Subaru Crew - Meet The Members

francophile

The dash on the XC70 might or might not be cheap looking, I haven't gotten close enough to one to find out. But I did finally see one on the road, just yesterday. U-G-L-Y. Looks like it was dipped in macadam.

Regards,
WDB

ateixeira

I'm telling you, it's the brown or blue cladding. What were they thinking?

-juice

rangerron7

Hi Juice --
In one of your posts you mentioned something along the lines of "non-painted cladding". I've got a 2000 OB with "titanium" cladding ans was wondering if it was painted or not.
Thanks,
Ron

soon2bsubee

Ours is a Shepherd lab mix named Dina...we got her at the Florida Humane Society one night...we had been looing for a couple of months for the right dog (you know it when it happens)...she came over to our son Michael with a toy and wagged...he threw it, she retrieved and came back to him...when he called Susan over, Dina just rolled over and showed her belly...THAT WAS IT !!
On the way home, she fell asleep on Michael's lap...she was a straggly 21-lb mutt...She is now 3 yrs old and 62 lbs full of love, kisses, licks and wags...here is a link to some pics of her and Michael (he is in his Indiana Jones Costume)

http://imagehost.auctionwatch.com/bin/imageserver.x/0010f137/tifoso99/mbs1.jpg

http://imagehost.auctionwatch.com/preview/ti/tifoso99/mkdina6.JPG

paisan

Kate will be hearing from the teen's lawyers I'm sure if she puts them on the roof

As for SUVs. The MPG of 17 for the trooper isn't bad as far as SUVs go w/AWD. And for space, I know why they didn't put a rack on it, cause it doesn't really need it. I've loaded mine up with tons of stuff and the square shape just lends itself to stacking stuff up. The 3rd row would be nice, but for short trips I just have people sit in the back.

-mike

paisan

Juice,
She finally e-mailed me back. We are gonna be starting an Isuzu section on here hopefully within a few weeks. It'll cover:

Isuzu Rodeo
Isuzu Trooper
Honda Passport
Acura SLX
Isuzu Hombre

Should be good fun.

-mike

kate5000

I really like how our Subaru Crew is structured where we don't split by individual models (for that there are threads under SUV/wagons/sedans forums) but rather cover more general topics and then converge for fun on the Meet the Members thread. I'd suggest to structure Isuzu topics the same unless you think that Hombre owner has nothing in common with Oasis driver.

Did you notice how strange is the mix of topics at the Owners Clubs: Dodge Dakota, Cougar and Subaru Crew... where are die-hard Civic fans, Corvette admirers, Mustang lovers, "will never trade my F150 for anything" types?

I also find it funny that Cougar topics are named "Cougar Support" -- is it because it breaks down a lot?

ateixeira

Ron: yes, all OB bumpers are painted. My dad's are "Titanium Pearl", and I have touch-up paint to prove it!

Man, that's a big puppy! Mine are toys. Ashley is just 8 pounds, and Hadji is about 12. Both were also adopted. My 16 month old outweighs both of them put together!

paisan: congrats on getting the Isuzu club, lots of good will come from it I'm sure. I saw firsthand how much cargo space you have - four steel rims with tires inside, seats in place, with room to spare!

Good one, Kate. We can always count on your Friday PM humor!

FWIW, I'd try to get the Oasis thrown in too, so the group won't be too small. That plus the Stylus, I-Mark, and Impulse of yore. Also, don't forget their newest SUV, which will be out by the time the topics are formed.

-juice

rangerron7

nt

wohl

Hi,

I am new to both Subarus (my last car was a Honda
Accord) and to this chat room. I am hoping someone out there can help me, please. My Subaru is a 2000 GT Wagon (I love it) and its tires are not the most aggressive all seasons - - they are Bridgestone Potenza92 (P205/55R16 89H). I would like to hear from other Subaru GT drivers how these tires fare on snow and ice. I do a fair amount of winter/snow driving. Do I need snow tires, please? I presume so: a local tire store is
pretty convincing on the Nokias (good, he says in ice, snow and dry) but they'll rum me about $149
each. Bridgestone Blizards are much cheaper, but are they as good in ice and snow and as quiet on dry pavement and do they last as long, I wonder. Anyone out there with experience? Recommendations?

