I've been looking at all the profiles, but haven't seen ANY Utahns in the bunch! C'mon now! I mean, we must drive 70% of the Outbacks that Subaru makes! (With all due respect to texsubaru's observation of the most Subarus in CO, did you come up to the Salt Lake City area?) I already feel left out because my name's not Dave or Mike and that I don't own a dog -- I grew up with them, but my wife's allergic to the fur. (dogs' fur, not Daves' or Mikes' :-)
FYI - This is bandied about a lot so I thought I'd jump in and clarify. If there is an aftermarket component on your Sube, it does not automatically void the warranty. If it is determined that the aftermarket part caused a failure, the warranty will not cover the repair. That's all. We have seen some aftermarket security systems (mostly with kill switches) cause some electrical problems. In a few situations, we have asked that the accessory be removed to help find a problem so it can get a little time consuming, but we are not here to deny warranty claims. Our goal is to provide the coverage.
Mike, I don't see a prroblem with my spelling of Forester - do you?
Juice, I don't know why I get the gas mileage numbers I do, maybe it's the 75 lbs of air in the tires. Not really! I do run them at 34 to 36 lbs though. Even so, the car was loaded down with all the foo I took along for a 4-month stay; the trunk was stuffed, and the back seat nearly so too. Plus I'm not much one for drafting behind other vehicles; I like being in front.
I use the cruise control a LOT on trips like that, and I'm a believer that they produce better gas mileage than a human can. I really like the Subie control; tap up or down once for a 1-2 mph speed change, twice will get you 3-4 mph. Very nice.
Rallynut, welcome to the Edmunds crew. Your car is handsome! I too want to know where that road is; gravel roads in Subies are a hoot.
DAn is close enough to DAve, so welcome to the Crew! Any one else from that area?
Patti: thanks for chiming in. If aftermarket parts voided any warranties, I'd be left out in the cold for sure!
Actually, though, most of my mods are OE Subaru parts, and they do offer a nice custom fit. But please, ask the product planning folks to expand the SPT catalog!
Just take a look at what TRD offers (Toyota Racing Development), they're way ahead in that department. You can get superchargers installed on just about any model and yet they're still covered under warranty!
What about acquiring someone like Rallispec and making them a performance arm like M is for BMW and AMG is for Mercedes?
WDB: I use the cruise-tap feature all the time. If your legs are tired, you can pretty much drive with your hands!
frozentundra (psycho) is in New Mexico, don't know anyone in Utah. Speaking of profiles, if yours is accurate, you're looking for an Audi A4. An Avant, perhaps? Don't be anonymous, post away!
When I signed up on here quite a while ago, I preferred to stay anon. My name is actually Jim, just so you know.
The road in question is just a side road that is on my way to work. I live in Minnesota. I wish all the roads on my drive to work looked like that. At least we (will) have snow.
Regarding "rallynut", I have a ClubRally VW Rabbit (I know, I know, but it was only $750!). I normally co-drive for people and next year I will be co-driving for a guy in a Talon.
I will be driving the GT in some TSD's here in Minnesota over the winter, so that should be a blast. I hope to put some skid plates on and also a strut tower brace and maybe upgrade the rear anti-sway bar. Hints here are welcome...
If you want to see my Rabbit, check out the project section on SpecialStage.com and you can see my bio in the team section (a pic of me standing by a Focus WRC that I actually got a ride in! - Story on SpecialStage.com). For more info on rally, check out my site here: www.rallysport.net
WRX RalliSpec edition. That would be great! Or maybe STi or Prodrive N. America. I believe though, that Prodrive is working on a package for our WRX. AEM packages are also now being sold through Honda dealers. Dennis
from a six day 1400km trip north. fuel economy was great (see posting under mods). finally got to drive about 40km of unpaved wet forestry road. the silver bullet did not put a tread wrong even in the thick muddy bits. i went up to see my dad he hadn't seen the forester before and his comment was it's a tough looking bugger. he should see it now with the real live mud on it!! it looks sooooo good i don't think i'll wash it for a month.
I realize that, it's just that all these editors are freaking out than the H6 costs $32 grand, and it doesn't.
Stability control, traction control, a RWD bias, and an audiophile's stereo may cost $32k, but you can get the H6 for less than that, and few people seem to realize that.
Another Forester award for the trophy shelf. This time it's the AMES award for environmental sensitivity. Forester was a "preferred" compact SUV (last year it won "best"):
Has anyone seen sales figures for the Escape.. I know I haven't )and I looked a little). I have seen one on the road so far, and the loacal Ford dealer (small town Gettysburg PA) has had 2 on the lot for over a month... none sold yet. I wonder how bad the 5 recalls are hurting them?
