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Subaru Crew - Meet The Members
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dz
Although I could picture her (in leathers, of course) in a Soob navigating the New Yawk urban jungle....
Gone again,
Randy
As far as dealer service, I've been extremely happy with the work and attitude of my dealer's department. It really comes down to the attitude of the individual you speak with. One caring person with a good attitude can give a positive image of a dealer that actually sucks, and a person with a bad attitude can trash an otherwise good dealership. I think it varies by geography, too; some people live in places where people tend to respect others more. My personal experience is that the New York Metro area is filled with a lot of people who are clueless about customer service and relationship building. It is the owners' fault because they allow people to treat customers in an expendable manner, and don't provide basic training in common courtesy and manners. Example: the a-hole service advisor at the Dodge dealer that wrote my service order with a lit cigarette hanging from his mouth on the same day the vehicle was returned to me with a greasy pawprint on the door and bootprint on the carpet of a light-gray interior. When I showed the grunge to the service manager, he suggested I wait a while until someone could clean it up (rather than apologize and get a spray cleaner and rag himself).
I have not been to Australia, but I would expect people to friendlier and more accomodating, in general. Cultural differences, I suppose. It seems that good manners and "old-fashioned" service are fading away as dealers become megaplexes on the highway. Of course, you can go to a Lexus dealership.
My 98 Legacy GT had just run out of warranty when I began to get a shudder in the steering column. The guys in the service dept spent a good part of the day trying to figure out what was going on with it. They finally determined that the rim was out of round. Unfortunately they could only balance it in an effort to minimize the vibration. Know what they charged me? Nada! There's still a tiny bit of vibration, but it's certainly acceptable. I needed to replace the passengers side fog lamp on it because it kept filling with water. I called all the other places in the area to get the part. Every one of them wanted $50.00 more than Subaru of Milford PLUS they had it in stock for "accident season". My wife's Forester blew a wheel bearing (quite common I understand) they didn't complain, they fixed it. No questions asked. More importantly they fixed it right. It's been fine for 30K miles now. I've read about a lot of people having to come back multiple times for the wheel bearings due to the fact that they're easy to do wrong. Anyway, in a month or so I'll be replacing my Legacy with an '01 RS, and it'll definitely be from them. Things go wrong, I can accept that. It's how they take care of it the problem that matters. Subaru of Milford is definitely first rate!
ps
did i mention that i am an unrepentently devoted politically incorrect male chauvinist pig?
Isn't that the name of an Aussie punk rock band?
Or the new slogan for Pat Buchanan's Reform Party?
Nah, I'm probably mistaken, but I think it's time to update the "typical Subaru buyer" profile...
But what a great idea
minivan for the third row of seating when the
Subaru's lease ended, I had the forethought to know that the wheels would be curbfeelers on such a large awkward vehicle. <<
I'm going to have to defend Chrysler Minivans here. I drove a Voyager for eight years and it never gave me any trouble, and was pretty easy to manuever for something that size. It does it's intended job very well. Of course I went from the van to the Subaru, and not the other way around like you did, so that might account for the difference in attitude!
DZ, Patti Smith is as far from James Taylor as AC/DC is! Are you sure you're thinking of the right person? My favorite artists, (if you can call them that) for high volume cruising has always been The Ramones.
Dave B
Bitman
seriously, she is going to be driving so she needs to be happy with it. looks like the Passat wagon or cr-v now. passat is prob. going to be the one
My personal experience has been that by 20,000 miles, my '99 Dodge Grand Caravan has required two repairs, one where the vehicle had to be towed and was out-of-service for 4 days. Naturally, the dealer made no effort to offer a loaner, even though the vehicle had only 18,000 miles. We had to rent and then fight for reimbursement.
Although Subaru is a high-volume manufacturer by definition, they make a fraction of the number of vehicles compared to other major brands. I think most non-Subaru dealerships are numbed by the number of problems towed in every day and the angry/disappointed customers that accompany them. I believe that a busy Ford, Chrysler, or GM dealership probably spends a disproportionate amount of its energy and resources accomodating the DOAs towed in each day, and the service people become desensitized by it.
