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Comments
-juice
-mike
Bob
tried holding it down, just to see what the effect
would be. It's louder still.
Bob
Still, I wish I had that noise (and the bigger opening!).
-juice
-Frank P.
Mind you, my Explorer's moonroof is not silent. There is noise, just not nearly as much as comes from the Forester.
Yeah, maybe I'm lucky.
Bob
There's hope for something other than a slushbox with the H6 yet.
-Colin
Bob
..Mike
..Mike
-juice
I've read somewhere that turbo engines need to be maintained more often than non-turbos. Is that true? How about the maintenance cost for a turbo compared with a non-turbo, are they the same?
Would 6 cyl engines be a better choice than a 4 cyl turbos? How about the new WRX, would it have an annoying turbo lag as compared to a 6 cyl acceleration?
Any arguments?
Thanks.
Great links!
WHAT! No power windows on the STi? Guess I'll have to pass.
Bob
Some twin turbos are sized differently so one kicks in early and the other later, to reduce lag.
Pros? More power from a small engine. Gas mileage usually nearly the same as without.
The alternative is supercharging. You can get better low end power, but the supercharger is a leach on the engine so gas mileage will suffer more. Peak power also may be less than what you could get with turbos.
US customers prefer higher displacement engines, which explains the emphasis on the H6. They produce effortless (i.e. not having to rev), good low end torque without any lag.
Trade offs include lower fuel mileage, more weight, and packaging constraints.
There's no such thing as a free lunch. The H6 is better for relaxed driving, towing, hauling, and such. The WRX will be well suited for RallyX or other forms of racing (including street).
My 2 cents'.
-juice
I used to own a Saab 9000 Turbo. You need to change the oil more frequently, what for the turbo to wind down before shutting down, it will probably have a peaky powerband.
The H-6 many not be quite as quick (in its current state of tune), but will better for most non-enthusists.
Bob
*the VDC badging is done with taste both inside and out. It is really understated. You have to look twice.
*the Momo steering wheel adds a nice touch to the interior. My feeling is that it's NOT gaudy.
*the automatic temperature control is a delight and easy to use.
*the eight way power seat is a great improvement and the lumbar support works well.
*the car is silent, silent, silent. I couldn't believe how quiet it is.
*The McIntosh audio system has to be heard to be believed. As a classical music fan, I was impressed with the depth and range of the speakers. WOW!
*from a dead stop, the extra weight IS noticeable. While no rocket, performance is acceptable for most.
*at approximately 3,000-3,500 RPM, the H6 comes into its "own." It moves!
*as with other 2001 models, fit and build are up to our expectations, as expected.
My L.L.Bean wagon is expected within two to three weeks. I am confident that the additional power from the H6 will put a hugh smile on my face.
I am very much impressed with quality improvements found in the 2001 when compared to my '96 Outback. I remain convinced the extra dollars spent for the H6 rather than the LTD are worth the difference.
I also noticed three Foresters with the new sport grill in my dealer's inventory. The grill seems to give the wagon a lower profile and while somewhat generic looking, really isn't that bad. The question is is it worth the $269 as shown on the sticker?
I will be away for a few weeks when the L.L.Bean is delivered to my dealer. I will try to post impressions and reactions during December.
Hey, if the H6 is now showing up in dealer inventory, does this mean postings no longer belong under "Future Models?"
Don
I came across the WRX review on http://www.hoot-uk.com . This is 10/15/00 in US but the article is the lead article for 10/26/00 edition of hoot. After the 26th you will have to scroll down to view it
rich@aadial.com
rich@aadial.com
Bob
Hey - until I own one, it's a "future model" to me!
That Forester grille ain't worth $269. Even if you like it, call Darlene and I'm sure you'll pay just over half that.
WRX: holy cow, 5.9s to 60 and still 28mpg overall?! If you want burble, get a Borla!
They seem to whine about it being too refined and less edgy, but face it, that's what it will need to succeed in the US. For each true enthusiast among us, there are 5 yuppies that will buy it because it'll be the flavor of the week.
-juice
If they are here already and I did not get a call I'm gonna get cranky.