Many thanks, Tony Wohl

kens

Tony,

I don't have the Potenza 92's so I can't say much about them, but there are owner's survey results on the Tire Rack.

As with any all-season tire, they will probably only perform so-so on snow and ice. If you're going to be doing quite

Ken

paisan

Yeah I'm gonna structure em like the Subaru ones, we aren't gonna include the Oasis cause it's not an isuzu (just like the passport and slx aren't H/A vehicles) Heck the Hombre shouldn't be included really since it's an S-10 Pickup.

Also the Isuzu car owners probably won't have anything in common with the SUV owners.

Probably gonna start with:
Dealers/Pricing
Mods
Maint
Events
Trail reports
General Isuzu Stuff

-mike

c_hunter

Welcome. I too am a former Honda owner now driving a Subaru. I don't know how the RE92 tires perform on the GT wagon, but I had them on my 97 Prelude and they were not too good in the snow and ice. If you do a lot of winter driving, you will probably want different tires.

Craig

rsholland

When you post an item, you will notice that your post # will be in color and have an underscore. Click on that underscored #, and a new window will pop up, giving you the option to "scribble" (erase) your post, or to "hide" your post.

Bob

rangerron7

I would like to get the esteemed panel's opinions on whether I should consider replacing the Firestone Wilderness tires on my MY00 Outback Ltd. I've got less than 5K on the vehicle and have been visiting this board for quite a while now and have read all the posts about maintaining proper inflation pressures and try to keep up on checking my tires.
Although I know that the model and size tires that are on my OB are not part of the recall, I'm beginning to get an uneasy feeling with all of the recent stories coming out of the Bridgestone/Firestone situation.
If you think that I should replace the tires, I would appreciate suggestions on what type of tires people have tried (in the OB's size).
Thanks,

Ron

subearu

If SOA doesn't know the effect that we as Subaru owners have, here's yet another story.

A friend of ours was thinking about getting rid of her early 90's Escort wagon. (Strange as it may seem, this particular Ford had been good to her.) Anyway, after riding in our '00 OB (and our recommendations), she decided to look at the Forester.

She was considering a RAV or CRV, but found the Forester just perfect. (A new one wasn't in her budget.) A black 98 L with 53,000 miles and the original Duelers still on it. (Dealer is going to throw in new tires.)

It may take some time, but I'll try to get the rest of our block in Subarus!

-brian/subearu

lucien2

Oh man, taking care of the dog is more than I bargained for. The PT is really painful for her- she yelps and tries to bite us, and the two of us are barely able to restrain her. This sucks. She is miserable.

Crew-
I think the Honda Civic people have their own dedicated sites, much like the i-Club site. And there isn't much to say about Accords, now is there?

Kate-
I thought the term "support" was pretty funny. Then I went in there and lurked. Most of the posts (at that time) were just meandering recountings of washing and waxing, then driving around to show off the clean car. They also refer to the cars as "kitties." This leads to posts, by folk seemingly oblivious to the entendre, that read, "just washed and waxed my kitty. Then I had to make sure I showed it off to everyone in the neighborhood." :-o

lucien2

Most posters on i-club think the RE92s are dogmeat. But that is more from a street perspective than inclement weather.

rsholland

I would hold on to the tires, until there is a real reason to suspect the Outback's tires could also have problems. I know your concern, I have an Explorer with Wilderness AT tires. But I wouldn't panic yet.

Bob

rsholland

Boy, BON is turning out to be a great source of information - and not just for Fords!

It now turns out that Toyota is refusing to use Bridgestone/Firestone tires (Bridgestone Dueler) after discovering cracks on new tires. Wow!

