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Comments
That makes the Audi A8 redundant. It's already struggling, so this might be the final blow.
I can see how the A4 is sportier than the Passat, but the A6 overlaps too much with the W8 and isn't really that sporty. Neither is the A8. So they aren't differentiated enough.
I'm telling you, Piech was great for VW but he's going too far. They are going to suffer a major hang over in 2 years, bleeding money like never before. You'll see.
-juice
-mike
-juice
Ed
I'd take a Seat any day. They are VW platform with real character. Build quality is now wonderful.
Skoda has a really bad long term joke reputation in the UK but their last few offerings have been very good. The Octavia is a lovely car, and huge inside. I am not sure if Doctor Who was ever shown on US TV but he had a time machine (the Tardis) which was the size of a Police box on the outside but a whole space craft inside. The Octavia is like that.
As far as brand identity goes, Skoda is now sitting where VW was fifteen years ago with Seat above it and VW above that. Audi is supposedly above that although I could never see the point of an A4 - smaller than a Passat for similar identity. The Passat is a seriously good car, still outstanding after 5 years. VW turns out some gems.
Cheers
Graham
Still can't get that DB4GT Zagato grocery getter out of my mind
Ed
Michelin X-1's and Dunlop SP series have been looked at favorably in earlier posts here (100-150 back). I will be replacing the "summer" tires on my '99 "S" this spring and will probably start with these models, looking for good/excellent wet performance. You can also check Consumer Reports, but bring a grain of salt or two.
Tire Rack has an informative web site: www.tirerack.com .
ALSO: Have your alignment checked/done thoroughly by a good shop. Some Subarus have been poorly aligned new, which has caused tire noise and uneven wear. Good luck & keep us posted.
John
PS: Anyone else have long-term experience with non-OEM tires, i.e. how tires are with 30K+ treadwear?? Many tires are fine at the start then get noisy or lose grip.
-mike
A car tire like the Michelin X-One can go 80K miles or more before it needs replacement. I have a friend who puts high mileage on his car, and he swears by them.
Craig
If you have an S model, the Nitto NT460 comes in 215/60R16 size and is a very quiet tire. I do not recommend it for snowy climates, though.
-juice
-mike
-mike
But if they're 8 years old and have 80k miles, by then they've probably deteriorated and dried out, so I'd replace them even if some tread was left over.
-juice
Re old tires: When I bought my Stude in fall '98, it had the original '63 bias-ply Firestone spare, still intact with nubs and all, never on the ground. What a museum piece, but one I tossed just the same. Bought a set of 5 radials and didn't look back - it's a driver, not a trailer queen.
Ed
-mike
John
-juice
Tires are always a comprimise. Grippiness and treadlife often are inversely related. I personally replace my tires well before I hit the wear indicators since I do rely on the all-season characteristics.
I typically keep my spares inflated close to the max pressure. It's easier to air them down to match the other three but not the other way around.
Ken
Also, seat covers; I admit I haven't looked yet, do they make cover for a 60/40 seat? Any recommendations for nice not too expensive seat covers for the front? Online or a particular store? We may not do front seat covers as we do take care of the interior but would like the option.
Thanks
The dealer did mention theirs, not Subaru's, 100,000 mile warranty that if it wasn't used I'd get my money back...only $1300+!, no hard sell, I said no, that was the end of it.
Craig
The rubber mats do not cover the footrest on the left, so that area will get dirty eventually. Personally I think they are worth it if you live in snowy area.
-Michael
These are the quotes I've gotten by e-mail so far plus a third vehicle I haven't asked about, yet:
Automatic Transmission
Auto Dimming Mirror/Compass
Custom Tailpipe Cover
Rear Cargo Net
Keyless Entry System
Cross Bars And Slats
Splash Guards
Rear Cargo Tray
Floor Mats
Rear Bumper Cover
MSRP $22067 will sell for $20792
Automatic Transmission
Tweeter Kit
6-Disk In-Dash CD Changer
Center Armrest Console
Custom Tailpipe Cover
Rear Cargo Net
Keyless Entry System
Cross Bars And Slats
Splash Guards
Rear Cargo Tray
Floor Mats
Rear Bumper Cover
MSRP $22,600 will sell for $21,179
Automatic Transmission
Cd Player
Center Armrest Console
Custom Tailpipe Cover
Rear Cargo Net
Keyless Entry System
Auto Dimming Mirror/Compass
Cross Bars And Slats
Splash Guards
Rear Cargo Tray
Floor Mats
Rear Bumper Cover
MSRP $22,524 will sell for ???
Your first list of equipment:
Automatic Transmission
except for this--Auto Dimming Mirror/Compass
Custom Tailpipe Cover
and this--- Rear Cargo Net
Keyless Entry System
Cross Bars And Slats
Splash Guards
Rear Cargo Tray
Floor Mats
Rear Bumper Cover
Is the closest to what I got. There were some dealers who had more options on the L but when I told them all I wanted was keyless, they had no trouble finding an L with just keyless.
