Hi folks. It is good to see some familar names from way back. I have finally read all the messages in this forum and as usual, the group is a wealth of info.
My wife and I still have our Foresters, but my wife has recently realized that she has had her Premium for 4.5 years. She usually treats herself evey 3 but has loved her Forester so much, time has flown by.
She would like to get something a little bigger, but is very partial to another Subaru, hence my being *here*. Her Forester is wanted by family so all we have to do is find what she wants. This B9 timing is off a little for us but on paper a 5 passenger Limited IS what she wants. We are trying to figure out if it is worth the wait for our needs.
She has driven a Highlander Limited and liked it, but thought it was a little "vanilla". She also doesn't like the fact that they make her pay for 7 passenger seating when she usually doesn't need more than 2. Too van-ish in that regard.
She also has driven the Murano and really liked it, but Nissan quality is a step down, and the not-real AWD is probably a stopper. If the Murano were a Subaru she would have already written the check.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is head room. Being a large 6'3" I find that with power seats, the driver's seat can be lowered to a good place, but the passenger's seat doesn't lower, and sits kind of high. Because of the sunroofs I find my head very close in the Highlander and the Murano, even when reclinng the back a little, which is what I do anyway. If someone has a comparison of the Tribeca to either of these, I would appreciate hearing it. Forester head room is the only one in the line that fits, currently.
My wife is tall too but her complaint is usually not head room, but rather the windshield header. As windshields get more rake the roof starts to feel squashed at the header area. Like Godzilla stepped on a Land Rover roof. Feels sort of like looking out through a helmet. That view is a stopper for her.
I am also interested in how high the B9 "sits", meaning driver's eye height. Does it sit about the same as Highlander/Murano?
This not being able to see/touch one is a problem. Of course I now find out that Norwood Subaru here in MA has had 1 in their showroom all week, until yesterday.
Second, I'm 6'5" and I had the chance to sit and check out the B9 except drive it. The B9 is impressively spacious. I was able to get comfy and the hip, shoulder and legroom felt very comfortable and open. The passenger side is a power 4 way, so you're able to adjust the height of it for a better sit. I sat in the passernger side and though I'm used to more than just a 4 way, it'll do. Since you're 6'3", you should be fine.
I'd say the B9 is not too high and not too low. You're able to get on/off without any manuvering to access your seat. Line of sight vs. the Highlander and Murano are about the same. I say the Highlander probably has a higher windshield/roofline by an inch or so, but it doesn't take anything away from the B9. There are no blind spots and the interior layout is spacious enough to familiarize yourself with your surroundings (in and out).
I was very happy once I checked out the B9 cause we were skeptical about another Subaru since there was nothing they offered above the OB. But we'll be getting the B9 and my wife is estatic (it's really for her).
It sounds like you have much the same problems I have with size and vehicles. Being 50-something and stiff with a bad back doesn't help. It is good to hear your opinion.
Are you sure the passanger seat will go up and down? The Highlander has 4-way and it is forward/back, and back tilt angle down/up. No raise/lower. Same for the Murano. My experience is that 6-way adds height, and 8 the tilt of the seat part. 4-way is the one I usually have problems with. If I still had hair I wouldn't fit into some vehicles.
With the calculations I have done it seems like Subaru has continued to do a good job of matching gearing to engine and weight, so it should feel sprightly, despite the weight. The road tests seem to bear that out.
Good luck with yours, and we can't wait to drive 1. Of course, with our luck there will be no 5-passenger Limiteds with grey leather around.
Of course, I have my toys too. Besides my Forester I have a Tundra TRD 4X4. My friends think it is strange that my Forester is my Winter vehicle. They just don't understand.
That's what I wanted to confirm. I have purchased 3 Subaru's in the past 18 months. This elevated me to the VIP status as well. I just wanted to make sure someone at the dealership wasn't blowing smoke. BTW, how do you like your F-XT?
My wife is 5'10" but has a 34" inseam, same as mine, so the seat bottom stays about the same. I recline the seat more than she does, and change the mirrors. We always leave the steering wheel all the way up.
Certainly no reason to be sorry, I appreciate the help. I just want to be as clear about this vehicle as I can. Since we have to wait it helps pass the time.
Any recent info from dealers you've contacted about when the B9s will begin to arrive?
I LOVE the interior integrity, style and German-engineered handling of my VW Passat wagon. My greatest complaint w/my reliable 02 Honda Odyssey is its BLAH Japanese interior.