Aren't Bridgestone Duelers the base tire on the Forester?

Bob

http://www.blueovalnews.com/

kens

Bob,

Yup, the Dueler H/T (or is it now the H/L) standard on the Forester L.

I've heard quite a few owners complaining about abnormal wear on their Duelers on other message boards. Kind of makes you wonder...

Ken

paisan

I think the FORD screw up has caused the industry to spiral into a PANIC over the BS/FS tires. I have owned 12 BS Duelers on my Isuzu trucks, none of which have caused any problems (even with my 100+ mph runs and off roading) I'd hold onto the FS tires on the OB til you need to replace em, then go with michellins...

-mike

c_hunter

I agree that the Firestones on the OB are probably OK from a safety standpoint, but I think they are crappy tires in most other respects (handling, ride, performance, etc). As soon as I can afford to, I plan on replacing them with something better, probably Michelin MXV4, XGT4, or X-One.

Craig

krzycho

Did you run into any electrical problems installing your hitch? How easy was it? Just getting ready to buy new Forester in a few months.Thanks, Chris.

amishra

I just wanted to ask on some opinions regarding the asking price I should set on my 2000 OB bought in Ontario, Canada in August, 1999.

Here's the details: Base, 5 sp. Only additional features: tweeters, alarm, and tinted windows. The car has just over 29,000 km on it. Not a single scratch or dent.

The car listed for $31,395 new, but I paid around $29,500 before tax. However, I paid just over $35,000 CDN for it including Ontario provinical sales tax 8%, and the federal sales tax 7%.

So far I've been thinking I should list it for $28,500 CDN, because on private resale, the buyer only has to pay the provincial sales tax (8%). So the real price to the buyer is $30,780.

That's a savings of about $5000.

Do you folks think the asking price is reasonable or too high?

thanks,

Ash

abhidharma

...I think your price is in the ballpark, assuming you're allowing a little bit of negotiating.

If I was a potential buyer, I'd use $32000 as the retail ($31395 plus tint, alarm, and tweeters). The mileage for one year is a bit higher than average but the car is minty. For a brand like Subaru that retains its value so well, as a purchaser I'd be happy with a 15% reduction, or about $4800 to $5000, which would make the price $27000.

So, asking $28500 is in the ballpark.

Good luck.

Randy

bg18947

I think the RE92s on my 2000 GT Ltd Sedan have poor performance in the snow. Last winter I had a chance to drive it on 5 inches or crusty snow, and I saw my friend's Odyssey perform better with Michelin Symmetry tires. I also bought a 2000 Odyssey, so I'll compare the differences between a GT with RE92 vs. an Odyssey with traction control and Symmetry tires. I'm hoping to convince my wife to get a set of snows. But, I'll probably get a highway tire since the snows in New Jersey aren't that bad.

c_hunter

I know many of us have talked about the Escape/Tribute before, so I thought I would post some comments here.

I got the chance to check out a Tribute today -- I was down at the local Mazda-Soob-VW dealer checking out the new Soobs, and they had a bunch of Tributes on the lot. Out of 5 on the lot, 3 were unlocked (this on a Sunday when the dealership is closed). I was going to take a steering wheel, but it appears they are securely attached now :-). Anyhow, I got to take a really detailed look.

I was mortified at how plasticky the interior was -- very cheap and low-quality. It was like sitting is a tub of dingy gray plastic. Mazda supposedly led development of the Tribute/Escape, but the interior is pure Ford, and not one of their better jobs. I am beginning to think all Mazda did was donate the 626 platform for development.

Driving position is good and the seats are comfortable, but the controls stink -- flimsy buttons, and really unrefined feel. I was disappointed in this because it's one of the key things I look for in a car. As a potential buyer, I would have crossed the Tribute/Escape off my list just based on the interior and controls alone.

