Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
    With the exception of Colin, I think the majority of people don't really understand what constitutes a car engine and how they work... Here's a pretty good tutorial.


    So now when Colin says rocker valve, we'll know what he's talking about..

  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    OK, let me ask you a few questions, since you are in the OB-WRX mode I may be pursuing (anybody else is welcome to jump in too).

    The OB is a great car for long trips and highway cruising. How do you think the WRX will be?

    What about cargo space -- how does it look in person?

    The Outback has a certain dumb ruggedness to it -- like, last week I loaded it up with wood at the lumberyard and it was no big deal. I'm not sure I could do this with the WRX, what do you think?

    My wife wants to keep her 626, which means I'd definitely have to trade in the OB for the WRX. We're getting a new house in a few months, and I was counting on the OB (+ utility trailer) for everything from moving to landscaping to general pickup truck / station wagon duties. The WRX would probably not cut it for that, especially if it can't tow a trailer. So, now I'm stuck!

    I am coming back to the same realization I have always maintained -- 1 car is not enough for me! Maybe I should start playing the lottery again....

    Craig
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'd say the WRX wagon + trailer (albeit not 100% according to manufacturer's specs) would be nearly as useful as the OB. Of course I'd say get a WRX sedan + Trooper and you'd be golden! I think I need to play the lotto too.

    -mike
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Hey, Subaru finally has 2002 Impreza info on their website. Cool!
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hutch: totally sweet, congrats. So know you have a Forester and a WRX? I'm green with envy! I'll bring my helmet for that crash test, er, I mean test drive you promised! :D

    Upgrading? Ssshh, you'll hurt Sandy's feelings!

    And here I thought Rocker Valve was one of the Rolling Stones!

    Craig - hilarious, I have to talk my wife into trading in her 626 as well. Maybe if I left they keys inside. And the doors open. In DC...

    I think the Outback will make a better highway cruiser. Longer wheelbase, softer ride, more room to stretch, plus towing capacity.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    SOA has just updated its web site. Fine. However, it says I don't have the proper FLASH player. OK, so I download the new player from the link provided, and install it. It still doesn't work!

    Why, oh why do companies feel obligated to create web sites that may be difficult for users to use? It is so STUPID!!!

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It isn't the first dumb thing SOA has ever done, but on the whole they usually do ok. I find that contact info on websites is harder and harder to find, does anyone else notice that?

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I can't even log on to the site to complain!

    Patti- HELP!

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Make sure to quit out of IE or Netscrape and go back in. Exploiter is really bad about this. Also try a cold re-boot after the plugin-install.

    -mike
  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
    You folks see this:

    MSRP for the TS wagon in the US is $17,495 USD.
    MSRP for the TS wagon in Canada is $14,600 USD.

    Looks like us Canadians are getting a bargain! yay!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Rebooting didn't help.

    I'm tell ya, I get so frustrated with web sites that think it's "cool" to use every software gimmick in the book to make their site standout.

    Whatever happened to good "simple" design, that communicated a message easily and effectively? Being a (graphic) design professional, I hear this complaint all the time. So many web sites today are nothing but a mishmash of tricks, that blur the message rather than explain the message clearly, are difficult to use—and are just plain ugly to boot.

    I know this is a pet peeve of Mike Smith (who's in the web business) too.

    Bob
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Where do I buy tickets? :)
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'm in line behind lucien for tickets for a ride... Then I'll take you for the same ride @ the same speed in the Troopa!;)

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The line starts behind me. You have to be taller than 48" though! ;-)

    -juice
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Well, I agree w/Juice that the OB is the comfort king for more than two adults and the better highway cruiser. It also gets the nod for cargo carrying duties. Having said all this, I was impressed w/the amount of room in the WRX wagon. The headroom was greater than the OB Ltd because of the dual sunroof arrangement in the Ltd. The legroom diff in the rear is .6" but seems like less of a difference when sitting back there. Remember, we all road in WRX together (4 adult men, ok we were all kids at that moment, :-)). I'm not sure if towing is even recommended w/WRX, usually frowned upon w/turbos. It's tow rating though is the same as the OB @ 2000 lbs.

    About your comment of ruggedness w/OB. It's funny, even though the WRX is a world class performance champ, it's still possesses a certain scrappy, rugged appeal.

