Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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Comments

  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Hi Ken!

    Wheels look great! Mega bummer about the accident. The "after" pictures look good, though.

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It's not just Apple, ring tones are a cash cow, period.

    I can't believe people pay $2.99 for a 15 second sample of a song. Absurd, yet the market has simply taken off.

    A lot of artists make more on ring tones than they do on music sales! :surprise:
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    I guess I am one of those people now in the minority, I have a basic cell phone for emergencies only, Tells how much I use it, I buy an accumulating ten dollar card every month and I have something like 60 dollars in credit. I hate talking on the phone period, so an expensive toy like an Iphone would be a total waste on me.

    Cheers Pat.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    LOL, Pat, you sound like a geezer.

    I use the e-mail function extensively, plus I make a lot of voice calls.

    I have not used texting much, though, because we don't have a corporate plan and I hate the constant interruptions (e-mail queues up nicely instead).

    I also do not down load ring tones! Sorry Soulja Boy. :D
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    Heh - I love my ringtones. The special people in my life get their own little song, and I know when they are calling. Some of my choices are worth the $2.99, juice. Rob M.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I borrow a cell occasionally. By the time I figure out how to use it, I'm back home and don't need it anymore.

    Hey Juice, sounds like you are selling your Miata to get a newer one?

    How much?
    Do you deliver? :shades:
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    I am right there with you, Steve. *taps on shoulder* Hehe. I had a cell phone for a brief time in the mid-90s, back when they were somewhat of a novelty. It seemed pointless to me; I have not had one in ten years and counting....
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    With 5 of us oftentimes going 5 different directions, and only three of us driving, cell phones have become more important over time. Three kids in sports, often at three different venues at the same time...

    I also use mine at work frequently - field consultation with docs, contacting family members, keeping confidential and excessively verbose communications off the radio, etc.
    AND! perhaps the most important one of all, getting things straight at the grocery store :)

    I do sometimes wish for simpler times, when the darn things hadn't been invented yet, but I'll use the technology to my advantage if it's offered.

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    At some point. It's the wife's turn to get a car, so we'll probably pick her up an 09 Forester LL Bean before I trade up the Miata. Just waiting for SoA to give the green light for the VIP program. Also, they were supposed to possibly announce a GTP program for the Forester, like they had at the Impreza intro.

    No word on either program yet.

    Meanwhile, my NA Miata stopped depreciating a while ago. Values settle and then stop going down. So the longer I wait, the less it will cost to upgrade (the 06 models are still depreciating).
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I bet you're going to be one of those Miata guys who looks at TMV and then adds two grand to the price. All of them around here do. :P

    (Powder day yesterday Paul - 7" overnight. Cold and dry stuff too).
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You'd be surprised - I went to RWTIV and my estimate was actually low. The guys there were telling me to private-party-sell that bad boy and ask for more money.

    It's tough, each time I even consider selling her, we get a nice, sunny day, and I change my mind.

    And I swear she hears me, and starts behaving better.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I'm contractually obligated by Edmunds not to pay more that TMV when I buy a car, so I guess I'll be sticking with the Outback for a few more years.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Heh - I love my ringtones. The special people in my life get their own little song, and I know when they are calling. Some of my choices are worth the $2.99, juice. Rob M.

    Rob- Juice's point is that if you can download the entire song for a dollar, why should you have to pay 3 times as much for 90% less music? Of course the answer is that they're just charging what the market will bear.

    -Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My marriage contract has a clause where I have to maximize profits (and minimize losses) for my family.

    Looks like we don't have a deal, then. LOL

    ;)
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    I hear you, Frank. I have yet to be able to create a ringtone, and get it down to my phone. I have to pick and choose where I can spend my limited free time. Like the Sunday afternoon I spent waxing the rims on my LGT. :)
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    Nice use of that link Steve. I'm pretty sure that gets you about 500 points in the CarSpace Forums Most Links in a Year contest.