Subaru has hit the nail on the head with the B9. I saw it at the Cleveland auto show and it is precisely what I need: 7 passenger for the kiddies and true quality interior materials that make me love being in a car. The cockpit feel, which could be confining for a bigger guy like me, is a perfect balance. Sat in a Saturn years ago and the way it wrapped me up was scary.
I cannot wait to test-drive and buy the B9. It'll be my first ever Subaru. First of many, I suspect.
Any news on when dealers in diff parts of the country are getting them? I've heard June and July from one here in Akron, OH, and other dealers, including that VanB one someone mentioned. I haven't checked in the last month or so, any updates?
Any recent info from dealers you've contacted about when the B9s will begin to arrive?
I LOVE the interior integrity, style and German-engineered handling of my VW Passat wagon. My greatest complaint w/my reliable 02 Honda Odyssey is its BLAH Japanese interior.
Subaru has hit the nail on the head with the B9. I saw it at the Cleveland auto show and it is precisely what I need: 7 passenger for the kiddies and true quality interior materials that make me love being in a car. The cockpit feel, which could be confining for a bigger guy like me, is a perfect balance. Sat in a Saturn years ago and the way it wrapped me up was scary.
I cannot wait to test-drive and buy the B9. It'll be my first ever Subaru. First of many, I suspect.
Any news on when dealers in diff parts of the country are getting them? I've heard June and July from one here in Akron, OH, and other dealers, including that VanB one someone mentioned. I haven't checked in the last month or so, any updates?
Having made the switch to XM Radio months ago, I would not personally consider a vehicle that lacks this as at least optional equipment. XM is standard equipment in the Acura MDX and this includes 3 months of air time. At least Acura understands the meaning of a premium suv and takes steps to provide customers will all the goodies at no extra charge. Subaru wants to go to the dance but can't afford the dress!
It also seems strange to offer a portable XM radio as an early purchase incentive yet to ignore this as a vehicle standard or option.
The dash board of the Tribeca is its strong point - it's a shame to have to use a portable player that adds cabin clutter just to bring the aesthetics up to par.
Subaru needs to commit to a satellite radio line and add this feature, until it does it will lose potential customers like me.
I was already to buy from the local dealer who wouldn't budge. Thanks to Bigelm's advice, I'm now at invoice for the 5 pass limited with tow package. Saved another $1400.............Woo Hoo!
I agree that Subaru needs to at least offer this as an option -- particularly since the integrated radio in the dash is not replacable with one that has XM capability. Having lived with (and grown very attached to) the factory XM radio in our Accord, I will not buy another car without this feature.
As an aside, Hyundai recently announced that it will be the first automaker to make XM radio STANDARD on every car it makes (including the $10,000 Accent) in 2006. Subaru should at least offer this as an option.
Frank, I believe B9 Tribeca has the same ground clearance as Outback, but is 4" taller, so I would imagine headroom inside Tribeca should be about 3-4" more than Outback, to give you a point of reference.
Yes, The dealer is in NJ. I used the "get a quote" from local dealers on Edmunds new car price section. Hey...have to plug the sponsors right? Used zip code of 07631 in the search because I wanted to stay within an hours drive. More than one dealer agreed to sell at invoice. I'm reluctant to say which one right now because I haven't signed the paperwork yet. You never know... if they sell too many, they might just decide to not sell so cheap. Good luck.
Thanks Jeff. My wife is enthused with the info I have feed back to her from this group. Having heard no reason NOT to wait, she will. If she doesn't like it I think she will buy the Highlander and sell the third seat at a yard sale. :surprise:
Right now I am having a hard time getting a price from my dealer. After 5 Soob sales I don't know why he would be ducking.
Anyone have any idea what the step-in height might be? I'm curious, as my older parents and elderly grandma travel with me a lot, and they can't climb in and out easily, especially if it's too high up. Also, how does the leg room compare to the 05 Outbacks? Specs say it's one inch more in the back seat on the B9.
Frank: I think White Pearl and gray interior would look pretty sharp, actually.
Pre-order and get the portable XM, just get a model with the DVD entetainment so it'll plug in easily.
I'm sure people will figure out how to tap the stock head unit sooner rather than later, they've already done so for the Legacy. Multiple solutions, actually, some now for sale!
Hey Karen, nice to "see" you again.
Step-in is definitely higher than the Forester, but not nearly as high as an SUV like the 4Runner. You can't quite sit back into the seat like you can in the Forester, though, it does require a little climbing.
Leg room is a little better when it's all the way back. The middle row has 3 positions - back, 4" forward, and 8" way-forward to make room for the 3rd row.
