Those are from all the owners manuals that I have checked over the past few years, when visiting dealerships. Both Chevy and Land Rover post that info in their brochures, believe it or not!
Yeah, I'm one of those few nuts who actually asks to see owners manuals when I go to car dealers.
Steve, almost all states have laws pertaining to trailer brakes. Here in Maryland any trailer over 3000 by law must have trailer brakes. That figure is also used for many (not all) states. The problem is there is often a big difference between what the law requires, and what the vehicle makers require—and that's a HUGE problem, which is what you encountered.
You all make very good points and I thank you for the info.. I am aware of the laws regarding pulling a trailer in NH. I actually checked before I pulled a trailer.
I want to point out that I found out about this by... 1. wanting to obey the law, at least as it regards a trailer 2. wanting to be safe, for me and others on the road 3. reading the manual to comply with mfg specs
All I am saying is that they could have put the info out front and made the specs something that actually represented real life conditions.
No the RCA jack (only with the DVD system) is behind the 2nd row driver side. Simply run a wire as you would along the side of the vehicle tucking it under the trip pcs and then run it up under the center console. Use a Belkin Adapter and you are in business with a very clean no wire seen set up. I was not trying to be rude I just put a lot of time into pictures and writing it up and did not want to do it again... sorry.
The Belkin adapter is a device that connects into the ipod which then gives you a single stereo plug to plug into. Sounds like you will not need that if you have a two port line out from your device. So in your case run a set of RCA cables like I suggest and connect directly to your device. Radio shack has inexpensive extensions or just longer RCA cables. $10.00 or so.
I am connnected to the AUX behind the seat. I just hide the cable and run it into the center console.
I searched this forum and found the post explaining about ipod but didn't see where you posted any pictures. I would like to check them out. Thanks for clarifying on the belkin or monster adapter as it confused me but i realize now i wont need it with my player. Though my player doesnt' have left and right audio inputs just audio in/out so i use a cord that has single audio in on one end and left and right (red white) audio on the other. this will work but not long enough so i guess I will either need a longer version of what i have or just a long dual ended red and white audio cord with female on one end and male on the other to extend what I have and hope that doesnt' degrade the sound any which i dont think it would and reg rca audio cable would be cheaper hten a longer version of the audio in to left and right audio cord.
phew, biggest question left is how do you get it up under the center console? is there a whole in the bottom of it or did you make one? otherwise wouldn't you have to have the cord go through the top of the console in which case it wouldn't close down all the way with the cord in the way?
I guess this will all be more clear when I get my Beca on Saturday!
Quite frankly, i'm a little nervous about switching from Nissan and not getting the Murano instead but i think it offers more for less money and the model newness factor helps. I just hope i still like it more then the Murano or other direct competetors when it isn't new anymore and you see a ton of B9's on teh road which is only a matter of time as its supposedly doing well and the price is relatively affordable.
On our way home from town today I drove through the local Subaru dealer here in Lafayette, IN to see what kind of Tribeca inventory they have. They only had 2 on the lot(1 of which was sold) and 1 in the showroom. I convinced my wife to sit in it and see how much more room it had than an Outback. She decided she liked the interior space but not the exterior color (Mahogany). The salesman, who we already knew from previous Outback test drives, prodded her into actually driving it.
We went out on about a 30 minute test drive on country roads, city streets, and the Interstate. She loved it! She said she likes it as much as our BMW. Now I can't get her to quit talking about the Tribeca. She said she was afraid that it would handle too much like a big SUV but was very pleasantly surprised when it didn't feel any bigger than an Outback. She actually preferred the handling of the Tribeca over the Outback LL Bean. I was able to pry her from under the wheel for exactly four minutes so I could drive it and I can honestly say I am also very impressed.
My biggest complaint would be that you can't have the NAV without a 7pass LTD and that the engine needs just a little more umph. I left it in sport mode for my portion and I think it helps the engine to stay in the rpm band better. As with any Subaru I have ever driven, the fit and finish are excellent and am very impressed with the overall cockpit feel of the interior.
Third row is still small but not as bad as I remember from my first impression. My wife's only complaints were that the steering wheel doesn't telescope as it does on our BMW and that it doesn't have adjustable pedals. She was able to find her perfect driving position so I don't think she really needs either but you wouldn't convince her of it. She officially likes the nose as long as it is in a darker color.
Hopefully we will be buying our new Tribeca in a few short weeks. I want to have it before we trek to the East Coast in October for vacation. My wife and I are both officially hooked.