The VDC wagon was at Liberty Subaru in Libertyville, Il. If you drive on down, ask for Elmer Hansen and I'm sure he'll let you take a test spin! You'll enjoy it!
Don
-juice
The only thing that struck a negative note in my "quick once over" was the tacky gold wheels on the H6. Other than that, the model is a sleeper!
Don
Here's a least one yes vote -- from the UK mag. review of the new Impreza WRX. It refers to the Turbo as, " ... a formula so successful it has transformed the image of Subaru from a purveyor of sheepdog-carrying pick-ups into one of the most respected performance car manufacturers in the world."
Watch the positioning of Subaru successfully EXPAND (not change) from its current functionality, quality, AWD uniqueness to include solid performance/handling and more upscale vehicles. And even the $30+ pricing, I believe, will not knock it out of the "great-value-for-the-dollar" category.
Another prediction -- as a big portion of the current SUV owners (the ON-roaders) start trading in their behmoths, they're going to be thinking that SUV was too expensive, it was boring to drive, it got 18 inches to a gallon of increasingly expensive gas -- but it was great in snow and rain. Add to that the fact they're used to paying those godawful prices for an SUV, and you have an interesting set-up for what they'll buy next: Volvo, Audi, etc. And -- for a lot less money, Subaru.
It's going to take some real clever marketing on Subaru's part, admittedly, because they're a niche player with niche budgets. But they're smart and have outstanding products.
Two last comments: Subaru ... don't forget the roots and bedrock of your market position. Second ... get the WRX into the States ASAP. Soon as you do, my current Acura TL will be sitting on the front row of Webster Groves Subaru, St. Louis.
Bob
Dennis
Those are pretty subtle. Chrysler, for example, uses a very gaudy gold that looks much tackier.
Alan: you make several good points. The key word is "expand", as in I'm sure they'll not abandon the niche they've been so successful with.
Brochure sightings, eh? Didn't you manage one back at the New York Auto Show?
Future booms will come in smaller niches. I think crossovers will be big, like the STX. Coupes ought to make a come back as boomers realize they don't need 17 acres of interior room, too. The next SVX could have perfect timing.
They should hurry up the 3rd row seat big SUW, though, 'cause that boom is happening NOW!
-juice
-juice
Don
Kate: Consumer Reports' reliability numbers for the new Jeep were the worst in recent memory.
They had noisy axles, and even dealers admitted they permanently lost lots of customers because of this.
I agree on the styling - someone said it looks like the old one "blown up" with a bit more air.
-juice
Bob
Same with the next Wrangler, and the about-to-be-released 2002 Cherokee. This new Cherokee may not be called a "Cherokee," however. The latest rumor is that it will be called the Jeep Freedom.
In addition, the hoped for 300 Hemi convertible and the full-size Dodge SUV have just been axed for the same reason.
The folks over at Mopar are fighting mad over these just announced vehicle cuts! So much for Chrysler and Mercedes synergy.
Bob
Funny thing is that although Chrysler is losing money, MB has been gaining sales by leaps and bounds! I just hope they don't expand too quickly, or the exclusivity of the brand name could be diminished. I remember just a few years ago when there would be only 1 or 2 MBzs at the mall parking lot other than my own. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to find 4 or 5 (or more) of them.
BTW, the next generation Range Rover will be based on the same platform as the BMW X5 and will have 4 wheel independent suspension (big surprise to me).
Drew/aling
Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
Think about it, that crushes the XC's 18/22 and 4Motion's 17/24 EPA ratings, big time!
I had guessed 20/25, and Car & Driver quoted 19/24, just to give you an idea.
Go Subaru!
That's a shame about the Hemi C. One of the few Chryslers I found interesting.
-juice
Bob
Regarding the Jeeps (all of them): there have been all sorts of rumors as to what suspension set ups they would receive. From what info I've been able to gather, my best guess is that they're all going fully independent. The Cherokee (Freedom?) will be shown this year at the Detroit Auto Show, and go on sale either next spring or summer. The Wrangler will follow suit in about a year after the Cherokee/Freedom.
I could be wrong though.
Bob
-mike
Bob
http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz.htm
Ross
Drew/aling
Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
Bob
Cheers
Graham
-Frank P.