    It's hard to beat the overall versatility pkg of the OB line. I just realized as much as I like my OB Ltd, it always feels like I'm driving someone elses car though. It's comfortable, reliable, and a good buy but I don't feel that connectedness like I do w/the WRX. I was born to drive the WRX!!! Ok, signing off before I'm committed!

    Stephen
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The new Impreza wagons still have a fastback-style rear end, though. That means tall items and big boxes will not fit. Other than that, I was very impressed.

    Though I usually pick function over form.

    -juice
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    The WRX brochure on subaru.com (PDF format) shows a 2000lb towing capacity for all Impreza trims.

    I can't imagine having both a OB wagon and a WRX wagon. The OB would *never* leave the garage! :-D

    I would find a way to make sure the WRX wagon was "enough" room. Dealing with an RS coupe -- no folding rear seats, mind you -- a WRX wagon seems to me like so much room I couldn't use it all...

    -Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If it really can tow, that opens up a lot of possibilities. Plus there is the roof.

    -juice
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Coming from a Prelude with a mail slot for a trunk, the Outback was like a tractor trailer. I'm almost afraid to go back in the other direction. The WRX wagon is more like a hatchback in many senses, and the cargo opening is on the smallish side (which limits the usefulness of the decent volume). But, as Colin suggests, the WRX is compelling enough that I probably could find a way to make it work! Towing a utility trailer will be the clincher for me. The PDF brochure does show a 2000LB capacity for the WRX, but it has a * that says look in the manual for detailed instructions. Hopefully, the only "iffy" part will be grafting a hitch into the WRX's skirts as Patti hinted at. I'll have to crawl under one to be sure.

    Too bad the 2.5TS is equipped the way it is -- no cruise, rear drums, 15" tires, standard steel wheels w/ covers, etc. I bet it would still be a sweet ride, and probably cheaper to insure. If Subaru added some more standard content to put it inline with the 2.5RS and priced it like the Outback Sport, I would seriously consider the TS over the WRX.

    Stephen, speaking of being connected to cars, there is a certain advantage to being disconnected -- for instance, I get to relax and enjoy my OB much more than I ever enjoyed my Prelude (and probably the WRX). In my world of OCD, I would probably obsess about the WRX in a way I don't do about the Outback. In many ways, I like the Outback because I can just get in and drive, and not worry about what I toss in back, who has muddy feet, etc. I don't know if I'm ready to go back to a car I'm in love with!

    Craig
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    and get a Trooper and a WRX! hee hee

    -mike
  • thecatthecat Member Posts: 535
    Juice, Loosh, Mike .. I'll have to talk to my insurance company about operating an amusment ride to see if I'm covered :D

    I've been through the manual and there is no mention of towing being a no-no with the WRX. I've emailed Patti for clearification. The manual does say that Subaru does not have a hitch for any of the new Imp. line.
    - hutch
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    I drove a friend's brand new Trooper last week, and it was a smooth ride. I see why you're always raving about yours. It did feel a little on the bulky side to me though -- I'm definitely a "car" guy. If I had a trooper and a WRX, I could get my wife to pilot the Trooper while I drove circles around her in the WRX!

    Craig
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Hopefully, the only "iffy" part will be grafting a hitch into the WRX's skirts as Patti hinted at. I'll have to crawl under one to be sure.

    I can't imagine a draw-tite hitch being unable to be adapted to the WRX. The rear fascia does not hang that low-- I've seen these things on Miatas.

    -Colin
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The lower facia on the WRX and RS appear to be the same. So why can you trailer with the RS and not the WRX?

    Also, in the owner's manual, they still have the 1000# limitation if the trailer doesn't have brakes. :(

    On the plus side, the 2002 Impreza trailer towing limit has increased over the previous generation model.

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I had awsome luck with the hidden hitch on my Trooper. No show, and no cutting :) You also might try contacting a few of the hitch manufacturers to see if you can be a test vehicle. Usually they'll give you the hitch and installation for free in return for letting them have your car for a few days.

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I suspect the larger 2.5 engine in the RS/OBS/TS has better towing characteristics than that of the 2.0 turbo used in the WRX. I would assume, from a dead start, the 2.5 has more power than the 2.0. Pulling (a lot of weight) from a dead stop is far more important than max power.

