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Comments
So far I have only checked with my current insurer, Farmers - and they quoted me $209 a month, and my family has 4 cars on the plan.
I know one factor that hurts my rate is that I live in the state of New Mexico where the rates are usually pretty high.(because of the high DUI rate)
Is there something about this car that gives it a high insurance rate.? or should I try to shop around.? any help on this subject would be great.
note. I payed $140 a month for my 97 civic(which I sold) and $102 on my 80 civic.
Thanks for any info
MARK §
Lucien
All I can say is: wow. Might not be the answer anyone wanted to hear, but I for one am pleased that you got an answer, even if it wasn't from FHI. Our link to SoA engineering. Thank you.
..Mike
..Mike
Stephen
It had a very distinctive feature: the Subaru logo on the front grille was hiding a centrally located off road headlamp. A flip on the switch on the dashboard and the logo would electrically flip down behind the grille letting the lamp do its job through the new opening.
Of course, this was not working when the temperature was way below zero as it would freeze solid every time!
Anyway, this was a great car which gave me basically no problems for the 4 years I kept it.
I hope you meant it when you said you wanted us to keep the feedback coming! I thought I should get my 2 cents in before our dollar drops even more (I Am Canadian. (but I don't drink Molsen's)).
What I would like to see incorporated into my next Subaru are:
1. Dashboard 'cruise on' indicator light.
2. Ability to darken the whole dashboard except the speedometer (like Saab).
3. One touch up for the power windows.
4. Steal a page from the Honda book and leave power to the windows on for 10 minutes after shutting off the car.
5. Illuminate the key bezel (sp?).
6. Ability to shut off the floor air to the back seat. Often there are just two of us in the car, so I would rather warm up my feet than empty air. Worse, if the dog is with us, she hates the heat and would be much happier with icicles hanging off her nose. A cheap little lever at the center console would work great.
7. Intermittent rear window wiper would be nice, but not vital to me. I'd rather have headlight washers first.
Thanks for listening. I hope I posted in the right topic :-)
MikeF
I think a cruise light in the instrument panel would annoy me. I've never had a car with one, and never felt the need for it.
>>4. Steal a page from the Honda book and leave
power to the windows on for 10 minutes aftershutting off the car.
5. Illuminate the key bezel (sp?).<<
I'll endorse both of these ideas.
Dave
Dave
1. H6 or Turbo for Forester and Legacy GT ASAP
2. reinforced structure for higher towing capacity
3. low range in Forester and Outback
4. bigger tires for Forester
5. Outback's rear suspension for Impreza/Forester
6. auto leveling suspension from other markets
7. full size spare for Outback
8. firm up brake pedal feel, hardware is fine
9. keep GM out of engineering/design
10. push the new, bigger SUW launch forward
I believe all of these are consistent with Subaru's image and marketing strategy. More and more people will tire of their elefantine, guzzling SUVs and will look for hybrid alternatives, so SoA has to make sure they can meet the needs of those customers (6 cylinder power, towing, etc.).
Also, it sounds like you're already working on 1, 5, and 10, so you're almost half way there.
Personally, I can easily see myself picking up an Impreza turbo wagon, and the SUW a bit later (if there is ZERO GM influence).
-juice
One thing I would like to see from GM is the individual car controls they have implemented through the radio. As I understand it, things like auto-locking doors can be turned on or off in Gm cars. It would be nice to have even more control over car features - things such as whether or not switches remember their settings when the car is turned off, whether some dash indicators are visible or not (like a cruise control indicator light :-)
I hope Subaru also keeps working on fuel miser cars like the Honda Insight or Toyota Prius, but AWD of course. I think high gas prices are inevitable and we are experiencing just the tip of the iceberg right now.
MikeF
1. Rework suspension to decrease body sway in turns. Perhaps change the 12 mm rear sway bar to 18 mm as per some other Subarus. (I did this).
2. Reduce overall drive train slack in the M5 version: this can't be good for the drive train in the long run.
3. Add cruise on light (as per previous suggestion)
4. Make it impossible to lock the vehicle with the key in the ignition.
5. Upgrade the cheezy (thin) plastic headlight lenses
6. Use a bit harder clearcoat (the current one scratches more easily than does that of Honda or Toyota
7. Increase left side leg room on passenger side, at least for the M5 version (which doesn't need the same space underneath as the automatic)
8. Use better floor 'carpet'--also very cheezy compared with the competition.
9. Provide an alloy spare rim, so that one can rotate 5 tires rather than four
10 Provide a little more engine noise insulation: reving up the engine now in, say, 2nd gear (when road noise is therefore low) sounds a lot like driving an old VW bug (ok, an exaggeration)
Norman
Subaru expects to get hybrid technologies from GM. That's a few years off, and it's such a small niche that it surprisingly doesn't even bother me.