Just how binding are pre-orders? Can the dealer back out of the deal if they find someone who will pay a higher price? My deal went way too smooth. One dealer I spoke with who wouldn't budge off MSRP with says I'll never see the car that I ordered at invoice. Opinions?
Does your order say invoice? IF it doesn't, make sure they do have it on the order. IF you did business with one of the dealers I mentioned then you'll be fine.
Besides, alot of dealers say alot of garbage just to make a sale.
Otherwise, I wouldn't worry! But, isn't that what you want? A smooth transaction or are you a masoquist? ;-)
I'm thinking that they have a limited number of Tribeca's alotted to each dealer, and they will only get them if they are pre-ordered. Once they come in, they find some technicality to get out of it to sell to someone who is willing to pay more for a car now in stock. Is my paranoia showing or what?
Keep shopping, I think MSRP is quite optimistic. There is a little bit of pent-up demand, but within a month that dealer will be sending you a revised quote and begging you to come back.
In fairness, go price a new Highlander hybrid. I'm sure they'll put you at the end of the 500 name-long wait list if you're willing to pay a slight markup over MSRP.
I suspect demand for that will be even higher because $33k is a lot better than RX400H prices, which are closer to $50k.
...back out of the deal. I doubt they will. The market is just too competitive, and if a customer walks they may never make up that sale.
Dealer: Hmmm. Mr. Jones was told invoice. Mr. Smith will pay MSRP plus. Who do I sell it to.
Even if Mr. Jones never comes back, the dealer still made the same amount selling one unit than he did two units. Remember many dealers still short sighted.
As for backing out, unless you have a specific VIN or a deadline for providing a vehicle, the dealer has the means to back out.
I just got this too. Unfortunately, you can't take Subaru's propaganda too seriously. What do you think the chances were that Drive would be critical of a new Subaru product? For example, I didn't see any mention that the Tribeca has light steering as indicated from other sources.
Grand unveiling June 11th, I am told. Each dealer getting only 2 vehicles.
It appears the N.E. Subaru dealers are holding hands. Every quote I got back was for MSRP, and this was through the Edmunds feature. One of the dealers is the place where we have been responsible for 5 new Subarus, all with near invoice deals. He told me ownership will have to decide on any discounts. Sounds like they have high expectations. I think this is a big mistake, especially in a Subaru stronghold.
Juice, maybe your list should be redone with prices folks can actually buy the vehicles for. A B9 at MSRP is going to have a hard time when you can buy a Highlander Limited that stickers for $35.5K, for less than $31K. Maybe the "rule" will be different out of New England.
Trust me, they will cave. That MSRP pricing won't last a month.
Same thing happened in the Mid-Atlantic for the 2005 Legacy. Dealers met up and informally agree to hold the line on pricing. My dealer buddy at Fitz told me they did that and held the line, but other dealers gave in and they lost a bunch of sales early on. They wised up and lowered prices soon after that.
Look now, a year later you get $5000 off some models.
The market is just too competitive. Locally, I found a Pilot LX for $25k, EX for about $27k. To be fair, the Subie has more equipment, and a base Tribeca is equipped more like the EX+. Not to mention Pilot LXs are rare as hen's teeth. I think only one exists - for photos in the brochure.
Still, though, prices in the mid $30s just are not very sustainable (except for loaded ones). I predict they'll have to bring base models within a stone's throw of the Pilot EX, i.e. $29k for starters.
Comments
-juice
Maybe when their order is allocated and they know what they are getting?
-juice
My wife and I still have our Foresters, but my wife has recently realized that she has had her Premium for 4.5 years. She usually treats herself evey 3 but has loved her Forester so much, time has flown by.
She would like to get something a little bigger, but is very partial to another Subaru, hence my being *here*. Her Forester is wanted by family so all we have to do is find what she wants. This B9 timing is off a little for us but on paper a 5 passenger Limited IS what she wants. We are trying to figure out if it is worth the wait for our needs.
She has driven a Highlander Limited and liked it, but thought it was a little "vanilla". She also doesn't like the fact that they make her pay for 7 passenger seating when she usually doesn't need more than 2. Too van-ish in that regard.
She also has driven the Murano and really liked it, but Nissan quality is a step down, and the not-real AWD is probably a stopper. If the Murano were a Subaru she would have already written the check.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is head room. Being a large 6'3" I find that with power seats, the driver's seat can be lowered to a good place, but the passenger's seat doesn't lower, and sits kind of high. Because of the sunroofs I find my head very close in the Highlander and the Murano, even when reclinng the back a little, which is what I do anyway. If someone has a comparison of the Tribeca to either of these, I would appreciate hearing it. Forester head room is the only one in the line that fits, currently.