    Bob
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Right at clutch engagement I think you're right Bob. After 2000-2500 RPM (assuming you have it floored) the turbocharger enables the WRX's low-compression 2.0 to make a whole bunch more torque than the 2.5L.

    -Colin
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Are we having fun w/these flags yet? I see that some of us have changed our profile addresses to reflect our country of origin or heritage ...cool!

    Craig: I still obsess about my OB Ltd, like parking in the back 40 in parking lots, not parking in small stalls, prefering not to do valet parking, touching up any scratches, etc. I think this is more pride of ownership for me than not being connected. The thing that impressed me about the WRX is that it's not high-strung and can be driven very conservatively as if there was nothing sinister under the hood. I really like the dual-personality thing. Kind of like me...:-)

    Stephen
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I think the low rpm power of the 2.5 is better suited to trailer pulling. It's even and very progressive. The power doesn't "jump" like that in a turbo. You want predictable power. Besides, if you're towing a trailer, you're not going to floor it.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, you could, but you'd be shopping at "Clutches-R-Us" within months. High torque with heavy resistance means the clutch gets fried absorbing the difference until it grabs.

    I imagine it's fine for a light trailer, but I wouldn't be testing that weight limit.

    -juice

    PS Go Maryland! (NCAA hoops)
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    lucien2 Mar 15, 2001 12:13pm

    Have you tried registering again for the Drivers' Opinion Panel? I just registered and didn't have a problem, and haven't heard anything from the higher ups about it. If you still can't register, let me know and I'll shoot a message to the tech people.

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Club
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Good point about the clutch Juice, since you remind me again of my one and persistent complaint about Subaru-- inadequate pressure plate force. We'll see how the WRXs hold up, but if the 2.5RS / TS have the same clutch as a 99-01 RS, then it's inadequate.

    I think you'd be fine with a slightly uprated clutch. And Bob, I do floor it when towing. An automatic would be a big bonus, but it would be even more critical to install a trans temp gauge and watch the coolant.

    -Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Another upgrade for the "towing package" we've been asking for. Beefier clutch, brakes, and a tranny coolor.

    Heck, beef up all the clutches.

    -juice
  • natescapenatescape Member Posts: 176
    rsholland, there's nothing worse than a flash homepage. Epecially if they don't bother to use a "flash detection" script (really simple) and provide a non-flash version for those users without. Heck, if they did it right, the site would be entirely database driven and would be simple to maintain two versions.


    FYI, I'm a professional site designer/webmaster, so I'm a bit opinionated.


    Check out http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com/final_solution.html for a nice piece on why Flash usually sucks.

  • francophilefrancophile Member Posts: 667
    like plowing snow or driving up & down the streets of San Francisco, is best done with an automatic :-)

    I'm still waiting for one of the mags to really thrash an automatic WRX. The VTD might make things pretty interesting, plus automatics and turbos tend to be a good fit because the auto keeps the turbo spinning in its "sweet spot" without dropping the RPMs for a shift. I wonder if an auto WRX might be faster, say in an acceleration run from 30 to 70 MPH, than a stick?

    Just wondering, mind you; if I order one it will be a 5-speed. I have no plans to plow snow, and I just plain like to shift :-)

    Cheers,
    -wdb
    (whose flag choice is in honor of his last car)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Depends on gearing. Whether a shift is required at those speeds will determine which is quicker. Remember, the auto only gets 4 cogs.

    I'm actually waiting to see a test of any other model (besides the WRX). Guess I'll have to go drive one myself!

    -juice
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    When towing with an auto trans, the engine can rev to higher rpm's when you're crawling (due to fluidic slippage in the torque converter). This spools up the turbo, and really gives a nice power boost (it should be smooth and even too). I bet the turbo engine would be better for towing with an auto transmission. With a 5-spd, it's hard to say -- either way, you're probably going to toast the clutch a little!

    Craig
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Interesting link. In fact, I bookmarked it for future reference. Thanks.

    Bob
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Re: hondafriek Mar 14, 2001 3:09pm

    Pat, Congrats on the GT wagon. Welcome to the club! What color?

    Re: natescape Mar 15, 2001 9:05am

    Nate, as the resident cup holder evangelist, your post brought a tear to my eye. ;) Also, thanks for the link to Vincent Flander's site; I'm referring customers to it. What's this in your profile, an MDX aficionado? What MDX features would you like to see in a Forester?