Welcome Dan! No, in fact, never got anywhere near Salt Lake City, just the southeastern corner of Utah. And I did see a lot of Subarus in Utah, just not quite as many as I did in southern Colorado (of course, I also just plain saw a lot more cars in general in southern Colorado, so it might just be a total-population vs. per-capita issue). What I did find really interesting about Subarus and Utah -- at least Moah, UT -- were how many Impreza Sport Wagons I saw. They're a rather rare Subaru model in Central Texas (about as rare as Outback Sedans or Legacy GTs, which is to say pretty uncommon compared with Outback wagons, Foresters and the other Imprezas). But the Sport Wagons just seemed to be all over the place around the Moab/Canyonlands/Arches area.
We just seem to have a lot of Subarus here, period. In our 30-person company alone there are 3 Outbacks, a Legacy wagon, a GT sedan, and an OBS. Imagine if Subaru had 20% market share everywhere! Surprisingly, there are no Foresters. My Outback is on lease and will be turned in next March, so maybe that's what I'll have to get. I was leaning toward an Audi A4, or maybe even one of the new BMW xi's, but I'm leaning back toward a Subaru (story on that later).
By the way, hey JUICE! I've been tearing it up in the SNOW here! Neener, neener! :-)
I am a new Forester owner. Can I just join in here or do I have to JOIN formally somewhere?? I love my new Subaru, omly 200 miles on it so far but I plan to change that this weekend!!! The moonroof is huge, the 6 disk cd changer is great to have, the ride is great and I can't wait for snow!!! Michele from Eugene
Welcome to the crew! Mmm we've been calling the moonroof of the new forester a skylight cause it's so huge. I have a slightly larger one on my Trooper and love it!
Frank: we may never know the REAL September Escape sales. With the stop-sale orders, there may have been a lot of hidden illegal sales! Sounds like Ford ran the voting booths in Florida, too!
Actually, consumers have very short memories, and I predict the Escape will soon head the class, perhaps just because of the sheer volume of Ford dealers.
Dan: you're killing me, stop! Aw, man, we've had the mildest weather so far, I'm not sure it'll ever snow!
Michele: sure, just send a large check to my home address...
JUST KIDDING! I declare you an official Subaru Crew member! Welcome and congrats!
What color? Options? Transmission? Any photos to share?
The number of dealers has an effect, but the main reason will be if the vehicle is a perceived good value and meets the needs and desires of the consumer. Pontiac has a lot of dealers also, and the Aztek is having mediocre sales (being charitable) at best
Just picked up my 01 Prez this week. Have looked at Soobies for least a year. Old transpo was a Camaro SS. Had to be garaged for 5 months each year...not fast at all in snow unless spinning out-of-control.
Looking at perf mods. Any recs on where I start? The 'Prez' (my rides name) is a blk sedan auto, CD, prem snd, and SR.
Friends are still laughing :{ Can't see me in the Soobie. Hope to silence this laughter . . . SOON!
tincup: I agree, though Ford has many more dealers than Pontiac. And Escape does have good perceived value.
4bangn: Welcome to both you and Prez.
To silence the laughter - pray for snow! Take the twisty roads to work. Heck, take UNPAVED gravel and dirt roads to work. That'll really shut 'em up.
As for mods, how much you want to spend? $400 or so for a cat-back, $180 for an UR Pulley, and a cheap custom cold air intake are a good start. Headers and forced induction will set you back a little more.
Hop over to Subaru Crew - Modifications. Sounds like you'll feel right at home.
I'd like to invite you to our first Member-to-Member Chat TODAY! What a great way to actually chat live with your buddies from the Subaru Crew! Today is the debut of our "Friday Freeway" Chat, but we will be having these weekly "open" chats every Friday. We hope to see you!
When Date: DEBUT, Fri., Nov. 10th Time: 5-6pmPT/8-9pmET
About This Chat It's Friday rush hour. Your nerves frazzled, you seek relief. We have just the place for you. There's no stress on this cyber Friday Freeway...just a place to relax, meet new friends, chat and have fun. Remember our motto...Miss the traffic: Chat instead!
If you'd like to be on our mailing list for Upcoming Chats please email me at chats@edmunds.com.
Thanks so much!
Dana S. Livingston Chat Manager Town Hall Edmunds.com
I was disappointed when priceline went out of the gas business, but MT has a pretty good deal...among other things you save 10% on gas this more than offsets monthly membership of $5.99. Check it out on www.MOTORTRENDcarclub.com.