7Pass Limited with Nav Atlantic Blue with Gray Leather Towing PKG Puddle Lights
I'm also out of a Nissan Pathfinder and into a Tribeca. You don't regret not staying Nissan loyal and getting the Murano as one of the most similiar and main competitor to the B9? I will say I have heard from the owner of a dealership that tested the Murano up agains the Tribeca on a controled course. slalom and other and he said that the Tribeca handles better then the Murano.
Which is surprising because isn't the Murano though maybe not quite as sport basically the same car though ash the Infiniti FX which is easily the most agile sporty of suvs even looking more like a tall car/wagon and when you test drive and FX they always let you drive on an incline in a complete circle at fast speed to show you how well it handles and doenst' tip etc. but maybe the Murano isn't quite as manuaverable as the FX plus he could be bias but its still great news as again coming from pathfinder which I whip like a sports car it really isn't that agile though and that is one great thing about the FX that its like a sports car suv so if the B9 is anything like that is amazing.
Hello All - first time poster and I need your help.
I just spent 5 hours at my local Puget Sound Subaru dealer. I drove the 5 pass LTD B9. They did not have the color(s) I wanted so they are getting it from another local dealer.
I have negotiated the price to $400.00 over the TMV invoice. It is Silver w/ gray leather. Lifetime Oil Changes and warranty is extended to 100k Miles/10years.
The TMV is $30,913.00 and I paid $31,313.00. I was told that this is their first sold at less than MSRP - which I find hard to believe. Even in Subaruland - Seattle.
BTW - anyone want to buy a 2003 Dodge Durango - HAHA.
is $400 over invoice about the best you can expect to do if that? I saw 400 over invoice somewhere else as well, is that just a common amount over. If i'm already getting $1000 discount of msrp should i expect to get that off 400 over invoice. It should as that discount has nothing to do with starting price but they might get pissed they are losing money at 600 under invoice?
I had the accesories shop run a cable for me into the center console. It took them about 20 minutes. You essentially run it like any other stereo wire you might do under the trim pieces along the side of the vehicle and under the rug tucking it in. Those pieces snap out and back in again. Then we ran it under the dash and then up under the center console. We put a small notch in the little plug that pops out between the two 12v power adaptors in that center console.
Your wire will run out of that console neatly as you will see when you get your B9. It's designed to have wires (cell phone) coming out while being able to close it.
As far as images I will send to your emial if I can... Juice was kind enough to link a couple but I have more.
BTW, If I understand your unit correctly, I would run a short "Y" from the RCA jack that becomes as single cable and then just run a single cable versus the two to the console. Again Radio Shack has these things and they are cheap.
I could be wrong but my understanding is the FX and the Murano are totally different platforms... I think you will be pleasently surprised with the B9. It may not have the 0-60 omph of the FX but it does handle well much like the FX.
Actually $400 over invoice WITH the free oil for life AND the extended warranty IS a very good deal.... The extended warrany is worth anywhere from $900 to $1,300.
I'll need your email to get you pictures... you can go to my website www.barclayphoto.com and email me from my contact link and then I'll get you the pics...
Hi all - Just got my Tribeca in last night and I must say I absolutely love the car so far. I got the Silver/Grey 7-pass w/ Nav, tow package, roof cross bars, auto dimming mirror, shock sensor, rear bumper cover, cargo tray, net, and cargo cover. I paid right at $35400 including delivery fee but not tax, title, etc.
Everything has met or exceeded my expectations except the cargo cover. What on earth was Subaru thinking? It was almost like they designed the entire car beautifully, started building them and then said, "Oh crap we forgot about a cargo cover, what can we rig up in a hurry?" and rushed to design and manufacture one in a week. It is a shame that Subaru would build such a nice car and then include such a poorly done and useless element as the cargo cover. Future B9 buyers - Save yourselves $60 and don't get this thing and hope Subaru comes out with something better.
That being said, I will take it out of my vehicle and forget about it because otherwise I am a very happy camper if I do not have to look at that thing!!
Got an email this week from Naperville IL Gerald Subaru offering in stock B9s for $200 over invoice this weekend. Needed a print of the email. Happy shopping!
I've already got one & I absolutely love my new subu! Will outfit it this afternoon with a new Thule carrier and bike rack on the tow hitch, then our first road trip! I haven't been this excited about a road trip since I was chasing off to hear Garcia play somewhere!
Steve: it's human nature to stretch the limits, so they go with an industry-standard recommendation for trailer brakes. I see nothing wrong with that.
