Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Not what I wanted to hear, but I appreciate the honesty.

    My mom is hesitant because her sister never really recovered from a hip replacement.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, met up with Bob and Frank yesterday at Fitz in Gaithersburg. They had a BBQ with burgers and dogs, and some sodas, plus a prize wheel the kids had fun spinning.

    Not many people showed up, but hey, free food plus we got to see the new Legacy and Outback again.

    Frank was curious about the F-XT so we drove one, auto since that's the only way they come. I liked the extra pep but honestly still don't feel our plain old 2.5 PZEV is lacking. Plus for $3 grand more it's virtually identical, I could not tell them apart. Telescoping wheel....the engine...anything else?

    Nice, but no regrets. Wifey would just get more speeding tickets.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    My dad had knee replacement surgery several years ago. He also had a lot of pain and for the first few months he had serious doubts whether it was worth it. But now several years later, he's glad he did it. I just wish he hadn't waited until he was almost 80 before getting a new knee. If he'd had it done earlier, he would have had a faster recovery and fewer years of limited mobility.

    -Frank
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    More speeding tickets? If that's the case, you should get her an old Escort like mine! That should take care of that problem.... :P

    Since you folks were there in person, does Fitz actually carry any Subaru vehicles with a manual transmission? I never see such animals on their website postings.
    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
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Hard to come by, for sure. FitzMall, like other dealers, carries on their lot what sells easily.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Rare as a polar bear in the Sahara.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Hahah; great responses, you two. I figured as much. Some dealerships just carry more manuals than others. *sigh*
    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
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You could factory order...we ordered our PZEV Forester Limited.

    Nice bonus - no test drive miles!
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Hi Frank, I concur with what you say Re your Dad. I don't know that being younger would have made much difference regarding recovery. I am the same, only now starting to say it was worth it even though I am still in a world of pain. My Surgeon told me it would be six months before all the swelling is gone and so long as there is swelling there will be pain.

    It is a year for a full recovery from total knee replacement. However there is no more pain in the actual joint, all the pain now is post surgery.

    I find the rehab. is brutal, you have to break down scar tissue through exercise in order to have a decent range of motion, and that is extremely painful.
    Cheers Pat.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Yep, that is what we have decided to do.

    Funny enough, our local dealer has the exact car we want, but they will not budge (not one inch) on the price. I came close to caving and asked for the simple concession of $200 worth of accessories (floor mats, cargo tray, cross bars) since I was paying them MSRP for an accessory I did not want (auto-dimming mirror w/ homelink), but they walked. They told me that their cars are flying off the lot.... Haha; I see their automatic X Premiums and manual X flying off the lot, but the X autos and the Premium manuals (they have FOUR!) are sitting and sitting.

    Oh well, I save a solid grand on the deal, even including travel expenses, so that's fine with me.
    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
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Let us know when you finalize that, take pics!
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    My grandfather had a hip replaced about 11 years ago; I think he was about 65 at the time. He recovered very quickly (probably three months?) with limited pain. Now, however, the replacement joint is beginning to deteriorate so some pain is returning.

    My grandmother had both knees replaced and while they are better now than before, her experience was similar to yours, Pat: Severe and prolonged pain accompanied by a prolonged recovery. I think her replacements were at age 69/70, or maybe they were two years apart (68/70?).... Her sister had both knees replaced simultaneously and recovered fairly fast. She was pretty spunky anyway, but she attributed it to a good doctor and not being able to baby the joints because each hurt equally bad! So, daily living provided much of her PT to get mobility back into the joints.
    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
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Will do; I think the dealer is off today, but I expect we can get a deposit on the car with final pricing tomorrow.

    I just found out late last night about my dealer's "no" on my final offer.
    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
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Actually, the Fitzmall sales guy who went along for the test drive claimed that he had sold a MT Forester just that morning. But yeah, since they carry so few, if you're picky at all about options or color, you pretty much have to factory order one to get what you want.

