Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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Comments

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Most of the forums are kinda slow today. Everyone must be out voting. ;)

    Bob
  • storytellerstoryteller Member Posts: 476
    We have long lines at the polls here in MN.

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I will try to call Patti tonight, if only to get an update from a family member. I hope she's recovering already.

    I had to take yesterday off to watch the kids. Oh my, that was tough. Had to work today to get a "break". I'm gonna send some flowers to my mom. :-)

    Wow, Kate, sorry to hear about that. The situation in Argentina is horrible and unfortunately that makes some people take desperate measures. But that's just over the top.

    I hope the Brazilian leg of the tour was better, and that you'll share your experience with us. We elected a socialist President on the day you flew back.

    -juice
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    I'm so sorry that your vacation took such an ugly turn!
    Take Care,
    Ron
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    well at least you're safe. But still, that sux.
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    Thank you guys for support and compassion! Ross can actually read my mind: I was brought up in exactly that way: "be brave, don't whine, move on, put it all behind, etc"... I never thought that can be actually damaging rather than healing.

    But the Brazil part of the trip was wonderful. People there are very poor but amazingly friendly and seem to enjoy life. Yes, Juice, I noticed thousands of posters for Mr Lula, the socialist candidate when I was there.

    Argentinians were very tense in contrast: just a few months ago, the average salary there was 2000 pesos=2000 US$, now it's barely equals 500 US$, and unemployment reached almost 30%. The police told us that people who robbed us were likely Peruvians who used to work as maids, janitors, chauffers etc for wealthier Argentinians, but now are jobless and desperate. Within 3h that we spent at the police station, thieves charged $600 groceries and clothes on the stolen VISA card, before I was able to get to the phone and cancel the card.

    But mostly I'm bumming about the missed part of the tour, ruined vacations (my company is pretty tight on vacation time) and that sense of surrounding danger that somehow got embedded in my mind now.

    Thanks again for your support and compassion!
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Sorry to hear of your experience, you go on vacation to de-stress not to get more stressed, however it could have been much worse,for what it is worth nobody was hurt in the process, and that is hard to put a value on.

    Cheers Pat.
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    First snow this year came down yesterday, we had 7 centimeters, another ten to fifteen forcast overnight tonight.

    Just got the oil treatment done today for antirust, so the Titan is ready for winter, I am not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Cheers Pat.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    maybe 1/16 of an inch???? For that, my employer dumped about 20 tons of rock salt on the blacktop parking lots. Go figure......

    Steve
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Kate,

    I'm sorry to hear how your vacation ended. I'm just glad everyone is safe, and back home.

    Mark
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Glad you're ok. You're actually lucky you were able to hold onto your bag. I've heard several stories (one recently in NY) about things getting worse when people didn't give in to the muggers.

    -Dennis
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    I'm very sorry to hear about the mugging and the ensuing paperwork ordeal for you and your dad. I'm glad no one was hurt.

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good timing Pat. And 90 Candian is, what, about three bucks? LOL

    I still can't believe it, Kate. It makes for a rather amazing story to tell your grandkids later, though.

    I have an uplifting story, though. If you ever felt that Foresters don't have enough ground clearance, well...

    We were driving down the road at night, and a bunny rabbit dashed out in front of us. Poor thing must have been the one from the Forester commercial, because clearly it didn't have the skills to live in the wild, and apparently wanted to commit suicide.

    But no - I actually drove completely over it. It was rather astonishing. I stopped and looked back, and sure enough, saw a little cotton tail running off into the woods.

    Saved by a clean underside and a little extra ground clearance. :-)

    -juice
  • mrk610mrk610 Member Posts: 378
    So glad your ok . Sorry to hear about you vcation .
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    don't laugh sometimes $90 feels like about 3 bucks.

    Cheers Pat.
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    It was 20 below centigrade here last night now that's cold. was -12c this morning -20c with the wind chill.

    Cheers Pat.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm not sure I've ever been in that kind of cold. Brrr, I got the chills just thinking about it.

    In Brazil, we'd wear a sweater in 70 degrees F.

    Watch out for black ice.

    -juice

    PS Chat anyone?
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I didn't get a quote, although my wife was mentioned. The reporter met up with us on one of our Sunday Backroads Drives that we do.


    It's an article about sportwagons.:

    (requires registering)

    http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/08/travel/escapes/08WAGO.html?8hpib


    -Dennis

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cool. So you're married to someone famous. ;-)

    Patti update: she e-mailed me to say she's feeling better, recovering slowly. It'll be a couple of days, most likely, before she's back to her routine.

    You can bet I was happy to hear she was doing well. In her typical unselfishness, she said "Please let everyone know I'm thinking of
    them".

