Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Hey guys

    I kinda browsed the "STi" forum but wanted to talk more about with Subie fans. I guess I can understand the weight savings from no sunroof (but why not at least make it an option) but no heated seats or mirrors as an option? I can't imagine it would add more than a pound! Since Subies are supposed to be driven in inclement conditions (you always see an STi or two up at the ski slopes- with winter tires of course) it would seem a strange decision by Subaru to omit them, even as options.

    I'm still looking into something fun to buy, and the STi is pretty high up my list, but no heated mirrors and seats is a big deal in my book here in the Northwest where everything fogs up! (I just like heated seats, they don't help the fog though :D )

    Anyway, it seems like a big oversight to me. Maybe I'll have to look at the Evo. :(

    Any other suggestions on something fun and frivolous?

    I am looking at the miata, cayman/boxster, S2000, G37, Elise, and maybe a 335i.

    Any other helpful suggestions? They're all great cars, I've already test driven half of them. :D

    tom

    tom
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Phoenix is at the very end of the CY (late Nov) so it’s hardly worth going. On the other hand, the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction kicks off this weekend (Speed network will have almost gavel to gavel coverage). Last year they sold something like 1200 cars for well over a hundred million dollars. I’m going to try and head over for the preview day.

    -Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Wait a year. I bet Subaru offers those things on the 2009 or 2010 STI.

    Miatas are a wonderful 2nd car. Love mine. It could simply not function as my one and only car, though. Mine stays parked when it snows, too.

    A lot of the cars you mention would be the same way - great as a 2nd car. Either buy a beater for the rest of the time, or buy a used one and keep your current ride.

    My #1 Suggestion?

    If you get a multi-car fleet, choose cars that complement each other. One small, one big, one RWD, one AWD, one sporty, one practical.

    If you choose just one car, get something well rounded, i.e. a sporty AWD hatchback would be much better than a roadster. Better yet, get a Forester Sports XT.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Out of that list, I'd buy the Bimmer -probably the xi for my needs. Unfortunately, no local dealer.
    I wonder if the new Canadian STi's lost the seat heater. We always had them up here.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    That's the funny thing- the Canadian version has the seat heaters and heated side mirrors.

    Juice, that's great if it comes out next year, but why not now? Is there a shortage of heated mirrors and seat heaters?

    The 335i is a nice car, but just a little too common for me. I see more 3 series than I do Camrys! I'd also like something that handles a little better too- something with a little bit of an edge.

    I'm still planning on test driving an Elise- that should be fun!

    tom
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Hey Tom, I'm with juice on this one. Wait a year or so, as I bet the moonroof and AWP show up.

    This is classic Subaru. They should change their slogan to: "Unfinished Business, that's what makes a Subaru a Subaru."

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Yup I bet we see more power, and the comfy things in the 09.

    -mike
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Ooh, not a really appealing slogan, Bob. ;)

    Oh well, it's not like the elise has heated mirrors or seats either. And I can always get the seat heaters installed aftermarket.

    tom
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I'm with Juice, for the perfect do-everything-well vehicle that is truly unique, what you need is the Forester XT STi :P

    -Frank
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,399
    Tom,
    With an Audi TT roadster 3.2L, you get AWD, 6 spd tranny (paddle shifter optional), and heated seats.
    Jim
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Subaru tip-toes up the price scale. If the STI came with heated leather seats and a moonroof, it would option up over $40 grand. People would be crying hysterically, SUBARU FOR FORTY THOUSAND, AAAAH! THE SKY IS FALLING!

    It's human nature. Subaru is darned if they do, darned if they don't.

    By offering the first-year STI without those price-padders, they can keep the price in the 30s (sound much lower, doesn't it?). And it continues to be a performance bargain, relatively speaking.

    By next year, they phase in all the extras, let the price creep over $40k, but by then all the publications have already done their reviews and the price tag won't grab headlines and cause hysteria.

