Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    how cool. this actually works. i am using a treo with blazer browser. totally wireless.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Had the Treo for a while. Don't get too enthrawled by it. The services for them sux. I had to get rid of mine cause it just hurt too much to get dropped calls all the time :(

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I pretty much have to get T-Mobile service from work. They used to be called VoiceStream. Is it better with a different phone, or still the same?

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Then might as well have the Treo, at least you'll have fun with the crappy service. T-mobil was the problem, not the phone per-say. We used to all get dropped calls on T-mobil no matter which phone we had. :(

    -mike
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    If you can get to today's WSJ, there's a funny article about a guy who took 3 hours lunches and manipulated his office PC from his Handspring Visor. He wasn't there, but every time someone walked by his cubicle, something different would be on his screen and occasionally he'd print something out.

    Edmunds' vehicle information pages are available by wireless gizmo too:

    Edmunds2Go!

    oh yeah, the guy finally got fired.

    Steve, Host
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    That works very well. Especially when out to dinner with your car buddys and someone claims that X car makes X hp in X year or other stat, you can just pull it up and settle it right then and there in the bar! :)

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    But you can't post in the Town Hall unless you get a browser of some sort working.

    -juice
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Brian: My mistake. I meant "seven and a half" (7.5 pounds) rather than 7 lbs. 5 oz. Matters not, I'm not winning this one either :)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Congrats on the Baja. If I was buying now, I would be considering one. BTW it is a known fact that dogs prefer subarus.

    Greg
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    It's a known fact our dog prefers OUR subaru (as attested to by the dog snot on the back windows!)
  • ningabeningabe Member Posts: 12
    Nose prints and drool on the outside from flapping lips:)
    He also looks good in yellow.
    Stopped at a light " Cool looking car...nice looking dog"

    or maybe its just the dog:)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ditto here, Brenda. Though the kids try to camouflage it with hand prints! :-)

    Well, just returned the trailer after 2 runs for wood chips. They really packed them in this time, more so than last time. The 5'x8' trailer was full to the brim. Must've been closer to 4 yards per trip.

    Got a nice thick layer on there now, it even crunches when you step.

    For fun, I filled up with gas right before picking up the trailer, then right after dropping it off. So I drove just over 100 miles with the trailer the entire time. Well, there was a bigger mileage penalty than I had thought. I hit a record low of just 17.3 mpg! Ouch!

    So figure the trailer, admittedly with all the aerodynamics of a parachute, cost me about 7-8 mpg compared to my average driving.

    Still, over that same 100 miles I spent a buck-fifty extra on gas. Whoop-de-doo. And it was way, way cheaper than having it delivered.

    -juice
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Well, I tried to convince my mom that a Forester L was for her. But, in the end, she decided a Pontiac Vibe was more her thing. Base model, moonroof, sound package, pw, at, monotone package, alloys.

    Ride seems pretty soft compared to my Outback. Seats are ok, driving position felt a bit cramped to me, as well as appearing to sit taller. I thought the perimeter view on the sides would have been worse, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. The rear window seems to be quite tiny. Rear seats split fold 60/40 and don't require the bottom portion of the seat to be folded first - it scoots 'em forward for you. Legroom seems fine in the rear, though I doubt 5 adults would be comfortable. Engine has a bit of a loud note to it, but it's a small 4 cyl, so it's expected. Steering seems very sensitive or over boosted at speed; didn't require much steering wheel effort to do a slight curve in the road. AT was smooth shifting and reacted quick to downshifting. Merging onto a freeway does take some pedal (and engine noise). 200 watt stereo is nice. Moonroof (open) does make it seem roomier. Even the base model has rear drums. No ABS on this - it's optional. 13.2 gallon gas tank?!?! The Vibe is 1" wider than my Outback, but it did not feel wider.

    I'd have to drive an Impreza TS or Outback Sport to compare, but I'm glad it's my mom's vehicle and not mine! ;-) I'll take my Subaru please!

    At least my dad hasn't given up on my Outback, he could potentially take it off my hands when we opt for a XT probably early next year.

    -Brian
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    No time to catch up at the moment, so I figured I'd just say hello. Got back form France last night. A little jet lag to deal with this morning, but for me it is always easier coming in than going out. I spent 9 days driving a Renault Espace 3.0HDi, loaded up with 5-6 people plus luggage. Review to come, butI am buried in work right now. Pictures coming too as soon as my camera comes home; I left the digital with my compatiots who I tag teamed out with.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I like the Vibe, I'd consider that plus a Protoge5 against the Outback Sport. The catch is the AWD version makes just 123hp.

    Welcome back, Loosh. That much time in a Renault makes it a true European experience. Did anything break? LOL

    My brother had a Renault 19 in Brazil, he had to push it into the Fiat dealer before trading it in.