    -juice
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    Can I have your wife's autograph? :.)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    A Steve with a Thule box on the top of his Subie, and snow tires. So basically you're like every other Subaru owner here! ;-)

    Welcome.

    Great chat last night. I was on time and there were already a dozen people there!

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Thanks juice for the update.

    Bob
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    juice - Thanks for the update.

    Serge - Sure, it'll be $10.:-D

    The reporter was nice. A couple guys were afraid that they would put a boy racer spin on it, but she kept her word.

    -Dennis
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    No more backroads drives I guess? It's cool to get quoted but I'll bet that it will draw some unwanted attention to the back roads drives...

    -mike
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    "...the scene looked like a car commercial set to a turbo-charged beat..."
    I just caught that quote. She didn't actually even go on the drive. She took the highway from the meeting point to a diner and only saw the cars in the parking lot.
    We'll just have to go to a different area. :-) It's not *that* bad though.

    -Dennis
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Thanks for the update on Patti, glad to hear she is recovering.

    Cheers Pat.
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Sorry to hear about your ordeal. I hope you and your father find your way past this experience. Sometimes taking self defense classes (real ones) will make you feel more in control going forward (Although it sounds like you handled it just right).

    Greg
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Thinking about you!

    Greg
  • oregonboyoregonboy Member Posts: 1,650
    As a long-time reader and infrequent contributor to the Subie-related Edmunds boards, I've come to feel that the crew members are like extended "family". So I've got to tell you, after a LONG period of semi-shopping for a newer vehicle, I've been forced to make a purchase... and quickly.

    My previous vehicle, a 1990 Nissan pickup, was demolished in a three car accident one week ago. Don't send flowers... I'm ok, just a little bruised and sore from "seat belt injuries". But my trusty Nissan was DOA at the tender age of 12 years and 204,000 miles. He went down fighting... totaled a '76 Coupe de'Ville and a Honda Odessy in the process. (the passengers of those vehicles were fine... the Caddy driver was at-fault).

    Anyway, now I'm forced to buy a vehicle. I was hoping to wait for the turbo-Forester, but not an option. There is a 2000 Forester L 5-spd on E-bay that looks pretty good and is close enough to check out in person. Silver/gray... starting bid at $9m, buy it now at $13.5, Edmonds TMV (private party) is $12+. Thought I would check it out this weekend. Opinions???

    Other options... Toyota Tacoma 2wd (herasy!!!) with V6, 5spd, ext cab OR Honda Accord EX 5spd. Very different alternatives, different strengths.

    -james
  • storytellerstoryteller Member Posts: 476
    Sounds like the docs successfully reset your ECU. May the CELs of pain go dark forever! Enjoy your well deserved rest time in the garage.

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Glad you're OK, james.

    $9m to start? I know resale is good, but don't you mean $9k? ;-)

    Go check it out, see if they'll allow a test drive. Problems tend to stand out, so it's worth a quick drive. Listen for driveline noise (wheel bearings) and try the clutch for smoothness, preferably when it's cold. Look where its parked for oil spots. See if it tracks straight (alignment), and check the tires for uneven wear, a bad sign.

    Consumer Reports just published their new Buyer's Guide and every Subie makes their best bet list, still. Plus no Subies make their "Avoid" list, not too shabby.

    -juice
  • oregonboyoregonboy Member Posts: 1,650
    Juice, thanks for the reply and advice.

    I guess I should have said 9M? "M" is often used in financial statements for thousands... Roman numerals, ya know. I don't know if they have to be caps.

    Good call on the clutch, bearings, and leakage. I e-mailed the seller earlier, he said those items were A-ok. I'll have to check the tracking and tire wear.

    -james
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    The latest report shows the difference in accelerating and braking in snow/ice with AWD, FWD with and without snow tires. Of course, we know the results.

    Another topic - for those who have the Subaru Credit card, how do you like it? I am thinking about switching to it. Thanks.

    Greg
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'll sell you mine for 8 million! ;-)

    We say "mil" for thousands in Brazil, so I knew what you meant. Sorry to bust your chops.

    The weekend is here, and we'll have a can o' beer!

    -juice
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,399
    juice - million is MM in financial circles 8~)

    Greg - Go for it! 3% rebate, good for service, parts, or a car! I just used some coupons to order parts from 1stsubaruparts.com. Also, no annual fee. It's better than an airline card!

    Jim
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Sorry to hear of your misfortune, but glad to hear that everyone was basically OK.

    Advice on what to get can be difficult without knowing how much you really needed and used the truck as a truck (ie - to really haul stuff). I had an F-150 for 11 years and really missed it when we parted company. But along with the OBW I got a flatbed utility trailer. It is not a perfect substitute, but it does darn well in most cases, and is far easier to live with on a daily basis.