That's not to say that Subarus don't break down or have major problems either, but I think the atmosphere of Subaru service areas is more like a busy doctor's office, rather than the ER mentality that goes on at what I like to call "black dot brands" (based on Consumer Report's "much worse than average" black dot rating).
Finally, I've noticed that good Subaru dealers tends to be single-line franchises. Two large dealerships have either lost or given up their Subaru franchises near me; one a megaplex multi-line outlet with a shady reputation, the other a large Ford store. My guess is that the mindset of these outfits is not conducive to the way Subarus need to be promoted and sold or the types of customers shopping for them. And these are the types of dealers than are probably reducing Subaru's overall national CSI.
I live in Tampa Florida. This is pertinent.
The past two summers I have experienced clutch petal
collapse. Last summer,(Summer of 99), the clutch petal would
gradually soften and end up on the floor boards without
returning to top petal position. The pressue loss was gradual
but persistent. ONLY happened in HOT weather and ONLY when
the AC engaged. Car was under warranty
Subaru Fix: First Subaru dealer bled the clutch lines.
Problem returned. Next, Subaru dealer replaced both master
and slave clutch cylinders. No problems after these cylinder
replacements (warranty) until this summer season.
Summer of 2000 (car now out of warranty)
The Clutch petal softens, loses top engagement, increasing
the "play" in the petal before effecting the clutch
engagement. Mynormal clutch petal has little to no play,
then softens to two to three inches of play. Clutch gets
softer and engages with petal much closer to floor board.
Petal has not failed completely as it did last summer, but
gets disturbingly low.
Problem is again ONLY when very hot sun and AC is running.
Summer in Florida is always sunny and hot.
Suggestions? Please help.
--
Tropicalaurs
..Mike
..Mike
Welcome back, Patti. She's here for one post and already clears up the Firestone issue. I heard the Illinois plant was on strike and Firestone used scabs to build many of those tires (NOT Outback tires, BTW).
xse: try a Legacy GT. It has Potenzas and handles like a champ, plus it's quicker than the OB.
paisan: you're being vague, can you tell us again how you feel about Fords?
Forester beat the XC and Allroad? Wow! And who said you don't hear "Volvo" and "Audi" in the same sentence as "Subaru". Of course, that's after "LOSE to".
ash: DC has a lot of roundabouts, too, but we call them circles. Hard to believe, but they supposedly dramatically reduce the number of accidents since there are no blind 90 degree turns.
Personally, I've been hit in a circle so I'm not sure about that.
Mike: FATT, with the wife's car? How'd you arrange THAT? Hypnotism???
-juice
-mike
-mike
..Mike
..Mike
Black dot brands - LOL! What a label!
Lucien: I agree about the distractions, do we really need to add web surfing for the make-up artists and newspaper readers on the road? I too feel like putting a barrier around my Forester. My idea was to surround it with "noodles", the swimming pool kind!
Dealer service: I've only been once for a recall. I wish it'd been more (not really) so I could share an opinion.
There are, what, 600 Subaru dealers? They're independent, so share your horror stories here, and we'll learn which ones to avoid. Plus, contact Patti so she can get the laggards on the ball.
Alan: yes, SoA should change the name of the moonroof to the "bird watching window".
As for the stereo, I'm still undecided. What makes both Elmo and UB40 sound good?
Darlene's been out on vacation but returns today, so hang in there. She's probably writing you now.
-juice
-juice
1- Can anyone recommend a dealer in the Staten Island, NY area? I have talked with Bell Subaru (friendly, but a little pricy to start with- this was when I just went for a test drive, no serious dealings); Staten Island Subaru - they did not have a Forester on display at the time which I found a little disconcerting; and Beltway Subaru in Brooklyn (no opinion).
Has anyone used either the AAA or Costco buying services? If so, how were they?
2- Is the added warranty worth going for? Also if I do go for it, will it cover any upgrades(re: radio or alarm) done after purchase?