    Buyers can pick and choose their preferred options, negotiate the price down, and still pay a price in the 30s.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    True, but check out the price of an Audi A3. They're in the $41+K range, and don't offer anywhere near the power of the STI.

    Yeah, I know, you're paying for the designer label with the Audi (as if that matters...).

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, true, but it sells in low volumes and even then I bet most of them are FWD 2.0T models.

    Audis can break $40k without the same hysterical reaction because they have the S8, R8, RS6, etc.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Yeah Jim, I like Audis, as long as you don't have to own them for more than a few years!!! I looked at the TT but just not enough power.
    Jim, when I first quickly looked at your post I thought it read "Audi Toaster" :D

    I'm also not looking for a one car does all, but I do like the Turbo Forresters Frank. BTW, do you still really love your MB? They do make nice cars!

    I emailed SOA asking them about the heated mirrors and seats- they politely replied they'd pass it on to product planning. I'm sure they'll listen. :(

    Juice, I doubt heated seats and heated mirrors would add more than a hundred dollars to the price of the car. The sunroof I can see as not needing now and maybe not pushing $40k (but if you really option an STi out it will go over $40k)

    Anyone spend any time in the new G37? It's a great engine, albeit a little bit heavy of a car.

    tom
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Subaru should sell the AWP (all-weather package) on every single car in their lineup for $300-400 or so. Seriously.

    If you're the snow belt specialist, offer it on EVERY car. Without exception!
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Seems like a "DUH!" to me.
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Agreed!. I sure miss the heated seats & mirrors on my '97!
    Daniel is spoiled & doesn't know it, although he continues to lobby to drive the '99. Something about the moonroof & leather, but neither is a particular advantage in this weather! :)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    Yep, moved to ATL June 2005... Can't believe it's going on 3 yrs... time flies!

    Juice, hopefully everything going well, I'd like to open by Fall - Winter 08.

    I will let you guys know for sure when, since I've already learned this process takes time and you're at the mercy of contractors, banks, county, state, etc.
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    That doesn't explain the '07 model year STi Limited that Subaru introduced for the same price as a non-Limited STI. Perhaps they'll do the same (or similar) this time 'round. That'd make some early adopters pretty cranky, but provide good incentive for many others to buy.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    I wrote a letter to Subaru complaing about the lack of the AWP. I also notified them that the button to control the DCCD is labelled "C. Diff" which in the hospital is an infection (Clostridium difficille) that causes diarrhea! :surprise: Maybe they could come up with a new name for the button instead of the "diarrhea" button. :D

    tom
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    my husband's mother suffered an aortic dissection on Wednesday night ... (same thing that killed John Ritter so suddenly) .. she was flown by helicopter about an hour from their small town to a larger one where they could operate .. she made it to the other hospital and apparently was giving the doctors hell as she asked questions prior to being prepped for surgery .. we're holding on to the fact that she was lucid and coherent up to that point at least ...

    she had a six hour surgery between 3 and 9 AM on Thursday morning .. she came through surgery and is "stable" .. she has lost the function of one kidney due to the lack of blood flow prior to the surgery, etc. .. we do not yet know the extent of any brain damage due possible/likely blood/oxygen deprivation ..

    we were there on Friday morning, and all day Friday she was "motionless" and nonresponsive .. she has a history of being very very slow to awake from general anesthesia in prior operations with no lingering effects ... on Saturday she was moving some and was in a 'lighter' state of 'sleep' .. she seemed uncomfortable at times and moved as if she were trying to find a better position .. she also turned her head and moved her hands when my husband or I called her name yesterday so she is at least responding to stimulus ... she is on a ventilator and what looks like about a dozen IV solutions .. she has drains and tubes everywhere .. she is 75 years old but a strong and feisty woman who still actively works like a demon 24/7 ..

    her daughters are in Texas and I do know the struggles they are having at the moment as to whether to come immediately or wait to come when she may be home and needing much more help ... (felt the same things when my dad was critically ill a few years ago)

    we could use some prayers and positive energy around here ....