Example - if a highway administrator wants people to travel at 75mph, they'll set the speed limit for 65.
owner of a dealership that tested the Murano up agains the Tribeca on a controled course
Bob and I basically went to the same event, in Valley Forge. The Murano had a lot more body lean and tire squeel in the manuever they had set up, and one driver even got a tire off the ground. Tribeca handled that situation a lot better.
Note that the FX and Murano do not share DNA (except the engine), they are actually different platforms. The Murano goes on the Altima's FWD platform while the FX shares parts with the RWD G35. They are quite different.
That Post-Gazette review has mistakes in the mileage and cargo volume comparisons. They list the Pilot with the 3rd row in place, so they should list the comparable Tribeca stat.
The FX is built on a different platform (I think 280 Z or some sports car platform) than the Murano and the FX is much shorter. Even though they have the same shape there is a lot of difference I think between the two. The B9 is probably closer to the Murano because they have the same basic dimensions. Although I've not driven the Murano or the FX.
I guess I just assumed if they were comparing all wheel drive Subaru Tribeca they would put it up against an all wheel drive (it's an option) Murano. (never assume!) I also hadn't seen your previous message about platforms either before posting mine or I probably wouldn't have. I just remembered from previous reading that the FX (with hardly any cargo space) and Murano were really quite different from each other like you said. I didn't think about the FX having RWD though. Thank you for setting us straight.
P.S. What do you think of the CVT in the Murano as compared to the "regular" (one with speeds) one in the Tribeca? I'm a girl-I do good just to know that these things exist let alone know what to call them. At least I don't call them thingies!
A CVT can feel a bit odd to someone used to gears shifting. Some also complain about droning since the engine rpm often remains consistent. But it is peppy in the Murano, and gas mileage is also good. Durability is a question mark because this is on of the first applications of a CVT with this much power and weight to haul.
I'd consider the Murano only if features like HIDs and memory seats were critical. Subaru scores better in reliability plus I'm more familiar with them, and the H6 engine has been quite good so far. Their auto trannys are known to handle 300hp in modified cars and hold up well.
To me the drive is the most important, and since I got to drive them back to back in that avoidance manuever at the Valley Forge Ride N Drive, my pick is Tribeca all the way.
Thanks, that's what I figured. HIDs and memory seats aren't important to me, so I'll probably stick with my decision to get a BECA in the future. I like to keep my options in the mix though since I haven't bought one yet. I'll probably drive both the Murano and the Tribeca again before purchasing just so I have it as a comparison. I feel the Tribeca probably fits my criteria the best though at this point and I do like the full time all wheel drive they have. I might consider a Mazda CX-7 if it comes out before my purchase in the next year or so, but I doubt it will meet with all my requirements better than the Tribeca.
Too, I just wanted to say I realize what you meant now by the FWD Murano. Even with the AWD option it only shifts power to the rear wheels when needed and I guess same with the FX only opposite since it is primarily RWD like you said. I tried to edit my posts but alas my time was up!
I just bought my wife a 2005 Outback Sport (OBS) Special Edition but she really wanted the B9. I tried to talk her into it but she could not get over the money. (BTW, the OBS is a nice little car--it is only lacking a sunroof to make it very nice--I will take care of that though). I was thinking of leasing the B9 for her, selling my 2003 Limited Suzuki XL-7 (which while not the greatest truck is a nice little truck) and then making the OBS my car so I would like to hear of any special lease offers.
The first MotorWeek episode of July features the Tribeca road test: Just copied this from their site....check your local listings.
• MotorWeek #2444 Episode Title: 2444/Subaru Tribeca PBS broadcast window begins July 1, 2005 Quick Listing: Road Test: 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca crossover utility Road Test: All-new 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt compact Goss' Garage: Quick Fixes for Lengthy Car Care Problems Over The Edge: So You Want to Be a MotorWeek Test Driver? Long-Term Road Test Update: Suzuki Reno & Toyota Tacoma
Here is a link to the PBS station listings for MotorWeek
My dealer called Thursday to say my B9 Ltd had arrived but that SOA did not install the puddle lights but promised to install them later when they were back in stock.
I said that was fine if SOA would put it writing that they could be done by the dealer.
He called back to say that it was not possible to add the lights later Only factory installable. So I cancelled my order. Luckily I found one down the street from me and took delivery yesterday.
I am new to Subaru but am surprised and disappointed that the factory did not notify me or the dealer of the situation. Shame on you SOA.
Traffic in Chicago has been so bad that I haven't been able to do any meaningful driving.
