Subaru Baja

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  • joeboumpsjoeboumps Member Posts: 8
    Red Neck Pick Up
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    Right on the first guess!
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    Of course it is a Toyota compact pickup with stickers for "Apple Computer", "Specialized" and "Shimano". I don't have the little guy peeing on the Ford or Chevy badge, or the confederate flag front plate etc. So I guess its not really a redneck pickup.

    TWRX
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Wow, it won the APEAL study for compacts? I guess those that did take the dive really like them.

    People have reported seeing some for under $18k, but $15k won't happen.

    I'm seeing more on the road nowadays, they are no longer rare.

    -juice
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    They sell very well locally but Outbacks don't, go figure. The Baja as a darn good car gets alot better when the turbo arrives. Thus with the fun factor increasing there should be better sales. Ultimately if the large 7 passenger car rides on a longer wheelbase and is significantly longer then the utility value of the vehicle increases. Another foot of bed and the turbo is what is holding be back (that and I have my wondrful $4800 Toyota RNPU)

    TWRX-RNPU
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  • boaz47boaz47 Member Posts: 2,747
    saying that price or something had to be holding back the Baja. The Autoweek article was simply reporting what a Subaru spokesman was saying about decontenting and cutting back production. I guess it was last weeks issue because it isn't on line today. The point was they didn't come close to meeting sales figures and they were planning on cutting the number being sent to the US by as much as 50 percent. If that trend continues it only seems logical they may be forced to pull it from North America. If people see it as a pickup it will have to do something to compete with other small pickups and to date sales figures show that isn't happening. Don't get me wrong, I like the little truck and I would hate to see it go the way of the brat. It was Subaru itself that expressed disappointment in sales and acceptance.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    As ugly as the STX concept pickup was, at least it had some moxie. It had a 2.5 supercharged engine, a dual-range tranny, and a "real" switchback; none of which the production Baja had.

    I hope Subaru has learned a lesson here. In the future "over-deliver," and not "under-deliver. That's exactly what they did with the 2.5 WRX-STi and 2.5 Forester turbo. Everybody was expecting these vehicles, but they literally left the audience gasping, because of the great "surprises" that the actual production models possessed. That's what Subaru needs to do in the future, with any product they announce.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    And those models led Subaru to record July sales, I might add.

    Baja is made in the US, though, so they don't have to send them here. ;-)

    -juice
  • boaz47boaz47 Member Posts: 2,747
    If they cut production? What does that say about their expectations and the acceptance of even the Subaru loyalists? Only the Aztec and Echo have missed sales projections this far in recent years. It doesn't show much market research if they don't find a way to sell them. Subaru has always been a niche car and more than likely always will be. The Baja is a niche within a niche and such small sales can not be a good sign.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Not true, many, many cars fail to meet sales expectations. More than half do actually.

    OK, Baja is way below expectations, but so was the Mercury Marauder and the Lincoln Aviator, and both are good vehicles. The Lincoln Blackwood was a sales bomb, they could not give those away.

    Actually, the were giving away a Cougar if you paid MSRP for a Blackwood, so yeah, they were giving those away.

    Also, Kia had an offer where they'd give you a free Rio if you bought a Sedona EX at MSRP, so both of those are kind of struggling too.

    Lots of examples I can think of. T-bird. F-body. Think of any car that had production cancelled recently.

    -juice
  • boaz47boaz47 Member Posts: 2,747
    I knew I could find it.

    http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat- - _code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=01312402

    reducing production by 60 percent? Something went wrong.

    I don't think I said no one else has ever dropped the ball on sales projections but this has to be a disappointment for a press release from Adcocock.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That is a lot, but still...they cut Lincoln Blackwoo production 100%, LOL. T-bird by 100% soon, too. ;-)

    I still haven't seen any turbos in dealers. I'm not sure it'll ever really get a chance.

    -juice
  • boaz47boaz47 Member Posts: 2,747
    that it looks like a Avalanche that someone shrunk in a dryer what do you suppose the reason for the rejection was. Being a former Subaru owner I know they tend to be very loyal and if they asked for something to be produced and Subaru actually produced it. The ones I have seen I sort of liked and can't see why they aren't selling. They are way too small for my trucking needs but for mini truck owners they seem like a good idea. A better idea than the Explorer Sport truck or the Nissan short bed thing.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good question. I'll offer up several reasons:

    * 4 seat capacity, vs. 5
    * small cabin and small bed
    * no real switchback
    * still no upgrade engine available
    * price/content levels way too high (leather/moonroof standard?)
    * cladding overdone
    * poor initial color choices
    * polarizing styling

    Even the Sport model still has a moonroof standard. That eats up headroom in a smallish interior. Some people I know hardly fit.

