Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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Comments

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I found the rear seat of the wrx more roomy than the forester as well. I think perhaps the front seats on the forester can come further back than the ones in the wrx. the rear seat in the forester is useless if you have tall people int he front cause the seats go way way back and leave the rear seat passengers with no legroom at all.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Don't tempt me, Patti. I don't want to have to move again!

    I'm with you, Brian. No "arrest-me red" color for me. I'll take winestone or something else instead.

    If they are shopping for an Odyssey, wait. It's supposed to get +30hp and a 5 speed automatic, two things they'd surely want.

    tex: I've seen two different publications use Passat wagon photos for Jetta wagon reviews. It happens.

    I sat in the "useless" rear seat of Bob's toaster when we went to the Philly show. And I'm 6' tall, 220 lbs. As long as you don't line up two six footers behind one another, you're fine.

    And even with very tall people in front, kids fit just fine (I've been waiting for an excuse to use this shot):

    image

    I know we'll never agree on this point, but just wait 'til you have kids!

    BTW, I was driving, and my brother was in the passenger seats (6'3").

    -juice
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    I'm impressed with the correct decending order, in size, from right to left, of the Teletubbies.

    Jim
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    make that left to right.

    Jim
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Frank Gentile GMC/Honda/Toyota/Subaru in Racine, WI.

    You can check their inventory online too via the Subaru page (put in Racine, WI or 53140 for a zip). You may be closer to Liberty Subaru, however.

    -Brian
  • perritoperrito Member Posts: 66
    Juice, that picture of your 98 Forester interior reminded me of something I DO NOT like about the "new" Foresters L models: the interior fabric that was changed. Now they literally feel like that old sweater material, you know, the stuff used by your grandmom in making you a Christmas gift that was like a hair-shirt. I miss the funky, flat, tight weave of the old Forester L interior. Patti? What gives on this? I think that original fabric was pretty tough and resistant...

    perrito
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    I originally thought you might be referring to Liberty Subaru (which is a bit closer).
    Unfortunately, Mid-City is MUCH more convenient for me, but their service department leaves alot to be desired.
    Ron
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    the rear wing induces some drag on the trunk when going xxx mph. This in turn causes a slight elongation of the frame which gives your son a little extra room in the rear. :)

    In the GM article, what does "a modified transmission that features smooth gear changes in the low-speed ranges" mean? Does GM purposely make their low speed shifts harsh? Confused....again!

    Greg
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Jim: we need to get a life. From L-R, Tinky Winky, Dipsy, La-La, Po. It's even in the sequence of the song, which I also learned to play on the piano!

    The middle child is in a booster seat, though you can't really tell. I remove the head rests for visibility, since they're not in use.

    We leave Saturday for the Outer Banks, and again we'll have 3 families (5 kids) sharing the same place. Should be pretty wild. At least we're on the sand and I'm sure I'll get to drive on the beach.

    Hopefully the kids will be more into joy rides on the sand and not Teletubbies videos!

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    If you get a chance, try going north up to Carova Beach. Just follow Rt. 12 North until it ends, get on the sand and keep going north. It's behind the dunes up there.

    Tip: When you're down there, pick up one of those ADC road maps of the Outer Banks. It's on there.

    Bob
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    Wow, you can play it on the piano?! I just try to keep it out of my head! And for the rest of the group, have a great (and safe) long weekend! I may be a day early, but sometimes people escape early on Friday.

    Jim
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've already been pitching the idea to the wife. Carova sounds great. If I make it, I'll keep a "captain's log" and share it with you guys. That would be totally sweet.

    How far from Rodanthe, anyone know?

    We're planning a couple of afternoon outings. I really want to go south to take the ferry one day, too.

    Any suggestions from regulars at the OBX? Mike - you were just there, right?

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    50-60 miles north. That may be a bit high. Anybody know for sure?

    Yes, take the (free) ferry to Okracoke. You can off road on that island too.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If so, I'm there. Anything under 2 hours and I can "sell" the trip to my, uh, boss.