As it turned out, the car we test drove, that had a sticker of $22,something, but they had a stuck a red tag from the mirror dropping it to 21667, which I ignored. I don't care what they quote you, ignore it unless it's the price you want.
I started at what I believe was invoice-which I got from 3 different car sites: 19225, plus 525 dest. chg, plus 116 keyless=19866.
I told one dealer 19866-- he said something about Oh GOD we can't sell it for that! Etc. I told him thanks for trying. A little while later I get an email from him and oh the price suddenly got lower...not 19866 but lower.
If you want things like the cdplayer etc. work out what that would cost from the invoice up.
Don't forget they get a 3% dealer holdback even if they do sell it at invoice so they don't lose money. Before I write a lot more than you may want to hear, do you know the invoice and manuf. price for all the options you want? If you do than you know that 20792 is about 800 too much. Believe me they will not sell you a car at a real loss to them. They may only make the dealer holdback on a car, but they're still making money. Shoot for invoice plus manuf. price for options.
Stick to your price,whicd in my opinion is invoice and manuf. price on all options.
R
R
John
If they are selling all forester L's at 19308, than pick the most expensive L they list and see if they'll actually sell it for 19308.
R
This is my first posting and would like to say how much I enjoy my 2001 Forester S. I drove it right of the show room floor. My wife and I really like it.
It now has about 16k miles and so far everything seems to be pretty good. I am a little surprised about the lower than expected gas mileage: 20 city, 25 highway but the car does run smooth with plenty of punch. I do have one major concern: it appears that my coolant level has recently started to drop slightly. I have filled it to the upper "full" line and check it while parked at the same parked space in the morning. I noticed this a couple of months ago and brought it to the dealer and was informed there seemed to be no problem. Well, after putting on about 1200 miles since, the level has dropped about 3/4", maybe an ounce or two. Since there are no apparent leaks I am assuming there may be some internal issues, hopefully not a cracked block or head.
The coolant can't be "evaporating", can it. Where could it escape to if everything was "normal"
Does anyone else have to replace coolant at regular intervals or do your levels stay the same? Or am I just being a little too paranoid about the whole thing?
Thanks for any response from my fellow Subie owners,
/Scott
I am sure those with experience will be more than happy to help you out. We're looking forward to hearing more from you.
tidester
Host
SUVs
1. At moderate speed on dry road, it felt that the tires were glued to the road to the extent that even the smallest surface undulations were being followed; hence the impression of being solidly set but a bit "squirmy." Surprisingly smooth and noiseless even on merely wet road. No whine at all. Even the concrete separation bumps seemed to be muffled.
2. In snow, ice and slush, the tires were awesome.
Starting and stopping on hills were "no sweat" and the overall sense of stability was a dramatic contrast to my "white knuckle" experience on the Yokos last February on a similar trip.
3. Another big and appreciated suprise was that I was not hurt in average mpg - a shade below 27.
Temps will be back in the 40's this week, so comes the hassle of changing back, but at least I feel that I am well stocked for the next storm.
masan: I believe the fabrics are the same, so it's just the color. I have beige but sort of prefer the grey interior.
Renato: I went from 205/70R15 to 225/60R16 (slightly wider and taller, but not much) and have had nothing but good results. My tires are summer-biased, so I'd get something different in a snowy climate.
The 3" we just got was fun, but unfortunately it's not that common in DC. We only get 2-3 snow storms per year. Snow tires work wonders but for here it's overkill.
Scott: try checking the radiator itself (on a cold engine only, of course). So long as it's close to full, the overflow container level is far less important.
-juice
My questions is has anyone else experienced this or is it just me? :-) Same thing in the Outback.
Although I liked the Forester, I was disappointed in the lack of cubby space (yes, I know, I was spoiled by the van) and the flimsy cup holders over the radio. But then I'm being a bit picky, I guess.
Mary
But I gotta be honest, we're all shaped differently, and if you cannot get comfy, don't buy it. Try test driving another, just to make sure your back wasn't having a bad day, and ask the sales person to help you work with all the available adjustments (fore, aft, tilt, front height, rear height, and lumbar). If he fails, don't buy it.
-juice
R
~~~Pat
I'm going to test drive again after I go see a chiropractor and will do as you suggest.
I do like the Forester and am leaning that way, why with its good track record for reliability and safety, etc. I did try the Ford Escape and was torn between the two except that the Escape felt chinsy inside but felt a tad more comfortable. No track record on the Escape's reliablity, etc. Good gov crash results, etc. But like I said, I'm leaning towards the Forester. I've heard nothing but good things about it, here, in snow country where I live.
Mary
P.S. Pat88...I'd like the red, myself.
Ross
Greg
-mike
Forester, OTOH, has its own character and lines, maybe not ideal, but somewhat interesting.
If you decide on Escape anyway, I suggest to look at Mazda Tribute which is mechanical twin of Escape. I think it looks a bit more refined, but you're likely to encounter the same mechanical issues as many other Escape/Tribute owners.