    -juice
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    not a thing. Back-up radar, 6 speed, 6 CD changer, dual zone AC (with controls on both driver and passanger armrest) and a credit-card key. All radio controls on right hand stalk, forward of the wiper stalk. Pretty cool; decent push in that turbo diesel too.

    Drove it from Strasbourg to Ribeauville to Beaune to Macon to Avignon to Cassis to Bandol. and lots of roundabouts! (saw 2 STis too FWIW)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    How were the driving dynamics? Compared to, say, a Dodge minivan.

    -juice
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    no comparison. The car had firm steering, very well damped (ala Passat) suspension settings, more in keeping with the vehicle's mission, size and center of gravity. No wallowing, with progressive understeer. automatic E-brake too.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    See, now why don't we get a fun people hauler like that?

    My wife was nearly put to sleep driving even the best vans sold here.

    C'mon Subaru, here's an opportunity to impress.

    -juice
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Went to my Bank's Miami office for 6 days, then really busy with work when I returned.

    Didn't see very many Subes, but definitely got the Taxi ride of my life!

    Any news on the Patti campaign?

    -Dennis
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I have 9 letters in hand, and expect about 7 more are on the way.

    Snail mail is slower than we are used to, but I think having signatures is more meaningful than an e-mail campaign.

    If possible I'd like to get mail it out by Friday, by then I should have 16 letters or so.

    -juice
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Loosh -- welcome back. Any new wine finds?

    juice -- Thanks for keeping that Patti campaign going.

    Ken
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    According to my notes we went through roughly 390 wines in 9 days if you count what we tried at meals. So yea, a few. :)

    Hey if you don't mind my asking, what did you pay for your brakes? There's a guy selling complete WRX front brakes used for $200 which seems high for 30k wear.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Not a bad job you have there! :o)

    It ranks right up there with Beer Taster and Mattress Tester. SoA has not answered my offer for Turbo Test Pilot!

    -juice
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    I've had a few Renaults (21 and 25 in England and Dad had a 16, sister a 12) and the common characteristic has been wonderful, innovative French design and slightly dodgy build quality.

    I would take an Espace any day. They are glorious to drive - car like but spacious. However, the older ones I have driven have suffered usual Renault bits falling off.

    I also love the Scenic which I seriously contemplated when replacing the Mercedes C class. Still wonderfully space fficient, but not sure whether I would buy one now.

    The Laguna is also very nice but same sort of considerations apply - great design but would bits break off?

    Cheers

    Graham
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    uh, that's not worth it. same calipers, slightly larger rotors.

    don't bother.

    -Colin
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Loosh,

    I'll have to dig out the receipt at home, but I think it was something around $450. That included the two front rotors, caliper brackets and new pads.

    In my case, my rotors and pads were shot so my extra cost was in the new caliper brackets (about $100 or so).

    Ken
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    Reading Lucien's comments about the Renault bring to mind a total surprise that I experienced a couple of Sundays ago. I was driving northbound on the West Side Highway in Manhattan, heading towards the George Washington Bridge. I passed a black station wagon that I didn't recognize. As I pulled ahead of it I looked in my mirror and recognized the grille emblem as being that of a Peugeot.

    I pulled over and slowed enough for him to pass. It appeared to be a brand new vehicle, and pretty good looking. It was a Peugeot 307w with New Jersey manufacturers' plates.

    According to a Google search, the 307 was voted the European Car of the Year for 2002.

    I'm wondering if this means that they are going to try bringing the brand back for sale in the U.S.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    =8^) You talked me out of this once before...money better spent elsewhere I suppose.

    Blane- you are not the first to report this sighting. I'm quite sure Pug is planning a US comeback. The cars they have now are attractive and modern....why not?
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    Thanks for asking, Kate...I haven't been on the computer much lately...trying to figure out what to do for the summer and beyond...I thought life was supposed to get easier as you go along :-).
    I have been speaking to some neighbors and the Florida retraining office...I most probably will go for Radiology training...lots of jobs and perhaps specalize down the road in Nuclear medicine or ultrasound.
    When I do go on the computer, it's to work on the Excel spreadsheet of my Hotwheels collection so I can eventually sell it; I have approximately 1500 cars, mostly Hotwheels, some Matchbox, and some other miscellaneous stuff.

    Anyway, I'll try to come on more often...juice, I'll get the Patti letter out to you this week.
    Serge
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    That's a lot of hotwheels!

    I love em, but lost most of mine :(

    -mike
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Serge,

    I also still have a lot of matchbox and hotwheels, as well as a few Corgi cars. If you don't mind my asking: How can I value them, and how are you selling yours? Through EBAY? I don't have any original boxes, just the cars in various conditions. Just curious.

