Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

rsholland

Absolutely Pat. You can count on that.

Bob

fibber2

Once again, Pat, we are standing tall with you, Rita and your brother!

Steve

ateixeira

Tell him to hang in there, be strong. Treatment keeps getting better are more targeted, let's hope it's effective.

-juice

hondafriek

To all of you, apparently the doctors have told him he is going to be in the fight of his life.

Cheers Pat.

bat1161

Deifntely Pat. Keeping you and your's in our thoughts.

Mark

bat1161

Went into the dealer this morning looking around while getting the CEL checked out. It turns out it was the Catalytic converter, which thankfully is covered under the warranty. I wanted to look at the OB XT LTD, but they did not have any in stock. So after they gave me a quote for ordering one from the factory, I asked out of curiosity about the OB LL Bean. They had an 05 on the lot which would work out $$$ wise about $900 less than the new XT LTD. I took it for a test drive and it felt nice and responsive. The salesman did point out that the Bean might be cheaper on insurance and better on resale value. (BTW they have the Bean in Black and Champagne)

I'm curious if anyone else compared the 2, and what your opinion is. The Bean handled nicely, but in the back of my mind I see the Bean as accepting middle age while the XT still means being young. How dumb does that sound?

Either way, I want to go back with my wife to take a good test drive. Just to show how confused I am, I also want to try the Forester XT.

I appreciate any insight into the differences between the Bean and XT LTD.

Mark

PS-they did quote me the figure that Kellys gave me for my car. I guess maintaining it helps.

ateixeira

Because that's what you are really comparing. The character of the two engines is different.

The H6 is hushed and smooth, so much so that when my wife test drove one she reached for the ignition to turn it on - it already was on.

The turbo isn't quite as smooth but is quicker, especially once underway. Both engines like revs, but the turbo feels stronger. At altitude the advantage grows more.

In a pinch, the H6 will be more likely to accept a diet of regular octane, vs. premium absolutely required for the turbo. My guess is the H6 will end up being slightly more fuel efficient, and besides a mysterious (and harmless) drop in the coolant levels early on, the EZ30 engine is extremely reliable.

So it's a tough call. But given the Outback's size and mission, I'd put an H6 in mine and use that $900 to help pay for gas. For a Legacy I'd pick the turbo.

You can't go wrong, though.

-juice

fibber2

Mark,

I see the Bean as accepting middle age while.... Accept it, we are indeed getting old! But as Beth's aunt likes to say, getting old sure does beat the alternative!

If I could affort to replace my OBW, I too would probably be looking hard at an H6. Forgive me folks, but I just have a bit of trouble with the idea of a turbo 4, and prefer the quite refinement of a well balanced 6.

Steve

ateixeira

It's funny, I think that personally most people might prefer the turbo-4, but they may feel more pride in boasting about having a 6.

-juice

c_hunter

I think you'd be happy with either car (for 05+ the refinement level of even the base Outbacks is a huge leap above the previous generation, so you'll be hard pressed to separate the XT/LLB in general). But if you're looking for excitement and fun, the turbo-4 wins hands down. There really is no comparison. And you probably need to test drive it for yourself to understand (and slide the shifter to the left, but don't hit +/- , to invoke sport mode for the most fun). That said, if you got an amazing deal on the leftover 05 LLB, that would probably sway me. There should be a huge discount on the 05 models which will make the LLB a lot cheaper than an 06 XT Ltd. Also be sure to consider real world gas mileage -- even with a lot of highway driving, I only get 20-21mpg in my XT when commuting. I would be curious how a new H6 does under the same conditions (my older H6 did better, but the new one seems thirsty from what I read here).

Regarding the age/life issues, I think I understand what you mean. With the hood scoop and more intense character, the XT does come off more sporty and young, and the engine pulls like a muscle car. When I owned a previous generation LLB, I felt like the badges said "relaxed plaid wearing driver" (which is partially true). So there are distinct personalities there. Bottom line though, I'd probably be happy with either 05+ vehicle!

Be sure to check www.fitzmall.com for price references.

