Subaru Crew - Future Models II

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Comments

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'm just tired of fighting with Edmunds over this uterly stupid rule.

    For those who are unaware: There is a clause in the Town Hall Member's Agreement about not posting links that are from competing (?) automotive message forums. This has been a big thorn in my side for some time now. For the most part this has not been a problem thanks to Karen and her understanding ways. However this issue came to a head this past weekend when one of my posts that included two nasioc links was deleted by another Edmunds' host. I then fired off a protest to Sylvia, and cc'ed it to the offending host and to Karen. This is a terrible rule. It inhibits and impedes the free flow of useful information and is rooted in paranoia. As a result, it hurts viewers like you and I.

    Bottom line: I lost. You (Edmunds.com viewers) lost. EdmundsInc won.

    In the future whenever I come across a link (that is part of a message forum) that I think would benefit Edmunds.com viewers, such as anything from nasioc or some other automotive-message forum, I will now post something to the effect:

    There is <name of topic> over at <name of web site>. It can be found in the <name of forum> and the thread is called <name of thread>.

    So, if you're interested in that info, EdmundsInc will now require you to work for it. Hopefully in the future they will reconsider this rule, but I'm not holding my breath…

    If by chance you decide to continue posting nasioc and/or other auto message forum links, and they don't get tossed, consider yourself lucky, blessed, or both. Me, I'm just tired of it and frankly, I don't care anymore...

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Try using a hyperlink, that way you're not mentioning Nabisco at all. For example:

    Click here and you'll find that Forester review we discussed.

    I'll e-mail you the codes to do that. I think it's a fair compromise, you get your audience where they want to go without promoting any other systems.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    directly to a message forum, then it's against their rule.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I e-mailed you, Bob.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    the web does not exist in a vacuum, and Edmunds is not going to be better if we have to quote and crosspost everything else that occurs in the world.

    -Colin
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    If Edmunds attains the enviable position of being the "go to" site for automotive info on the Web, exactly how is that bad for Edmunds?

    There are worse things than being a portal -- just ask the folks who own Yahoo!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    less so for posters on Edmunds.com. It's more cumbersome for someone posting a links, and certainly more cumbersome for a viewer who may want to retrieve that info from another link.

    In any case, we've been off-topic for too long here. If you want to continue this discussion, let's move it over to the "Cafe."

    Bob
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    same thing happens when we mention mpvclub over in the mpv threads here as well. Can't directly link to it and must speak about it as Bob has found.

    Quite frankly, I've been surprised that many nabisco threads actually made it through directly linked. I guess Karen has been more understanding than others. :)

    -Brian
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I didn't know that rule existed and I also don't fully understand what it is intended to accomplish. I guess we need to understand what Edmunds means by "competing". Edmunds is a much more comprehensive car site that I don't feel competes with other pure message board forums. I would define NASIOC vs. i-club as direct competition.

    I find the links to NASIOC and other car forums to be an enhancement to the experience I have here. I find myself checking Edmunds.com more often because I can count on Bob referring interesting topics on other sites. The references often spark interesting discussion that would not be possible with the other message boards.

    Colin is right on. The web was founded on the principle of creating multiple ways to link information. Going against the grain isn't going to get one too far.

    Ken
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    just not links with message boards.

    Yeah, it's a step backwards, for sure.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Apparently the Subaru Crew apparently is unlike some other forums here at Edmunds&#151;and we're all very lucky because of that.

    I (now) understand that Edmunds has lost some posters in other areas, due to competing message boards that were linked. As a result some of the effected Edmunds forums are now rather weak in terms of participation. That has not been the case here. If anything, the Subaru Crew forums have gotten stronger with the nasioc links, IMO.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/- 37615.htm
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I didn't know about the drop in participation in other owner's clubs. That would be a certainly be case for concern, but trying to put up walls doesn't sound like a solution. It seems like energy better spent if Edmunds tried to find out what about other message boards were more attractive to those owners and see if they could implement them here too.

    Anyway, enough OT talk.

    Bob -- that Forester XT "review" seems like it was written without even having driven one.

    Ken
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    Unrelated to Forester, except maybe in underskin engineering, is a rumored 7-seat Subaru wagon/minivan now in development. Timing is unknown, but this vehicle will reportedly be Subaru's alone. Earlier, Subaru was said to be mulling some sort of new-think crossover for late decade, based on General Motors' much-delayed Lambda platform, but has evidently decided to go its own way. GM has a 20-percent stake in Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries, but there's been no sign of trans-Pacific collaboration so far.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Here's a review of the XT from someone who just drove one&#151;ME!