    Thanks,
    Mark
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    blane: you probably saw a diplomat's car. They are abundant here in Washington since most countries HQ their Embassy here in the capital.

    I've seen VW Polos, plenty of Renaults and Peugoets, and a few Opels. Even went for a ride in an older Espace, IIRC. It had 5 modular seats in the back, you could arrange them pretty much any way you wanted. Diesel with a 5 speed manual, too.

    Serge: hurry please, I'd like to try to get it out by Friday.

    Also, send me a resume, do you know ATM/Switches and network stuff?

    I have a Hotwheels Mazda Miata, white with pop ups, just like mine. Could not find a Forester though, even after looking everywhere.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Loosh,

    I'd personally stay away from any set of brakes with 30K on them. That's enough milage to have rotor warpage rear it's ugly head.

    If you were going to change out your rotors and pads anyway, then see if you can just buy the caliper brackets. That's the only part that you would have to put to waste in a conversion.

    Ken
  • dcm61dcm61 Member Posts: 1,567
    "It was a Peugeot 307w with New Jersey manufacturers' plates."

    juice - A diplomat's car is not going to have manufacturer's plates.

    DaveM
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    and I have heard reports of several other sightings. I think even Autoweek reported running one down- it was a couple Puegeot guys who were pretty coy about what they were up to but were also anxious to know what folks thought of the car.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ah, I overlooked the "manufacturers' plates" portion of that sentence!

    -juice
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    We see a fair number of vehicles in the New York metropolitan area with manufacturers' plates. This is because the US headquarters of several automobile manufacturers are in Bergen County, New Jersey (the extreme northeast corner of the state). They are: Volvo (Rockleigh, NJ), Mercedes Benz (Montvale, NJ), BMW (Woodcliff Lake, NJ), Jaguar (Mahwah, NJ), Ferrari (Englewood Cliffs, NJ), Aston Martin (Mahwah, NJ), Rolls Royce & Bentley (Paramus, NJ).

    I believe that Fiat, Renault and Peugeot may also have been headquartered in the same general area of New Jersey before they left the U.S. market.

    Audi and Volkswagen used to be headquartered just north of Bergen County, in Orangeburg, NY before moving to Michigan a few years ago.
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    I see manufacturer's plates in my area, too (suburban Philadelphia). They are almost always on Subarus. ;-)

    Ed
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I was gonna say, don't forget SoA HQ. :-)

    I wonder why so many are there, favorable laws in the state of NJ?

    Last call for letters in support of Patti. If you get them in the mail today, they'll probably arrive by Friday, when I'll be sending them. Short and sweet it OK, hand written or typed, whatever.

    -juice
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    lark6

    Subaru's U.S. Headquarters are at the opposite end of New Jersey from the other manufacturers' in Bergen County. Subaru is just outside of Philadelphia in Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). Hence, your findings.
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Blane: I knew that, hence my smiley face ;-). Cherry Hill is about a 45 minute drive from my house. When I am in the area I often eat at Red Hot & Blue, a barbecue restaurant which is separated by a parking lot from SoA headquarters.

    Transition paragraph: Someone in my town works for SoA. Just after the H6 Outbacks were introduced I stopped to fill up at a local gas station and found myself next to a VDC with manufacturer's plates. I struck up a conversation with the gentleman and name-dropped Patti, who is a long-time SoA employee, and he spoke highly of her as a colleague.

    Segue: juice: If I send you something Priority Mail in the moning do you think you'll get it on Friday?

    On the same subject: I also name-dropped Patti to an SoA regional rep at a dealer a few days ago. He said she was involved with Subaru of New England (?), the somewhat independent Subaru organization in the US. Can anyone confirm and whether this has an impact on her presence here?

    Ed
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Not true. Do you have a name? Email me if you prefer.

    -Dennis
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ed: probably. Most have arrived in 2 days.

    Even if it comes late I'll send a follow-up package later. Give them more to think about.

    -juice
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Dennis: Didn't get a card from him, not sure I remember his name but will try. I owe you some e-mail anyway.

    juice: I'll wrap it up tonight.

    Ed
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    juice: Letter will be sent to you via overnight mail in about an hour. I've e-mailed you an electronic copy as well.

    Ed
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    e-mailed you
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    I guess 2 weeks in a row is my limit to remembering chat time.
    I thought about it earlier today, but it really seems like Friday to me as I get a (well-deserved) 4-day weekend. I ended up vegging in yahoo gin and forgot until it was too late ... oh well .. there's always next week!
    Brenda
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    The main Town Hall server will be taken offline today for repair between 10am - 4pm PST. During this time, you will not be able to post or add discussions.

    We apologize for the inconvenience.

    *I realize this is an unusual time of day for this, but I guess for some reason this was the only time that all parties involved could be available.*
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