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Comments
Bob
I am still looking at the Baja Turbo, if nothing is on the horizon I may yet end up in the loaded version. Apparently the power leather seat offers about 3/4" more headroom when lowered all the way down. Plus there are the heated seats, VTD, sportshift, and hard cover. Invoice is about $26 k with $750 cash back that puts it around $25.3.
Better deal than the $30k mid-size trucks and better mpg, but losing out on payload and room.
Hmmm.
John
Bob
But, there is a market opportunity for that niche: $25k, 1100 lb payload + passengers, 24 mpg highway, AWD, IRS, 3500lb towing, and a cab for 6 footers.
You are right, sounds like a dream.
The base RT Ridgeline I think has invoice at $27.7K.
But, I think Honda came in too large. Too much HP and too much size. They need a few more mpg.
The current Sport Trac is about the right size. If Subaru came in with a vehicle like that, priced right ($25 k) and 24 mpg, I would buy it. If there was NO competition, I would likely pay $30k. That should be possible for them.
John
Thanks
Bob
Seriously though it lacks the umph of a real truck for any kind of towing capacity and with a FWD based vehicle it's not likely to do well in towing etc. I take it that it uses the same trans as the Pilot which has been reporting poor towing results (burnt oil, slipping up to 4k at highway speeds while towing v. 2500 w/o trailer) Not a good sign for a "truck" to have.
As you said I don't put much faith in magazine reports because they are dealing with a spanking new vehicle in a controlled environment. Show me a test of the ridgeline at say 80k miles and 4 years old and lets see if it's up to the same tasks after towing/hauling at it's limit for say 30-40% of those 80k miles....
-mike
I wonder if it has a Powerful Engine and Great Handling to go with those Huge Brakes?
-juice
Here's the list of coverage:
link title
I'm concerned that the things that are likely to go wrong with the car are not covered under the warranty.
So my question to all current Baja owners is:
What, if any, major repairs have you made to your Baja, and what was the approximate odometer reading at the time?
Thanks in advance to all who respond.
-Chip
I strongly recommend the Subaru Gold extended warranty. Not only will you get better service, but the price is a lot less (expect it to be about $1200 or so). I got a 6/80k for my '03 Forester XS for $875. You can also use Subaru bucks on it, if you save hard you might even get it for free in a year and a half.
John
The dealer never offered a Subaru Warranty. Is that only available on new vehicles?
Mine is an '04 factory demo that went into service in 11/03.
Have you had to use your warranty yet, and if so, what for?
-Chip
-mike
Thanks,
Herb
03 Baja
One thing to consider: Any chance of seeing it ahead of time? I know there have been some quality issues with some 3rd-party hard covers. You may want to check one out ahead of time before buying.
Bob
I have never used mine. With 37k, it would just now be starting its protection. It is likely that I never will need it.
Here are the FAQs from subaru.com:
1. What does an Added Security extended service contract cover?
You may choose from two different levels of coverage:
Classic plans cover nearly 1000 parts in all major component areas, including engine, transmission, drivetrains, front suspension, steering, brakes, electrical, cooling and fuel systems and air conditioning. Also provides towing and rental car reimbursement for covered repairs.
Gold Plus plans include all Classic plan coverage plus hundreds more parts. In fact they provide essentially the same "bumper-to-bumper" coverage as the basic factory warranty. Only a few maintenance items and body parts are not covered. The Gold Plus plan also reimburses for lodging and meals when a breakdown interrupts your out-of-town travel, plus: 24-hour emergency roadside assistance*, $100 allowance for "Sign & Drive" dispatched towing, jump start, tire change, gasoline delivery, locksmith service, road hazard tire protection, computerized trip routing, dealer locator service and travel assistance.
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2. Does Subaru also have a Maintenance Plan?
Yes, you can choose the maintenance plan best for you:
2 or 3 years/30,000; 36,000; or 45,000 miles
Mileage intervals - 3,750 or 7,500
These plans are especially attractive if you lease your Subaru. You can include the cost in your lease payment. Then with the maintenance plan, your only auto expense may be at the gas pump! And the roadside assistance package is included at no extra cost.
Enables you to lock-in the cost of the scheduled maintenance required to keep your basic factory warranty in force and your car in tip-top running condition.
Provides service by factory trained technicians
Guarantees the use of genuine Subaru parts
Allows your car to be serviced at a quality Subaru dealer at a competitive price
*Roadside assistance services are provided by Cross Country Motor Club, Inc., Boston, MA 02155-6918, except in Alaska, California, Oregon, Wisconsin and Wyoming where services are provided by Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc., Boston, MA 02155-6918.
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3. What other benefits do Added Security contracts include?
Enhance the resale value of your car. Any remaining coverage can be transferred to another private owner. Or you can cancel your coverage and apply for a pro rata refund.
If you choose a plan with a deductible, you will pay it only once for each repair visit. Some other plans charge a deductible for each different component repaired during the same visit.
Added Security protects your investment and provides an inflation hedge on future repairs. As with other goods and services, the cost of parts and labor will increase.
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4. What cars are eligible for Added Security?
Added Security was created exclusively for Subaru cars. Any Subaru model that is still covered under Subaru of America's basic warranty is eligible for Added Security, unless it is used commercially or is equipped with a snowplow.
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5. How long does the service contract coverage last?
