Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Last week was partly sunny, but a bit below normal temps. This week nothing but a cold rain, and more rain. Did I mention the rain? And for a few more days to come....
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited May 2011
    David graduated on Monday, so he's now a full-fledged optometrist. He graduated with "high honors," which means out of the 120 or so graduates, he was in the top 20 or so.

    He's going to take some time off, maybe take a trip out west. He will be starting a new job with a large optometric practice in the outer DC 'burbs in July. They have 10 locations, and he'll split his time between two of them.

    Both kids are now "launched," and it feels oh so good. :)

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I should go over to see him and be his first patient. Does he take Aetna? LOL

    Congrats!
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    my girls are between the ages of 28 and 34 and I have 2 of the 3 'launched' ... still trying to get the 2 stepsons there ...

    we can DREAM!
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    Hey juice, you should go over because you CAN'T see him!!!
    image
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Couldn't read that, can you use BIG FONTS? LOL
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    This afternoon I went to a plumbing supply searching for parts for a faucet for the bathroom remodel (don't even ask), and when I was leaving a guy asked me how I liked my Subaru. Turns out he had just bought a new Outback and they are loving it ..... the car he was driving today?

    A Porsche Boxster ....
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    one of these days I'll have to set up an online account to share a few pics of the bathroom remodel .. it's a pretty amazing transformation from before to (almost) after ...

    We have a 1-man construction crew working on it, and he doesn't work 'long' days ... he started the 2nd week of March, and we are seeing the 'end in sight' ...

    He is finishing up the 'custom fitted shelving' for the closet alcove, the mirrors are here and will be put up next week, the 'mounting board' is on the wall and waiting for the row of hooks for towels and clothes (6' worth!), and the (correct) faucets will be here next week .... what is already done, we are already ENJOYING!!

    School is out ... and I'm 'inspired' to do some other jobs around the house to fix things up a bit. I'm hoping to strip some wallpaper along a very long wall in the family room, breakfast room, and throughout the kitchen and paint. I'd also like to paint the kitchen cabinets, but we'll see if I get THAT ambitious! If anyone has any helpful tips on painting cabinets, I'd love to hear them.

    The 2001 Outback has developed a 'slight' oil leak in the last few months, and it also 'overheated' a bit the other day (during one of the VERY hot days we had in the high 90's). I was about a mile from home, and flipped on the heater full blast and it came down quickly. I'm taking it to the garage on Monday to have it 'examined' .... hope I can afford it now that I've spent 'all my money' on a bathroom!
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    It's hard to let well enough alone, isn't it Brenda?! We are slowly moving forward on our place, but by the time it is actually finished, we'll surely be ready to "remodel" the rooms we have finished already! *sigh* It never ends....

    Hopefully the car gets a clean bill of health. Maybe it is just time to flush the cooling system?
    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
    in this case ... if I ever get a 'before' picture up ... you'll see that the bathroom wasn't 'well enough' prior to remodel! The rest of the house is really not that bad, but does need some 'sprucing up' ....
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    You'd hope... if not, it's just yet another late-90s early 2000s Subaru with headgasket issues.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I mostly do it myself, and it takes me just as long. Had to do 4 coats of paint in the bathroom. Another two hours of rehanging towel racks and it'll be just about done.

    Guess I should stick some cardboard under my Outback. Hasn't moved in over two months now but it's never leaked more than a drop or two before.
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    I know ... that's what concerns me ... although I've gotten to about 130,000 miles with no huge issues ....
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    edited June 2011
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/lady_indy_go/sets/72157626952258938

    1st pic show bath when we bought the house

    next pics show how it looked for about the last 4 years. All started with a leaky toilet and a $4 wax ring replacement. Tub was impossible to clean and really did look like this for a long time even after it was cleaned! Subfloor was a nice 'natural' touch!