    You'll probably win that car we're giving away
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    I'm somewhere 'in between' all that with the ringtones ... On my last phone, I only downloaded TWO ringtones for 99 cents each. One was for my husband, and the other one was for my 3 daughters. When my girls called, it played a snippit of a Barenaked Ladies song .. "when you call .. I will answer... ", and when my husband called it played a snippet of a Rob Thomas song, "Forever the same"

    Both songs had meaning for me, and I liked the parts they chose for a ringtone .. but I do NOT have a slew of songs for each of the people on my list ... I haven't yet decided if I will download any forthe IPhone ... Looks to me as if I can create a ringtone from anything that I already have in my ITunes for a very small charge - so we'll see...

    We have begun texting more at our house, but that's partly because it's easier for my husband to get a text message at his work than to hear a voicemail, and often a text message will go through to my phone at school where a call will not.. our phones don't work too well inside the building ... since we also have a teenager and a mid 20's on our family plan, he also took out the unlimited texting ...

    I will also use the calendar function on the IPhone. It replaces a Palm PDA that I had separately from the phone ... it amazes me that I have found that the IPhone does NOT have voicedial function .... can't believe there is ANY phone out there that doesn't do that one!

    My husband and I hate people who stand around in public places yelling into their cell phones and making their private business into a public statement .. and even worse when they do it in a restaurant where everyone can hear them...

    Did I "need" an IPhone? .. no .. is it nice? .. yep ...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That reminds me, it's about time for a new OCD Club Membership Drive.

    Do you... wax your wheels...quarterly? Wash your car...daily? Use more brushes to detail your interior than you do to brush your teeth?

    Do you clean your interior constantly. Are you cleaning it right now, as you read this? You are, aren't you. Put down that vacuum.

    We Want You for OCD Club Membership.

    Benefits include, but are not limited to:

    * sleepness nights worrying about your car's finish
    * moral support from others with OCD syndrome
    * a spotless car...for 5 minutes

    And don't forget, bulk discounts on cleaning supplies!

    Membership is free but requires that you own at least one jet black car in your lifetime and manage to keep it looking clean the entire time you own it.

    :D

    PS Join today and you get a one day exemption from keeping your car clean.

    PPS No you don't, that part was an April Fool's joke.
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    I only have a couple:
    'Brown Eyed Girl' for the DW (which would also work for darling daughter)...
    'Center Field' for the baseball boy...
    'Mission Impossible' for my dad :)...
    everybody else gets the old 'Squad 51' radio tones from the old 'Emergency' show (Johnny & Roy)

    Still searching for appropriate tones for the other two kids :)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    tom,

    Actually insurance did pay out for the full replacement of the wheel. The problem is that Prodrive USA no longer exists (well, they sort of do, but there are some issues) and I can't get a replacement very easily. The scratch is actually a very thin hairline and you can't readily see it so I decided to just hold on to the $$ for something else.

    Ken
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Hi juice!

    Thanks -- as I mentioned before, the wheel only got a very small scratch. Insurance did cover for a full replacement, however.

    I was wondering when you guys were going to get a new Forester. So is this replacing Sandy or your wife's Legacy wagon?

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I sold Sandy last year, and got a minivan, remember?

    The earth's rotation has been a bit off since then.

    We're replacing her Legacy wagon now, and it looks like it'll be a Forester.

    The earth should resume it's normal rotation at that point. :D

    The Legacy is fine, really, she just wants an automatic this time. She wants to sit a bit higher. I've said all along, we liked the Forester more, so it seems like a natural choice.
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    D-oh, that's right. I forgot about that.

    How about the FXT? :-)

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    She'd be like Speed Racer behind the wheel. She gets enough tickets as it is!

    I think it'll be an LL Bean model. The question is...

    To GPS, or not to GPS.

    We're leaning towards no, since she's happy with her Garmin now, and it's a bit expensive. Plus, it doesn't have the backup cam function, like the Tribeca.

    Opinions?
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The question is...

    To GPS, or not to GPS.


    The only way you'll know that for sure is to check a NAV-equipped version out. It's a different unit than is in the Tribeca.

    You know I'm pro in-dash units—and we've had this discussion before, so I'm not going to add anything here that we haven't already been through. Well, I will add this...