October sales from Automotive News Forester- 4,969 up from 4,163 Oct 99 Escape- 9,818 CRV- 7,728 down from 10,571 Oct 99 RAV4- 7,637 up from 4,331 Oct 99 Trooper- 1,324 down from 1,861 Oct 99 Acura MDX- 2,458
Interesting. The RAV4 had a huge spike in sales. I wonder if that's due to the new model? Or, was it a combination of that and heavily discounted out-going models?
So looks like Escape/RAV4 sales hurt the CR-V but had absolutely no effect on the Forester.
The RAV4 just came out, so it probably is a mix of 2000s and 2001s. Interesting that the plant didn't idle for the change over long enough to hurt the supply chain. Toyota knows manufacturing.
if it was only Escape which brought CR-V down. CRV is by now feels like underpowered and outdated model. New RAV4 is stealing the show from CR-V I think.
My impression (from discussions here at Edmunds) was that most -- not all of course -- of Escape buyers are not cross-shoping with CRV, but rather "upsizing" from smaller Ford/Mazda model they have or downsizing from a big clumsy SUV or pickup truck.
I'm sure they had that plant shut down a couple of months ago for the change over. The RAV4 sales have been declining for several months. Most manufacturer's take changeover into account so they run low but not out.
Drew, we'll bestow that upon you as soon as you learn how to spell! Sheesh, you Canajians, defiling the Queen's English! Erm, wait, maybe it's the Yanks that do that.. I forget. You bet, you're a Crew Member! But don't forget, juice gets to be the coxswain.
Can't make the chat.. nor can Loosh.. I'm off to hear his band tonight in Baltimore! I'll give an independent audit of his plans for the BMW track car.
Thank you for reminding me to give you all the link to our chats which are featured on the Town Hall page (and yes aling you can see the banner on the Home page too!) The link to all of our chats can be found at:
Both of these models should have their rear door fold the opposite way that they do (it folds toward the curb instead of away from it) I think it's just a little thing that could have been fixed for the US market. My Trooper has the larger door fold away from the curb so you can easily unload to the curb. Just a tid bit. (of course if it's a liftgate it's not a problem)
I agree. The problem with any rear door setup is that it may be right for some markets, while not the best for others. The CRV and Rav4 doors are perfect for those living in Japan, the UK, and other markets that drive on the opposite side of the road than we do.
That's why I prefer a liftgate. Of course, that won't work very well if you have a spare attached to it. But since I'm not a fan of rear-mounted spare tires, it's not an issue for me.
The December 2000 issue of Popular Science has a comparison road test that includes: The Outback VDC, Chevy Tracker, Nissan Xterra, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Mazda Tribute.
I've only scanned the article, but one item did standout: because of the way the VDC operates, and that there is no cut-off switch, it was the "slowest" vehicle through the slalom and lane-change maneuvers - even though it was the only "car" among all those tested.
Well when they change the steering wheel, they could change the rear door hinges... Just figured that Honda and Toyota who were sticklers for details would have figured out a cheap way to change the rear doors.
Yes, well the argument over moving the door hinges would hold water if American exports recognized the reverse problem. However, the cost of re-engineering for the export market usually makes it too hard. Hence we get silly things like windscreen wipers that don't clean the whole screen as they are mounted for Left Hand Drive. It irritates. Happilly if you buy a Subaru, you get a car properly engineered for both Left and Right hand markets.
I agree. But it actually involves more than that. The spare tire is positioned off-center for better rear view for the driver. So, ideally the spare should also be moved, and the same for the license plate/door handle. So, the bottom line is, that to do it right, you not only need to move the hinges, but also have a different rear door panel.
It can, and should be done. They flop the dashboard, they can certainly flop the rear door and related gizmos.
Graham - I hadn't thought about the wipers, but you're right.
Yes, we have the new Outback VDC but at about AUD52,000, or about AUD10,000 more than a fully loaded Outback Limited, you are not going to see me lining up for one. Press reports suggest it is very nice but the very slight weight increase results in additional understeer. I suspect that is probably more to do with a programmed in safety component as historically designers tend to see Understeer as a safer handling characteristic. I am also less than convinced of the objectivity of journalists who claim to be able to interpret understeer/oversteer characteristics. It usually means that when pressing a car too hard they have attempted to aim it at a lamp post. "Dramatic oversteer" means they hit it.
