Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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Comments

  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Actually getting 400hp out of an STi isn't very hard. I think Ken Block's Gymkhana car was putting down 569 hp at the wheels! 0-60 in 3 sec- that's motorcycle territory. :D (granted, his STi had a lot of work done to it)

    I would love those Recaros though- can't get them without losing my side airbags. :(

    The RHD would be interesting here as well. ;) Although I suppose you're used to it Graham. :)

    tom
  • rthompson9310rthompson9310 Member Posts: 17
    Got into an accident in my 03 OB with 135K miles on it. Insurance company is totalling the car.
    So 2 decisions- financial and car choice. Financially I'm getting roughly xK(know roughly what this amount is) for the car. We had planned on waiting another 2 years to replace my car as the spouse is still paying off hers and financially we aren't on top of the world. Not sure what I can afford loan wise and what i can qualify for given high mortgage etc(Yes I know how I'm supposed to live doing that now but its taking a while to get everything straightened out)

    Option 1- buy a used car- minimal out of pocket money- or depending on price of used car get a loan putting ins money to down payment- of course once financing is involved- need a decent used car- would like to hit 4-5 years on it
    2- for 2-3 years- buy when spouse has paid hers off

    Car choice- would like another Subie of course

    thoughts?

    thx RT
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    See if you can afford an 05 Outback. That was the first year for the previous model.

    If prices are high, check out Legacy wagons. In 2005 they even came in turbo+manual drivetrain. Sweet, if you can find one.

    That's what I'd be looking for.

    Bummer about the total loss. :(
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Where do you live? I saw a for sale sign on an '02 OBW just yesterday. 125k, asking around $6k, IIRC. Not sure if that is a good price, as I'm not in the market for one. Looked nice on a fast glance.
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    I would love those Recaros though- can't get them without losing my side airbags.


    It is not just the side airbags.....the problem is that the entire set of airbags in the car, operate as a team. You remove one of the airbags (when removing the seat) and the entire SRS system gets disrupted.

    My pet peeve about the STI, are the seats. Absolutely lousy flatties with no option whatsoever to get (if not the optional JDM Recaros), at least well designed sports-seats. I envy the well bolstered seats that are on the 2002 WRX that a friend has ! :cry:
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    For everyday driving the seats are fine. But take even one hard turn and you're sliding all over the place!

    I just saw a new Recaro seat with a side airbag option? Not sure if it was a mistake but it would be interesting. However, at $1500 a seat, it would be an expensive upgrade. :cry:

    I do like the Recaros in the Evo- fit in like a glove!

    Sometimes, I just don't know what Subaru of America is thinking! :mad:

    But I still love my STi- there aren't a whole lot of cars out there that do everything the STi will as fast as it does!

    tom
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I do like the Recaros in the Evo- fit in like a glove!

    You must be at least 20 lbs lighter than me.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Maybe just an inch narrower. ;)

    Hey Juice, what do you think about the NC Miata compared to the NB?

    I'm seriously considering a Mazdaspeed NB or a new NC (auto).

    tom
  • rthompson9310rthompson9310 Member Posts: 17
    Based on what I'm reading a Honda CRV has the same AWD setup as an outback/Forester AT- looking at 2007 year- default to FWD -when slips puts power to rear? Am I being too simplistiC/

    RT
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited June 2010
    No, that's not true. The CR-V will default to being 100% FWD until slippage occurs, then (some) power is sent to the rear wheels. With the Forester 4EAT there is always some power being sent to all wheels all the time. It may be 90/10 (front/rear) while cruising in 3rd and 4th gears, but while accelerating from a standing start it's more like 50/50 for gears 1 and 2—regardless of the road surface traction conditions.

    Also, in marginal traction conditions, the Subaru system outperforms the Honda unit.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t09ExAUgtyE&feature=related

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Never owned an NB, but I did test drive one. I like them all - it's a tough call.