    -Frank
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    This was a busy week! The CARS option for our van fell through due to a couple problems. First, the back-log in manufacturing and the timing of when the factory would be able to put our car into the lineup meant that a VIN could not be obtained until mid/late Sept. So, using the program for the WA car was not an option. I figured I would sell it private party locally and then order the car. That is not quite as good of a deal as the CARS program (when factoring the cost of transporting it to WA), but I would have the satisfaction of knowing the van was not destroyed for questionable reasons.

    Second, I find out this morning from a friend that the CARS program sunsets Monday. After several days with no nibbles on the private party sale, I figured, "what the hell, I'll just get the local car and be done with it." So, having thus caved and dealing with yet another annoying problem on the van that cropped up yesterday, I stopped at the local dealership again but, this time, to buy the local car at MSRP. Well, she said they ceased their participation in the program the previous day and would not consider taking my van under CARS.

    Haha; perfect! That made my decision easy. I get to keep the van for now. If a sale occurs on it, I will order the car. If not, I will bide my time and try to buy in 2011 as I had originally planned to do. Hopefully, interest rates are not astronomical by then because they sure are good right now. ;)

    In the end, if I sell the van and buy a new Forester this year, I will have paid the same price as if I had purchased the Fairbanks car (using CARS), but this way I will get to order the exact car I want (rather than paying for gimmicks) and spend my money where I prefer to spend it. In other words, I will feel much better about the new car and how I got it.
    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
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    We came close to pulling the trigger a couple of times, but the new car just wasn't "right."

    I figure things will get slow again and the difference in asking price in a few months will make up for some of the lost voucher money (and the van may be clunking, but it still has some value).

    Pickiness must be part of the frugal gene too. :shades:

    One of the Subaru dealers here is under new ownership according to the radio ads and is selling everything for employee cost right now. Probably only '09 stuff that's in stock on the lot though. I have two different sets of Anchorage friends flying in just after Labor Day (hours apart on the same day naturally). C'mon down. ;)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Which dealership is that? I had inquired at a dealership in Boise when I first started my hunt a few weeks ago, but never heard back. It probably wouldn't matter too much, since I get such an incredible price in Seattle, but it is always worth asking and Boise isn't much difference from Fairbanks than Seattle.
    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
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    It was Larry Miller.

    Same name, different management supposedly. Or maybe different owners but same name? Miller died last Feb. so that could be part of it. They may be parting out some of the dealers he owned to further fund the foundation he started (Miller was a billionaire and owned the Utah Jazz).

    When I stopped by there last fall to check out the new Foresters, the salesperson was nice enough, but brand new. The sales manager on the other hand, was stereotypical to an extreme.

    The Mazda/Subaru dealer over in Caldwell seems ok when I test drove a 3, although the sales manager there didn't give off good vibes either.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Yep, that's the same place. Ah, well. Maybe when I do actually get down to Seattle to pick up a new Subaru, you will be ready to replace those head gaskets in the Outback. That would give me a good excuse to try it out on those windy Idaho back roads. :D
    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
  • jerrys2jerrys2 Member Posts: 189
    Hello from an old (in many ways) member. Been off the boards for awhile. Discovered this paint problem on the Tribeca board. Wonder if other models have had this problem and if Subaru has done anything to resolve. I think they should repaint at no cost. I am out of warranty (49 months and 46k).

    Jerry
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Your story is better than any drama on TV.

    Keep us posted. :shades:
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The American Canoe Association is proud to count Subaru of America among its corporate sponsors.

    So, I go to Yakima to see what clips work with my rack on a new 2010 Outback.

    "We cannot fit your vehicle with a top of car rack system but you can always have one custom installed."

    Thule doesn't have one either, unless you get factory racks.

    Hopefully this is just a new model introduction glitch and they'll get the clips worked out, but a few people in the boating community are moaning. :confuse:
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Hey, it isn't that bad, is it? :cry:

    Here is the weekly episode, though.