Craig

damish003

Sending positive thoughts your way, Pat.

-Dan-

bat1161

Craig,

But if you're looking for excitement and fun, the turbo-4 wins hands down.

I agree, the turbo feels a lot more fun. Unfortunately, neither Flemington nor the SI dealer had both an OB XT and Bean in stock to try them back to back. I've driven them both, but on different days, which doesn't help.

I plan to check Fitz for a price comparison. I also have to email the sales guy for a quote on LLBean he had in stock.

Funny thing: yesterday my wife and I went to our local dealer on SI. The sales girl (can't call her a woman) was no help whatsoever. I said I was looking at the OB XT LTD or the Bean. She points to a base OB and says that is the LTD. Then she points to a 2.5i LTD and says thats a Bean! We finally took a test drive in a '06 Bean with NAV and she starts quoting me wrong information about the OB. I came in saying I'm driving a 2000 OB that I bought from them in 2000, so I know about the OB. Giving me the wrong info does not inspire me. Plus, my wife said she was dressed like she was going to a club, not a sales job (except for the slippers).

After everything else, I asked her whats the price on the Bean we drove. First she says 27K or 30K. Then she says she may be wrong, let her check. If it was 27K I was going to take it! She comes back and quotes me the sticker price. I had told her I was looking to buy within a month - you would think she would say have said lets sit down and work up some numbers.

I can see it is going to be a long road. Time to sit back and think.

Mark

hammerhead

My mother-in-law has decided, after 15 years, it's time for a change. She's looking for something with AWD & better ground clearance to clear the wintertime snowplow berms in her alley. I suggested a Forester. She likes the idea, but has only a max of $12K to spend. There a quite a few OB's & Foresters in the local Wheel Deals in that range, about 2000-2001 vintage. Any red flags to watch for in those model years?

Cheers!
Paul

Karen_S

Seems to me you and your family are due for some good and happy things to start happening. I'll say a few prayers that some miracles be put on order for your brother.

ateixeira

Paging Pat or Colin, or anyone with brake experience:

ateixeira, "Stop here! Let's talk about brakes" #1164, 10 Oct 2005 12:12 pm

I'm stuck and need some advice ASAP. I just knew retracting the brake piston would give me a hard time.

-juice

hondafriek

juice I replied to your post in the brake forum, I hope this helps, bare in mind that if these are the origional calipers they are now 15 years old and well past their use by date. I believe the Miata is a 90 model.
Cheers Pat.

ateixeira

But yeah, it was just sort of jammed. Follow the link for the eventual solution (your tip was right on the money).

-juice

hondafriek

Thanks Karen, all prayers definitely help. I agree we are overdue for some peace it has been one hell of a year.

Cheers Pat.

c_hunter

What about Van Bortel in the upstate area?? Too much of a drive? Their prices and inventory are similar to FitzMall.

Craig

bat1161

Craig,

According to mapquest, Van Bortel is 324 miles away versus 211 for Fitzmall. I have to see what we do. I am referring to Fitzmalls website, although the quote Fleminton showed me for ordering a XT LTD was pretty close to what Fitz has in stock. I don't want to just jump at the first offer.

Mark

lilbluewgn02

Anybody have the part number (or where I can find it) for the above part for a 2001 Legacy GT...yep, a big truck backed into Susan's car at work...approximately $1500 damage...light assembly, bumper, rear quarter panel...sucks bigtime.
I remeber a couple of websites that have been mentioned that sell Subie parts at a discount...which were they?

Serge...from the land of the blind

bat1161

Serge,

Sorry to hear about Susan's mishap. One place that I have used (as recently as last week) is Liberty Subaru. Add a .com to that and contact them. They were $28 cheaper on a replacement luggage cover for my Outback than anyone else. Plus they take Subaru bucks. There's also subaruparts dot com.

Mark

rsholland

Ouch! Sorry to hear the news Serge. I'm afraid I don't know of those sites.

Bob

hondafriek

Hi Serge, sorry to hear of the mishap with the GT. But if somebody else hit the car why are they or their insurance not doing the legwork to repair the damage?

