Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

17576788081692

Comments

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    and there's no pressure to buy one. I say go and enjoy yourself.

    Bob
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Daniel- Don't hold back, tell us what you really think :-)
    Actually, all Jeeps aren't lemons and they can certainly go places Subaru owners wouldn't dare. Of course the vast majority of Jeep owners never make use of their off-road capabilities but then neither does any other SUV owner segment.

    -Frank P.
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Come on, Daniel, I'm not going to give up my Forester for anything Jeep makes!

    Frank is right though - Jeeps' suspensions are set up to handle more strenuous off-road conditions than our Subarus' are.

    Ed
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Back from our latest camping adventure... 100+ degrees all week, so we played in the water a lot... didn't run out of food or clean underwear, so I label the trip a success!

    Obligatory on topic comment: towed the OB along, fine as usual- except for all the bugs we killed going to the fireworks show at Grand Coulee Dam, and the seagull bombers were relentless! Got the bugs & bird poop washed off, waxed it this afternoon (Zymol - good stuff!), so we're ready to go again... soon as the laundry's done (if ever!)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    glad to hear that your camping was a success. I'm heading off in the morning to see if I can get Rufus into real trouble this time. :~) If I'm not back by Thursday send the search & rescue team.

    Ross
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Stay away from the North Cascades... too much fire! We weren't "camping" if your definition of same is way out in the woods - we were at a big state park campground... hookups & lawn, etc. About as close to "camping" as I want to get at this point, with the kiddos so small. Someday I hope to "rough it" a bit more.

    Send up a flare - we'll meet at the chat & dispatch a search & rescue team from there!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Saw my first Buick Rendezvous yesterday. In comparison to the Aztek, it's better looking, but only marginally. The back end is certainly an improvement but the grill makes the front look absolutely goofy. From the side they're about the same (large slab sides with under-sized tires). However, both appear absolutely cavernous inside. Regardless of how they're being marketed, the overall size and shape still reminds me of a mini-van.

    So what does this have to do with Subarus? Hmmm... well, it made me appreciate my Forester a little bit more.

    -Frank P.
  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Welcome back, Paul.

    Thanks for the article, Ash. When did GM increase FHI ownership from 20% to 21%?

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They're sneaking up on us! ;-)

    My wife's idea of "roughing it" means staying at a Holiday Inn instead of a Hilton.

    Loosh: if you get an expense account, don't forget to take some of us on that back nine with you!

    Jeep 101 sounds like fun, actually. The Outback Rendezvous is right here in town, though, so I will check that out.

    Sorry I missed last week's chat, had some family duties to attend to. I'll be checking out the transcript soon.

    -juice
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=3892


    Scroll down to the bottom half of the page for the individual brand name scores. Looks like Subaru still has some work to do. I bet if more people visited Town Hall and received the kind of personalised treatment that they have from Patti though, the scores would be much higher!

    I was rather surprised to see the huge drop in CSI scores from 2000 to 2001 for Audi (-37). Daewoo was the biggest loser by far though, losing a whopping 84 points, dropping them from 5th position in the industry last year, to 33rd (out of 36 brand names).


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The fall of Daewoo is easy to understand - they dropped the free service. Now that owners have to pay for the many things that fail, they don't like 'em as much.

    I find it hard to believe BMW is on top, though. I guess they're measuring customer satisfaction, not quality. Free service, right? Plus those lattes while they wait.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Hey gang,

    Got back from a weekend trip to Yosemite with my wife and eight other friends of ours. We rented our usual place just outside of the park and spent lots of time just kicking back.

    The weather was excellent -- cool and breezy with nary a cloud. On Saturday, we hiked up to Sentinel Dome right near Glacier Point for an amazing panaoramic view of Yosemite Valley. I highly recommend this easy hike to anyone who goes to the park. The rest of the day we spent down by the Merced River in the valley.

    Of course, I took my trusty Forester with me on the trip. I got to enjoy my short-throw Kartboy shifter along the twisties. The 3-4 shifts are now a lot more confidence inspiring with a definite click-click engagement.