    -juice
  • 1subydown1togo1subydown1togo Member Posts: 348
    Enjoy your trip and have a great (and safe) weekend

    -Serge
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    juice you lucky dog. My wife and I used to go to Rodanthe every fall mid-late Sept. The last time we went we had to evacuate due to Hurrican Dennis. Our housemates sat in the traffic getting off the Banks while I took the long scenic route inland via Manteo and around Albemarle Sound. Got to Elizabeth City about 45 minutes before they did. Spent two soaking days there but went to the Museum of the Albemarle, which at the time had a neat baseball exhibit. Featured were memorabilia belonging to local native Catfish Hunter who died not long thereafter.

    Anyway, have fun and I'll see you on the 15th.

    Ed
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    ... and 348 accumulated posts in this forum alone! (Haven't even touched the rest!) Anyway...

    Had a fabulous, exhausting but still restful trip. Those big trees are truly unbelievable. Campground was perfect for us (thanks, Bit!)Absolutely no gigs with the motorhome or the OB or the towing system. SUCKED major quantities of fuel, but c'est la vie... the major downer was the atrocious prices for gas in northern California,, only to get home & find out they're up about 20 cents/gal here since we left!

    Saw a good bumper sticker, too, on another car towed behind an RV: "Be patient! I'm pushing this big motorhome!"

    AND! I missed having to give away my age!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    Patti, I too like the WRX rear seat better than the Forester. The first time my wife drove the WRX and I rode in the passenger seat i noticed that there seemed to be better leg room up front than in her 98 RS or the 98 Forester that I had just traded in. So when we have some one in the back the passenger seat can be adjusted forward more than was comfortable in the Forester. We have taken a couple of 100 mile trips with either my mother or my mother in law in back and no complaints from them or my wife in passenger seat.

    Also I'd like to tell you how much i agree with your opinion about Ford vs Firestone. I have owned both Hondas and Subarus with Bridgestone and never had any problems. Now my mother is worried about the Firestones (Japanese made no less) on her 98 Civic. I have had to keep her from switching tires-- she only has 20,000 on them (89 year old who only drives Civic 5 speed hatch in the city!) by explaining what a bad rap Bridgestone/Firestone is getting at the hands of Ford with it's Exploders.
    twrx
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    thank you all for giving some reasoning to support his request. I guess I'll just have to drive the WRX this year :~}

    Eric - Well, I guess the seat choices are a matter of taste. We do have designers who look for trends and the "hottest" fabrics and colors. I can't say I always agree with the choices, but, hey, we all can't have the same taste!

    Juice - have a great trip. Tati is really growing up! Will you be chatting later?

    Patti
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    Sounds great Paul. We leave in 2 weeks for Humboldt county. Camping trip and a search for a new home.

    bit
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    Patti, I too like the WRX rear seat better than the Forester. The first time my wife drove the WRX and I rode in the passenger seat i noticed that there seemed to be better leg room up front than in her 98 RS or the 98 Forester that I had just traded in. So when we have some one in the back the passenger seat can be adjusted forward more than was comfortable in the Forester. We have taken a couple of 100 mile trips with either my mother or my mother in law in back and no complaints from them or my wife in passenger seat.

    Also I'd like to tell you how much i agree with your opinion about Ford vs Firestone. I have owned both Hondas and Subarus with Bridgestone and never had any problems. Now my mother is worried about the Firestones (Japanese made no less) on her 98 Civic. I have had to keep her from switching tires-- she only has 20,000 on them (89 year old who only drives Civic 5 speed hatch in the city!) by explaining what a bad rap Bridgestone/Firestone is getting at the hands of Ford with it's Exploders.
    twrx
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    Juice, I would worry. Playing the Tellytubbies theme is a foretaste of things to come. Wait until the role reverses and it is the kid playing the themes for you on the piano. The Rugrats theme loses its appeal when played 40 times at 5:30am.

    I have now switched to introducing my oldest to more civilized tunes. She is taken with The Addams Family theme at present and trying to master "I Don't Like Mondays" (The Boomtown Rats song) by ear. Unfortunately, I gave her a new book of music yesterday and she has fixed on the theme from Titanic which was tried repeatedly this morning. I could grow to loathe it.

    The younger one insists that we listen to his CD's in the car. I am now word perfect on "Bear in the Big Blue House" and do a convincing rendition of the "Bear Cha-Cha-Cha". My boy insists that this must be sung VERY LOUDLY! Heavens know what people think when they hear me (at traffic lights), sunroof open, singing (probably aptly) :

    Now, you might notice
    Some people stop and and stare
    Who?
    What?
    Why?
    How?
    Where?
    You can explain to them
    You're a honorary bear!

