This has long been a gripe of mine but I keep forgetting to mention it, it concerns the location of the dipsticks for the trans and front diff on the 4 eat.
I don't what the location is on the 05 models but I have no reason to think they are any different, if they are not I would suggest making the dipstick longer in order to make it easier to check the levels.
Having just checked mine I had reason to curse once more at how inaccessible they are, especially the diff, it would Be easy to make the dipstick longer in order to make it easier to check the levels.
I wonder how many people don't even bother to check the levels because it is a PITA to do so.
A rack capable of handling plywood (and/or lumber) would need to be substantially heavier than the one pictured. Surfboards are very light, dontcha know.
I still want a 2-door, king cab Baja: the "El Subino".
When I show show images like that bed rack, I don't mean for Subaru to copy it verbatim. It's simply a springboard to get SOA marketing/engineering people thinking. Obviously, in order to handle plywood and lumber, it would have to be engineered properly to handle those tasks.
I've since done some research on those type of bed racks. The ones offered for conventional pickup trucks have capacities ranging from from ~ 125lbs to over 1500lbs. Most seem to be in the 750–1000lb range. If Subaru were to offer such a rack, I would hope for 250lbs or better. 500lbs would be ideal, but that may be too much to hope for.
I agree completely. Serious engineering would be required, from the rack to the suspension... and probably legal research as well >:p
I personally think it would be a great addition, if capable of handling serious loads (500 lbs would be good) and if it was made of aluminium, so that it didn't add too much weight (in the least desirable location). EZ removal would also be a big plus.
ps I STILL want a 2-door, long bed Baja. Yes, I know, all the rest of the world is trending towards 4-door pickups.
That's why it will probably never fly. Although the Baja does need some help with cargo capacity.
Whether fishing, surfing or on vacation, I'm pretty sure I can get more into and onto my Forester than the Baja. It's too bad though, because fish and wetsuits really smell up a car! lol
It's too bad though, because fish and wetsuits really smell up a car! lol
Which is the reason why pickups and car-based pickups exist. There's just some stuff you don't want to put in your car. Someone over at nasioc just posted that he uses his Baja's bed to remove/transfer excess cow/horse dung. I'd certainly prefer that in a pickup bed than inside the vehicle.
Someone over at nabisco mentioned it half jokingly.
When you think of it, it would be a great head-turner and a sure headline-grabber—and a cool response to the Viper-engined Ram and F-150 Lightening.
In the past, the SWRT used Forester S turbos as support cars and N/A Foresters as recce cars. Not sure if they still do under the vastly different WRC recce scheme.
Just use the bed cover to keep the dust out. I like the Baja Baja -sounds different enough to stand out. SOA needs something to get the Baja moving sales wise.
I just saw a new Baja turbo w/leather, which comes with the new hard bed cover.
The good news is:
• It's "finally" here.
• It's better than no bed cover, or the soft bed cover SOA also offers.
• The hard bed cover is better than those offered by 3rd party suppliers.
The bad news is:
• It's much like the hard bed cover found on the Explorer Sport Trac, meaning it looks like a really bad toupee.
• It's still not a great solution. I don't know it it's removable (I saw it on Sunday and the dealer was closed). If it's not, or is hard to remove, it really cuts down on the bed flexibility—and therefore, the flexibility (and appeal) of the vehicle in general.
_____________________
After seeing this first hand, I'm more convinced than ever that the lockable hard roll-top bed cover idea (that I presented here several month ago) is by far the best overall solution. That's what Subaru really needs to look into; I see this new hard bed cover as essentially a Band-Aid solution, at best.
I imagine they can carve out a tiny niche, mostly urban commuters and young college kids. I almost see it more as an alternative to a scooter or moped vs. a car.
If Subaru did pursue this, question is, should they use a new name like Smart or Scion to do so? That would hedge their bets a bit.
Use R1, just like Japan. There needs to be consistency to this naming thing. If you use different names for different markets, it muddies the (imaging/branding) water.
Subaru could be perceived as being cutting edge, which certainly fits, or could fit, the premium image. A lot will depend on vehicle content, and how it would be marketed.
I suspect we'll only see it if SoA needs the CAFE credits. With more Subies registered as trucks, I'm not sure if this will happen.