    I'd get an NC vs. a MazdaSpeed simply because it makes the same level of power without the complexity of the turbo.

    Take a good test drive and make sure you hit a few speed bumps and potholes to make sure the ride is tolerable.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I realize this sounds like a broken record, but give credit where credit is due - SoA is on an absolute roll... :shades:
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    That said, you can see things are settling down in terms of year-over-year sales. I strongly suspect things will be in the far more modest sub-10 range by the time we hit July and August. The growth is great for the company, though. I hope they are investing the extra income wisely! :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
    Yes, because the Outback had been out.

    Still, the growth is only limited by the supply from SIA right now...
  • rthompson9310rthompson9310 Member Posts: 17
    Duplicate post from members forum
    looking at 2006-2008 outbacks to replace a totalled car- a couple of things need words of wisdom on
    Carfax- is lack on maintenance records on carfax meaninful or not? obviously if someone changes oil themselves not going to show up in carfax
    Edmunds TMV vs KBB- KBB seems to be a good bit higher for same car- seems to be what dealers use- how to use TMV- the floor price?
    Looking at 2 vehicles- 06(sold 8/06) OB limited mid 50K miles- clean carfax but no maintenance records on carfax
    other car is 07(sold 11/06) 2.5i premium mid 50K miles- clean car fax- all dealer maint on car fax.
    Also looking at:
    07 premium with 38K miles
    08 limited with 46K miles- manufacturer car for 20k
    and a couple of 06 limited with around 50 K
    Prices ranging from 18900- 08 limited to 17.5(one of 06 limited and "cherry" 07 premium above
    How to judge these if 1K difference in price. does dealer maint give value over limited options

    Thought on these??
    Am I engaging in analysis paralysis.....
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Carfax reports are usually not complete, so I wouldn't look at the absence of information as very meaningful.

    The presence of bad information, though, is very meaningful.

    I sold my Miata with a carfax report and it said nothing about a couple of accidents I'd been in (fully disclosed to the buyer, of course). It didn't have a single entry on maintenance even though the prior owner had done the 30k servicer at a Mazda dealership.

    Take it FWIW, but it's not complete, and certainly not gospel.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    I agree about Carfax. Often times you will see major things show up if they involve insurance claims. Perhaps more importantly, you will see changes of ownership, which could indicate potentially significant events especially if there is a succession of rapid turnovers (often indicates a major problem that is passed from one owner to another "under the radar").

    I actually prefer private party with maintenance records when buying used specifically because dealers seem to be so record-averse.

    There were quite a few "little" changes between the model years in the last run, if that plays any significance for you. For example, VDC became available on the 2.5i Limited models in 2008. I think it was optional but, if you are inclined to go for safety features, that might be a factor. Head rests changed at some point in there as well, though that may have been 2009. The new style, while much larger than before, I find to be much more comfortable and supportive... others don't!

    Warranty-wise, it sounds like several of these are out of their 3/36, but the remaining 5/60 powertrain will vary based on in-service dates and could be a player depending on how many miles you tend to accumulate per year.
    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
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Thanks Juice.

    I couldn't remember if you had an NA or NB.

    I will test drive a few and think about it some more. ;)

    tom
  • rthompson9310rthompson9310 Member Posts: 17
    These cars I'm looking at are all certified BTW- so the 6 year from inception/100K.
    the o8 limited would be covered til 2014(sold may08) or 54K miles
    the o6 limited covered till 2012 or another 46k miles

    So I guess ineed to figure out limited or premium
    looking also at 2 premiums- the one mentioned above and another 07 with 38K miles- both certified

    these are all with $1500 of each other dont think miles are a concern(08 w 46K, 07 limited with 53K with alll dealer maint)?

    RT
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    KBB is asking price, which is why dealers, sellers, banks and taxing authorities like to use it. It's often a higher number.

    Edmunds TMV is based on actual sales.

    Analysis paralysis - I like that. After deferring maintenance forever on my '97 Outback, I have an appointment Wednesday to change out the original timing belt (yeah, I know, but it's only got 78,500 miles on it).