3- How is the Subaru Security upgrade system? Living in NYC I'm slightly paranoid about having my first brand new car being stolen due to a poor alarm system.
It seems that I will probably have to go for this within a month or so, since my 86 Honda Accord is really starting to groan and shriek, and it is silly to spend that kind of money to fix a 14 (15) year old car.
Again, thanks for all your help. I would appreciate any and all opinions, and thanks for your patience with my ramblings. (Nervous new buyer)
Mark
They are a small dealer, so they don't have a lot of display cars (they are also getting a new showroom in a few months) so that could explain the lack of a forestor on display (which they actually had one on last tues in the showroom I sat in it saying "hmm this is pretty nice")
If you want to go back to SI Subaru, let me know and I'll call Mark and tell him to get a forester for you to test/see.
-mike
-mike
I appreciate the offer. If I can, can I get back to you a little later today, or tomorrow? I believe that Ira is even the rep for the Costco buying plan. When do you usually go?
Thanks again.
Mark
I don't usually recommend extended warranties, but Patti's approach has almost made me change my mind. Almost.
-juice
ps. juice: I had to check your profile to make sure you weren't canadian, eh
-- ash
As it happens, I have driven by the dealership on several occasions in recent weeks on the way to and from business meetings, but never when they were open. I did see a new OB in the lot with the same color and exterior options that I ordered, but figured it was not my car since I had not heard from them (they promised to call as soon as they had a shipping date and VIN number).
After my last trip I decided to check into this more, and to my shock, it *was* the car I ordered. It had been in the lot for a couple weeks (at least). I spoke with the dealership last Friday
and they claimed it was just an oversight. (Of course, I don't think they are that dumb or sloppy. Instead, I suspect they just wanted to hold onto the car for a bit to have it available in the lot and for test-drives, since it was one of only two 5-speeds that they have).
Now it is time for me to go take delivery. We scheduled a time for Wednesday (because they have "too many deliveries" today and I cannot visit on Tuesday). Needless to say, I am concerned about
what other tricks they might have in store for me. Any suggestions on what I should look out for when I check out the vehicle for delivery?
I have called SoA customer service just to let them know and have a case number assigned. Still, there really isn't much of a remedy for the situation. I just need to decide whether I take delivery on the car or not. Of course, buying a car from a lot after it has a few test drives is no big deal, but it is not what you expected when you order a car.
--aab
-mike
let's not have the same discussion going on in two (or more) locations shall we?
-Colin
Secondly, Does anyone know the interior dimensions of the Subaru box? I need one that's at least 38" wide and 67" long, so I may not have alot of choices.
Thirdly, does anyone have any strong opinions for or against the leading brands (Thule, Pack-a-Sport, Yakima, etc.)?
Finally, I suspect that these boxes tend to "negatively impact" overall ride quality and fuel efficiency; am I correct or just a pessimist?
thanks in advance,
still another Dave
Walk around it not once, but several times. Look from every angle, is there orange peel finish on the paint? Any dings? Do all panels line up well?
Do the same inside. Try every option listed, wipers, lights, fold the seats, windows, moonroof, etc.
Test drive it thoroughly, preferably in conditions you'll encounter day-to-day. Does it merge without hesitating? How does the clutch/tranny feel? Test the ABS, do they stop straight and short? Is the ride OK?
Do not accept delivery if it does not meet your standards.
peterson (sorry, I can't say "Dave"): drop Darlene an e-mail for prices and dimensions. It's 13 cubic feet, but I'm not sure how wide or long it is.
Hmm, 67"? I'm not sure you'll find anything that long. What will you carry in there?
-juice
-mike
-juice
PS The trailer hitch worked like a charm this weekend. I can't believe even the harness was installed correctly. Perhaps I'm not such a klutz after all!
PPS Photos coming soon
Earplugs!!!
Gus
PS I am a phillisitne as well.
I didn't see anything 38" wide, though I didn't look extensively and my catalog is at home. The SpaceCase (one of many carriers) dimensions are: 92" x 31.5" x 15" (internal/external isn't specified).