I find that the tranny shifts quite quickly in sport mode. I did not see the searching or delay that some have mentioned.
Stero sound quality is OK - but nothing to get excited about.
Yestday it was in the upper 90's and very humid and it took forever for the AC to cool the cabin down. I was in city traffic but it still seemed to take too long. Anyone else find this?
I too am sorry about your puddle lights. I gave them up on mine too. It was a cool feature, oh well. My AC works fine in the same heat. I turned the rear on also and it cooled right down. Did you try running yours with the rear on too?
Sorry about the tongue lashing you took too. I think if you paid that kind of money expecting something and did not feel like you got it, you got a rite to say something. I agree about the stereo too, this is a huge disappointment for me. I am thinking about adding a quality amp.
Anyway, try both your front and rear ac next time.
People like that are not worth the effort of responding too.
I did get the puddle lights - I found one with the right equipment at another dealer.
Just to be clear - SOA did not forget to install the Puddle Lights, apparently they can't get them. That is what ticked me off - If you can't deliver something you accepted an order for, be honest enough to let the customer know in advance.
As for the AC - I did turn turn the rear on high but still took forever to cool down, In fairness, as I said, it was very hot & humid, stop and go traffic and the car was sitting in the hot sun for hours,
Today was not as hot, it was in the agrage over night and it cooled down much better but still seems a bit weak in the de-humidifying area. It may just need a little refrigerant.
Yes, I know where the slot is. Actually I meant in relation to the "inside" of the dash...in other words, where are the inputs on the back of the unit? I'm still searching for an input of some sort to connect an iPod. Subaru has email me back a couple of times, but I don't think they understand my requests, either :-)
Try turning on the recycle button...it'll help keep the hot humid air outside, and makes it easier on the AC to cool down the inside air more quickly. In AZ, we keep the recyc on most of the time in the summer, otherwise we just let more hot air inside, and it takes forever to cool off.
-Karen in AZ-
PS: it DOES get humid out here in July and August, too
We just got back this evening from a week-long vacation in the Gatlinburg, TN area. Our starting point was 40 miles north of Pittsburgh, PA. We logged 1775 miles on our new Tribeca and averaged 20.7 mpg for the trip. Considering the hilly and mountainous terrain I was in most of the time and the amount of stop-and-go driving we did, I am very happy with that number.
The best full tank average was 23.4 on a day trip from Gatlinburg to Lookout Mountain and back. Most of that was highway driving at 70-80 mph.
The crew consisted of me, my wife, our 14-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old girlfriend of hers. We had clothes and other supplies to get us through a week, so the car was pretty well loaded down. The rear seat DVD player was a great help in keeping them occupied and un-bored.
I absolutely love this car. I have a couple of small ergonomic complaints, but that's all. Comfort on the nine-hour drive today and going down there last Saturday was A+.
I don't understand the comments about this vehicle being under-powered. I tend to drive with the faster crowd and I never had a problem keeping up. I-77 and I-79 through West Virginia are extremely hilly and can really test a car's 'oomph' on some of the longer climbs. The B9 passed with flying colors.
I heard it was pretty hot here at home while we were away, but guess what - it was very hot in Tennessee, too. High 80's and low-to-mid nineties every day. I saw 93 at some point coming home today. About that same time, I had to turn my A/C temperature control up from 71 to 73 because I was actually getting cold. The car sat in the hot sun often, but there was never a problem in getting it cooled down in just a few minutes.
The NAV system was great. I'm sure I could have found my way without it, just as I have done all these years, but it wouldn't have been as much fun. Seriously, having some warning that a turn is coming up before you're on top of it is a great help in keeping on track to places that you've never been before. On the way home today, I wanted to avoid a section of I-70 in PA that has been a traffic nightmare due to construction, and the NAV guided me around it on a route I never would have picked for myself. It worked very well.
A few minor negatives: The audio control buttons on the steering wheel need to be flush with the surface of the wheel. I can't tell you how many times I changed the station or a CD track by just brushing the one button while turning the wheel. Also, when hitting the up or down arrow to change the channel, it ought to change to the next preset, not perform a 'seek' function. Lastly, when pressing the 'mode' button to cycle through the choices, it ought to include the other FM band and AM in the cycle it runs through.
Random thoughts: The puddle lights are way cool and very useful when you're parked in a dark area.
Don't stand too close to the car when opening the driver door. Twice the bottom corner scraped across the front of my lower leg. A little painful, but no real damage.