    I replaced the fuel pump in the van about two weeks ago, and the following Monday (last week) I filled it up for the first time. The station was busy, so after filling I blissfully pulled around the side of the station to free up the pump but stopped in order to clean my glass. We had heavy smoke from massive forest fires in the area for about five weeks, and it all cleared up over two days' heavy rain. The rain cleared the air, but it left a nasty, thick residue on all the vehicles, etc. As I am cleaning the glass, I notice my pump is unused. I then notice a station attendant scrubbing the area, which can only mean a fuel spill.... I look under the van and fuel is gushing out! Bad.

    Frustrated, I drove it back to work, found a five-gallon bucket, cut it down to about two gallons with my Leatherman, and put it under the van to catch the remaining leak. After it finally stopped, I had lost about three gallons. I went ahead and drove it like that for the rest of the week.

    On Saturday, I put it back up on blocks in the driveway and pulled out the tank a second time. For anyone who has not experienced the pleasure of such a job, it is a real PITA. This time, I did not want to drain the fuel a second time (I had over a half-tank this go-round), so I carefully lowered it while trying to keep the tank level. Once I had the retainer ring for the fuel pump off, I saw the problem right away... the O-ring was not set properly, and was far too large to fit in the application. I had thought it to be a little large when I first put it on, but went ahead anyway.

    A little disgusted, I headed into town in search of a replacement. Nothing at the place I had purchased it, and no other place (not even salvage yards!) were open. I forced the O-ring into the lip of the retaining ring and resolved to wait until Monday. Here's the funny part, Monday morning when I picked up the retainer ring, the gasket (that I had literally forced in there on Saturday) fell out! Turns out that it shrank dramatically (smaller than it was originally, even) as the fuel had evaporated from it.

    Thrilled, I headed home and installed it. Now, everything is going unbelievably well at this point (I had not even skinned a knuckle yet!), so I was a little wary and trying to be extra careful. I put the retainer on, finally got the threads lined up properly, and tightened it down hand-tight. Next, I pulled out my huge Channel Locks to set the ring. Just as I *touched* the pliers on the ring, the support under one end of the tank suddenly collapses! Glug, glug, glug.... the fuel is just dumping out! Oy..... I raced against time to lift that ridiculously heavy tank back up in the air, supporting it with one arm while I reset the bracing and all the while my shirt was getting soaked by the ever increasing puddle under the van. Finally, I got it back up, carefully set the ring with the pliers, and reinstalled the tank under the van. I brought the whole thing down, headed into town with my son, and put ten gallons in the tank. I asked him, "do you see any leaks?" Response, "no." I put one more gallon in.... "how about now?" Response, "Daddy! It is dripping onto the ground! Giggle, giggle, giggle...." Well, I was not quite so thrilled about it, but sure enough it was slowly dripping. This was nothing compared to the gushing of the week before, but it still leaks nonetheless. :mad:

    I really would think that these parts manufacturers (this one is Delphi) would make better quality seals! I should have hung onto the ring from the first pump, but the directions were very clear about disposing of the old ring (even emphasized it!), so I obediently did so. Well, now I see where obedience gets me. :P

    If I can get the leak contained, I will resume efforts to sell. But, I am not passing this headache (the fumes alone are enough to cause one!) on to someone else.
    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
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    ---- sending sympathy ... and more sympathy ... and still more sympathy ....
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Hey, I started feeling better; I was wondering what that was! Thanks... :shades:
    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
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    I came home today to find out my husband had been up on a ladder sawing tree limbs while no one was home all day. One of the large limbs fell, bounced against the tree, knocked against the ladder, and knocked him off. He has some scrapes, bruises, and a pretty good gash on his arm. When he fell, he landed in the mud of the swale across the back of the yard. While it broke his fall a bit, I hate to think about what sort of grime, bacteria, etc. also hit that gash ....

    AND he apparently had to wrap and bandage just below his right elbow with his left hand (and he is right handed!)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Ouch. I am glad he fared as well as he did, as it certainly could have been a lot worse. Perhaps we can swap "weekend warrior" horror stories one of these days.... ;)
    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
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Note to self: never try to tackle a fuel tank project!