R1 is a big leap, I think baby steps would make more sense. In fact we should get something between the Impreza and the R2 with a 2.0l gas engine, something like that, first.
we (America) will be heading for smaller cars due to fuel. So while the average American car is currently heavier than the average European car, I think that gap will shrink in the future.
I don't know about you guys, but staring up at some of these SUVs even in my LGT makes me nervous sometimes. Unless the sales of SUVs goes way down, I don't expect our average vehicle wt to go down much!
Keep something in mind, though. Each generation refuses to drive the cars (or trucks) their parents drove. That was true for station wagons, then minivans, and SUVs are next.
The question is what segment will take over for SUVs, and how soon?
Probably my kid in the next 10 years with some sort of extreme cross-over vehicle.
Ground and fender clearance to hop rocks on the rubicon trail, or blast over the sand in the baha. Drivable and versatile enough to go grocery shopping. Reconfigurable interior which would make mini-van stow and go seem passe. Integrated roof rack system to hold all the toys, skis, bikes, auxiliary light bar. Forget turbo - go supercharger.
The question is what segment will take over for SUVs, and how soon?
Probably one-box or two-box vehicles of varying sizes with hybrid drivetrains, height-adjustable suspensions, highly configurable passenger seating (0-6) and on-demand AWD. People of all ages like the cargo/people/stereo-component-hauling capabilities on that platform.
Eric, older subarus had the ability to lock the center differential-- actually, they had a true transfer case like most mitsubishi AWD models have. older subarus also offered a low-range gear in the transfer case.
in fact I think that the JDM market along with NZ/Australia still get low-range transfer cases!
DCCD isn't the cheapest way to get what you're after but it is nice. I'd like to see it re-labeled though, to be more like the Evo MR's simple tarmac/gravel/snow modes.
I'd consider something like that. I bet it would have TONS of character. The top must fold, though.
I'm interested in the Smart roadster, also. Problem is the price is just too close to the Miata, I think it should be a good amount cheaper to offer real value.
For an urban runabout, at a sub-20k price, I'd definitely consider one.
Not sure if this info will get to Product Planning now that Patti has again been assigned to the dungeon, but I'll give it a try anyway...
Besides the Legacy 3.0R Spec B, I'd like to see Subaru offer a Legacy 3.0i and Outback 3.0i.
This would replace the current 2.5i Legacy/Outback models. I would like to see the 3.0 H-6, in this application be tuned to run on regular gas, therefore putting out a bit less than the 250/250 horsepower/torque now found in the current H-6. I would think somewhere around 230 – 240 HP/torque should be achievable running on regular.
By offering this regular gas H-6 engine as the base engine on both the Legacy and Outback, it would send a signal that Subaru truly is a "premium" brand, as it would match up with the BMW 3-series, in which all models are 6-cylinder cars (here in the USA); as well as not scaring off those who are put off by having to use premium gas.
I wonder though how much the H-6 would add to the price versus the H-4?
A MY04 H-6 35th Anniv. (cloth, no moonroof) listed for $2950 more than an H-4 Automatic. Cost was $2610 more. IMO, that is too much of a premium for the H-6. Granted, the "base" H-6 came with a few extras that were not on the H-4 but I don't think they were "costly" extras.
I think they need to keep the cost of a standard H-6 within $1000 of the current H-4.
Dave, if the 3.0i came standard with the HD 5-speed manual, found in the Legacy GT/Outback XT models, that would help keep costs down. A $1000 bump in price would be great, but I think maybe $1500 might be more realistic.
What it would do is position the Legacy and Outback line as "premium" models. It would be a selling point that Toyota, Nissan or Honda could not match (no base 4-cylinder cars). I suppose they could continue to offer the 2.5i for maybe another year or two, if they felt that would be to sharp of a price increase, all at once.
Comments
I don't what the location is on the 05 models but I have no reason to think they are any different, if they are not I would suggest making the dipstick longer in order to make it easier to check the levels.
Having just checked mine I had reason to curse once more at how inaccessible they are, especially the diff, it would Be easy to make the dipstick longer in order to make it easier to check the levels.
I wonder how many people don't even bother to check the levels because it is a PITA to do so.
Cheers Pat.
Owen
I still want a 2-door, king cab Baja: the "El Subino".
james
When I show show images like that bed rack, I don't mean for Subaru to copy it verbatim. It's simply a springboard to get SOA marketing/engineering people thinking. Obviously, in order to handle plywood and lumber, it would have to be engineered properly to handle those tasks.