My wife is tall too but her complaint is usually not head room, but rather the windshield header. As windshields get more rake the roof starts to feel squashed at the header area. Like Godzilla stepped on a Land Rover roof. Feels sort of like looking out through a helmet. That view is a stopper for her.
I am also interested in how high the B9 "sits", meaning driver's eye height. Does it sit about the same as Highlander/Murano?
This not being able to see/touch one is a problem. Of course I now find out that Norwood Subaru here in MA has had 1 in their showroom all week, until yesterday.
Regards,
Frank
Second, I'm 6'5" and I had the chance to sit and check out the B9 except drive it. The B9 is impressively spacious. I was able to get comfy and the hip, shoulder and legroom felt very comfortable and open. The passenger side is a power 4 way, so you're able to adjust the height of it for a better sit. I sat in the passernger side and though I'm used to more than just a 4 way, it'll do. Since you're 6'3", you should be fine.
I'd say the B9 is not too high and not too low. You're able to get on/off without any manuvering to access your seat. Line of sight vs. the Highlander and Murano are about the same. I say the Highlander probably has a higher windshield/roofline by an inch or so, but it doesn't take anything away from the B9. There are no blind spots and the interior layout is spacious enough to familiarize yourself with your surroundings (in and out).
I was very happy once I checked out the B9 cause we were skeptical about another Subaru since there was nothing they offered above the OB. But we'll be getting the B9 and my wife is estatic (it's really for her).
Hope this helps.
We'd trade in her Legacy because I'm too attached to my Forester to give it up.
In fact if I got a new car soon it'd probably be a trade for the Miata.
-juice
It sounds like you have much the same problems I have with size and vehicles. Being 50-something and stiff with a bad back doesn't help. It is good to hear your opinion.
Are you sure the passanger seat will go up and down? The Highlander has 4-way and it is forward/back, and back tilt angle down/up. No raise/lower. Same for the Murano. My experience is that 6-way adds height, and 8 the tilt of the seat part. 4-way is the one I usually have problems with. If I still had hair I wouldn't fit into some vehicles.
With the calculations I have done it seems like Subaru has continued to do a good job of matching gearing to engine and weight, so it should feel sprightly, despite the weight. The road tests seem to bear that out.
Good luck with yours, and we can't wait to drive 1. Of course, with our luck there will be no 5-passenger Limiteds with grey leather around.
Thanks again!
Frank
Of course, I have my toys too. Besides my Forester I have a Tundra TRD 4X4. My friends think it is strange that my Forester is my Winter vehicle. They just don't understand.
Frank
-juice
Frank
-juice
Memory seats would be nice. She complains when I change "everything".
Frank
-juice
Frank
Don't remind her. Her is newer, and probably worth about what my 2 cars are combined.
I will go back to owning one car as soon as I can find a 7 seat AWD roadster under 2400 pounds. Promise.
-juice
Frank
I meant the 4 way on the passenger side is comfy. It's not height adjustable but I was fine. But there's enough headroom to get away with it ;-)
Thanks,
Frank
I LOVE the interior integrity, style and German-engineered handling of my VW Passat wagon. My greatest complaint w/my reliable 02 Honda Odyssey is its BLAH Japanese interior.
Subaru has hit the nail on the head with the B9. I saw it at the Cleveland auto show and it is precisely what I need: 7 passenger for the kiddies and true quality interior materials that make me love being in a car. The cockpit feel, which could be confining for a bigger guy like me, is a perfect balance. Sat in a Saturn years ago and the way it wrapped me up was scary.
I cannot wait to test-drive and buy the B9. It'll be my first ever Subaru. First of many, I suspect.
Any news on when dealers in diff parts of the country are getting them? I've heard June and July from one here in Akron, OH, and other dealers, including that VanB one someone mentioned. I haven't checked in the last month or so, any updates?
-Dave
I LOVE the interior integrity, style and German-engineered handling of my VW Passat wagon. My greatest complaint w/my reliable 02 Honda Odyssey is its BLAH Japanese interior.
Subaru has hit the nail on the head with the B9. I saw it at the Cleveland auto show and it is precisely what I need: 7 passenger for the kiddies and true quality interior materials that make me love being in a car. The cockpit feel, which could be confining for a bigger guy like me, is a perfect balance. Sat in a Saturn years ago and the way it wrapped me up was scary.