    Yes, I am a 42 year old CPA.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Graham- You have my sincere condolences.

    Re Forester seat fabric... I actually prefer the new fabric color. The previous was a little loud for my taste. However, I do wish Subaru would use a better quality woven fabric.

    Carova? I thought it was Corolla. Havn't been there but it should be a fun drive since there's no real road. The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is a must and Ocracoke is worth the ferry ride but allow at least half a day.

    -Frank P.
  • texsubarutexsubaru Member Posts: 242
    I don't know about any possible variations in the quality of Forester seat fabrics since my '98 was built, but I'd have to say that I prefer the more subdued look of the newer seats' fabrics over what mine has.
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    from the informal demographic survey... so, FWIW:

    Age 45, career firefighter/paramedic, married with children: boy 9, boy 5, girl 3.

    Glad I could finally make a chat tonight... another fun, busy evening!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Great chat, folks, despite a slow server. We always seem to manage to get a newbie each week.

    I think Corolla and Carova are two different places. IIRC, Carova is a town that lies completely on the sand, with no paved roads. Doesn't that sound like fun?

    I've been to the Hatteras Lighthouse, which is close to Rodanthe, but I'll head further south to Ocracoke this time. The ferry sounds like fun.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Carova Beach and Corolla are two different places. Corolla is at the end of Rt 12. Carova Beach is only 4x4 or boat accessible. It's a few miles up the beach on the sand.

    BTW, juice, as you're driving up Rt. 12, through Duck, Monteray Shores and Corolla, you will see some huge, beautiful beach homes. It's a pretty upscale neighborhood. There's even a private air strip along there for those who have planes.

    Bob
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Juice: Have a great, and safe trip. Hope Sandy gets to play in the sand.

    To everyone else: a safe and fun weekend as well.

    Patti: After my test drive of the WRX I am extremely jealous, especially if its the 5 speed.

    Mark
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Today is the "FUB mobile's" birthday: she's one year old today! Seems like yesterday that I picked her up. It has been fun, and she's only 16700 miles young:)

    Mark
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Re: ateixeira Aug 30, 2001 1:21pm

    We stayed put, other than miniature golf for the 8 children (4 families w/2 ea.). If you go to Corova on Rt 12, you'll pass Duck and the Pine Island development ($$); the development before the traffic light at Food Lion in Corolla is called Buck Island (island == moat), where we stay (on the L is the Timbuktu shopping center). Further north on the L is miniature golf with real grass. The Corolla lighthouse (closed in high winds; try to arrive before noon) is a good place to see the Outer Banks' over development. The Whalehead Club, a former hunt club and missile test range, is in walking distance and worth a visit. If you're going to Corova, start early.

    When bike riding I spotted a parked white WRX in Corolla Light; I posted on i Club and found the owner (lives in Baltimore).

    BTW from last year's discussion, the Weeping Radish 12oz beer is bottled in Baltimore (might be brewed there too); 1 liter bottles and mini-kegs are brewed and bottled in Manteo, NC (per WR employee in Corolla; it's next to the Food Lion).

    Enjoy your trip.

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I have 3 girls. I know every Backstreet Boys' song by hard. Hate to admit it but I actually like their music. Not N'Sync though. Oh yeah, and the Powerpuff Girls CD is absolutely horrific. :)

    Greg
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I can't tell a difference between the two (BSB and NSync). Play a clip and I guess wrong more often that not.

    Still, I'd rather listen to that vs. Elmo. Now on premium sounds speakers, too!

    We'll have the DVD/notebook in the back seat playing movies, while we listen to our music, thankfully.

    -juice
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Hope you have great weather, Juice. Catch some rays for me. My vacation comes in 2 weeks.

    Greg
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Know that Food Lion, and Timbuktu well. One summer we stayed in Monteray Shores, which is right near there.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    while you're down there, you've got to check out Jockey's Ridge and the Wright Brother's Museum.

    Bob
  • yellowbikedonyellowbikedon Member Posts: 228
    Enjoy the time off and take good care of Sandy! If you go biking, be careful!

    Don
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Have a great and safe trip!