    With my wife, a friend and lots of cargo, I still managed to get an all time high 29 mpg! My milage included driving into and around Yosemite as well as coming down. I wonder if the synthetic oil I'm using now helped a bit. ;-)

    Ken
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It's Official! The XT6 moves to H-stock next year. I'm totally estatic. Now both my Mazda and the XT6 will be running in H-stock. I don't know which one I want to run though. :)

    -mike
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    I found out it may take me a bit to get the numbers, but I am working on it.

    Thanks!

    Patti
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ken: sounds like fun. I spent a week in the Bay area last year, but didn't get to Yosemite. Next time, for sure.

    I hit 30.4mpg as my record, but we're not even close to Frank's best. I think all roads in Atlanta are down hill!

    paisan: sweet - I remember you said you actually sought out an H-stock to autocross with. What are you quicker in? I bet the XT6. I can't imagine anything would actually go faster than the Mach 2.5 we achieved in central PA.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The MX6 is *still* sitting on the driveway. Haven't had a chance to get the timing belt done, and no $ for insurance on it. It's gonna be a toss up. The MX6 is much lighter, and only needs to put power to 2 wheels and is a stick. So this will yield slightly better off the line acceleration compared to the XT6. On the flip side, I bet the XT6 will handle better due to a more balanced weight and power distribution. This winter I shall have to test and see. As usual, the XT6 is a pain in the butt to do anything on. It finally need brake pads, and I want to get EBC Green Stuff for it, and they don't know which pads go on it. So I have to take the pads off, and trace them, so that EBC can find a compatible pad. Nothing is easy with that car!

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    What did those have? 125hp, IIRC? I guess a well driven 5 speed could have the edge, but the XT6 would yield more consistent times, and wouldn't require a learning curve.

    I say try both. Or have a buddy drive one as a reference, and see which is quicker (or more fun, at least).

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The cool thing in SCCA is that you can drive any car for points so long as it is in the same class as you are registered for. So I can switch off and on depending on conditions. The #s look like this:

    XT6/MX6
    weight: 2900/2600
    hp: 145/110
    torque: 156/130
    trans: AT/MT
    drive: AWD/FWD
    Tires: Same Size

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    So the XT6 has a better power/weight ratio, with only 20 pounds per horse, vs. a burden of 23.6 pounds per horse on the Mazda.

    But the extra ratio and less drivetrain loss would even it out. I bet it'll be about even on a dry day, no contest if it's wet.

    That's great that they're in the same class. You can take your pick.

    -juice
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    That is unless that's the name of a joint Subaru-Buick product (I'm sure I made that joke before but couldn't resist again).

    I'd consider trading my Jeep 101 reg for that, except that I recenly had a week-long Outback rendezvous of my own in rural South Carolina.

    Ed
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    have trouble getting to edmunds.com since yesterday?

    -Brian
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Logged on more than once yesterday without a problem... and now as well.

    Blame the weather :)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I was in here around 3pm CDT, but couldn't get in after 6pm. Finally was able to after 10am CDT today.

    Couldn't ping or tracert to edmunds.com. Perhaps my ISP's DNS's were on the blink.

    -Brian
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    So, my wife went back to work this week. That also meant that she gets her car back. She's been driving the Outback for the past 8 weeks. And I'm at home this week playing Mr. Mom while our sitter is on vacation (holiday for those north of here).

    She hates her Saturn now. The rear facing infant seats hardly fit in the back seat - not to mention the middle position is just plain useless for any seat, rear facing or forward facing. Aside from that, it feels 'cheap' to her now since driving the Outback.

    One thing I noticed coming back to the Outback was the stereo (besides the obvious ride and handling). The sound was 200x better in the Outback. Even the stock speakers sound more bassey (sp?) than the Saturns stock system. If it sounds this good stock, it can only sound that much better with upgraded speakers.

    The downside from all of this is that the B4 or 'hot' Legacy won't come soon enough. We may end up shopping for something to replace her 'plain' Saturn sooner than we thought (like this year instead of maybe next year or the year after). Of course it'll be another Sube! Guess I could 'settle' on a GT sedan (WRX probably wouldn't be roomy enough for the car seats and all).