Subaru still has CAFE to contend with, though. They were exactly at the limit, so the new H6 and fewer 2.2l engines would in theory push them over the limit, so they'd have to pay fines.
So I'd like to see efficiency creep up with existing engines. The Fleet-X concept, while ugly, did have interesting technologies (use of aluminum, for one).
Norman: can you check your spare, I though it was alloy?
Also, can you post details on the sway bar in the Mods topic?
Hopefully the 2003 will include many of those improvements.
-juice
Many manufacturers are phasing out Manual Transmissions. One of the reasons I got the OB was that it offered a 5sp. Please continue to offer these great cars with the manual options to us small (and dwindling I'm afraid) numbers!
Patti -- How about a 5-speed automatic option? The H6 VDC will probably be one of the few wagons in it's price range that has only a 4-speed automatic. As much as I love driving 5-speed manuals, I just might have to cave and get an auto in the future (wife & kids).
Yes, keep the 5 speeds. It's just the way God intended. That was implied!
More cogs for the auto would be a plus, though I may be the last man standing by the manual tranny.
The traction and stability enhancement technologies are a great idea, and should trickle down through the line.
-juice
34 pounds of air in the tires worked well for me too, giving a balance between handling and ride that suited me well. Even the mechanic at Ogden Subaru agreed that the factory numbers are too low cheerfully set them all to 34. In contrast, the sales manager I chatted up whilst waiting for the service to be completed seemed appalled that anyone would dare to question the factory specs.
Bottom line: I would not hesitate to set out on a similar journey in this same car again. In point of fact I will do so in a few months when I return home.
Total miles: 3528
Total gallons: 130
Overall MPG: 27.1
MPG worst: 23.7
MPG best: 32.7
$/gal worst: $1.959, Mitchell SD
$/gal best: $1.499, Pittsburgh PA
Lessons: it is possible to get suntanned through tinted car windows--next time I will take moveable, removeable sun shades; be careful from whom you ask advice at a car dealership; the Japanese have a rich, deeply textured culture but are nowhere near as morally superior to us as I had assumed; people are people wherever you go; America abounds with helpful, interesting people who live and work and play in a wonderfully diverse, beautiful, and fascinating land.
America, America. God shed His grace on thee.
Signing off,
Dave
..Mike
* get your gas in Pittsburg
* buy a Soob, then...
* ...overinfalte the tires
* wear sunscreen
* or at least tint your windows
What I don't get is how he could conclude so much about Japanese culture. Did I miss something here?
-juice
Whoever was asking about insurance on a 2.5RS, get quotes from everywhere but especially try Allstate. My insurance is dirt cheap because they initially classed the RS the same as the L (hehe). It hasn't gone up either, but I suspect it soon will judging by all the idiots (sorry if you are one) who think AWD enables them to defy the laws of physics and have done some damage to their RS' on curbs, guardrails and other vehicles.
It will still be cheaper than a TypeR or Eclipse GSX.
-Colin
Is this some sort of back handed compliment?
Make sure to comparison-shop insurance. Try Progressive. They're supposed to give you a quote, plus quotes from 3 other companies. You can also get on-line quotes (any URLs handy?).
If you are an Executive Member of Costco, you can get insurance cheap from Travelers. Our rates dropped $1400/year to $1250/year compared to State Farm even with better coverage.
How? My guess is they cater to an affluent, drive-safely type of consumer to obtain lower claims, and can then offer better rates.
It's worth a shot.
-juice
It was kind of cool to read about places I go to on a regular basis through the eyes of someone who's never been there before. The description of the drive down from Tahoe to the Bay Area was accurate as well as interesting. For anyone wondering why the roads near Donner Summit are rough -- chain requirements. Of course, most Subies are exempt from this.
I wonder where in San Mateo he's moved to. Might be nearby!