As someone else suggested, check your tire pressure right after you get your vehicle. Three of the four tires on mine were at 38-40 psi after sitting all night to make sure they were not hot from driving.
Subaru needs to start including change holders. It's a pain in the whatsis to have to dig for change at a toll booth.
Final word: When I first got to test drive a Tribeca, I thought that Subaru had done a great job in designing and building this car. After a 1775-mile trip (nearly 2500 miles on the odometer now), I feel more strongly about that than ever. They have hit it out of the park. The L. L. Bean I traded in is not even in the same league as this car. I'm sure the 2007 version will have more options and possibly even more power. It doesn't matter - I am SO glad I got mine now.
I did not un derstand your question either... try asking them where the AUX inputs are on the back of the stereo... that is what you want not the CD. Keep us posted as I, and others I,m sure, will want this info too.
Nice job in your report. Thanks for sharing. I agree with the audio control on the steering wheel. I just came out of a Saab and do miss that configuration.
Air Conditioning... could not agree more. I've had to keep mine at 73 to be comfortable while the Saab was 68 or so...
Change holder.... I've got E-Z-Pass! Rarely need change and when you do keep it in the top section of the center console... you do realize there are two sections right?
Power? I agree here too? Is it a Saab Turbo? No. Is is sufficient? YES, especially when rolling. If you want to get up around someone it is down right fun!
your postings have been informative and helpful! Keep them coming. My Tribeca is on order , expect delivery in another month or so, I will still have my Saab Turbo. Biggest problem will be to convince wife which will be hers ... Jerry
Would you, or anyone, take a night time pic of their B9 with the puddle light on and maybe a daytime pic of the light fixture itself and post it here. I have not seen it yet and would like to see what I missed. It really sounds like a cool thing more than a functional thing, but none-th-less, I want it too. Anyone here anyting about aftermarket or dealer installs on the puddle lights?
I would post photos but my digital Camera was stolen last week - but I'm in good hands - I Hope!
Anyway last night I got the full effect of the Puddle Lights.
I was parked in a resonably well lighted parking lot. As I approached the car I hit the remote to unlock the door and Bam - the puddle lights came and I could not believe how bright they are.
My Beca is blue pearl and it looked like it was floating on this blue cloud. Cool does not begin to describle the effect and much more functional than I imagined.
Anyone with them that steps in a puddle of water or ice cold slush deserves to have wet feet:)
Has anyone figured out if and how to pull up a list of say restaurants to choose from.
All I have seen is the ability to enter the restaurant name and the sytems then directs you there. The whole point on the feature is to inform you of whats available and let you choose. I live in Chicago and I know where my favorite restaurants are.
I need the feature when I am on the road. In a new city how are you suppose to know the name of a restaurant?
Am I just not reading the manual correctly or did SOA miss the point of what is important in a nav system.
Comments
Yeah, I'm one of those few nuts who actually asks to see owners manuals when I go to car dealers.
Bob
Bob
I want to point out that I found out about this by...
1. wanting to obey the law, at least as it regards a trailer
2. wanting to be safe, for me and others on the road
3. reading the manual to comply with mfg specs
All I am saying is that they could have put the info out front and made the specs something that actually represented real life conditions.
Steve
I am connnected to the AUX behind the seat. I just hide the cable and run it into the center console.
I hope that helps...
I don't think it's sad at all. What is sad is the judges and juries that occasionally toss reason and common sense out the window.
Carry on!
tidester, host
I searched this forum and found the post explaining about ipod but didn't see where you posted any pictures. I would like to check them out. Thanks for clarifying on the belkin or monster adapter as it confused me but i realize now i wont need it with my player. Though my player doesnt' have left and right audio inputs just audio in/out so i use a cord that has single audio in on one end and left and right (red white) audio on the other. this will work but not long enough so i guess I will either need a longer version of what i have or just a long dual ended red and white audio cord with female on one end and male on the other to extend what I have and hope that doesnt' degrade the sound any which i dont think it would and reg rca audio cable would be cheaper hten a longer version of the audio in to left and right audio cord.
phew, biggest question left is how do you get it up under the center console? is there a whole in the bottom of it or did you make one? otherwise wouldn't you have to have the cord go through the top of the console in which case it wouldn't close down all the way with the cord in the way?
I guess this will all be more clear when I get my Beca on Saturday!
Quite frankly, i'm a little nervous about switching from Nissan and not getting the Murano instead but i think it offers more for less money and the model newness factor helps. I just hope i still like it more then the Murano or other direct competetors when it isn't new anymore and you see a ton of B9's on teh road which is only a matter of time as its supposedly doing well and the price is relatively affordable.