    Thing is, look at the Honda Element, it's a huge hit. Combined sales of CR-V and Element are way, way up, I think it'll sell 50k per year, slightly above projections.

    And it seats just 4, had low payload, etc.

    So why did the Element succeed, and the Baja fail? Even though Consumer Reports gave the Subie a better overall rating?

    Price. The Element is actually cheaper than the CR-V. So if someone likes the styling, hey, great, save yourself some money.

    The Baja was pricey from the get-go, so it took a leap of faith to spend the extra cash vs. a lesser equipped crew cab compact pickup. Few did that leap.

    However....those that did were happy, per JD Powers. Go figure.

    -juice
  • boaz47boaz47 Member Posts: 2,747
    us back to what I said before. They have to get the price down. Subaru has a very good product and as it has been said those who have bought them seem pretty happy. However we are encouraged to shop for the best deal in whatever we buy and there are so may options out there for someone looking for a small truck. I agree that I don't understand the Element. I don't care for the Scion and I have trouble with the looks of some Subarus. The Baja looked OK to me so I was surprised to see they aren't catching on. Maybe Toyota and Honda have a point, the generation Y people are the next big market?
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    take out the features (leather and moonroof)and even some of the "splashy" stuff (roof rack and rear bed roll bar), tone down the colors and cladding and I think it will do much better at a lower price. The vehicle has appeal to me over my Forester, but I need head room (dump the moonroof) and no leather.

    John
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Scion xB is selling well, better than the xA, I've heard. It's the boxier, roomier Scion. Price is also very competitive.

    For $20k you've got Focus SVT and Neon SRT-4 to appeal to Gen Y, Baja turbo is gonna run several grand more. It'll still have to be discounted heavily, IMO.

    -juice
  • fastfoordfastfoord Member Posts: 9
    I need to buy a few New parts for my Baja (with
    only 3,000 miles on it) after someone pulled out in front of me. Anyone have any links or toll free number for parts warehouses? I need a grill.

    thanks
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You can e-mail parts@libertysubaru.com for quotes. I found they had good prices.

    Sorry to hear about the damage.

    -juice
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    A few months ago I replaced my front grill. I got it at Liberty Subaru- they had the best price all around. I think it was approx $143 including badge, and shipping.

    Mark
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  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    BUT, I also own a MPV. :P

    -Brian
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    hee hee

    AN says the Baja has $2k cash back now, the Sport just $1000. Thought I'd toss that out.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.rigoliracing.com.au/esx_baja-500.html
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Pretty wild. I'm surprised they started with a Baja, though, given it's probably the heaviest Subaru to carry the 2.5l engine.

    Maybe they compete in a compact pickup class?

    Nice rims.

    -juice
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    looks like they turbocharged it, but used the radiator as their cooler. I like the stock 2.5 turbo design better.... but, has anyone seen it in the Baja yet? I keep hearing that it is pushed off... I hope the idea doesn't get tabled, I will be seriously looking at it if there is a 5 speed and no moonroof (aka more headroom).

    John
  • fastfoordfastfoord Member Posts: 9
    Did anyone see the testdrive of the Baja turbo
    on motorweek last night?

    Differences noted:
    1.)1" higher stance
    2.)45 more HP (I think it is 210)
    3.)MPG observed was only around 20 (avg)
    4.)tacky red trimed Baja badges
    5.)functional hood scoop
    6.)seats looked different to me
    7.)Base price over $26,000

    ff
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I stopped by Russel Subaru in Catonsville, MD today and couldn't believe how many Bajas they had on the lot. I counted at least 26! That has to be some sort of record. And yes, they were all '03s. :(

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Prices? I wonder if anyone on the east coast matches those $18k prices we heard about.

    26? Why did he order so many?

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    FitzMall doesn't have any. In fact, they've even removed the Baja from their web site, as a choice to check for inventory!!

    Bob
  • kimgurookimguroo Member Posts: 6
    How much are you willing to pay for baja?
    I think If subaru try to sell 03 baja for $18000, they can clear their inventory within a month. I think no one want to pay over $19500 for baja right now.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Are they under Outback? They did that at the beginning, later seperated them.

    If a Baja turbo comes in a couple of grand below an XT, I'd have to consider one. I realize that's probably not what Subaru wants to hear, I doubt it's cheaper to actually build.

    -juice
  • odfrankodfrank Member Posts: 8
    Anyone know where to get a Baja custom fit rubber bed mat ?
  • odfrankodfrank Member Posts: 8
    Here's the link

    http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2003-11-03-reliablechart.htm
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    there were enough bajas out there to give decent statistical backing to that assessment.

    John
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I said the exact same thing in another thread. How could they possibly have a significant sample? In fact I would not expect reliability to vary much from the donor car, the Outback.