    As you know portable NAV units are big targets for thieves—and all it takes is to forget to remove it from sight just once...

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    She doesn't even hide it. We've been lucky, or perhaps we're merely tempting fate.

    Too bad the dash-top storage bin went away. I would have figured out a way to rig that so that it would deploy automatically when you opened it.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    She's been very lucky. Is she aware that portable NAV units are major targets of thieves?

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, a news story even singled out Montgomery County, MD. :surprise:

    Does the LL Bean have a security system? :D

    Thumbs through the brochure...yes. All 09 Foresters do.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Another thing to consider which I just thought of...

    Until the new Forester becomes commonplace, it will attract more attention from curious onlookers, some of whom may also be might be tempted to break in if they saw a portable NAV unit.

    Finally, if you did opt for NAV in this Forester, that would mean you wouldn't have to shift the units from car to car. You could keep one in the Sienna and one in Miata.

    Bob
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    In my neighborhood, folks could care less. I've not had anyone ask me about my '09 or stop their walk-bys to look at it. Then again, Subarus are commonplace in Portland, OR.

    I got a lot more attention in the Malibu Maxx when it was first introduced, but then I lived in CA.

    FYI, I'm a computer software QA engineer up in Portland OR who used to do FX and animation in Hell-A CA before deciding the smog, whacko traffic and other stuff down there would lead to an early demise. Much nicer up here, though traffic could be better.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    No doubt I could find a use for it.

    I'm actually evaluating/testing a 3rd GPS unit for a new company called DASH. I signed a non-disclosure agreement, so I can't comment on it, though.

    I have to return it at some point this month, we'll be down to 2 GPS units again, for the 3 cars.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Yeah you don't get a Forester to draw attention to yourself :) The good news is that the XT is an excellent stealth vehicle. I.e. it's unlikely to draw unwanted attention from your local law enforcement agency. Meanwhile, you can surprise many an unsuspecting sports car driver with its acceleration ;)

    -Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I remember I got pulled over in the Outer Banks, told the officer "yeah, I was just getting milk in our wagon for the baby".

    Got off with a warning. :shades:

    If I had been in the Miata there ain't a cop in the world that would have let me off like that.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Just saying a new Forester, because they're rare at the moment, will likely draw more attention than his Legacy L wagon will.

    Bob
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Well considering that he lives in the PNW, the locals "should" have a better appreciation for Subarus ;) Of course you realize that the crew here is a bit anomalous in our interest in cars in general and Subarus in particular :P

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

    I'd go for the in-dash Nav. I love my Garmin too, but I would get an integrated system any day. It's just less hassle.

    I just hope that by the time you get it, they fix the bugs in the unit. My friend has the new WRX with Nav and it's got a few quirks. But despite that, the screen is nice and big, and it's right there, no worries about someone trying to steal it.

    Ken
  • toboggantoboggan Member Posts: 283
    Now you get to drive on narrow I-5 in the rain. :P

    My daughter lives in Portland. She moved there 'cause it's warmer in the winter time than Minnesota. Plus it rains instead of snowing.

    Geeze, the 2009 Forester sure looks like my Tribeca from the front.
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    I cant see any spending any money to buy ring tones. I put my nokia 6102i (yeah I know..ancient technology) in record mode between my computer speakers and recorded approx 15 seconds of "London Calling" by the Clash...works for me
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    Michael passed his driving test yesterday and is now officially a licensed driver. he is actually pretty good at it, but it will take some time to get really good. I actually lent him the car to drive to his friend's house (approx 1/2 mile) for band practice...I made him call me when he got there and he has to call me when he leaves...a bit of overkill but this is his first time on his own. He has been chauffeuring me around town.
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    to an apartment...what a mess...we sold our house in January and went from 4 bedrooms 2 1/2 baths to a 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment...a loss of 700 sq. ft. Needless to say, we are currently surrounded by boxes. Dina was quite confused the first couple of days, but seems to have made herself cozy at the foot of Michael's bed.
    Still, it has been an extremely stressful experience.
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    of the campus...sorry guys (especially the mods), just had to get message # 30,000...the silly things we do

    Michael did not get accepted into Berklee, but he really just wanted it as a possibility to transfer there next year if he did not like UMass Lowell. He may just reapply next year if he is unhappy. He really liked Columbia College Chicago, but felt that Boston is more central to friends and family
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    SPAMMER !!!!!