    oh .. and she'll be as mad as a wet hornet when she comes around and finds out that she can't smoke and have her coffee ... and she'll have to be on drugs for the rest of her life ... we have warned the nurses that once she wakes she'll be telling them what they've done wrong, how they should have done it, and what they need to do next ... lol .. and we'd love to see her sit straight up and "straighten us all out" ...
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    I called the hospital late this afternoon and spoke to her ICU nurse. She said that she is more "responsive" today - in particular she has responded to their commands to "squeeze my hand", "open your eyes", "follow this with your eyes" ... so that sounds hopeful ...

    They have cut back on one of the heart medications, and may try taking her off the ventilator tomorrow ...
  • dcm61dcm61 Member Posts: 1,567
    Hi Brenda,

    Long time no talk.

    Hopefully things continue to improve and the hornet comes buzzing out of the nest ready to "fight".

    DaveM
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Brenda, I'm really sorry to hear the news. Hopefully your next posting will be even more positive, in that your second posting was more positive than your first one.

    Sending good thoughts your way. You know everyone here is praying for a good outcome.

    Bob
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    Concur with everyone else... you're in our thoughts Brenda.
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Brenda: That's a huge surgery - it will take her some time to recoup. Be hopeful & patient. Don't be intimidated by all the tubes & IV's & such - easy to say, I know, but as she stabilizes, they will diminish.

    If her nurses have the right stuff, they'll be delighted to see her in her 'feisty' norm :)

    Prayers & best wishes here to there...
    pdh
  • css1css1 Member Posts: 247
    Best wishes for a quick recovery.

    Charlie
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Brenda- Sending more positive vibes in your direction!

    -Frank
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Wow, she's lucky to be alive. Praying for a quick recovery- she sounds tough so hopefully she'll do well!

    tom
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Frank BTW, do you still really love your MB? They do make nice cars!

    Tom- Yes I’m still very much enjoying the SLK and can happily report no problems thus far :) We’re near the height of convertible weather here in the desert southwest so it’s been especially enjoyable to tool around with the top down :shades:

    As for a good choice for you… what about a 2008 BMW M?

    -Frank
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Brenda,

    More well wishes for your mother-in-law. She sounds like a fighter; know that you and her are in our thoughts.

    Mark
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Our thoughts are with you Brenda, be strong.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Jeff: remember they deleted the very pricey BBS wheels to keep the STI Limited price the same.

    Given that's now a seperate option, the new Limited model will surely cost extra. Figure $2 grand at least.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Glad you're SLK is still doing well Frank- they are nice cars.

    I thought about an M3, but the reviews haven't been the greatest- I feel like a 335i would be almost the same, and lighter on it's feet.

    I just have this stigma against BMWs for some reason. I think they're great cars, but I don't want to be driving one. Case in point, why is it that young guys driving BMWs are jerks? I was going through a 4 way stop. I was stopped before this guy in a black BMW coupe gets to the stop sign, he guns his engine and goes part way through the stop as I'm slowly starting, stops, glares at me, and then goes. (he was wearing sunglasses while it was cloudy and rainy too!) What is that?

    I know I'm generalizing, and I'm sure there's one or two young guys in the whole country that drive BMWs and aren't, but it's certainly my perception. ;)

    tom
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Tom- I know where you're coming from regarding stereotyping drivers of certain makes & models. But hey, if I'd let stereotypes bother me, I'd never have gotten a MB. However since I did, I certainly skew their owner demographics :P

    FYI, here's what the Edmund's reviewer had to say about the M Coupe/Roadster:

    The BMW M is where muscle-car manners meet European sensibility. The resulting clash of personalities results in one of the most engaging and responsive sports cars under $55,000.