    With my luck, it'll break on the six mile trip to the mechanic next week.

    Not to mention that it's running real peppy right now; as soon as I get it tuned up, the mpg will go down and it'll start idling ragged. :P

    Maybe I should reconsider? :D

    Steve, visiting host
  • rthompson9310rthompson9310 Member Posts: 17
    OK really going over the deep edge here.

    If priced within 1k-1.5K of each other 2010 impreza new versus 07-08 outback premium or limited
    Understand features differences- know there may be some mechanical differences- what are they?

    thanks?
    RT
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    Start with less weight for better braking and longer brake life. Possibly smaller tires for cheaper replacement. Most important is VDC for safety. Built in Japan instead of Lafayette Indiana means body steel and many parts are different sourced; that could be either good or bad or the same. Historically, Japan-made was a more reliable vehicle.
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    edited June 2010
    For everyday driving the seats are fine. But take even one hard turn and you're sliding all over the place!

    This is exactly the point. I am just amazed that Subaru equipped their max performance car (the STI) with such lousy driver seats. These look really cute, with the integrated headrests and all, but are totally worthless for any kind of high performance driving. :mad: And due to the presence of the airbags, replacing these with aftermarket seats are not an option at all (and I personally never change core factory components for aftermarket add-ons - either the car come from the factory with it or it does not !).

    I just saw a new Recaro seat with a side airbag option? Not sure if it was a mistake but it would be interesting.

    Recaros (with side airbags that are fully integrated with the SRS system of the car) were always an option in the JDM STIs and the Spec-Cs. They just never bought that into the USDM products - even as an option. :sick:

    To be quite honest, I absolutely don't think they need to go for a $1500 expensive Recaro option at all even though offering such an option would be a big step forward. There are dozens of high quality and well-bolstered sports-seats in FAR cheaper cars, (including in the Honda Civic SI and the above referenced 02-03 WRX) and thus expensive Recaros are not the only game in town to keep one in place during aggressive maneuvers. The current USDM STI/WRX seats are a disgrace in a high performance car and I am a guy who is at the threshold of buying the new 2011 STI. :blush: Of course I am buying the car despite the seats that come in the STI, and not due to them.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Yep, no need to pay big $$$ for a designer label like Recaro. There are many in-house-designed sport seats that work very well by other carmakers. I'm sure Subaru has the capability of doing likewise, assuming they want to.

    Bob
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Maybe you just need to make your body-type more stereotypical American. I am betting that's why the seats got more spacious.
    I remember there was a letter writing campaign lobbying for the Recaro option.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Someone feed more pasta to aaykay. :D
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Umm, I think if you weigh more you need even MORE bolstering!!!! :)

    The Recaro's I was mentioning were aftermarket with side airbags, not the OEM Recaros that Subaru puts in the STi EVERYWHERE ELSE. Sorry, just a little frustration there.

    I do love my car. I test drove a few used miatas- they are incredibly cramped and the chasis was quite 'loose' compared to my STi or even my son's civic.

    I'm rethinking this miata idea some more. . .

    tom
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Comfort is not a Miata priority. The seats on the 06-08 models are terrible - flat and hard. My 93 had better seats, especially in terms of comfort.

    The 09 seats improved somewhat. The door panels also improved - the bottle holder no longer protrudes and hits your knee.

    And yes there is more than expected body roll on the Miata, in fact I just commented that the BMW 550i GT actually has less body roll in the Subaru Crew Cafe thread.

    If it were me tuning the suspension, I'd make the springs stiffer but the tires/sidewall more compliant.

    You know which car had great seats for me? My 98 Forester. Excellent side support, totally unexpected in its class. They seemed a bit firm but that paid dividends after a long time behind the wheel.
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    Someone feed more pasta to aaykay

    Ha, that was funny ! Actually I have barely gained around 2 lbs or so in over a decade, which is not too bad for a guy who is brushing 40. And I don't starve either. :shades:
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    They seemed a bit firm but that paid dividends after a long time behind the wheel.