Or was it a hit and Run?

Cheers Pat.

lilbluewgn02

Hit and run (though they did pick up the broken tail light pieces, which Susan later found in a dumpster). People there think it was someone picking up an order...teh Boca Raton Police are investigating.Here are some pics:

jfl

I don't know about the other sites, but on 1stsubaruparts.com you can drill down to specific parts for both mechanical and body.

Great way to learn that your local dealer charges 10% ABOVE list for the clutch master and slave cylinders! :mad:

Jim

c_hunter

Sorry to hear about that. Whoever/whatever hit the car left a very distinctive pattern (with a high contact point too). I bet with some sleuth work, you can possibly ID the type of vehicle and then go from there.

Craig

lilbluewgn02

It was a 15 ft. rental truck...they more or less know who did it, but the responsible party and his driver are denying it...The driver actually went so far as to change his shirt after doing it to try to fool anybody who might have seen the incident.

c_hunter

Unbelievable! You have to wonder about people that go to such extremes to cover up a minor crime (minor in the sense that nobody got hurt and they could have just fessed up and paid to have the car fixed). Maybe there was also a murder or bank robbery involved too!

Craig

lilbluewgn02

Yep...just part of the dumbing down of America, in my view, especially prevalent here in Florida.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT:
We were supposed to do the Mazda Zoom-Zoom thing this weekend, but Friday, Susan goes through reconstructive surgery; the insurance company has a 2-year limit for that before they consider it elective' and it's been almost 2 years. Since the type of breast cancer she had back then was hard to detect (lobular), she decided to do a bi-lateral and then start with a blank slate, so to speak,,,easier to match the 2 sides. Surgery should take 2-3 hours, and she could possibly be discharged by Saturday.

bat1161

Serge-

Here's hoping everything goes smoothly. Hope you folks have an easy fast tomorrow as well.

May it be a better year for ALL!

Mark

ateixeira

They creased the quarter panel, too. That's the pricey part to fix.

I guess you could hire someone to prove it was a certain truck that hit it, but it wouldn't be worth it for that much damage.

Hate to say it but it's probably not worth making a claim to your own insurance. In our case, after a $500 deductible we had to pay, the rates went up by $300 for the next 3 years. So a claim "cost" us $1400 to make.

-juice

hondafriek

Now that definitely sucks, even worse when you know the [non-permissible content removed] that did and still can't get satisfaction. A baseball bat up the side of the head is the best answer for that type. :mad:

Cheers Pat.

jeffmc

Just make sure you change your shirt and deny everything after using that bat. :P

ateixeira

Easy Pat, Karma will catch up to him.

Time for another road trip, to grandmother's house we go!

So I'll be up in CT again. We decided not to be suicidal and go during Turkey Day this year due to the awful traffic, so we're driving up today instead.

We'll be in Subaru country - a drive from my brother-in-law's house to my mother-in-law's house passes by about 354 Subaru dealers. LOL

I'll be back Sunday night but they don't have web access, so I'll miss the chat. No baseball bats while I'm gone.

-juice

bigelm

Hehe... I'll be there for Saturday @ 10:30am. Should be fun!!! Anybody going? It's in GA.

Mark, you know better.. you have Flemington to take care of you. Just find out the wait and if you're will to wait for it.

Sorry about your mishap Serge.. there are no honest people anymore.. including juice

subearu

I'm going on 10/29 in Chicago. Wonder if the Mazda5 will be there, as well as the MSP6 - and if they'll be driveable.

-Brian

fibber2

after a day without! (Secret message to Mark & Serge)....

Steve

fibber2

Secret message to Ken, Kate & Jim. Yes, Steve is coming to town in early November for the ISTFA conference in San Jose (Mcenery Convention Ctr). I'll send you guys details from work. I need to check on the evening programs, but dinner maybe?

Steve

kens

Looking forward to it!

Ken

jfl

Steve,

Early Nov sounds good...unless I end up with a trip to Texas (which would also be good).

