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Comments
Robert B
NY
Question & request:
Could you post some images of those answers to the questions that I have posted regarding the NAV. Specifically, where is that menu that shows you how to select "shortest," "quickest," etc., type of routes? Could you show step-by-step images of how you program a destination, that would include that programming sequence? Thanks!
Bob
I'm trying to get a feel for where the corners are -- just need to use the side mirrors a lot. I do wish the rear window were larger, but it's less of a problem than I anticipated. The width of the front pillars is a bit of a distraction, but I'll get used to it.
It's certainly a comfortable ride. We're glad to have the leather upholstery, having almost decided to buy a 'non-limited'. We're taking it on a 1,500 mile trip this week, so will learn more about it as we go. Definitely an upgrade from our '96 Outback.
To say the least! I had a 99 limited outback fully loaded and it was a go cart compared to my B9. As I said in my earlier posts, you can get a much nicer DVD system for less. Good luck with her!
Robert B
NY
Still, the Forester is in good shape given she's approaching her 8th birthday with us, and she got 28mpg on the trip.
-juice
He's probably referring to the IIHS Legacy tests and the Outback's crash tests so far. I would not conclude anything based on those.
-juice
IIRC, '05 Legacy sedan got 'acceptable' on side impact due to problems with the side-impact airbag. Subaru had a recall on those sedans in early 05 model year when they barely reached dealer's lot.
A bit off-topic, but the Legacy did worse than "acceptable" and it wasn't because of the recall. The '05 Legacy was recalled because IIHS found that the side curtain wasn't protecting the driver's head correctly in their (tougher than any others') side impact test. IIHS lets the manufacturer have one "do-over" before results are made public, so Subaru found that there was an assembly problem at a plant and corrected the issue, and recalled vehicles previously manufactured with the defect.
However, the IIHS gave the fixed '05 Legacy just a "marginal" (not an acceptable) in their side-impact test because even after the fix from the recall, "the second crash test indicate that rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries would be likely in a crash of this severity." Subaru hasn't addressed this issue yet, it was a shock and very disappointing. While that model does well in European, Aussie, NHTSA, etc. side-impact tests, the IIHS test is the only one that simulates a larger vehicle (like an SUV) hitting the vehicle (the others use a barrier the size of a Corolla!).
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/side/s0411.htm
I would assume that Subaru has done its homework correctly with the Tribeca and it will do well in the IIHS tests. However, we won't know for sure until those tests are actually performed and results released. The moral is that if one weighs these tests heavily (and not all buyers do, but some will), don't purchase until the tests are out.
I meant recall is the result of poor rating from IIHS test.
Bob, I'll work on those pix of the Nav screens today and try to get something posted for you. Most of the step-by-step info is in the fairly well-written manual -- even for folks like me who hate to read them :-)
-Karen in AZ-
BTW, I saw a new '06 Outback XT and LL Bean, both with NAV yesterday at a dealer. The NAV screen seems to be the same size as that found on the Tribeca, and the basic command buttons below the screen (destination, menu, map, info, etc.) also appear to be the same. Both vehicles were around $35K, with the Bean being slightly higher.
Bob
Tell her to definately check the Subaru dealer in Norwood, MA.
Subaru shouldn't limit NAV to the high-end models. Mazda offers it on the 3 and now the 5, both around $21k.
-juice
I read 2006 Legacy and Outback have the same NAV system as Tribeca
-juice
My question is, what are your experiences with B9? Is it more carlike ride?
If I am looking for a luxury ride (like a toyota avalon), can I get the same kind of ride with B9?
BTW, I have a 96 Outback Wagon and I am thinking of upgrading to a B9
Ajay
Bob
Buy a 5 pass and in the long run your TCO will not be lower.
foxbat121: but then I'd need 2 laptops!
ajay: all things being relative, the B9 seems small and nimble next to a Pilot, but definitely more substantial than an Avalon. Higher up, mostly.
-juice
That's questionable review then. Almost every review I have read commended the handling of the vehicle, and I thought it was excellent myself. Yeah, it does weight more than an Outback, but it also has larger wheels/tires and a bigger footprint on the ground. In my opinion, the added mass has been mitigated.