I've since done some research on those type of bed racks. The ones offered for conventional pickup trucks have capacities ranging from from ~ 125lbs to over 1500lbs. Most seem to be in the 750–1000lb range. If Subaru were to offer such a rack, I would hope for 250lbs or better. 500lbs would be ideal, but that may be too much to hope for.
Bob
-Dennis
I agree completely. Serious engineering would be required, from the rack to the suspension... and probably legal research as well >:p
I personally think it would be a great addition, if capable of handling serious loads (500 lbs would be good) and if it was made of aluminium, so that it didn't add too much weight (in the least desirable location). EZ removal would also be a big plus.
ps I STILL want a 2-door, long bed Baja. Yes, I know, all the rest of the world is trending towards 4-door pickups.
james
That's why it will probably never fly. Although the Baja does need some help with cargo capacity.
Whether fishing, surfing or on vacation, I'm pretty sure I can get more into and onto my Forester than the Baja. It's too bad though, because fish and wetsuits really smell up a car! lol
-Dennis
Checking the level is hard, but replacing the gear oil is even harder, you can't help but spill some.
I had to clean the whole engine compartment when I was done.
Dennis: good to hear they have improved, but I'm still not looking forward to the 30k gear oil drain/fill on my wife's 2002 Legacy.
-juice
Which is the reason why pickups and car-based pickups exist. There's just some stuff you don't want to put in your car. Someone over at nasioc just posted that he uses his Baja's bed to remove/transfer excess cow/horse dung. I'd certainly prefer that in a pickup bed than inside the vehicle.
Bob
Someone over at nabisco mentioned it half jokingly.
When you think of it, it would be a great head-turner and a sure headline-grabber—and a cool response to the Viper-engined Ram and F-150 Lightening.
Hmmm...
Bob
Well, quickest, if not fastest.
-juice
It could be done just dipping into the STi parts bin I bet. I can see the Subaru WRC team using it as a "support vehicle."
Bob
Ed
Keep the Forester as the rally support vehicle, it's shorter wheelbase and lower curb weight might make it better suited.
Stuff in the Baja's bed would get too dusty!
-juice
Just use the bed cover to keep the dust out. I like the Baja Baja -sounds different enough to stand out. SOA needs something to get the Baja moving sales wise.
Mark
The good news is:
• It's "finally" here.
• It's better than no bed cover, or the soft bed cover SOA also offers.
• The hard bed cover is better than those offered by 3rd party suppliers.
The bad news is:
• It's much like the hard bed cover found on the Explorer Sport Trac, meaning it looks like a really bad toupee.
• It's still not a great solution. I don't know it it's removable (I saw it on Sunday and the dealer was closed). If it's not, or is hard to remove, it really cuts down on the bed flexibility—and therefore, the flexibility (and appeal) of the vehicle in general.
_____________________
After seeing this first hand, I'm more convinced than ever that the lockable hard roll-top bed cover idea (that I presented here several month ago) is by far the best overall solution. That's what Subaru really needs to look into; I see this new hard bed cover as essentially a Band-Aid solution, at best.
Bob
http://www.zapworld.com/
http://www.zapworld.com/about/news/news_smartepa.asp
Bob
I imagine they can carve out a tiny niche, mostly urban commuters and young college kids. I almost see it more as an alternative to a scooter or moped vs. a car.
If Subaru did pursue this, question is, should they use a new name like Smart or Scion to do so? That would hedge their bets a bit.
-juice
Bob
Scions are Toyota, even by DOT regs, but they still call it Scion xA, Scion xB, Scion tC.
-juice
Bob
That will be a tough sell, I think, in the US.
I think they could hedge their bets if they at least do something like what Toyota did. If it bombs, they can bail with no harm to the Subaru name.
Maybe call the line the Pleiades R1e, Pleiades R2, etc.
The full name could even be Subaru Pleiades R1e, but drop the Subaru name in marketing materials.
What do you think?
-juice
I prefer just Subaru R1. Introducing the word "Pleides" just adds more confusion, as Subaru tries to re-position the brand, I think.
Bob
R1 is a big leap, I think baby steps would make more sense. In fact we should get something between the Impreza and the R2 with a 2.0l gas engine, something like that, first.