Jim

bat1161

Sorry it took so long, and I hope this works. Here is a picture of what the tire looked like:

(http://www.kodakgallery.com/PhotoView.jsp?&collid=926594859203&photoid=826594859203) just in case that doesn't work.

Going to start looking more on Saturday with some different dealers. Not too many are listing having the XT in stock, and if they do, only '06. Still not sure which way to go. Also noticing little things such as the XT is.3 inches higher - not that big a deal; auto dimming mirror is standard on the Bean.

Any good suggestions on how to go about emailing dealers for prices? Also remembered that I have the IMBA VIP pricing. I have to pick a dealer for that in advance.

One last question (for now): Should I expect to get a 05 model for less than invoice?

Thanks,

Mark

jeffmc

Should be below invoice by at least as much as the current $1500 rebate amount (assuming rebates in your neck of the woods are the same as in mine).

I purchased my '04 Outback a few months after the '05s came out (Mmm... the new style was so tempting... but out of my comfortable price range then.) and ended up paying in the mid-high $19ks for a car with a $23k invoice. Gotta love it! :shades: Of course, the deals on '05s vs. '06s won't be as big of a difference.

snowbelter

I've seen ads in upstate NY for discounts of 4500-5k off of MSRP for 05 xts and LL Beans (dealer keeps the rebate). I haven't run the numbers to see if that is below invoice pricing (before the rebate). I was at one of the dealers last week and they had several XTs and LL Beans. Let me know if you want more info and I'll e-mail you. Martin

tsy

I've still been agonizing over what to get my wife. I'm thinking about buying her a Mazda 3 or 6, Civic, or maybe an Accord or Hyundai Sonata. I looked at the mazda 5- it's too small for a minivan replacement. I can't find any '05 Forresters left here, and I don't want to spend more than about $20 on what's going to be an expendable car (with the way she drives!)

Anyone drive any/all of these have any opinions? Any other cars you guys would consider?

It's not looking good for me to keep my GT. I will have to probably go back to something bigger/more boring. I will take a look at the Tribeca, but it's probably too small.

Things are still busy for me, just less crazy busy!

tom

c_hunter

From what I have been reading, the new Sonata is an excellent car. For a couple grand less than Accord/Camry, you get as good or better equipment. And this is the first generation of Sonata that the car magazines actually rave about.

Mazda 3 has been rated well, and the Civic is always a safe bet.

Craig

jeffmc

Why Accord, 6 or Sonata over Legacy? Legacy Special Edition's a pretty solid value, and there should be '05s left in wagon or sedan form.

Not sure what your criteria are. If you still are looking for that 7-8pass vehicle that's not a large SUV, seems to me you're either looking at a Pilot (which is ALMOST a large SUV) or back to finding another minivan. Personally, I think Odyssey's looks are not boring at all.
If 1 vehicle must have AWD and 1 vehicle must carry 7-8, then you can either get an AWD Sienna or Pilot and then take the car of your choice, or get any minivan and an AWD car.

bat1161

Martin,

When you say upstate, where are you talking about? $4500-5000 is around invoice after the rebates. NoOne in the NY area appears to have any XT's, and only a few LL Beans, so it may be worth a trip.

Thanks,

Mark

tsy

I was looking at v-6 cars for about $23k or 4 cylinder for about $20k. I just don't think I can find a legacy for $20k, and certainly not a 2006.

I was looking at the Pilot. No, it's not nearly as large as a full sized SUV (actually, it's about the same length as my GT) but it's surprisingly big inside. I need something with AWD so Odyssey's out. I just don't know how good the AWD in a Sienna van is.

Anyway, leaning towards 2 Hondas right now.

On a more fun note, I just helped my dad buy a C-6 Corvette coupe, 6spd auto with paddle shifters, HUD, Nav, etc. Should be fun! I drove one around- it's surprisingly comfortable driven modestly, but quite fast when you floor the gas pedal!

I'll have to give a report after it's broken in (and I get a real chance to drive it!)

tom

snowbelter

Syracuse. Both local dealers are now advertising $5000 off of invoice. We've purchased three OBs from one of the dealers. Martin