We went out on about a 30 minute test drive on country roads, city streets, and the Interstate. She loved it! She said she likes it as much as our BMW. Now I can't get her to quit talking about the Tribeca. She said she was afraid that it would handle too much like a big SUV but was very pleasantly surprised when it didn't feel any bigger than an Outback. She actually preferred the handling of the Tribeca over the Outback LL Bean. I was able to pry her from under the wheel for exactly four minutes so I could drive it and I can honestly say I am also very impressed.
My biggest complaint would be that you can't have the NAV without a 7pass LTD and that the engine needs just a little more umph. I left it in sport mode for my portion and I think it helps the engine to stay in the rpm band better. As with any Subaru I have ever driven, the fit and finish are excellent and am very impressed with the overall cockpit feel of the interior.
Third row is still small but not as bad as I remember from my first impression. My wife's only complaints were that the steering wheel doesn't telescope as it does on our BMW and that it doesn't have adjustable pedals. She was able to find her perfect driving position so I don't think she really needs either but you wouldn't convince her of it.
Hopefully we will be buying our new Tribeca in a few short weeks. I want to have it before we trek to the East Coast in October for vacation. My wife and I are both officially hooked.
7Pass Limited with Nav
Atlantic Blue with Gray Leather
Towing PKG
Puddle Lights
I will say I have heard from the owner of a dealership that tested the Murano up agains the Tribeca on a controled course. slalom and other and he said that the Tribeca handles better then the Murano.
Which is surprising because isn't the Murano though maybe not quite as sport basically the same car though ash the Infiniti FX which is easily the most agile sporty of suvs even looking more like a tall car/wagon and when you test drive and FX they always let you drive on an incline in a complete circle at fast speed to show you how well it handles and doenst' tip etc. but maybe the Murano isn't quite as manuaverable as the FX plus he could be bias but its still great news as again coming from pathfinder which I whip like a sports car it really isn't that agile though and that is one great thing about the FX that its like a sports car suv so if the B9 is anything like that is amazing.
I just spent 5 hours at my local Puget Sound Subaru dealer. I drove the 5 pass LTD B9. They did not have the color(s) I wanted so they are getting it from another local dealer.
I have negotiated the price to $400.00 over the TMV invoice. It is Silver w/ gray leather. Lifetime Oil Changes and warranty is extended to 100k Miles/10years.
The TMV is $30,913.00 and I paid $31,313.00. I was told that this is their first sold at less than MSRP - which I find hard to believe. Even in Subaruland - Seattle.
BTW - anyone want to buy a 2003 Dodge Durango - HAHA.
Build your vehicle and add any options and you'll get your TMV.
Your wire will run out of that console neatly as you will see when you get your B9. It's designed to have wires (cell phone) coming out while being able to close it.
As far as images I will send to your emial if I can... Juice was kind enough to link a couple but I have more.
BTW, If I understand your unit correctly, I would run a short "Y" from the RCA jack that becomes as single cable and then just run a single cable versus the two to the console. Again Radio Shack has these things and they are cheap.
I'll need your email to get you pictures... you can go to my website www.barclayphoto.com and email me from my contact link and then I'll get you the pics...
John
Everything has met or exceeded my expectations except the cargo cover. What on earth was Subaru thinking? It was almost like they designed the entire car beautifully, started building them and then said, "Oh crap we forgot about a cargo cover, what can we rig up in a hurry?" and rushed to design and manufacture one in a week. It is a shame that Subaru would build such a nice car and then include such a poorly done and useless element as the cargo cover. Future B9 buyers - Save yourselves $60 and don't get this thing and hope Subaru comes out with something better.
That being said, I will take it out of my vehicle and forget about it because otherwise I am a very happy camper if I do not have to look at that thing!!
I've already got one & I absolutely love my new subu! Will outfit it this afternoon with a new Thule carrier and bike rack on the tow hitch, then our first road trip! I haven't been this excited about a road trip since I was chasing off to hear Garcia play somewhere!
Example - if a highway administrator wants people to travel at 75mph, they'll set the speed limit for 65.
owner of a dealership that tested the Murano up agains the Tribeca on a controled course
Bob and I basically went to the same event, in Valley Forge. The Murano had a lot more body lean and tire squeel in the manuever they had set up, and one driver even got a tire off the ground. Tribeca handled that situation a lot better.