    new bath also has new ducting for the vent fan, fan replaced with fan/light, 2 outlets to 8 outlets, ceiling light wired in front of closet, toilet moved over about 4-6 in. closer to sink to make room for larger shower (36x60) with cast iron shower receptacle, window added to bathroom (1st placement didn't work because that's where all electrical went to 2nd floor!). Still to come, the 'hook wall', finishing the 'custom closet insert', and mirrors are being installed as I type! If you look closely at shower, you may see the 'shelf' that runs the length of the long wall. It is "ceramic crown molding" that I found online.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    No, I wasn't referring to the bathroom remodel (which looks great, by the way!) - I was referring to the desire to refresh other parts of the house now that the bathroom is wrapping up! :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
    OK, guys, you have to give me your opinion on 'price' for the repairs. Seems my car has fallen 'victim' to the disastrous 'head gasket'. (At least it waited 11 years and 130,000 miles to do it ....) The price from the garage to do the repairs, and also replace the timing belt and water pump at the same time is just under $2500. Is that fair???
  • amsbearamsbear Member Posts: 147
    I recall that it cost me in the area of $1,900 for the HG work on my 98 OBW about 7 years ago (~118,000 miles). This was done at my local Subaru dealership.

    Just dug up my records.... Work performed was Replace HG, Reseal Oil Pump, replace Timing Belt and Engine Belts. ~1500 labor & ~400 parts.

    Alan
    09 Outback
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    tell me something that doesn't cost more these days than it did 7 years ago! ... thanks for digging it up ....
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    My 99 got its HG's replaced in December 2005 (before I owned it). 124K miles. $1900 then, included water pump and timing belt. Dealer service.
    $600 increase over 6 years? doesn't seem TOO far out of line.

    My center diff is getting worse - been nursing it along for awhile, but as the weather warms, the symptoms get worse. Might be time to bite the bullet.
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    When were you planning to replace the vehicle? You might consider it now, or otherwise you're going to want to ride out this costly repair for a while... and IMHO once you've had the headgasket issue, it's when not if the problem resurfaces.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    It's a bummer, that's for sure, but probably about market price for the job. At least the shop was up front about the "other stuff" that should be done at the same time rather than skipping it or making you ask.

    If I were a mile or two closer, I'd be happy to take 'er off your hands for a week or so and set it right. *sigh* Why is it that you are all so far away? :cry:

    ;)
    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
    maybe it's "you" who is so far away! ...

    At any rate, we just can't buy another car at this point. I think we'll just get it fixed and"gamble" that I get enough years out of it to make it worthwhile.

    And - although the timing belt has had one replacement, the water pump is the original to the car! The mechanic and I had discussed replacing it when the timing belt was done (and it was a long discussion with quite a few ins and outs at the time, my final decision, and I've always been sort of sorry we didn't do it at that time).
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    I think that's reasonable to repair-and-see, given that this is only your first HG failure. I would definitely do the water pump at the same time, as well as replace the timing belt if necessary and any accessory belts that are worn.

    However, I'd get a second opinion. $2500 is way too much. Different dealership if you have one available, or call some independent shops.
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    This IS an independent shop, and they have always come in under whatever the dealer estimated (in the past). There's only one dealer anywhere near us. This mechanic has 'diagnosed' problems in the past, but has also told me if there was even a 'hint' that it might be covered by recall,etc ....
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    edited June 2011
    I think we'll just get it fixed and"gamble" that I get enough years out of it to make it worthwhile.

    Assuming other components are still in good condition, even another year out of it with no issues will save you considerable money over a new car. The time to replace a used car is when it becomes reliably unreliable. ;)

    As far your assertion regarding location, well, that's just preposterous! :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
    even another year out of it with no issues will save you considerable money over a new car

    Yup, a new car payment is, what, $400? Nearly $5k the first year excluding the down payment.

    Even if you only milk another year or two out of it, it would be well worth fixing.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Ahh but then you have a new car and don't have to worry about it starting in the morning or stranding you anywhere in the middle of a snowstorm. And new cars are getting better fuel economy, and of course they have that smell!!!! :D

    tom
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    edited June 2011
    but then you have a new car and don't have to worry about it starting in the morning or stranding you anywhere in the middle of a snowstorm.