    Steve
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Glad to hear that she is doing well....

    Steve
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    The one I use is my '69 PowerWagon... looks like the dickens, but runs like a champ once it's warmed up. Has horse bite marks on one of the doors, almost Flintstone-esqe floorboards, and other unique personality traits, but it will haul anything anywhere at 7mpg! Eventually it's going to die, then I'll probably condense vehicles, get a crew cab, and save my OB for my son.

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    anyone going to Speed FX subie meet tomorrow and wanna hook up? I should be ready to roll around 1:00 or so.....
  • hgutsteinhgutstein Member Posts: 65
    Feel better soon.

    Oregonboy, don't mess around. Get the WRX wagon. Same chassis as Forester, almost as much room, 10X as much fun!
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Put it an order in for the 4EAT WRX wagon [silver] today. :)
    I'll be behind the wheels in say a month or two :D
    Not too much add-ons:
    Factory Security
    Upgrade Sound
    Bumper cover
    Cross-bar kit
    Extended Armrest
    and
    Cargo tray

    $$$ ~23,800 $$$ with subie points tagged on [after tax].

    Now, it's just a waiting game :)

    -Dave
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,399
    Dave, congrats! The waiting game is the second toughest part. The toughest is maintaining restraint during the break-in period.

    Jim - non-WRX owner 8~(
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Dave,

    Sweet! I'm looking forward to hearing your comments when you get it.

    Now what exactly are you going to do for the next two months!? ;-)

    Ken
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Ouch! I laughed, and I cried.... IIRC, it was titled "Something Wierd This Way Comes". While they said many decent things about the vehicle, the overall tone was decidely negative. Especially their comment that (paraphrased) 'even Subaru does not know who the target audience is'.

    Steve
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Jim: and I thought MM was a candy! ;-)

    Didn't Dodge just do a PowerWagon concept? Is that inspired by yours, Paul?

    Loosh: I wish I'd gone with you. How was it? I'm happy for Randy, hope it's a successful shop.

    Dave: sweet! Congrats! Looks like you set it up for a bit of utility, too. Pretty soon it'll look like Stephen's $1k/week wagon! LOL

    Steve: but notice in that review that the 0-60 is quicker than their Sport Trac or even the supercharged Nissan Frontier? So quickest, most fuel efficient, best ride (easy).

    It's far from perfect but my argument is always the same - what better alternative is there for a light-duty crew cab? Tacoma feels decidedly trucky.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Depends on what you call light duty. A guy who drives a Ford F-350 dually would consider the Tacoma Double Cab to be a light duty crew cab. The Baja is an ultra-light duty crew cab.

    Bottom line to the C&D article is: What's the point? Judging by early sales, most customers feel the same way.

    Bob
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Juice: We can only hope that the new Power Wagon isn't inspired by mine... relative to any new truck out there, mine could be classified as archaeological. Wonder if they'd give me a new one for my donating mine to a museum of some sort!
    (I can dream, can't I?)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Jim-
    I'm pretty sure the break-in period would be torture for me. Heck, it took me almost a year to surpass 1k break-in on the OB but I think I'll be driving more once behind the WRX's MOMO wheel.

    Ken-
    I'll probably be doing what I've been doing the last month... thumb twirling, and when the withdrawal sets in, "Mom can I borrow the car" ;-) and just pretend it's a WRX :D
    Certainly will comment once I get seat time.

    juice-
    $1k/week wagon LOL... sorry Stephen, don't think I'll follow your footsteps at least not for awhile. ;-)
    Utility? Actually, I have more than that in mind. I'll take the WRX on the interim until the beefier Legacy comes around. Then I'll trade in the
    OBS for it and Mom gets the WRX. :D hee hee
    she'll be "one quick 70 yr old mama (maybe grandma by then) in a wagon" :D hee hee.

    -Dave
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    What's the point?

    Well, I guess noone else makes a car-based Ute (I'll borrow Graham's term here).

    Fitz has them for $200-250 under invoice, but that likely means incentives have not yet kicked in. We got $750 on our Legacy.

    But that will still keep the price a bit high. I really think they should offer a value model without the leather and cladding, and maybe with steelies. Then add an H6 with all the current equipment, for maybe $500 more vs. current prices.

    Any how, I think a couple of simple changes could make it more appealing.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    << Any how, I think a couple of simple changes could make it more appealing. >>

    I agree. I've been a strong proponent of the Baja "concept," from day one. I've also been a strong critic of the "execution" of the Baja from day one.

    Virtually everything that made the STX concept so exciting, has been neutered on the production version.

    Bob
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