-juice
http://www.zapworld.com/cars/smartCar.asp
SMART crash tests
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5217861/
Bob
So on US roads I'm not sure I'd consider that "safe".
-juice
US roads are no different than those in Europe or Japan. They all have big trucks.
Bob
Eric
3000 lbs here is a compact. 4000 lbs is mid-size. Large trucks can exceed 3 tons.
So anything under a ton is toy sized here. Not necessarily so in Europe, where small cars are the norm (under 3000 lbs).
Basically I think the average curb weight in the US is probably half a ton more than across the pond.
-juice
Bob
Plus, CAFE will continue to increase its standards, so they'll need something to earn credits for them to even keep their existing lineup.
-juice
Laws of physics don't favor microcars. ;-)
tom
The question is what segment will take over for SUVs, and how soon?
-juice
Ground and fender clearance to hop rocks on the rubicon trail, or blast over the sand in the baha. Drivable and versatile enough to go grocery shopping. Reconfigurable interior which would make mini-van stow and go seem passe. Integrated roof rack system to hold all the toys, skis, bikes, auxiliary light bar. Forget turbo - go supercharger.
Bob
Probably one-box or two-box vehicles of varying sizes with hybrid drivetrains, height-adjustable suspensions, highly configurable passenger seating (0-6) and on-demand AWD. People of all ages like the cargo/people/stereo-component-hauling capabilities on that platform.
It's already starting.
Ed
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosconsumer/0411/20/F01-7352.htm
Bob
With DCCD, you could lock the differentials in a 50/50 split for more serious off-roading.
Eric
in fact I think that the JDM market along with NZ/Australia still get low-range transfer cases!
DCCD isn't the cheapest way to get what you're after but it is nice. I'd like to see it re-labeled though, to be more like the Evo MR's simple tarmac/gravel/snow modes.
~Colin
Europe too. In fact, I think (?) North America is the only market that doesn't get a low range option on at least some 5-speed manuals.
Bob
54% said no, but that still leaves a big niche for them to carve out.
-juice
Eric
http://www.auto-news.de/webcore/data/content/Auto_Article_EXT/136- - - - - - - - - - - - - 57_1101726380131.jpg
http://www.auto-news.de/webcore/data/content/Auto_Article_EXT/136- 57_1101726887761.jpg
http://www.auto-news.de/webcore/data/content/Auto_Article_EXT/136- 57_1101726784472.jpg
http://www.auto-news.de/webcore/data/content/Auto_Article_EXT/136- 57_1101726910943.jpg
http://www.auto-news.de/webcore/data/content/Auto_Article_EXT/136- 57_1101726965308.jpg
http://www.auto-news.de/webcore/data/content/Auto_Article_EXT/136- 57_1101727042076.jpg
-juice
Bob
I'm interested in the Smart roadster, also. Problem is the price is just too close to the Miata, I think it should be a good amount cheaper to offer real value.
For an urban runabout, at a sub-20k price, I'd definitely consider one.
-juice
Besides the Legacy 3.0R Spec B, I'd like to see Subaru offer a Legacy 3.0i and Outback 3.0i.
This would replace the current 2.5i Legacy/Outback models. I would like to see the 3.0 H-6, in this application be tuned to run on regular gas, therefore putting out a bit less than the 250/250 horsepower/torque now found in the current H-6. I would think somewhere around 230 – 240 HP/torque should be achievable running on regular.
By offering this regular gas H-6 engine as the base engine on both the Legacy and Outback, it would send a signal that Subaru truly is a "premium" brand, as it would match up with the BMW 3-series, in which all models are 6-cylinder cars (here in the USA); as well as not scaring off those who are put off by having to use premium gas.
Bob
I wonder though how much the H-6 would add to the price versus the H-4?
A MY04 H-6 35th Anniv. (cloth, no moonroof) listed for $2950 more than an H-4 Automatic. Cost was $2610 more. IMO, that is too much of a premium for the H-6. Granted, the "base" H-6 came with a few extras that were not on the H-4 but I don't think they were "costly" extras.
I think they need to keep the cost of a standard H-6 within $1000 of the current H-4.
DaveM
What it would do is position the Legacy and Outback line as "premium" models. It would be a selling point that Toyota, Nissan or Honda could not match (no base 4-cylinder cars). I suppose they could continue to offer the 2.5i for maybe another year or two, if they felt that would be to sharp of a price increase, all at once.
Bob