Well I just got back from an Atlanta to DC road trip in my (less than a month old) 01 Forester S 5sp. Just missed the Sube Owner get together on the 11th but was fortunate enough have a chance to meet both of our Crew Chiefs (Juice and Mike if anybody didn’t already know). We had a couple (or three) drinks after work and a good time. These are really a couple great guys .and I got a Subaru baseball cap out of it!
Hi Patti! Our own SOA rep....too cool. I’d like to add my pet peeve to the list of suggested improvements: ditch the dashboard cup holders on the Forester and replace them with a center console mounting location (and not the one that is already lost with the armrest extender). The current design is: kind of flimsy, blocks the climate controls, and allows container condensation to drip directly onto the CD/Cass player.
For the DC trip: Avg MPG: 26.5 / Worst: 23.3 / Best: 29. And this on a new car! I figure that breaking 30 will be a cinch when I get a chance to do some hwy driving without the A/C. The Forester performed great. It provided a nice smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. The 6-Disc CD player was much appreciated. Made both the drive up and back in just over 10 hours (650 miles) and was only slightly stiff at the end of the day.
WARNING: The following is not recommended reading for those in the audience who never let their gas gauge get below 1/4 tank!!!
I’m the type who doesn’t believe in filling up until the fuel light comes on. So, when on the drive back the light didn’t come on until 364 miles, I was compelled to see if I could make it to 400. Since the owner’s manual said that I should have 2.3 gal US left at the point the light comes on, I figured that I could go another 26 (approx 1 Gal) with no problem. Well, I chickened out at 398 and pulled off the interstate. When I came to a stop at the top of the exit ramp, the Forester almost stalled, and when I began to pull away, it hesitated so badly that I pulled to the curb. However, it never did stall completely, and once I got going it ran okay. At least for the couple hundred yards that I had to go to get to the closest gas station. Once I filled-up, it ran fine. I can only conclude that the fuel intake is at front of the tank and when the car is either on an incline or under acceleration, the gas sloshes to the rear and away from the intake. Anyway, at the time, it was quite disconcerting and I will be eternally thankful that the wife wasn’t there to give me the old “I told you so”. The lesson I learned from this was to start looking for a gas station immediately after the fuel light comes on in the future.
Regards, Frank P.
What I don't get is how he could conclude so much about Japanese culture. Did I miss something here?
Well I think it'll take him a while to get settled, and since I was posting his field notes, allow me to put words in his mouth
the Japanese have a rich, deeply textured culture but are nowhere near as morally superior to us as I had assumed [my emphasis]
Dr. Dictionary, aka Dr. Thesaurus, calls this a stereotype or prejudice, a trait common to the species [non-permissible content removed] sapiens, though perhaps less so with maturity (right, Don?). After he listened to "_Memoir_of_a_Geisha_ was two tapes too long." and becoming enlightened, he changed his mind.
I believe WDB meant no harm, just offering a portal into his free association: he had an opinion of Japanese culture, took the time to assimilate knowledge (by driving across a none-too-small continent (as James Powers identified vis-à-vis the trek from Canada to SIA) in a MY00 Subaru Legacy GT sedan and listening to a book on tape, huh? ..but I digress), and changed his supposition.
Helms alee, let's bring this thread back on course! Sube's full speed, or as much as a 2.5l SOHC H-4 Phase II with 165hp@5600rpm & 166lbs-ft@4000rpm and 4EAT can muster, ahead! (now if that isn't troll bait I don't know what is)
..Mike
a) tongue b) cheek. Insert a) in b)
..Mike
I was compelled to see if I could make it to
400
Hehe, great story about matching wits with the fuel gauge -- been there, done that.
Women are smarter than us guys and aren't affected by the Siren emanating from the fuel gauge. It's a XY/testosterone thing. (see, I have stereotypes too
..Mike
..Mike
btw, WDB didn't mean anything by that comment. I had no idea what you all were talking about because I hadn't read a single one of the hidden journals. I got curious about all the hubbub, and it seems innocent enough to me. He expected the japanese to be morally superior to us, possibly because they do not watch "who wants to be a millionaire" and baseball still outdraws pro wrestling. Technically that is a prejudice, but it was minor and I for one can move on without a second thought.
-Colin
next time the fuel warning light comes on, take a hard right... you should encounter some fuel starvation.
there's one for patti: fix the fuel pump / pickup. it's really annoying that I have to autocross with 1/3 - 1/2 tank to avoid fuel starvation, and yet another competitor in a '91 paseo can run on 1 gallon. I have to skip breakfast to try and make up that weight!