    -Brian
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    Paul, I didn't have to worry about the fire risk on my little camp. After 16 days of nothing but heat and sun, the Kamloops area turned wet and cool for my trek. The weather was so bad even the fish stayed home. There was no hatch, the loons and osprey quit fishing so I did too. BTW, Subaru has made me soft (or is it old age). I now have an air mattress (oh the shame) in my tent and I use an electric pump to inflate it and my belly boat. I even prefer camp sights with a table and perhaps an outhouse these days. I barely consider it camping with such luxuries, but ...


        Patti, I took your suggestion and went for the more challenging roads. To quote my fishing directory, "The only problem is access. Where it was once accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles, it is now a very rough trip in four-wheel-drive by any of the three routes. *Drivers with improper vehicles and poor skills have ruined the roads.* Only a short-wheel-base truck is advisable. ... rough road with numerous mud holes ... one terrible mud hole that could require winching ... the (other) routes are even worse." I took one of the "other" routes. It has brutal to say the least. The only other vehicles in the area were all major trucks and one Jimmy. I now understand the state of the roads. One loud and obnoxious family left in their monster truck and upon reaching one of the deeper/rougher mud holes proceeded to dig its way through, using its great clearance, aggressive tires and massive power to throw mud 15-20 meters. I had previously inspected that spot and it was vastly "improved" as a result. &*^%$##@^&. Rufus did make it through despite their best efforts.


       I had thought that road clearance was the limiting factor for the Foresters off road capacity but it is actually the approach angle. Some pics: http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292470983&idx=0 I didn't get some of the more spectacular "crossings", I really didn't want to stop for some reason. You may note the wad of mud stuck in the fog lamp housing. That was not splash, it was carved out of the hole. Rufus is slowly improving the approach angle - he removed a bit from the left tow ring and a bit from the under bumper. There was never any doubt about traction. The only thing that worries me now is that I'm getting over confident. I do carry a little camping shovel, but ... Later.


    Ross

  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Brian - Do a search on the i-club. There have been quite a few posts in the past about infant seats and the RS, but I'm not sure about the WRX. Another good idea is to take it along when you're shopping.

    Dennis
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Excuses, excuses. C'mon D/C, get it right - you had a generous three attempts. 3 strikes and you're out.

    Way to hand in there, Rufus! Photo #12 was my favorite.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Loosh,

    Don't loose sight of the fact that the IIHS has a vested interested in rating cars tough. One, if they actually do succeed in getting mfgs to beef up their cars they could reduce personal injury claims. maybe. somewhat. ;)

    That's giving them the benefit of the doubt. Being a bit more critical, it's obvious that being tough on crash tests allows them to rate more vehicles "below acceptable" or whatever and thus justify higher insurance premiums for them.

    -Colin
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    http://www.hwysafety.org/news_releases/2001/pr071701.htm


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I dunno, they are under intense scrutiny, given all the publicity around crash tests, and they report their findings in detail, with photos and even video footage. Doesn't seem like much room for fiddling.

    -juice
  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
    paisan, I have a MX6 V6 for about 7 years now, and it's a great car; can really take corners well

    considering the way I've driven it, I would have expected more problems with it; but I've had none other than the usual brakes, muffler, etc.

    I've got 140,000 miles on it, original clutch

    compared to the 2000 outback I had, which had 3 or 4 major problems (like the car stranding me), the mazda has been awesome

    anyway .. I still have my mazda sitting in the garage when I get back from the UK. The outback is gone...
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Is just an '88 2.2l 4-banger, but it feels good so far (in and out of the driveway and around the block every week)

    -mike
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    How's London and the BBC? Time for you to give us an update, my friend!

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Those MX6s are one generation apart. The early ones offered a turbo option, later the V6s arrived.