    One word: WOW!

    I just got back from Herb Gordon Subaru in Silver Spring MD. They just got three XTs in yesterday, two 5-speeds & one automatic. I drove a silver 5-speed.

    What a sweet, sweet engine! Good power throughout the rev range. I didn't notice any turbo lag. Yes the power builds as the rpms build, but the powerband is much friendlier than that of the WRX.

    My only want, would be a moonroof, and Class IV towing of course . :-)

    I sure hope Subaru plans on using this engine in '05 Legacy and Outback. I still think the Legacy GT would warrant around 250 HP, if for no other reason than bragging rights.

    Bob
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    CarsDirect uses a picture of the XT when you go to price a Forester (only '03's show up currently).

    Kens analysis of the AT over in the Forester Turbo in 1 year topic didn't seem as positive as your MT drive. Ken has to go drive a MT now for sure.

    -Brian
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    A 5-speed test drive is definetly needed. I didn't mean to be negative on the AT. It was a strong improvement over the WRX auto with it's much smoother power delivery. I think I just had my hopes way up with all the hype over the new powerplant.

    Ken
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    There's an interesting thread over at nasioc (News& Rumors) about future Subie diesels. Most interesting is the guy who originated the thread is a small airplane pilot, and has stated that Subie engineers have been sniffing around airports and talking with pilots & mechanics, with thoughts of making their upcoming turbo diesel aircraft-friendly.

    This should really comes a complete surprise, as Subie boxer engines have been used in small airplanes for years.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Beat me to it, Bob! I'm off Mon-Wed so I will definitely go and drive one.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    FitzMall Gathersburg has several too. They're on their web site.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, time to butter up the wife to find time to try one....
     
    If not, then I'll just go on Monday since I'm off.

    -juice
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    http://www.lafayettejc.com/news20030613/200306130local_business10- - - 55480901.shtml

    "We have additional training needs for the model change for the Legacy and Outback models that come out in the first quarter of next year," Easterday said.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    They mention "some" all-new '05 models (Legacy & Outback). Conspicuously missing was any mention of the Baja.

    This dashes any hope of seeing an all-new Baja for '05, IMO.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think it may be undecided at this point. Sales are slow but may improve with the Sport and Turbo models. If so, maybe we'll see a new Baja a year after the OB debuts.

    -juice
  • francophilefrancophile Member Posts: 667
    ...they could put a 350HP dual-turbo motor in the Baja and it would not raise MY interest quotient one iota. Well, maybe just to hope to find one of those motors in a junkyard :-)

    I keep wanting to call it the Haha because I burst out laughing every time I see one. Apologies to any owners out there but all of those "It's a car, no wait, it's a wagon, no wait, it's a pickup" things strike me as silly. They make want to scream, "make up your mind already!!!"

    rgds,
    -wdb
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    silly cladding. Hopefully the new Outback cladding will carry-over to the Baja. Have a clean version, like what Chevy did with the Avalanche.

    Err, make the 2.5L turbo standard in the WRX and offer the sunroof in the wagon!

    -B
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    Pardon if you have seen this already
    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story_main2.php?1&i- d=37354

    Always on the lookout to beat Bob to the punch
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Paul Hansen did a writeup on the new Legacy in Sport Compact Car.

    http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/roadtests/0306scc_legacy/

    Also, over at nasioc, in the "News & Rumors" area, in the last page of "New Legacy Details" are images of earlier (and rejected) design studies of the new Legacy. I'm glad we ended up with what we got.

    Bob
  • wheelz4wheelz4 Member Posts: 569
    Nothing really new here........new Legacys due stateside next April but no turbos 'til summer.
    http://www.auto-asia.com/viewcontent.asp?pk=8419
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    that special edition Impreza is in the weeds! 100mm lower than standard... uh yeah that's tarmac rally trim, alright.