    Good point. I always find firmer seats to work well during longer trips, with less strain on the back.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    I gotta warn you, as someone who was rock stable for years - when you get to your late 40's it all changes! Eyes, weight, joints, hair loss... It's like falling off a cliff.

    I bike in the afternoon, do a 20 minute workout in the morning. Parked my lawn tractor and went back to a walk-behind mower - all in a effort to slow the death spiral.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yep, my Sienna's seats are the opposite.

    Comfy as your favorite couch for the first hour or so.

    On long drives you start feeling fatigue.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That post had me ROTFL.

    I just got a new mower also, and thought about a self-propelled, but then decided to stick with a basic push mower, since it's the best exercise I get! :D
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    edited June 2010
    I gotta warn you, as someone who was rock stable for years - when you get to your late 40's it all changes! Eyes, weight, joints, hair loss... It's like falling off a cliff.


    Yup, I know it is coming ! :sick: Just enjoying my time in the sun while the good times last.

    Last month, when I went to get my license renewed, the lady who tested my eyesight, asked if I was wearing contacts. I said no. She looked quizzically at the form I filled out, which had my date of birth - clearly she expected a 40 year old to be wearing contacts. :blush:
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    edited June 2010
    I was thinking exactly the same. I couldn't keep weight on in my 20-30's without sticking to a strict gym schedule. 40 came along and whammo, although I do blame my kids and reduced time for my exercise in part. I got lazy after my glorious victory and let the weight climb back into the 180's but my wife rechallenged me as an incentive before summer vacation and I'm hovering between 176-178 again, but there's still work to be done. Riding should really help this year. I lost last season to a broken tail-bone right about this time.
    On topic, my WRX seats fit better when I'm in a winter coat.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Subaru should include a winter coat with each WRX purchase. Problem solved. ;)
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    edited June 2010
    After a long absence from here (some of you have run into me, figuratively of course, on Facebook), I'm trying to catch up...definitely an impossibility. I've been traveling a bit during May...Disney, and then Virginia and London for weddings, and am now on vacation, having finally shed my 128 6th grade budding criminals.

    First, I just read on this page, comments about the lousy seats in the STI (again) and someone mentioned a campaign to get Recaros here. I was the one that started the petition to Subaru...that was successful (not). It might be still out there somewhere gathering dust and a signature or two.

    I have a question...yeah, I know, you guys were wondering, why is he rambling on...when is he going to ask something? The question is what GPS unit would you recommend for occasional use. I'm driving up to Washington DC for an educators conference at the Holocaust Museum at the end of the month..the 26th through the 29th...anyone for dinner..juice, Bob, Lucien, anyone else n the neighborhood?. I know I don't need one to get there..Take 95 North and drive! Stop when you get there! I know they sell of lot of Garmins and Tom Toms; I'm leaning towards Garmin, but what model? There seems to be so many different ones. Any help, intended or otherwise, is appreciated.
    Serge
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    From one absentee Edmunds guy to another....

    Garmin makes a great GPS. That's what I use.

    -mike
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    The solution in my case is a little bit of martial arts (started during my early teens) and a little bit of yoga and even while traveling, all I need is a 5 square foot area to indulge in some very intensive workout. I have never entered the walls of a gym or lifted weights - ever !

    Still have retained the flexibility and speed from my younger days and hopefully can keep at it for a bit longer. :shades:
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    Agree. I use Garmin too. I believe the model I use is an 855 which costed me around $200 or so.
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    I know that juice has been using a Garmin for a while and use to talk about it...which models are good? What to look for in terms of ease of updates, map images, etc...my previous GPS unit was my ex-wife
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'd go Garmin. Juice and I both have 1490T models. It has a big 5" screen, Bluetooth, and traffic. It's the only Garmin that has all those features with that big screen.