Note that the FX and Murano do not share DNA (except the engine), they are actually different platforms. The Murano goes on the Altima's FWD platform while the FX shares parts with the RWD G35. They are quite different.
That Post-Gazette review has mistakes in the mileage and cargo volume comparisons. They list the Pilot with the 3rd row in place, so they should list the comparable Tribeca stat.
-juice
So in character it's still a lot different from the Tribeca. Some might feel it's closer to an FX35 - RWD bias and 5 speed auto.
-juice
A CVT can feel a bit odd to someone used to gears shifting. Some also complain about droning since the engine rpm often remains consistent. But it is peppy in the Murano, and gas mileage is also good. Durability is a question mark because this is on of the first applications of a CVT with this much power and weight to haul.
I'd consider the Murano only if features like HIDs and memory seats were critical. Subaru scores better in reliability plus I'm more familiar with them, and the H6 engine has been quite good so far. Their auto trannys are known to handle 300hp in modified cars and hold up well.
To me the drive is the most important, and since I got to drive them back to back in that avoidance manuever at the Valley Forge Ride N Drive, my pick is Tribeca all the way.
-juice
Too, I just wanted to say I realize what you meant now by the FWD Murano. Even with the AWD option it only shifts power to the rear wheels when needed and I guess same with the FX only opposite since it is primarily RWD like you said. I tried to edit my posts but alas my time was up!
Thanks again!
-Karen in AZ-
feed://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/topTenRSS
(Sorry, but the system doesn't recognize "feed" this as a URL link...cut and paste into your browser)
-Karen in AZ-
6CD is in-dash, no fussing or getting out and loading CDs in the trunk like some Benzes. LOL
-juice
• MotorWeek #2444
Episode Title: 2444/Subaru Tribeca
PBS broadcast window begins July 1, 2005
Quick Listing:
Road Test: 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca crossover utility
Road Test: All-new 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt compact
Goss' Garage: Quick Fixes for Lengthy Car Care Problems
Over The Edge: So You Want to Be a MotorWeek Test Driver?
Long-Term Road Test Update: Suzuki Reno & Toyota Tacoma
Here is a link to the PBS station listings for MotorWeek
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/stationlist.shtml
I said that was fine if SOA would put it writing that they could be done by the dealer.
He called back to say that it was not possible to add the lights later Only factory installable. So I cancelled my order. Luckily I found one down the street from me and took delivery yesterday.
I am new to Subaru but am surprised and disappointed that the factory did not notify me or the dealer of the situation. Shame on you SOA.
Traffic in Chicago has been so bad that I haven't been able to do any meaningful driving.
I find that the tranny shifts quite quickly in sport mode. I did not see the searching or delay that some have mentioned.
Stero sound quality is OK - but nothing to get excited about.
Yestday it was in the upper 90's and very humid and it took forever for the AC to cool the cabin down. I was in city traffic but it still seemed to take too long. Anyone else find this?
I just put 6 discs right ointo the dash... there is a load button on the left side of the slot, eject on the right.
Lovin my B9, definately the best choice and value in the class.
Steve
I too am sorry about your puddle lights. I gave them up on mine too. It was a cool feature, oh well. My AC works fine in the same heat. I turned the rear on also and it cooled right down. Did you try running yours with the rear on too?
Sorry about the tongue lashing you took too. I think if you paid that kind of money expecting something and did not feel like you got it, you got a rite to say something. I agree about the stereo too, this is a huge disappointment for me. I am thinking about adding a quality amp.
Anyway, try both your front and rear ac next time.
Steve
People like that are not worth the effort of responding too.
I did get the puddle lights - I found one with the right equipment at another dealer.
Just to be clear - SOA did not forget to install the Puddle Lights, apparently they can't get them. That is what ticked me off - If you can't deliver something you accepted an order for, be honest enough to let the customer know in advance.
As for the AC - I did turn turn the rear on high but still took forever to cool down, In fairness, as I said, it was very hot & humid, stop and go traffic and the car was sitting in the hot sun for hours,
Today was not as hot, it was in the agrage over night and it cooled down much better but still seems a bit weak in the de-humidifying area. It may just need a little refrigerant.
Have a great 4th
John
-Karen in AZ-
-Karen in AZ-
PS: it DOES get humid out here in July and August, too
The best full tank average was 23.4 on a day trip from Gatlinburg to Lookout Mountain and back. Most of that was highway driving at 70-80 mph.
The crew consisted of me, my wife, our 14-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old girlfriend of hers. We had clothes and other supplies to get us through a week, so the car was pretty well loaded down. The rear seat DVD player was a great help in keeping them occupied and un-bored.