    Dennis
  • leo2633leo2633 Member Posts: 589
    Stephen,

    Sorry it took so long to respond to your question (post #4617), but I've been away all week. Regarding the '65 Corvair, my wife inherited it from her great-aunt circa 1976, while we were dating. It was a light blue 4 door in great shape with low mileage. It truly was a car that was "only driven by a little old lady to church on Sundays". It had the standard engine (non-turbo, unfortunately) and a two speed automatic, with a little chrome shift lever sticking out of the center of the dash. As I recall, it was fun to drive, since it handled better than your average American car of the day, and the engine had a nice sound to it. I wouldn't mind having that car today, no matter what Ralph Nader thinks!

    Len
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    stop cross posting the same canned sales pitch in all the forums, please. All caps is not really good web etiquette, hombre, and I do believe there is a 12 step program for question mark addiction
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    Well
    I for one object to sales pitches on this forum. I certainly will avoid MBNA in the future if this is how they yjink it is appropriate to market.

    Irritable

    Graham
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
  • ffsteveffsteve Member Posts: 243
    Ken,

    My first Corvair (first car, too) was a also a 65. Light blue auto, but only 2 doors. Yes, they handled well, but only with modern radial tires. I remember it aquaplaned (?) quite well. Since the speedometer pickup was in one of the front wheel hubs I could drive the freeway and watch the speedo needle fall to zero when I hit a good puddle, and then quickly jump back again to the right speed. The things that interested us when we were young!

    I wonder how many other Subaru owners are ex-Corvair owners?

    Steve
  • yellowbikedonyellowbikedon Member Posts: 228
    O.K., I'll admit to owning a '60's coupe which was a four speed in light metalic green Not a bad in town car but horrible in the New England winters when tryinhg to keep the cockpit warm!

    Don
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Re: kkoomar Sep 1, 2001 8:21am

    Krish Koomar (kkoomar) emailed me; he didn't intend to be impolite by crossposting. He was overcome by enthusiasm for the MBNA card and saving money on Subarus. He owns a 01 Outback and is moving from Houston to Boston by the end of the year.

    No harm done; 'twas but a minor breach of netiquette.

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Cool by me; just looked an awful lot like spam. Koomar, I apologize if I got you upset; I figured it was a salesman.
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    (but then you regulars already know that). Here in Canada, Duracell has a contest were you can win a trip to the outback in Australia or a brand new ........ Honda CRV???? I'm I missing something?

    Ross
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    Well, I had fun in the blue automatic, but the 5-speed was best. One down side with the auto - more people wanted to drive it vs. the 5-speed, they were content with riding in it!

    Passing was fun. Only a single car this time, but I did feel the turbo lag. It got to 80 mph pretty easilty though. I followed a tricked out red Honda in passing the truck. As I came in behind him, he pulled to the shoulder to let me pass. Two young men checked out the car as I flew by (I was trying to slow down) and pulled out behind us. They both gave me the thumbs up on the car. My daughter loved it (after saying they were "cute" - I'm in for trouble in a few years)and said - "Very cool car, Mom". Usually she doesn't care.

    I just preferred the power and control of the 5-speed. I'll let you know if I get one for a test vehicle for the next few months.

    Note: This was an early production, so I'm not sure about the insulation in the roof, but driving through rain sounded a lot louder than in my OB Sedan. Anyone else notice this?

    Patti
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Rallispec is going out of business. I wish there was a way to help save them and keep them in the business, maybe Patti can help out? Anyway a moment of silence for the best subie tuners out there.


    http://www.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=88593


    -mike

  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Thanks for the review Patti. Keep 'em coming. I drove my wife's auto OB to the shore last Sunday. I liked it in traffic, but didn't like the TC lag (as opposed to turbo lag :-) ).

    That's too bad about RalliSpec. I didn't get a chance to meet them yet. I hope that they'll still be around in some capacity. I think we've heard certain SoA reps voice the same following opinions about certain customer attitudes ...
    "Number one, the customer base has changed. The typical "internet" buyer is aggravating to deal with at best. Example: day one, they call about a part and you spend 45 minutes explaining how it works, what it does, and why its worth buying. Day two, they call and ask if you can give them a discount for some arbitrary reason (like they're on the i-club!)..."

    Dennis
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