    As to dinner, might be able to work that out—but I'm trying to loose some recently packed on pounds :(

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited June 2010
    How's this grab you? Spy photographer Brenda Priddy was interested.

    Brenda Priddy & Company - Automotive Spy Photography ... And it would have made such a cool spy vehicle, but the bidding is going too high for me. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260617858067&viewi- - tem&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D1&category=6443#ht_1082wt_1167

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Dennis (bluesubie) showed me his Garmin Streetpilot nearly a decade ago and being a gadget lover I was hooked almost immediately.

    I bought a StreetPilot c320, then a c340, then a Nuvi 200w, then a 260w, then a 265wt, and now a 1490T. In between I was a tester for Dash, but they went under (good idea, terrible execution).

    I've sold the 3 oldest ones listed, but I still have the 265wt in the Miata and the 1490T in the minivan, while my wife uses the 260w.

    First thing is to decide what features you want. You can get basic navigaiton for $100 or so, with a 3.5" screen.

    If you want to add bluetooth, to link up to your phone, that's a bit more.

    Then there are bigger 4.3" screens, usually with a "w" in the model name to indicate widescreen. Last I looked Costco has the 265wt for $169, and that even includes free traffic updates, plus bluetooth.

    The 1400 series is even bigger - 5". They are about $300 new, but I got one refurbished for $229. I should have gotten the bundle that included map updates, that would have been $315 but it would include map updates for the life of the unit.

    What's your budget? What features are you seeking? Are you a fan of gadgets, or do you prefer simple no-nonsense stuff?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Dunno, that sure as heck would get my attention.

    Check out the miles on that...
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Agree with the Garmin. I have had 2 for autos, one for my bike, and one for hiking. They work very well.

    Definitely makes a $2000 OE gps seem like a bad investment!

    tom
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    My work won't let me look at it- what is it?
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    '64 FJ45 Land Cruiser pickup.
    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
  • aaykayaaykay Member Posts: 539
    edited June 2010
    Definitely makes a $2000 OE gps seem like a bad investment!


    Having had several OE GPS systems (Honda/Acura/Lexus), and a couple of Garmin units (one got stolen, which got replaced with my current 855) I believe that the performance of the OE units are FAR better than the portables overall. Plus one does not have additional wires and equipment lying around to be stolen.

    However, the price difference between the OE and the portables is just so horrendously lop-sided ($2000 vs $200 :surprise: ) that I no longer look for a car with a built-in GPS. Even if it were in the $500-600 range, I would have no hesitation in springing for an OEM unit. The convenience in being able to move around with the portable units is a big plus for me, since I travel quite a bit as part of my work and always carry my Garmin along.....of course I cannot carry my OE unit along, however well it performs !
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I dunno, maps on OE units are usually grossly outdated, years behind the quarterly updates offered by Garmin for portables.

    I just drove a brand new 5 series sedan, the one that just came out, and it did not have VOB BMW in Rockville. I can forgive that it did not have the new location (~1 year old), but it didn't have the previous location either.

    An Audi S4 did not have Miller Subaru. My theory is that one was intentionally removed, as Audi sees Subaru as a threat, LOL.

    The 2009 Forester I test drove did not have 2 Exxon stations right next to the dealership in its Navi.

    Few, if any, offer true text-to-speech. BMW's could only read numbered streets, not names.

    Few, if any, allow custom POI databases to be uploaded (e. g. speed cams).

    BMW's text was hard to read even with a huge widescreen. Don't know why they use a black font, FWIW Mercedes' street names were much easier to read at a glance.

    Entry is tough without a touchscreen. I guess I would try the voice commands, but scrolling through A-Z just to enter one single character took forever.

    Perhaps there's a learning curve, but given Subaru charges $230 for a single update, and I paid less than that for my entire device!

    Here's my tip: get a vent mount, then tuck in the wires neatly and put a black or navy hat over it when you park.
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