    That's what I mean by "reliably unreliable;" peace of mind counts for a lot! Really, though, every car has the potential to strand you in a snowstorm or not start in the morning. Each owner has to make their own determination about when that probability results in a loss of confidence. For some people, it's one time. :sick:

    Every once in a while, my old Escort pitches fits. It has done a no-start a couple times (alternator issues), and the timing belt broke once. For me, though, that wasn't enough to condemn it. Those are just maintenance items, and every car needs maintenance (as well as R&R)!

    My Dodge Caravan, on the other hand, had some sort of elusive electrical gremlin that caused a no-start situation at random times and for random lengths of time, so that caused my wife to loose confidence in it (enter the Forester) and, after a couple more weeks of that with no remedy working, me as well. I was a little sad to move on with it in such nice condition otherwise, but at some point you have to decide that it is enough.
    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
    yep, I agree with you all ... and it's often hard to make the determination of when to just call it quits with a car ...

    about 8-9 years ago, my youngest daughter was driving my 93 olds and the transmission gave up ... it was a very tough decision to have that one fixed, but we decided that if she got at least another 2 years out of the car, it would be worth it ... she drove the car for another 5 years, and then bought her 1st new car on her own. The Olds has stayed with us since, and been driven by any of us in the 'extended' local family when a car was being repaired. My husband drove it for about 18 mo while deciding whether to sink the $$ into having his car repaired last year ... it has over 260,000 miles and could use a few things (like working AC and heat!) but it still gets from point A to point B in a pinch. He drives about 13 miles one way to work (all in town). I drive between schools for my job, so it's a bit more critical for me to have a car that starts EVERY time (hence the expense of the new started around Christmas of last year!).

    Who doesn't like the new car smell? all the new gadgets and updates and creature comforts? But who likes a car payment??!!!

    (As I get older, I find that there are 'other' things besides a 'new' car that are important to me ...)
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Can't you get that new smell in a can now? Of course it's mostly off-gassing hydrocarbons, most of which are proven carcinogens, so avoiding a new car is in fact theoretically more healthy.
    I sure hope we can keep the 04 Yukon XL running for a long time. It is subjected to quite the abuse with cold starts, short trips and towing, plus plenty of dirt road and jeep track miles where it is driven at speed. As with many GM's it keeps having various electric or electronic type things go on it, but the engine and tranny are still perfect, and there is nothing out there which could replace it for us. The potential "almost as good" replacements would be in the $60k and up range new. That's a lot of repairs.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited June 2011
    I was gonna say, a lot of that out-gassing is formaldehyde too. May as well put some Chinese drywall in that new bathroom too. :)

    Definitely gonna drive the Outback this week and put some fresh gas in. Been a couple of months. :blush:
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Cost me roughly 2500 too, but that also included a clutch since everything was out. Drove it for 2 more years until this winter when the center diff started to get noisy, wheel bearings too, and the rust really advanced. The Volvo presented itself, so that was the push I needed. But I'd say I got my 2500 out of it. (Brenda, it was 130k too when it went. Drove it to 150k)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I predict Brenda would, also.

    At that age the yearly depreciation is basically down to nearly nothing.
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    True, but again I say this is a matter of when not if. Clearly the clock is ticking on her Outback in general. Here's an idea for Brenda, since she wasn't planning to buy another vehicle right now.

    - Figure out what you would have spent, and how much per month this would cost you. Whether it's $300, $500 or more, keep that number handy.

    - Fix your Outback and whatever that total is, subtract your would-be monthly payment each month until the repair is 'paid off'. (This should be like 3-6 months.)

    - After it is paid off, start putting the money for your car payment aside in a separate savings account and don't touch it. If something breaks on your Outback again, now you have cash on hand to pay for it... or to put towards a new vehicle.

    - Keep saving. Saving is hard, but so are car payments! By the time your Outback breaks down again or you get tired of it, you should have a nice downpayment for your next car-- new or used.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I realize the HG failure is common, but you kept telling me the same thing, and in 9 years I never had the problem on my '98.