    If anything, Baja owners seem to complain the least of all Subaru owners.

    -juice
  • bsvollerbsvoller Member Posts: 528
    ...chirping in here... what's the deal?

    That USA Today article is a misprint. CR ranks the Baja above the CRV in their 2004 Buyer's Guide (just got it), and recommend it.

    CR never recommends a car, even if they like the design, if it's not at least average in reliability.

    Anybody know when the '04 Baja Turbo debuts ? I'd like to drive one.

    -brianV
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They should be arriving, but noone has confirmed yet. If you see it let us know?

    -juice
  • bsvollerbsvoller Member Posts: 528
    Seems like I've been listening to that for months now.

    If I see one, I'll drive it and let the Crew know, of course.

    You may recall that my test drive of the '03 at altitude (Denver) was less than inspiring...

    I'd really like to see what they've done to it because I've always liked the concept, even if they neutered it badly in the production version.

    -brianV (who's stopping here before he rehashes all the old stuff about the Baja again...)
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    was December.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think they had been saying September, and then delayed that because unsold 2003s were still sitting in lots. Bob saw a whole gaggle at one dealership.

    So the delay might be indefinite, or at least until they clear out the current supply.

    -juice
  • bsvollerbsvoller Member Posts: 528
    I just did a quick check of inventory along the Front Range...

    There's over 100 '03 Baja Sport's just in the Denver Metro Area, with another 20 up and down the I-25 corridor.

    Not a good sign halfway through November considering national sales... There's a whole 4 million people in this state.

    They're simply going to have to bite the bullet and unload these things. I wonder how low they'll go ? $17,500 anybody ? Do I hear $16,500 ?

    Ouch.

    I think the '04 turbo will fix a lot of their problems with this vehicle in our market. They really need to get the new version out there.

    -brianV
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    I, too, live in metro Denver and have seen quite a number of '03 Baja's still on the lots. Never test drove one, but it's good to know that there is a distinct lack of power. Is the Baja heavier or lighter than a regular Outback? We did drive one of those, and the wife was not happy with the amount of power available.
  • bsvollerbsvoller Member Posts: 528
    The Baja and the Outback weigh about the same, i.e. ~300# more than our Forester, or about 10% more. It depends on the model Outback you're talking about and the accessories installed, of course.

    You can figure a power loss of about 3% per 1000' above sea level on a normally aspirated (non-turbo) engine, so in Denver, you're down about 15%, which works out to about 140 peak hp instead of 165. At 8000', you're down 25% or to about 125hp.

    We find that the Forester with the MT does just fine - if you've followed my past posts, you'll see that we even tow a good-sized Coleman pop-up with it, and are very pleased. In fact, the main reason we went with the Forester over the Outback was the improvement in performance. There was no H-6 option for the Outback at the time. It's also one reason why we stuck with the MT over the AT (it's more fun too!).

    I test drove the Baja with 3 buddies, so we had it loaded with ~750# of people, and were up nearly 1000# over my Forester. Hey, the Forester is no speed-demon when I'm towing my camper either, although it will accelerate straight up at 9000' in 3rd gear just as pretty as you please! I can pass without issues, and that's what I'm after.

    We're really pleased with Subaru, and would buy another in a heartbeat. I'm disappointed with the delay in getting the Baja Turbo out the door, because it's hurting them here, that's all.

    The turbo engine is tailor made for our neck of the woods. It will outperform significantly larger engines from other makes unless they too use forced air induction.

    -brianV
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    For a place like Denver, where N/A engines wheeze for air, a turbo would do wonders. Baja H4, especially auto, will feel underpowered climbing at those altitudes.

    -juice
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Thanks for the information. I was aware of the HP deficiency at altitude but didn't know the formula.

    I drove the H6 Outback and was surprised at how lethargic it was off the line. Once it got up to speed, it hustled along fairly well. Did not seem to have as much low-down grunt as my Saturn L300 V6. Test drove a WRX and was pinned in my seat. Too small and spartan for what I was looking for (that's why I got my Saturn).

    The wife has mentioned the Baja once or twice as a "distinctive" vehicle. If the turbo ever gets released, I suspect we would test drive one to see how the turbo performed vs. the WRX.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The H6 is geared very tall, that's why the EPA mileage numbers are so high (20s for both city and highway).

    The tall first gear means it takes a while to pick up steam. FWIW, Edmunds' sample was quicker than the V6 Highlander and the Honda Pilot.

    -juice
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Ah! That explains it. Have not driven the Toyota or the Honda, so cannot compare.
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    It sells very well in Southern Indiana! The salesman at the local dealer says they sell more per month than Outbacks!
    Go figure!

    TWRX
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