    -Colin
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I'll have to pay for a turbo legacy MT? Just wondering. 60k service coming up (well, 67k. I was about 8k late on the 30k service...), thinking about brake line upgrade, DBA rotors. Also thinking about that gasket after my wierdness today. Gets me thinking about keeping this one for the long slog to my 40th b-day, or whether to just let it be and trade up in '05. Anything over $25K is a stretch, and over $28K out of the question.....
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    wdb: I have a rusted out bug zapper in the back, left from the previous owner, probably 12 years old. Need to do a run to the dump. Do you wanna stain that rear seat of yours? ;-)

    OK, maybe Baja answers a question you don't ask, but some people do. A trailer is the only other way I'd haul it, 'cause that thing ain't going inside my interior.

    I also have termite-laden lumber, an old dog house, and some nasty carpet that's all wet. I'll stop now or Bob won't lend me his trailer next time. LOL

    Loosh: go drive a Forester XT. The one I drove was $23.9k today, already, and that includes freight. That engine is a gem. OK, you would probably want rims and a new coil over suspension, but still, with $3 grand or so it would be perfect and fall within your budget.

    And fit that upright bass.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    What's the 60K service? AZP is going to start doing 30K and 60K services and have to figure out what is required...

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Isn't that info in your owners manual or service maintenance manual?

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    How I don't own a WRX or most of the subies out there... It's hard for me to look it up :)

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The dealer I go to has a sheet of paper that lists all the work they do for 7500, 15000, 30000, 45000, etc. They use these as handouts.

    Bob
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    what he said.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    it's not in the manual proper, there's a separate maintenance book that shows the intervals and what services are required.

    you know, the one your dealer is supposed to be stamping at each service. ;-)

    -Colin
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    On Subaru.com :)

    -mike
  • wheelz4wheelz4 Member Posts: 569
    Just saw pix of the new BMW X3.....to me, this is a great example of cladding done right. Unpainted, tough-looking bumpers, wheel-well and rocker panel protection. Clean, subtle, functional. Other manufacturers, please copy.
    http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/03images/04x3_1.jpg
    http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/03images/04x3_2.jpg
    Even the '05 Outback cladding looks a bit thick and overdone compared to this, though it's an improvement over the present one. And I think I'm with Juice in prefering unpainted cladding. The base Forester looks better than all the others IMHO.
    BTW, I think the X3 is one of Bangle's better designs.
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    Looks like Bangle is continuing to ape Pontiac: just check out that Vibe C-pillar.

    The front end is too busy and over-styled in the bumper moulding.

    The fender treatments are nicely done, though, and that tailgate is slick.
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    But that isn't body cladding. It's just bumpers and rocker panels. Body cladding is purely non-functional extras up and over the wheel wells, etc. Am I wrong?

    Jim
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Someone posted on another board, concerning Outbacks (I don't know how to input a link), some of the improvements that are on the '05. A lot sounds like the suggestions made here and in the Suggestions for Subaru forum including:

    Power seat for passneger, front/side head air bags, Radio controls on steering wheel.

    Hopefully we will see this soon!

    Mark
  • francophilefrancophile Member Posts: 667
    Ugh. Bangle botches another one. I think someone else already said this but it bears repeating; the thing looks like a Pontiac. And of course in standard Bangle fashion the back end is... wait for it... butt ugly :-)

    Subaru, please don't hire that guy!

    rgds,
    -wdb
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I agree. I remember when the Outback came out, people talked about its cladding.....except that for 4 years it didn't have any!!
  • wheelz4wheelz4 Member Posts: 569
    Still think the X3 is one of his better ones...
    pretty much a baby X5, which is not a bad looking vehicle. Still, his other efforts (especially the 7 series which is already in for a fix) are definitely "bungles".
    Back to Subaru.....if they continue to put out
    stunning lookers like the new Legacy, then the "Beauty of AWD" will be both above AND below the surface. Can't wait to see some undisguised shots of the Outback and something/anything on the 7 pass. SUW.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The X3 looks like it'll join the Murano and FX45 in having pretty bad blind spots.

    The design is a little too "busy". Streamline it just a little and it would look better. The rear is nicer than the front.

    -juice
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    http://www.edmunds.com/future/2005/subaru/legacy/100278086/previe- w.html?tid=edmunds.n.mmindex.content..2.Subaru*
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.apexjapan.com/

    Apexjapan.com has long and detailed writeup about many of the details of the all-new Legacy. For example, did you know the new 5EAT has 3 modes?

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    We may end up with a 2nd Legacy wagon if you can couple a 5 speed with that big moonroof we saw.

    -juice
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