Yak makes a lot of stuff; I found it easier to request a free catalog and peruse the pages (though I still haven't bought anything). Sometimes it's easier to compare on a medium of papyrus than electrons, even for this enginerd (at least on Yak's site which, ahem, could use some human factors engineering).
Good hunting, Dave; let us know what you end up deciding.
..Mike
PS - Juice: Hehe, I set myself up for that response. You dog, you're buyin tomorrow night!
..Mike
Others might want to check out the product review page, even if you're not looking for a cargo carrier. Although this is a CR-V page, some of the accessories reviewed are available on Subaru's. Lots of stuff is listed, inluding lights (sorry DZ), magnetic drain plug, and KW Muth Mirror Systems (don't know if the last one would be annoying to the driver). I tried to buy the gas cap holder listed for my 93 Civic but the local dealer said the part number was bogus and that there was no such thing for a CR-V or Civic. Oh well.
A gas cap holder is one thing (admittedly small) that's missing on the GT. The 91 Legacy gas cap was attached by an accordion (Z-shaped) piece of plastic which held the cap (good) but allowed the cap to touch the paint just above the fender well (bad). I really don't like putting the cap on the pump or on the top of the car.
Let me guess Graham (OB) or Gus (Forester), the Australian market already has a gas cap holder (you guys have everything else, like low range, seat back pockets, and a split rear seat squab).
..Mike
..Mike
Hard carriers are more hassle and more $$ than soft, but they are very waterproof and are lockable.
Dave C.
(not that I play it all that loud; just like good definition. Okay, occassionally I'll play it loud to annoy the boy racers in the civics
Ed
Mike: OK, first round's on me. Lucien, you free for happy hour shop talk? Drop me an e-mail if you are.
Try velcro for the gas cap. You can get the stuff at CVS. It tapes onto each item, then sticks together. You may have trouble finding chameleon green to match your GT, though!
FWIW, my Samsonite soft carrier was completely water proof during 5 hours of driving in the rain (DC to Darien, CT). It also flexes to match odd shapes. You can lock the zippers together, too.
For the kind of sizes Peterson's talking about, he may be better off with the open OE basket carrier from Darlene.
-juice
Be careful with Bell Subaru's Service Dept. My wife got her 99 OB Ltd there and we were very
happy with Frank Lucarelli as well (he's no longer there). We were getting both of our cars serviced there (I have an 97 OB Sport) and Billy the Sales Manager even wanted me to work for them.
The Service Dept., however, is another story.
I won't go into details but we decided to start driving 40 minutes to Flemington NJ (as opposed to 15 min. to Bell) because their service dept. was on another level . Their prices are better and they have several very knowledgeable Subaru master techs. Bell is still relatively new to Subaru's (2 years).
Dennis
Our 2001 Forester S has passed the 10,000 mile mark. Three trips so far no problems. Mileage has been in the 22-24 mpg range. We have the Auto trans and I have a lead foot. On the trips car was comfortable and quiet. Cruised 75-80 (moving with traffic) thru New England, one of the quietest cars we've ever driven.
Have had 2 minor problems, both noise related. First one was a problem with a loose glass in the compass mirror, produced a buzzing sound on rough pavement that sounded as if it was coming from the dash. The mirror was replaced under warranty. The second problem has developed recently from the back of the vehicle, a knocking sound when making turns on rough surfaces. I suspect this is related to the slides on each side of the liftgate. Will have that checked at next service.
Craig
-juice
trigger to stop gas flow into the tank when full.
Keep a close eye if thats what you are going to
practice, but better not to practice that at all.
IMO.
I second that post Juice.
The reason I made that statement was because as recently as a couple of months ago, the same magazine couldn't gush enough about the Impreza. Their January issue was in fact devoted to it, testing P1 v. 22B v. RB5 v. stock UK spec Turbo v. WRX STi (Evo VI, I think?) v. Scoobysport modified UK spec turbo. I can only guess that recent models from VW/Audi and Mitsubishi have made it seem dated very quickly.