Craig
Bob
Edmunds is simply wrong in their comment. There's nothing subjective about it. Drive a Murano, X5. Pilot or Highlander...nothing very truck like about them either. I just came pack from the Poconos. Second trip and averaged 22.5 MPG there and back to NYC. Doing 70 MPH, I got sandwiched between two trucks with another up ahead. I didn't like the lay of the road, dropped to 3rd gear and barrelled between the trucks, picked a slot in the traffic and shot through while slipping to 4th topping 110 MPH. There's nothing truck like about the way the B9 handles or I wouldn't be making moves like that so easily. There's nothing van like either. There's some body roll and you need to learn some control of the chassis, especially when coming out of turns fast, but for it's weight, it's quite a bit of fun, smooth and predictable. Is it a sportscar? No, not at all. But this little SUV is more comfortable than all but the biggest sedans, has reasonable power, unique looks and some very good handling, boosted by the big 18" tires. My father just bought a Forester XT and I drove that today. Quick and certainly more nimble than my B9, but nowhere near the comfort factor...a whole different approach of course. And XT would make a good second car!
Robert B
NY
The B9 needs less boost from the power steering and better road feel and feed back at higher speeds.
I pulled my pop-up fully loaded... about 2500 lbs (you may remember my posts regarding the pulling weight without electric trailer brakes). To sum it up, the B9 performed fabulously. We are very pleased with our purchase. Regarding pulling, I could barely feel the trailer behind me for most of the trip north from my home near the NH seacoast and most of the trip across the Kank. However, when I was approaching the highest elevation (still a hill for you westerners) and the road got steep, she reved high to maintain speed. I was concerned about overheating and watch the temp the whole way. What I noticed is that the first solid bar above the central triple bar came on and off as the rpms increased and decreased. I was concerned about the engine temp until I noticed later on my trip that the normal temp topped off showing the central triple bar. So no problem with over heating on my short trip over the mountains on a warm day pulling a load. Coming down the other side was no problem either. I did use the manual shift, using the engine to slow/brake my descent, all the while smelling the brake pads of the car in front of me. I was advised by the dealer to turn off the VDC when pulling, don’t remember if I saw that in the manual.
The B9 was a lot of fun to drive in the mountains and on the mountain roads after we dropped the trailer. Very comfortable. We had a couple of torrential downpours and she handled very well on water covered roads.
Power I did not notice any want for power with the exception of climbing the at the very top of the mountains with a load. The other posters are correct in that the best power the B9 has to offer is at higher rpms while moving and not at the start. I noticed this while pulling also, no problem to pass with the trailer.
My wife and I, and two kids, 12 -14, and a 30lb dog rode very comfortably on this trip, plenty of room. The dog, and I, especially liked the center fold down seat in the second row which allowed her to move to the back to lay down if she wanted.
I did have one problem which I need to call the dealer about my fault though. I spilled coffee down the dash one morning and immediately wiped it down. However, the operation of the AC, vent and defrosters failed completely and the display was erratic, showing all segments of the temp display. Within a short time (after it dried up I suspect) the display returned to normal and a short time later all worked well. I suspect that coffee got into the electronics and shorted something out. To me, this is a design error though. They should have better protected the electronics to avoid this problem.
All told, we are very happy with our 6th Subaru. We enjoyed all the looks and comments from other people in the area.
Very impressive! Felt a little more composed/substantial than my Outback. Power was adequate, but coming from an XT it was definitely a bit lacking. Love the interior and exterior looks, and especially appreciate the extra interior room (Outbacks have a cramped front passenger seat, and poor rear leg room -- all much improved in the Tribeca). Didn't have time or interest to fiddle with Nav. I really like the Tribeca overall -- if it wasn't for the lame roof rack and extra roof height (bad for my rack-dependent hobbies), I would probably continue my Subaru streak and buy one! (one of my wife's coworkers wants to buy my XT and has been dropping me hints about the Tribeca, which I am resisting well).
For the price, I think the Tribeca is an outstanding value. I'd probably shoot for a 5 or 7 pass Ltd, without nav/dvd.
Craig
I just can't seem to spend enough time in this car. All the long routes to work just aren't long enough. This is the first luxury vehicle that I've ever owned and the largest SUV (owned a 97 CRV and '02 Legacy wgn). I feel like I'm borrowing some rich guy's car.