-Colin
O.k., I'll jump into this product development fray...
I for one am happy with the Cruise light where it is. If the car is moving without me, I figure it's on :-)
I second the opinion that hybrid technology ought to be pursued. Toyota and Honda are not doing this out of altruism. It is a mistake to rely on GM development...it is all diesel-based, and Uncle Sam (taking a cue, as usual from CA) is zeroing in on this fuel type. Expect regulations in the next 5 years that will choke the life out of GM (and, for that matter, Ford's) hybrid research. My vote would be for an AWD model with ECVT. Edmunds review of the long-term insight has a great suggestion- solar power regeneration. DOn't ask me how to make an AWD hybrid...I ain't the engineer! How's about a 2-stroke engine......?
I too would probably go for a turbo wagon if I could swing it, but then I think I am probably on the low end of the income scale on this board...More emphasis on the sporting nature inherent in an automotive AWD platform. Patti, just do me a favor and make sure they don't price me completely out of the Subaru family!! Keep an AWD Legacy wagon model for $20K.....
How many people here would attend a day or two at Road America? **5 dozen posters and lurkers give a shout out to homey** That's what I thought. Too bad there aren't more closer to home. Better yet, how about classes in your own car, like the BMW CCA sponsors? That would build brand loyalty AND get people committed to the concept of AWD for good. ANyone here know how the BWM CCA is able to pull these classes off on a $35 a year membership fee? are they getting help from BMW? I think I am the only card carrying member of the CCA that DOESN'T own a Bimmer...I just joined for the driving schools!! 6 M5s, 7 325is, 9 M3s and one Outback in the paddock...what a sight...
The dealer said my impreza would be here in 4-6 weeks - three ½ weeks ago. (he said it was on a boat from japan) and I have yet to decide what kind of warranty I should pick or if i should leave the standard 3 year. any ideas? I am currently part owner of a performance shop here in Albuquerque(I also work for an internet/media company) I can do many of the repairs myself. although I imagine OEM subaru parts are probably expensive. I would also like to do a turbo upgrade and I imagine that would void the warranty. does anyone have any experiance with performance upgrades voiding-or not voiding the warranty. maybe our SOA freind patti may be able to shed light on the warranty issue.
(juice - collin thanks for the info and consistantly great post's -I have yet to have one of my questions left unanswered)
eagerly awaiting my impreza
Mark §
Bonnie Rick
Conferences Manager, Town Hall
Edmunds.com
1.5 years ago State Farm (and a few others) knew what a 2.5RS was and they rated it a tad higher than an L. Allstate didn't. My rates still have not gone up one bit...
-Colin
Note: in California, at least, even 4WD/AWD vehicles are required to carry chains in these areas. Caltrans has three kinds of restrictions (or four if you count "none" as a kind"): R1 = chains on 2WD non-snow-tire vehicles; R2 = chains on all 2WD vehicles; and R3 = chains on all vehicles, even 4WD. R3 is virtually never used -- Caltrans goes from "R2" to "road closed until the snowplows clear it" -- but we are still legally bound to have the chains in the car. I bought the "Shur-Grip" cable chains "just in case" (and have never used them aside from the quick test-fit in my driveway).
Chris
Spencer
--Kathy
1) For less than $20K what do you want? the world for a $1? If you stack your <$20K AWD car v. any other AWD car you are going to get more bang for your buck. If you want an audi S4, you are going to pay upwards of $40K, for that you could have 2 RSs, so let's not start asking Santa for stuff he can't give you.
2) Juice liked your wishlist, except for the auto-leveling suspension. I have heard horror stories about them on the Navigator, etc. Basically anything with an air-assist suspension will eventually fail and be costly to repair. I'd rather just add beefier springs/struts if the need arrised to tow/load it. Your comments on more towing capacity is definitely important.
-mike
What needs to be done? I'll be on vacation this week, but I'll be logged on more than if I was at work.
-mike
I main beef is that if you can find a better built, cheaper AWD 2.5l car that includes power everything, 16" wheels, and a sporty suspension, for under $20K, by all means go and get it. Until such time, it's not fair to rip on SOA. Also when you called SOA, why didn't you talk to a supervisor there to get your problem fixed? It seems like you called once and then backed off, and are just settling with less than you deserve.
-mike