    Grand Cherokee $39k

    Pathfinder $39k

    Pacifica $40k

    Murano $41k

    Durango $41k

    Sienna $42k

    Explorer $42k (aftermarket Nav)

    Rendezvous Ultra $42k

    VW Touareg V6 $43k

    MDX $44k

    4Runner $44k

    RX330 $45k

    FX35 $47k

    ML350 $47k (aftermarket DVD)

    Aviator $52k

    X5 3.0 $53k

    Cayenne V6 $53k

    SRX V6 $55k

    LR3 $57k

     

    -juice
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    progressive in pricing, maybe. j/k
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Now throw in the Tribeca. At $39k it would be the least expensive model with no compromises, i.e. all the factory options.

     

    Chrysler, Nissan, Dodge, Toyota, Ford, Buick, VW all charge more for a mainstream, non-luxury competitor. I bet only Toyota can match the resale value Subaru offers.

     

    Factor in the upscale interior and it makes some of its competitors seem overpriced.

     

    Bottom line - when you look at the content level, the Tribeca should offer a good value, yes, even at $40k.

     

    Subaru's main gamble was that they forecast demand for well equipped vehicles.

     

    -juice
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