    My dad's '02 Outback is neglected (he lives in another country) but still no HG issues. Brother's 04 was totaled in a wreck. Sister still has her 03.

    We've been lucky, I guess. I wonder what % were actually affected? Subaru would never reveal that....
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    I think a majority of frequent contributors here with cars in the affected range had problems. You're kind of the only one who hasn't. :)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited June 2011
    Me neither (yet) on my '97 Outback Limited with ~85k miles.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    Well, if you'd actually drive it.... :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
    edited June 2011
    Yeah, it always "sounds" good to try to do that ... however, you figure in that I basically "reset" financially at age 45 after a nasty divorce, then took out loans a year later to put the youngest through college. (Dad sent her $35 a week - period.) I'm still paying on that, plus we have had my daughter and 2 grandsons (15 and 11) living with us the past 4 years after her divorce (a nastier story than mine) while she has gone back to college, and my stepson has just finished his 4th year in college. During the last few years, I have been back to school to maintain my teaching license, my husband spent several months "laid off", and we saved for the last 5 years or so to get the bathroom redone. While we had someone else do the work, I still think we got a "bargain" since he charged us $25 and materials (and I had already bought a lot of materials on sale over the last year and a half or so).

    Yeah, I'd like to "save" toward another vehicle in the future, but unfortunately, life intervenes .... and we're some of the "smarter" ones that bought a house we could "afford" 9 years ago rather than what the bank told us we could buy. Bank said we could buy at least $250,000 (after a 10 min conversation), and if we needed more, let them know and we'd probably be accommodated. We bought a house for about 1/2 that because we knew there would be more than "house" that we needed to buy ... still difficult just to keep the head above water when children still need help ... (I have 3 daughters and he has 2 sons.)

    Sorry ... but that's the reality of it ... it doesn't always work out the way we 'plan' ....

    Lest anyone think we are "destitute", there IS still some $$ left after the remodel ... but it would have been nice if the repairs on the car had waited just another 6 months or so ....
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    My center diff is overdue as well. Clutch feels fine, and this thing runs so well... hate like the dickens to part with it quite yet...
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    didn't mean to bring the discussion to a complete standstill ... may have 'hit a nerve' ....
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    Yeah, you forced us to be serious for a moment! The nerve of some people.... :P

    I hear you, though, Brenda. Life certainly does intervene. The way I see it, you have your priorities right where they should be. ;)
    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
    edited June 2011
    Are you saying I'm part of Subaru's promotional machine, a Bot who blogs for them, if so wouldn't that Bot crash and go down once in a while and suddenly stop writing things abou
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Most of us here need no promotional urgings. My NSP membership entitles me to special pricing anytime - all I have to do is pull the proverbial trigger. Pretty much know the 'what' I want, it's just a question of 'when'.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Plus I would never sell out for a free, say, WRX.

    OTOH if it were an STI.... :D
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, sorry to brag, but I can't resist - my lil' girl got all As, including the highest score in Science for her entire grade (~200 kids).

    That was my favorite subject, too, so looks like she takes after her daddy. :)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,729
    Hahahaha; brilliant, AJ!
    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: 17,729
    Way to go!
    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
    edited June 2011
    Problem now is, all year long I kept telling her to study, that she could have fun during the summer if she got good grades.

    GULP. Time for me to pay up! :surprise:

    Edit: note from her teacher:

    She scored the highest out of all of my three classes! I am sooo proud of her. She listens well and follows directions. I am teaching 7th and 8th grade next year, hopefully I will have the pleasure of having her in my class.

    Hmm, 3 classes, must be closer to 75 students. Can't blame me for getting a little carried away. ;)
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    .. good for her, and good for you for being proud of it! (You'd be absolutely amazed at some of the things parents will 'brag' about that their kids can 'do' and do nothing to promote the child's education and preparation for the future!)

    So important to have students who master math/sciences (and great to have more girls do it)!
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