    I rebuilt the clutch slave cylinder on my 93 Miata when I had it, and felt the same shock with just how much the seals expanded and shrank. I thought I had the wrong parts at first, but they did work.

    Brenda: bummer, I just got a cordless 18v sawzall and did a few limbs myself the other week. I noted how dangerous it was. Next time I'll secure the ladder and work in small sections.
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    He said hew as being "so careful" to be sure the limb wouldn't hit him as it fell, and it was a fairly large limb. When he'd sawed about 1/2way through, it split and fell. He knew it was missing him, but he said it was like watching in slow motion as he realized it was going to hit the ladder!

    He's OK ... and no more limb cutting today!
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    Husband got a call on Friday that he will go back to work on Monday. The lay off lasted a bit longer than we thought it might ... but we're "OK", and glad he's got a job again ... (although I have to admit I have loved having him home with me all summer!)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Good news (and he's probably safer at work too. :) ).
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good news, Brenda. Hopefully the rest of the economy bounces back soon.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Well, juice, as mentioned, we finalized the car purchase today. We went with a 2010 Paprika Red Forester, Premium, manual transmission. We ended up at $300 under invoice on it.

    The van is another story, best reserved for later. :mad:
    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
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Saw that in another thread, congrats! :shades:

    We ordered also. It did come sooner than we expected.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Sooner? I love sooner! Not so much because I am itching to get my hands on it (technically, this is my wife's car also, but that doesn't mean I will be banned from it!), but because the earlier I get it, the less cold weather I will likely encounter on the way home.

    Don't get me wrong, I love inclement weather, but that stuff also slows down the progress and my mission is to pick it up and get it home with all reasonable expediency. :shades:
    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
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    But now you'll have heated seats. Take your time. :shades:
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Be quiet, evil Wes on my left shoulder, I'm trying to listen to good Wes on my right! :P
    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
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    husband didn't work from Mother's Day until August 31, and he's supposed to work OVERTIME on Saturday ..... yeah .. go figure ...
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,604
    Anyone still on their diet?

    I'm pleased to report that after exactly one year... I've gone from 218# to 191#..

    Lost most of that in the first six months... but, I've maintained it, plus a little more.. :)

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  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Yeah, but I bounce around a bit. The other day I was at 207. Still need to lose a bunch...

    Bob
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Holding steady, and fluctuate between 174 and 177 on the morning scales. Had hoped to keep dropping with riding to work this Summer, but suffered a broken tail-bone in the first week of July which still hurts. I can still ride here and there (mostly going out for quality time with the boys) but I pay for it that night and next morning.
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    I've kept off the weight I reported in August, but no progress. And with tomorrow being NFL Opening Sunday, I have enough junk food on hand to re-stock a 7-Eleven :D

    kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I don't remember what my original weigh in was. If it was a year ago, it was probably in the mid to upper 170s. Then winter came. :cry: picked up 15 pounds, and have lost them again. Call it 177 right now, I'll weigh myself in the morning. And this winter, I'm not letting that happen again!
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Juat had my annual physical this past week, and I'm within 5 pounds of where I've been over about the last 5 years.
    Interestingly enough, I'm about 10 pounds less than I was when I quit smoking 13 years ago!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It was 178, lucien.

    I have not stuck to it, though I don't think I've gained, at least. I had a very active summer but I also ate a lot of junk.

    Don't mention 7-11 because I'm a Slurpee freak and I crave those enough already!
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Figured I'd chime in, I was 170-ish at the beginning of the year, down to 160-162 depending on the day now. The Wii Fit says my BMI is "normal" but I'd like to get the weight a few pounds under 160 to help keeping the clothes fitting nice.

    -Brian
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My Wii Fit says "Where the heck have you been, juice?" :surprise:
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    My Wii Fit just gives me a big "Harrumph", shakes it's little Mii head at me and shuts down.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    177 says the scale. Still another 45-60 days of ok riding weather, see if I can't chip off another 2-3. Then comes the dark days.....
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    I gotta quit reading these posts while snarfing down a piece of key lime pie.
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