The exterior build quality was good, and the Tribute is a nice looking vehicle. The Firestone Wilderness HT tires look very much like the tires on the Outback, just a little taller and wider (235-70 compared to 225-60 on the OB). Nice paint job, and the trim was pretty good. Unfortunately, the doors and rear hatch slam shut with a tinny "click" that sounds junky. Make me think squeaks and rattles will be aplenty.

I am really amazed how much the car magazines have raved about the Tribute/Escape, because I don't think the overall quality and feel merits the attention. Even if it drove like a dream, it would be pretty low in my book. In fact, based on this initial inspection, I wouldn't even want to take one for a ride!

Craig

rangerron7

I appreciate the input on the Firestones dilemma.
BTW, who makes "RE92's"??

Ron

kens

Ron - Bridgestone does.

kate5000

so you're selling your OB after all? Is it because of those fuel injector problems you've experienced?

Sorry to hear that. What are you looking to buy instead?

ateixeira

paisan: that "trail reports" topic sounds like fun. You may find me lurking there on occasion!

Ron: I wouldn't replace the Firestones now, but I'd choose a different tire once they were worn.

The Bridgestone Desert Deulers on the Forester are very likely a different model than those on the Tundra, but I'd avoid them for other reasons.

The sidewalls are too tall, so I'd go for the S model or a Plus One. They're great in snow but very poor in the rain, and only OK in the dry. That plus the turned out to be much louder than my Nitto NT460s.

Chris: there were no eletrical problems/issues installing the hitch. There is a harness and it's fully pre-wired, so if you can plug in a light socket, you can connect the hitch wiring harness (included, BTW).

That was the easy part. The hard part was removing over-torqued bolts on the tow hooks (Subaru calls them tow eyes). Get a good torque wrench with the longest handle you can find, and keep a 6" ratchet extension handy. Ramps make the job easier, too.

Look here for my instructions and photos. The harness is picture there.

-juice

amishra

Hi Kate,

Yes, selling it mostly because of a) perceived reliability - but also because b) I would like a car with better handling c) something with more pep than the 4-cylinder engine, but still affordable.

-- ash

lucien2

this Tribute bashing is getting a little lop-sided. My '99 OB also has cheap-looking, shiny hard plastics, and was only available in one color. The cloth seats hold dog hair like velcro, and the controls are basically the same as they were at the end of the Loyale days. the OEM radio was poor, as were the speakers, all of which I have replaced. The flimsy cupholder blocks access to the radio, and has the potential to dump your drink all over the HVAC and stereo.

Do I love my car anyway? You bet!

bat1161

Question for all: This weekend while riding around in my outback (1725 miles) the windhsield picked up a little chip in it, thanks to all the construction going on in NYC. It is just a little chip, but with such low mileage and age (just 6 weeks mine) I am going nuts. Does anyone have any suggestions? I remember when I had a crack in my old cars windshield I was told about "filling it in". Will that work here, or should I just buck up and ignore it. Also, with NYC insurance rates I really don't want to go through my glass auto insurance if I can help it. Thanks in advance.
Mark

barresa11

You offer a good point about older Subarus interior feel but we are comparing apples to apples by looking at the 00'/01' Soobs vs the Escape/Tribute. The difference between the 00' redesign of the Legacy/OB interior vs the older Legacy/OB is almost night and day. I should know, I park my 00'OB Ltd wagon next to my neighbors 98'OB Ltd wagon every day. They are always commenting how upgraded my interior is compared to theirs. I also concur w/Craig that the appearance of the Tribute/Escapes' interior is somewhat cheap, whether this translates to squeaks/rattle later, only time will tell.

Stephen

ateixeira

Loosh: thanks for the reality check!

I remember you commented on the Passat interior, and that cracked me up. Something like is was "too nice" to imagine using the way you would.

Sad news for you: the new Outbacks look much nicer inside. Sorry!

Mark: some say you can stop the crack by drilling and filling, but they tried this on my wife's 626 and the crack just spread, so she needed a whole new one.

Go figure, now THAT one has a crack. It's tiny and out of sight, so we've just let it be.