The value equation makes the VDC a questionable buy. That sort of money can buy an awful lot of car here. I will check it out next time I go near a Subaru dealer.
Comments
Edmunds got 12mpg on one tank with their long-term XTerra, so just be happy you didn't get one of those!
That looks like a perfect road; care to identify it?
Mike: I can't believe I fell for that trap!
-juice
I've been looking at all the profiles, but haven't seen ANY Utahns in the bunch! C'mon now! I mean, we must drive 70% of the Outbacks that Subaru makes! (With all due respect to texsubaru's observation of the most Subarus in CO, did you come up to the Salt Lake City area?) I already feel left out because my name's not Dave or Mike and that I don't own a dog -- I grew up with them, but my wife's allergic to the fur. (dogs' fur, not Daves' or Mikes' :-)
(Okay, back to anonymity now...)
Dan
'97 Outback
Hope this helps!
Juice, I don't know why I get the gas mileage numbers I do, maybe it's the 75 lbs of air in the tires. Not really! I do run them at 34 to 36 lbs though. Even so, the car was loaded down with all the foo I took along for a 4-month stay; the trunk was stuffed, and the back seat nearly so too. Plus I'm not much one for drafting behind other vehicles; I like being in front.
I use the cruise control a LOT on trips like that, and I'm a believer that they produce better gas mileage than a human can. I really like the Subie control; tap up or down once for a 1-2 mph speed change, twice will get you 3-4 mph. Very nice.
Rallynut, welcome to the Edmunds crew. Your car is handsome! I too want to know where that road is; gravel roads in Subies are a hoot.
Cheers,
-wdb
Patti: thanks for chiming in. If aftermarket parts voided any warranties, I'd be left out in the cold for sure!
Actually, though, most of my mods are OE Subaru parts, and they do offer a nice custom fit. But please, ask the product planning folks to expand the SPT catalog!
Just take a look at what TRD offers (Toyota Racing Development), they're way ahead in that department. You can get superchargers installed on just about any model and yet they're still covered under warranty!
What about acquiring someone like Rallispec and making them a performance arm like M is for BMW and AMG is for Mercedes?
WDB: I use the cruise-tap feature all the time. If your legs are tired, you can pretty much drive with your hands!
-juice
PS I told ya Nader would lose!
..Mike
..Mike
The road in question is just a side road that is on my way to work. I live in Minnesota. I wish all the roads on my drive to work looked like that. At least we (will) have snow.
Regarding "rallynut", I have a ClubRally VW Rabbit (I know, I know, but it was only $750!). I normally co-drive for people and next year I will be co-driving for a guy in a Talon.
I will be driving the GT in some TSD's here in Minnesota over the winter, so that should be a blast. I hope to put some skid plates on and also a strut tower brace and maybe upgrade the rear anti-sway bar. Hints here are welcome...
If you want to see my Rabbit, check out the project section on SpecialStage.com and you can see my bio in the team section (a pic of me standing by a Focus WRC that I actually got a ride in! - Story on SpecialStage.com). For more info on rally, check out my site here: www.rallysport.net
Later!
Or maybe STi or Prodrive N. America. I believe though, that Prodrive is working on a package for our WRX. AEM packages are also now being sold through Honda dealers.
Dennis
Jim: if you pick up a WRX and need a driver gimme a call! Not sure I can buy it if I wreck it though!
-juice
..Mike
..Mike
it looks sooooo good i don't think i'll wash it for a month.
cheers
gus
Who said it would be $32k for the H6? Told ya they could be found cheaper.
Now, then. Suddenly $36k for an RX300 seems like a rip off. A $40 grand XC seems completely out of the ballpark.
gus: take photos! The muddier the better!
-juice
-Colin
Stability control, traction control, a RWD bias, and an audiophile's stereo may cost $32k, but you can get the H6 for less than that, and few people seem to realize that.
Another Forester award for the trophy shelf. This time it's the AMES award for environmental sensitivity. Forester was a "preferred" compact SUV (last year it won "best"):
http://amesaward.com/
The RAV4 took "best" this year, but that's because 2WD models (what's the point?) get much better gas mileage than their 4WD models.
Also, Forester had a great October, with 4,969 units sold, way up from last year. So much for the Escape hurting Subaru sales!
-juice
Frank
http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolsu.asp
-brian/subearu
What I did find really interesting about Subarus and Utah -- at least Moah, UT -- were how many Impreza Sport Wagons I saw. They're a rather rare Subaru model in Central Texas (about as rare as Outback Sedans or Legacy GTs, which is to say pretty uncommon compared with Outback wagons, Foresters and the other Imprezas). But the Sport Wagons just seemed to be all over the place around the Moab/Canyonlands/Arches area.