    I can totally empathize with the selling the house and moving ... when I moved out of the house during separation / divorce .. I went from about 2100 sq feet with 4 bedrooms and study to 2 bedrooms and 2 baths and about 800 square feet ! ... I also moved 4 times in 5 years ... one move to another city and one move to another state !
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I wondered what that was about.

    30,000? Must be significant, since that's in line with what tuition and fees for an academic year will run. :shades:
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    I hope you enjoy Lowell, Serge. Any plans on site-seeing while here? Rob M.
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    30,000 for one year...just about correct for UMass, Steve. As for sightseeing, just a bit. As a history teacher, I want to check out Lowell for its importance in the growth of industry; and there's always Boston. Any good place to eat in Lowell?
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    Serge, Lowell is part of the National Park Service, and they have revitilized a lot of the mills. There are quite a few tours open to the public. It is very interesting. My son Micheal who is 12, is always intrigued when he goes.

    As for restaurants, the Mill City Brewing Company is located on the edge of North campus, not too bad. If you trek over to Dracut which is the next town over, Owen and Ollies is fantastic. Probably under 10 minutes from downtown Lowell, and in a refurbished mill. Lo Kai in Dracut has a decent chinese food buffet. Nashua, NH is not too far away, and besides the mall, just about every major restaurant is there.

    The weather is starting to turn, although it is snowing this morning. I'm sorry I won't be able to meet up with you, as I am on my way to Missouri next Friday. I hope you enjoy your trip. Any questions, feel free to ask. My e-mail is in my profile. Rob M.
  • fandcfandc Member Posts: 51
    Give Michael a few months, then find him a Street Survival school. They're put on by the likes of Tire Rack, BMWCCA, Mini, SCCA and more. Car control, skid control and the like.

    They weren't around when my son got his licence, so I put him through a Skip Barber car control clinic. He appreciated it and it gave me some peace of mind, knowing that he knew what to do in an emergency situation.

    I actually took the school with him. That was a fun day. We both learned.

    Rob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You and Bob are both pushing for that.

    Tell you what, I'll put the wifey behind the wheel of a model with NAV. Can't hurt.

    She'll either love it, or pass and not want to spend the money.

    I wish it at least had a backup cam. It plays DVDs while parked, but who cares? I'd rather have the cam function. Wonder if there is an input... :confuse:
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I certainly don't want to tell you how to spend your money, but I just think factory units—even though they cost a bunch more, and you can't move them from car to car—are a better solution as they're fully integrated into the vehicle. Plus I just hate those small screens on the portable units.

    If price and portability are the overriding factors, then by all means stay with the portable units. If ease of reading, less interior clutter and perhaps more features are more important, then go with the in-dash unit.

    It's sort of the same argument as to whether a Lexus is worth the extra money over a Toyota? Some don't think so, while others do.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I updated the subject, FYI.

    Good points, several actually.

    Still, a Lexus ES costs maybe 15-20% more than a loaded Camry.

    In this case, we're talking about $2000 for factory vs. $199 for my Nuvi 200W. So it's more like 900% more. :surprise:

    Even at invoice, it's $1800. Updates are $232. The update alone costs more than my entire GPS unit.

    Obviously, it's not a matter of affordability (we will be paying cash for the vehicle, no financing), it's more a matter of value. I've thought about aftermarket, too, as an alternative.

    Example: Crutchfield has the Kenwood DNX5120 for $999, and it would fit perfectly. The cool thing is that I found out Kenwood actually uses Garmin for their map software! Very cool. We could even copy our existing Favorites!

    I'm comfortable doing the install myself, and could add a backup cam for only a bit more (still less than factory GPS prices).

    image
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