    -Frank
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Yeah, but if I wanted a BMW coupe, I'd buy an SLK!!! ;)

    tom
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Brenda, best of luck for a good recovery for your mother in law. A postive fighting is the best recipe for a good outcome.

    Cheers Pat.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Brenda, best of luck for a speedy recovery for her. Sending out good thoughts and prayers for her.

    -mike
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    Brenda,
    Glad to hear some good news. Our thoughts are with you and your family, as always.
    Serge
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Wow, just catching up on the recent posts. Hoping today brought more good news for her recovery. It is just amazing the compassion this group has for others. You can always count on the Crew to keep you in their thoughts!

    -Brian
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Best wishes on her recovery. Just getting to the surgery is often the biggest issue. Stay hopeful.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    I know I'm generalizing, and I'm sure there's one or two young guys in the whole country that drive BMWs and aren't, but it's certainly my perception.

    Old joke:

    What's the difference between porcupines and Corvettes?

    Porcupines have pricks on the outside.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Not just diarrhea, C. diff kills patients and is prime in the differential for toxic megacolon!
    Makes me remember twenty odd years ago when they came up with that OTC diet product called AYDS?
    "Want to lose weight?....get AYDS!" Worst timing evaar!
  • jfljfl Member Posts: 1,399
    Brenda,

    My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

    Jim
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    husband was back at the hospital yesterday and things aren't "much" different ... they have taken her off the medications for the heart, and have not yet removed the ventilator .. he said they had her propped up in a chair for awhile yesterday (for the lungs) ...

    when she does "come up" closer to being awake she tends to cough and look very uncomfortable and he told the nurses that it's not just the surgery ... it's the nicotine withdrawal !!

    yesterday the kidney output was so much better one nurse commented that either that one kidney was really 'making up the difference' or there was filtering from the "dead" kidney ...

    physically she seems to be making progress but I know it's wearing on family that she's not really responding much at all to them as of yet

    I'm a relative newcomer to this family (within the last 6-7 years or so) but she has always treated my children, grandchildren, and me just like "one of her own". Doesn't mean we've never "butted heads" over anything, but she has a huge heart and is a generous woman who would do anything for her family ...

    thanks for all the caring ...

    Brenda
  • toboggantoboggan Member Posts: 283
    Brenda, wish the best for mom-in-law health. Hope I have that much spunk when I get that old (only 6 more years to reach 75 - yeah, I'm an old f**t). :P I'll agree to the nicotine withdrawl and I quit smoking 25 years ago.

    MNSteve
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    I emailed Subaru and told them about it. They said they all had a laugh and if they had known wouldn't have labelled the button as such. :D

    I don't remember that product, but I agree, how aweful of a name especially at that time!

    tom
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    That is good news Brenda! If she is off of the iv drips to support her heart she is certainly improving. Once her lungs have recovered she should be able to get off of the ventillator. The coughing is common in smokers with the Endotracheal Tube (the breathing tube). You know how uncomfortable it is to get a drop of water down your windpipe when you swallow wrong, imagine a huge tube in your airway with a balloon at the end! Smokers have more irritable airways to begin with as well, which makes things worse. Also having a machine breathe for you is very unnerving and can take some time to get used to.

    It sounds like she's recovering nicely and it will certainly be days and days, but have hope and pray she will recover fully. Maybe she'll even quit smoking! :)

    tom
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Brenda,

    This is the hardest part when family comes to visit and you see her with all the tubes and on the ventilator. It does sound like she is getting better, albeit slowly. It takes time from something like this. Just have patience and knwo we're pulling for her and you.

    Mark
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Just wanted to say that I'll be checking the boards here after coming back from vacation. The wife and I are off for the sunny southern Caribbean tomorrow afternoon. Taking a cruise out of NY for 10 days! The most I figure to have to do with Subarus during that time is wearing my t-shirt I got from SOA on last years 48hrs, and trying to see if any Subaru's made it to the islands :) .

    When I come back, it's just in time for the 48hrs run!

    Mark
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