I cannot wait to test-drive and buy the B9. It'll be my first ever Subaru. First of many, I suspect.
Any news on when dealers in diff parts of the country are getting them? I've heard June and July from one here in Akron, OH, and other dealers, including that VanB one someone mentioned. I haven't checked in the last month or so, any updates?
-Dave
Frank
Frank
It also seems strange to offer a portable XM radio as an early purchase incentive yet to ignore this as a vehicle standard or option.
The dash board of the Tribeca is its strong point - it's a shame to have to use a portable player that adds cabin clutter just to bring the aesthetics up to par.
Subaru needs to commit to a satellite radio line and add this feature, until it does it will lose potential customers like me.
I was already to buy from the local dealer who wouldn't budge. Thanks to Bigelm's advice, I'm now at invoice for the 5 pass limited with tow package. Saved another $1400.............Woo Hoo!
As an aside, Hyundai recently announced that it will be the first automaker to make XM radio STANDARD on every car it makes (including the $10,000 Accent) in 2006. Subaru should at least offer this as an option.
Brian
I'm glad you were able to get what you wanted ;-)
No problem.. just trying to help a fellow member :-D
:thumbs up:
Just wanted some clarification, are you buying from one dealer in NJ ?
Have a local dealer in CT but am will to travel if they don't budge.
Right now I am having a hard time getting a price from my dealer. After 5 Soob sales I don't know why he would be ducking.
Frank
IF you do a search in this thread, you'll find lots of info on the B9. ;-)
Pre-order and get the portable XM, just get a model with the DVD entetainment so it'll plug in easily.
I'm sure people will figure out how to tap the stock head unit sooner rather than later, they've already done so for the Legacy. Multiple solutions, actually, some now for sale!
Hey Karen, nice to "see" you again.
Step-in is definitely higher than the Forester, but not nearly as high as an SUV like the 4Runner. You can't quite sit back into the seat like you can in the Forester, though, it does require a little climbing.
Leg room is a little better when it's all the way back. The middle row has 3 positions - back, 4" forward, and 8" way-forward to make room for the 3rd row.
-juice
-juice
Besides, alot of dealers say alot of garbage just to make a sale.
Otherwise, I wouldn't worry! But, isn't that what you want? A smooth transaction or are you a masoquist? ;-)
Frank
It's all up to you!
In fairness, go price a new Highlander hybrid. I'm sure they'll put you at the end of the 500 name-long wait list if you're willing to pay a slight markup over MSRP.
I suspect demand for that will be even higher because $33k is a lot better than RX400H prices, which are closer to $50k.
-juice
Dealer: Hmmm. Mr. Jones was told invoice. Mr. Smith will pay MSRP plus. Who do I sell it to.
Even if Mr. Jones never comes back, the dealer still made the same amount selling one unit than he did two units. Remember many dealers still short sighted.
As for backing out, unless you have a specific VIN or a deadline for providing a vehicle, the dealer has the means to back out.
Bill
I hope so, or there is not hope for our civilization.
Saw that article in the print edition of Drive a while back, still seems pretty light on facts and details, just gives a (biased) impression.
Also, I don't like how they spun it as a regular review, while of course we know Drive is Subaru's own publication.
I got an e-mail about it, and it sure felt like a spin.
-juice
Agreed...
If anything, the third party reviews will expose more of it's pros and cons.
-juice
It appears the N.E. Subaru dealers are holding hands. Every quote I got back was for MSRP, and this was through the Edmunds feature. One of the dealers is the place where we have been responsible for 5 new Subarus, all with near invoice deals. He told me ownership will have to decide on any discounts. Sounds like they have high expectations. I think this is a big mistake, especially in a Subaru stronghold.
Juice, maybe your list should be redone with prices folks can actually buy the vehicles for.
Frank
Same thing happened in the Mid-Atlantic for the 2005 Legacy. Dealers met up and informally agree to hold the line on pricing. My dealer buddy at Fitz told me they did that and held the line, but other dealers gave in and they lost a bunch of sales early on. They wised up and lowered prices soon after that.
Look now, a year later you get $5000 off some models.
The market is just too competitive. Locally, I found a Pilot LX for $25k, EX for about $27k. To be fair, the Subie has more equipment, and a base Tribeca is equipped more like the EX+. Not to mention Pilot LXs are rare as hen's teeth. I think only one exists - for photos in the brochure.
Still, though, prices in the mid $30s just are not very sustainable (except for loaded ones). I predict they'll have to bring base models within a stone's throw of the Pilot EX, i.e. $29k for starters.
-juice