    The wife has a 626 with the same engine in Ash's car, and it's been decent, but not as good as our Forester. Decent quality, nice engine, but nose heavy and understeers like a wet dog on a marble floor.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    re: ateixeira Jul 17, 2001 12:21pm

    But crashes occur in myriad ways in the real world. One could certainly build crash tests are are tougher or easier, depending on angle of impact, size of impact area, attitude of vehicle before impact (braking brings the nose down), etc.

    I'm just saying the fundamental relationship between IIHS and insurance companies cannot be overlooked... insurance companies want to make money, not safety.

    -Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, but isn't it a little paranoid to think they want to increase injury payouts on purpose?

    Even if you want to pursue the conspiracy theory route, allowing more damage to the cars, while protecting the occupants, would increase their profits without harming people.

    I agree it's just one type of collision, but it's currently the toughest in the auto industry.

    D/C fell on their face - their demand for a retest actually lowered their score.

    -juice
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    The problem D/C had was similar to what the Trooper had, a minor fuel leak. They said they had to turn the vehicle over to even find the leak. Check Brock Yates column on C and D online for his take on the safety issue.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I went to find one of my more recent posts in my profile (because I couldn't remember where I posted it, and I wanted to correct it), and it listed posts of mine from back in 1998!

    OK, I know I'm getting old, but Edmunds, please don't play these games with me. Don't trick me into thinking I have Alzheimer's just yet...

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    tincup: you don't have to be able to see it for it to be a fire hazard. Designers should build in a little "give" so this doesn't happen even in violent collisions.

    -juice
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    But it only happened one time, on a very extreme test. Isuzu had a similar problem on the Trooper tested, and there was no recall on them. If you base every recall on one time-one test issues without any real world examples to back them up, all automakers would be doing recalls every day. Real world experience is worth more than lab tests, no matter how objective they are.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    True, but why wait until someone's kid get killed to find that out? IMHO there wasn't enough "give" in the fuel tank, so it failed.

    Yes, it was a lab test. Thank God for that.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The Trooper was immediately recalled, 2x actually.

    They put in new fuel lines, and heavy steel protective plates. This was due to re-routing of the fuel lines in 2000 for the new transmission that the trooper got. It's actually an upgraded tranny with grade-logic (drops a gear on downgrades from 4->3 for engine braking if you let off the gas)

    -mike
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    will never exist. No matter what you drive, everytime you venture out on the highway, you put yourself and your family at risk. While every precaution should and can be taken, every crash is different and no manufacturer can build a car or truck that can withstand every situation. You can have different failures in similar crashes, a single crash test is not a scientific or even accurate way to judge thousands of vehicles. IIHS is not an independent test agency, they are directly funded by the insurance industry. I wonder why the media doesn't also show results from NHTSA testing in their "investigative" reports, or report on real world statistics? IIHS packages their testing for the media.
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    Made the decision themselves to initiate the recalls. They were voluntary. That means their engineers found that the problem was valid and could be duplicated. D/C has not been able to duplicate the problem in 50 of their own crash tests.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yes, exactly, it's a calculated risk. It just seems that my calculations for the D/C minivans come out a bit low!

    I use www.crashtest.com as a reference, because they publish results from IIHS, NHTSA, plus other results from Japan, Europe, and Australia. When you find consitently good scores across the board, as you will with the Forester and the Legacy, I feel the calculated risk has been minimized.

    Hmm, you work for Land Rover, right? Any chance they had a similar leak in IIHS tests? ;-)

    -juice
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    None at all. :) I just wanted to give a different perspective on the issue.
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I never new the previous gen. Impreza only received a marginal in Australia. Interesting. I guess because of their off-set test. It got four of five stars for the frontal NHTSA test though.
    Dennis
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Juice,

    Now reviewing a compilation of different crash test datasources and picking something that did well on all does make sense. Condemning a vehicle prematurely due to ONE test is what I had a problem with.

    You're safest if you never get in a vehicle. Trying to engineer things so that not even one child will be harmed is moral lunancy and impossible anyway-- someone won't belt their kids in, or there will be that 1 in a million freak accident that defies explaination.

    -Colin
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.