I absolutely love this car. I have a couple of small ergonomic complaints, but that's all. Comfort on the nine-hour drive today and going down there last Saturday was A+.
I don't understand the comments about this vehicle being under-powered. I tend to drive with the faster crowd and I never had a problem keeping up. I-77 and I-79 through West Virginia are extremely hilly and can really test a car's 'oomph' on some of the longer climbs. The B9 passed with flying colors.
I heard it was pretty hot here at home while we were away, but guess what - it was very hot in Tennessee, too. High 80's and low-to-mid nineties every day. I saw 93 at some point coming home today. About that same time, I had to turn my A/C temperature control up from 71 to 73 because I was actually getting cold. The car sat in the hot sun often, but there was never a problem in getting it cooled down in just a few minutes.
The NAV system was great. I'm sure I could have found my way without it, just as I have done all these years, but it wouldn't have been as much fun. Seriously, having some warning that a turn is coming up before you're on top of it is a great help in keeping on track to places that you've never been before. On the way home today, I wanted to avoid a section of I-70 in PA that has been a traffic nightmare due to construction, and the NAV guided me around it on a route I never would have picked for myself. It worked very well.
A few minor negatives: The audio control buttons on the steering wheel need to be flush with the surface of the wheel. I can't tell you how many times I changed the station or a CD track by just brushing the one button while turning the wheel. Also, when hitting the up or down arrow to change the channel, it ought to change to the next preset, not perform a 'seek' function. Lastly, when pressing the 'mode' button to cycle through the choices, it ought to include the other FM band and AM in the cycle it runs through.
Random thoughts:
The puddle lights are way cool and very useful when you're parked in a dark area.
Don't stand too close to the car when opening the driver door. Twice the bottom corner scraped across the front of my lower leg. A little painful, but no real damage.
As someone else suggested, check your tire pressure right after you get your vehicle. Three of the four tires on mine were at 38-40 psi after sitting all night to make sure they were not hot from driving.
Subaru needs to start including change holders. It's a pain in the whatsis to have to dig for change at a toll booth.
Final word:
When I first got to test drive a Tribeca, I thought that Subaru had done a great job in designing and building this car. After a 1775-mile trip (nearly 2500 miles on the odometer now), I feel more strongly about that than ever. They have hit it out of the park. The L. L. Bean I traded in is not even in the same league as this car. I'm sure the 2007 version will have more options and possibly even more power. It doesn't matter - I am SO glad I got mine now.
Steve
Nice job in your report. Thanks for sharing. I agree with the audio control on the steering wheel. I just came out of a Saab and do miss that configuration.
Air Conditioning... could not agree more. I've had to keep mine at 73 to be comfortable while the Saab was 68 or so...
Change holder.... I've got E-Z-Pass! Rarely need change and when you do keep it in the top section of the center console... you do realize there are two sections right?
Power? I agree here too? Is it a Saab Turbo? No. Is is sufficient? YES, especially when rolling. If you want to get up around someone it is down right fun!
your postings have been informative and helpful! Keep them coming. My Tribeca is on order , expect delivery in another month or so, I will still have my Saab Turbo. Biggest problem will be to convince wife which will be hers ...
Jerry
Would you, or anyone, take a night time pic of their B9 with the puddle light on and maybe a daytime pic of the light fixture itself and post it here. I have not seen it yet and would like to see what I missed. It really sounds like a cool thing more than a functional thing, but none-th-less, I want it too. Anyone here anyting about aftermarket or dealer installs on the puddle lights?
Steve in Nh
I'd be happy to. I'll try and get it done today. Cool yes! Functional? Yes!
John in PA
Anyway last night I got the full effect of the Puddle Lights.
I was parked in a resonably well lighted parking lot. As I approached the car I hit the remote to unlock the door and Bam - the puddle lights came and I could not believe how bright they are.
My Beca is blue pearl and it looked like it was floating on this blue cloud. Cool does not begin to describle the effect and much more functional than I imagined.
Anyone with them that steps in a puddle of water or ice cold slush deserves to have wet feet:)
All I have seen is the ability to enter the restaurant name and the sytems then directs you there. The whole point on the feature is to inform you of whats available and let you choose. I live in Chicago and I know where my favorite restaurants are.
I need the feature when I am on the road. In a new city how are you suppose to know the name of a restaurant?
Am I just not reading the manual correctly or did SOA miss the point of what is important in a nav system.
HELP