By the way, hey JUICE! I've been tearing it up in the SNOW here! Neener, neener! :-)
-Dan
Michele from Eugene
-mike
Actually, consumers have very short memories, and I predict the Escape will soon head the class, perhaps just because of the sheer volume of Ford dealers.
Dan: you're killing me, stop! Aw, man, we've had the mildest weather so far, I'm not sure it'll ever snow!
Michele: sure, just send a large check to my home address...
JUST KIDDING! I declare you an official Subaru Crew member! Welcome and congrats!
What color? Options? Transmission? Any photos to share?
-juice
Just picked up my 01 Prez this week. Have looked at Soobies for least a year. Old transpo was a Camaro SS. Had to be garaged for 5 months each year...not fast at all in snow unless spinning out-of-control.
Looking at perf mods. Any recs on where I start? The 'Prez' (my rides name) is a blk sedan auto, CD, prem snd, and SR.
Friends are still laughing :{ Can't see me in the Soobie. Hope to silence this laughter . . . SOON!
4bangn: Welcome to both you and Prez.
To silence the laughter - pray for snow! Take the twisty roads to work. Heck, take UNPAVED gravel and dirt roads to work. That'll really shut 'em up.
As for mods, how much you want to spend? $400 or so for a cat-back, $180 for an UR Pulley, and a cheap custom cold air intake are a good start. Headers and forced induction will set you back a little more.
Hop over to Subaru Crew - Modifications. Sounds like you'll feel right at home.
-juice
Today is the debut of our "Friday Freeway" Chat, but we will be having these weekly "open" chats every Friday. We hope to see you!
When
Date: DEBUT, Fri., Nov. 10th
Time: 5-6pmPT/8-9pmET
About This Chat
It's Friday rush hour. Your nerves frazzled, you
seek relief. We have just the place for you.
There's no stress on this cyber Friday Freeway...just a place to relax, meet new friends,
chat and have fun. Remember our motto...Miss the
traffic: Chat instead!
If you'd like to be on our mailing list for
Upcoming Chats please email me at
chats@edmunds.com.
Thanks so much!
Dana S. Livingston
Chat Manager
Town Hall
Edmunds.com
-Colin
Happy 225th birthday to any Marines out there!
Jerry
Forester- 4,969 up from 4,163 Oct 99
Escape- 9,818
CRV- 7,728 down from 10,571 Oct 99
RAV4- 7,637 up from 4,331 Oct 99
Trooper- 1,324 down from 1,861 Oct 99
Acura MDX- 2,458
Bob
The RAV4 just came out, so it probably is a mix of 2000s and 2001s. Interesting that the plant didn't idle for the change over long enough to hurt the supply chain. Toyota knows manufacturing.
-juice
My impression (from discussions here at Edmunds) was that most -- not all of course -- of Escape buyers are not cross-shoping with CRV, but rather "upsizing" from smaller Ford/Mazda model they have or downsizing from a big clumsy SUV or pickup truck.
Hey juice, can I be an honourary crew member? You know, kind of like an honourary doctorate?
Drew/aling
Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
Note that this Freeway chat will be scheduled every Friday, so if you can't make it tonight, there's always next week.
Drew/aling
Townhall Community Leader/Vans Conference
..Mike
..Mike
..Mike
http://townhall.edmunds.com/cgi-bin/townhall
We look forward to seeing you at our first member "open" chat today at 5-6pmPT (8-9PpmET):
Friday Freeway!
Dana S. Livingston
Chat Manager
Town Hall
Edmunds.com
-mike
That's why I prefer a liftgate. Of course, that won't work very well if you have a spare attached to it. But since I'm not a fan of rear-mounted spare tires, it's not an issue for me.
Bob
I've only scanned the article, but one item did standout: because of the way the VDC operates, and that there is no cut-off switch, it was the "slowest" vehicle through the slalom and lane-change maneuvers - even though it was the only "car" among all those tested.
Bob
Bob
-mike
Cheers
Graham
It can, and should be done. They flop the dashboard, they can certainly flop the rear door and related gizmos.
Graham - I hadn't thought about the wipers, but you're right.
Bob
Bob
The value equation makes the VDC a questionable buy. That sort of money can buy an awful lot of car here. I will check it out next time I go near a Subaru dealer.
Cheers
Graham
too. As you know, we're not getting it here until this spring at the earliest.
Bob