    Re: originalbitman Mar 15, 2001 10:11am

    Bit, good find! How does the cup holder attach, double-sided tape? Where in your GT did you mount it?

    Hutch, way to go bay-bee!

    Re: rsholland Mar 16, 2001 8:08am

    Bob, you are spot on regarding Flash/bloated web design. I think it's because web development is a young industry. I have yet to meet a web designer who's had any formal graphic design education (like you'd find at a traditional advertising agency). The other side of the coin is that those with a solid education in design (and more experience) haven't adopted the web (some think it's a fad, and yes I'm serious). Sadly, neither the young web designers or experienced graphic designers get it.

    Nate, you sound like you're experienced and/or you grok design. How much design work under your belt?

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    We are still "fixing" things. Sorry! I've sent your stuff on up, but I'm pretty sure they are aware of all issues.

    Patti
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    One for my citizenship, and one for where I was conceived? Kinda makes me half Canuck, eh?

    GO GONZAGA!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    We got to see the new commercials. I think you all will like the WAX ones. Also, the WAX U. S. Rally Car will be on display at the New York Auto Show.

    Oh, and one more thing, remember the commercial for WV where it is being driven in the rally? Well the driver in the commercial is (excuse the misspellings - apologize in advance, but I'm just trying to get you the information fast) a gent. named curt Schreibel (up) who is a renowned Rally Driver. He will be driving our WAX Rally car in competitions in the U. S. I think I heard someone say he was pleased to be in a real car??
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Karl Scheibel has already run his first event-- the Chattanooga results are here-- don't know if the results are final yet.. They picked the drivers a few months ago via a try-out, certainly Karl is a good driver but I don't know how much his commercial success in the Production GT VW New Beetle helped him secure the spot.

    The Group N Prodrive prepared Impreza is most certainly a "real car" compared the to the Beetle... no argument there. However, it looks as if he recently joined a lengthy DNF list. Bummer! This apparently is one tough rally, usually there are not nearly this many top-level retirements.

    -Colin
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    I used spell check (incorrectly I know- I usually avoid it), I was rushing at work. WAX is WRX in case you didn't figure that out. My apologies!

    Patti
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    Does anyone know if the body-side rubstrips from the non-WRX models are available for order? I'm about a year away from a silver WRX wagon, and already paranoid about parking lot damage. What about mudflaps? Will the flaps from the OBS fit on the WRX? I'm still bummed that there were never flaps available thru my dealer for my 2.5RS, other than those $120 STi imports.
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    Michael -
    I mounted the cupholder with Velcro. I used pretty heavyduty stuff and at that covered all of the back of the cupholder with it. I have mounting spots on the side of the console just next to the shifter and on the driver's door below the window controls...above the speaker. The door mount seems the best as it is out of the way and does not interfere with moving the seat all the way forward. The Velcro is temporary and I will do a more permanent attachment eventually although it works just fine. Also trying it out on the passenger side.
    bit
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Pat, Titanium Pearl GT wagon, cool. Never seen one. In DC, I've seen one Timberline Green Pearl like my wife's, a 2nd generation (<= MY99) Rio Red, and a 3G MY00 Rio Red (the sole year of the Rio Red GT; Winestone Pearl replaced it for MY01).

    Bit, Thanks. A downside for a klutz such as I: snuggling into the driver's seat, mounting my full cup o' Joe in the door mounted cup holder, recalling something I left in the house, hastily egressing cause I'm late, and randomly applying Java to my chinos.

    I'm curious to hear the results of the various locations. As you are to vehicle height, I am to human factors engineering.

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    I suppose I'm just slow to catch on but I didn't realize you could access and download a nice PDF version of your Owner's Manual at MySubaru. It seems very well indexed and contains all of the illustrations. Now I can leave the paper version in my car and get at this one from my hard drive.

    Speaking of manuals has Haynes or anyone released a manual for 2000+ Legacys?

    bit
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Titanium pearl is only available on the GT wagon and sedan, not available on the regular legacy I really like it and you are not going to be seeing your car coming and going, GT wagons are a relatively rare beast here, makes it sort of exclusive although that was not my reason for buying the GT.

    Cheers Pat.
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