You can select the length of coverage that best suits your needs. You have a choice between eight different plan terms. You can even choose a plan that covers your Subaru until it is seven years old or has accumulated 100,000 odometer miles, whichever comes first. The plan term is calculated from the start of the factory warranty and at zero miles.
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6. Where should I go to have covered repairs performed?
Added Security is honored throughout the United States and Canada at nearly 600 authorized Subaru dealers, where you can be sure to get genuine Subaru replacement parts installed by factory trained technicians. However, in emergency situations, you may call our toll-free number for assistance and approval to have the repairs done by an authorized repair facility.
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7. How are my claims paid if I have a breakdown?
Added Security will pay the cost of a covered repair directly to any Subaru dealer. This includes parts and labor.
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8. Will I have to pay a deductible?
No! You can choose a plan with a zero deductible. However plans are available with a $50 or $100 deductible. It's up to you.
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9. Why is Added Security the best value?
There are several reasons why selecting the Subaru-backed extended service contract will always be the best value. Added Security is custom-designed by Subaru for your Subaru vehicle. You will not be paying for coverage you don't need. The pricing structure of an Added Security plan doesn't have to factor in the repair costs of the average vehicle. We cover only Subaru cars.
John
Bob
-mike
Herb
Herb
Of course we really bought the warranty for years 4-7 and the car is 3 years old, so ask me again in 4 more years. )
-juice
I suspect that the Ridgeline price won't get a whole lot better, but the trade-in on my Forester isn't going to be so sweet if I wait 6 months trying to decide between the Ridgeline and an '06 Baja. I suspect that getting into the premium leather seated model of the '06 Baja (the only one with adequate head room) will run me about $25k minimum, with a trade-in of about $13 k.
For $12.5k difference for the Ridgeline, vs about $12k for the Baja, the Ridgeline sure is looking attractive. The lower mpg is more than compensated by the better resale value of the Ridgeline.
Anyone else struggling over whether the Baja is in their future?
John
What are your needs? Will you use the extra space, or will it just be wasted and use up extra gas?
If you can use the space I'd get the Ridgeline. Otherwise, if you want to have fun in a vehicle that's a lot easier to park, Baja.
-juice
TIA - pagris
So if you're getting a Sport model, the VC splits power 50/50 front to rear and is actually a little sportier in feel than the 90/10 default split of the automatic's system.
If you want a stick, get a stick.
-juice
John
I actually need to get out of my MT Forester as my back suffers from the constant clutching. So, I have been looking at the Baja AT with the turbo.
I am holding off waiting for the '06 model. The Forester XT auto made huge improvements in MPG and I am hopeful the Baja Turbo will also get the engine upgrades.
John
John
thanks for any info.
Most people are saying "no changes" and that '06 is the last year.
Back seat? depends on how big they are. Anyone over 5'8" might find it tight on leg room and head room would be tight too. In other words, np for younger kids.
John
Bob
-juice
http://www.rolltopcover.com/
Ridgeline pics:
Video:
http://www.rolltopcover.com/demo.asp
Bob
Any how, that's very neat but it does seem to occupy 4-6" or so at the top of the bed. Still very useful.
-juice
Bob
It was like Deja Vu all over again.
-juice
If Subaru were to "integrate" this into the rear bulk head, they would need to do away with the mid gate.
But, I would rather have a larger Baja with no midgate, than the current Baja with no midgate and and a roll top.
If we think about it, there will need to be a panel (a wide one) to install and access the unit for repairs. It would likely need to be motorized too, as I can't see a windup handle fitting anywhere that would give easy access to the user.
John
Any resolution on this issue? I also have a noise problem in my 02 outback that I can't live with. I have only 26K miles on it and have been to the dealer 3 times already. The noise is a hollow knocking sound that is quite subtle (but is slowly turning my brain into jelly) and only occurs when the car is fully warmed up and under light load (like around 2500 to 3000 rpm with foot just barely on accelerator -- almost coasting) Sounds like something is loose and floating/knocking. Subaru already replace the timing belt tensioner and bracket, and just last week they replace two of the pistons (#2 and #4) with special pistons designed to not slap. This had no effect at all on the noise. As I suspected, it was not piston slap in the firat place. What a waste of Subaru's money to replace these unnecessarily under waranty. What can I do now?
Thanks
Rich
I have read a few discussions on Subaru engine noise in this forum and I am hoping someone can help. I also have a noise problem in my 02 outback that I can't live with. I have only 26K miles on it and have been to the dealer 3 times already. The noise is a hollow knocking sound that is quite subtle (but is slowly turning my brain into jelly) and only occurs when the car is ***fully warmed up*** and under light load (like around 2500 to 3000 rpm with foot just barely on accelerator -- almost coasting) Sounds like something is loose and floating/knocking. Subaru already replace the timing belt tensioner and bracket, and just last week they replace two of the pistons (#2 and #4) with special pistons designed to not slap. This had no effect at all on the noise. As I suspected, it was not piston slap in the first place. What a waste of Subaru's money to replace these unnecessarily under warranty. What can I do now?
Thanks
Rich
-juice
Mark
It's an '03 Sport, Baja Yellow, most options except leather, 19K miles, anyone wanna buy it?? I'm in Ohio.
Again.. its about a lack of customer service. It took 15 minutes and ME finally asking if it were possible for me to pay the difference before they would even send the tow. The answer for 15 minutes was "we can;t do that "