Interesting detail: her original windshield was a Carlex, same as Subaru uses, but the new one is a PPG and didn't fare any better. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that she follows too closely, which I point out to her all the time!

-juice

rangerron7

nt

bat1161

My wife tells me that I follow too closely as well. My reply is that in NYC traffic, every time I stay back the 2-3 second follow space, some other driver comes along and cuts me off. As for the window the chip happened on the Staten Island Expressway, half of which is torn up for repaving. This being NY, that means it won't be repaved for at least another 2 to 3 months. I wonder if the hood deflector for the OB would have helped prevent this from happening? Oh well, no use second guessing. Like I said, it is just frustrating that this happened so early with the car.

amishra

Dang you Subaru!

I have spent the last 2 weeks driving Camry, Accord, Altima, Intrigue, Saturn LW2, Tribute, even a Volvo, and after all this have resigned to the conclusion:

that I am better off keeping my 2000 OB for a while longer, because there simply isn't anything nearly as refined with all the features for the price out there.

(yes, even I will grudgingly admit that the Legacy/OB platform is still one of the best bang/buck deals you can get)

arggh!!

ash

dsackman

Mark,

I would suggest you have the chip attended to immediately at a professional glass shop.
I left a small chip on our Civic and this thing spread with a long crack ocross the wind shield soon afterwards. Had to replace the glass at about $400.
Got a chip on the Forester and immediately drove to a glass shop and they fixed it immediately for about $90.

The chip can be fixed if it smaller than a quarter and not directly in from of the driver. I can hardly see the mark on the Forester.

Hope this helps.

Daniel

snopeopl

Mark: I had a chip in my Honda windshield and filled it in with some stuff I bought at Walmart. You can't even see it! It's perfect. It was a while back so I don't remember the brand name, sorry.

ateixeira

Mark: the worst part is when they don't wave. I've found that a simple wave pretty much gets you in any where, any time.

Ash: I find it hard to believe you even considered a Tribute! I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry! 6 recalls, wheels falling off and all, first year of production, and you're switching because you want *gasp* reliability?

Seriously, though, that's cool. Hopefully your OB will behave for a while and earn back some brownie points with its owner. Perhaps it could redeem itself if you save a stranded motorist or two from deep snow...

-juice

snopeopl

Just wanted to share the good news: I ordered a white 2001 Forester S, 5 speed, no options this morning. Dealer said he expects the car to be here early December. Thanks to everyone for the helpful information on this BB which helped me make my decision! Can't wait to get the car so I can be a real member.

ateixeira

Sweet - you'll get the heated seats, 4 wheel disc brakes w/ABS, 16" alloys, ...

Good choice. Congrats.

-juice

kate5000

when you compare vehicles option for option and function for function, Subaru wins. As for reliability, and fit/finish, I can attest that even Honda Accord is not as good as it used to be.

My husband had more problems (3) with his Accord EX'97 as compared to what I had with my Loyale'92 (0). The latest problem is that side windows on Accord developed loud rattle if window is cranked down a bit. Not a reliability issue but VERY annoying.

If you want reliability, stay away from Ford even if it's hiding under Mazda Tribute name.

aussieroo

Did you receive the e-mail I sent??.

Gus

mikef11

Welcome back to the fold :-)

Kate, Car reliability seems to vary from car to car. My '00 Outback has already been in the shop more often than my '94 Accord. It is a good thing the Subaru garage is VERY professional - I still love both cars.

MikeF

lucien2

FWIW, nary a peep out of my '99 OB. 21K miles

austriash1

I've noticed but not noted the handle of the Subaru of Canada rep on this board. Could someone post it (and this time I'll write it down!).

I'm looking for info on the Forester L 'Blue Ridge SE' model, specific to Canada. It appears to be an upgraded L. My question - what is the difference (peeking into one today I saw heated seats)? Nothing on the SoC website (which doesn't even have Canadian 2001 Forester MSRP up yet). Thanx in advance.