I must agree with one of my friends that the curvaceous cockpit design of the Tribeca- especially in gray, has great Feng Shui about it. I really had to pick the gray because I believe Black and Tan is better in a beer glass than the interior of a car.
When I test drove it the first time, I loved the car, except for 'lackluster' acceleration. When I picked mine up, it was totally different- better- a little too hot off the line. I think the first one I drove had regular gas rather than premium. My first tank of gas (250 miles before fill up) was 17.6 mpg mostly city. Range from area respectable ~300 miles (From NYC area to Boston or DC easily).
Stereo kicks [non-permissible content removed] too. Subwoofer under MYseat for a change. About time that I got that cool vibe rather than my wife ('nuff said).
Gripes:
1) haven't yet found a comfortable right foot position to prevent lurching forward off the line (accellerates too quickly).
2) wish it had a retractable cargo cover like my Legacy. Tribeca's is cheesy.
3) wish it had a collapsible cargo tray like my Legacy
4) small glove box- barely fits the owner's manual.
5) not enough time to drive it
6) $2.50/gallon for premium at best.
I'm in Northern NJ. Where did you get the remote start for $175? :confuse: I'm interested!
Does it use the OEM remotes, or did you have to get a new set?
Good luck,
Robert B
NY
I don't think it's under the seat.
Robert B
NY
i never had Feng Shui Black and Tan. :P
with talk about beer you really have to attend the thursday nite subaru chat here
From what I know, Subwoofer is at the rear of the car and mine has nav dvd unit under the driver's seat. Maybe non-NAV version has different arrangement?
The only thing I remembered mentioned in manual is that in ice/snow condition if you have trouble get the car moving, turn off the VDC may help.
Speaking of VDC off switch, does anybody have any idea if VDC will stay off regardless of vehicle speed? On OB VDC, the VDC will automatically turn itself on when speed exceeds 20 somthing mph.
Craig
And are there connections in place for it? I'm about to add a Infinity Basslink II to my Tribeca. All of those speakers sound very good, but a better sub will round things out.
Robert B
NY
But none of the Subies before has subwoofers installed at the rear. For example, my WRX has subwoofer under passenger's seat.
It has to do with pre-wiring. If you have sub at rear, chances are you can't find any wires for your accessory subwoofer up front. But I only have experience with NAV model though.
Several models have had a rear sub -- previous and current generation Outback VDC, Forester XT Ltd, .....
It has to do with pre-wiring. If you have sub at rear, chances are you can't find any wires for your accessory subwoofer up front. But I only have experience with NAV model though.
The underseat sub can be added to ANY Subaru. It comes with a wiring harness that tees into the main radio harness and picks up the audio signal from the rear channels. Subaru has used the same main radio harness for over 10 years now. Basically, mount the sub under your seat, run the sub harness through the console to the back of the radio, and plug it in. Works on all models!
Craig
If you look at the center console of Tribeca, it's not an easy job to do such wiring
BTW, the tiny underseat subwoofer in my WRX does not worth the money and trouble, IMHO
Not sure how much bass it would add. Probably not a lot. The unit mounted in the rear starboard wall in the cargo area looks pretty small. It's more like a midbass driver and I doubt it can reach below 45 hz.
Robert B
NY
It fits perfectly and honestly how often do we refer to the manual after the first month? Especially while driving.
We are all creeatures of habit. The factory usually put them there - so we think that thats where they belong:)
The problem is I usually put insurance card and registration card in the manual booklet. God forbid, if I am stopped by a cop, he will be real nerves about me walking out of the car, open the back door to show him the registration.
As for the sound quality of the sub, that's best left to each person to decide for themselves. I can tell you that the sub sounds a whole lot better in my 05 Outback than it did in my 03 WRX, leading me to believe that the vehicle structure and acoustic environment has a lot to do with it. No doubt, the WRX had more of a tin-can feel and much less insulation than the Outback or Tribeca.
For the size and price, I really like having the underseat sub in my OB XT -- it really does a nice job augmenting the low end and rounds out the stereo considerably, adding punch. Given it's size, it's more of a mid-bass unit so it's not something that will disrupt traffic (I've had 12" subs in another car, and it's not like that at all). I'd say the underseat unit only goes down to about 50-60Hz.
Craig