Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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Comments

  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    You think I'm putting her through the see-saw? Heck no, just you guys! :lol:

    Craig- doesn't count, because I'd prolly do that to an FXT too. Well, rims/tires and Cobb swaybar set anyways.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    edit- Lordy lordy, they seem to have dropped prices this morning. WRX wagons for $20,500! Kinda makes me wonder if they know something about 2005 we don't. That's a solid 3k cheaper than their cheapest FXT.
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    Loosh, one more dollar consideration. The WRX will have somewhat better fuel economy. I'm the one who posted on several occasions I actually got 30 mpg on my WRX wagon. Pushing it all the time around town and I still rarely go below 20. 19.4 sometimes!

    TWRX
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    XT can fit a lot more cases of wine. :-)

    -juice
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Any recommendations Loosh? My wife likes reds, usually Merlot or Zinfandel. She's been getting a Bogle lately, not sure what kind.

    Craig
  • ray_cray_c Member Posts: 36
    Do you guys know if their is anyway that we could add the VDC system to an early model Subaru? I have a 2001 Outback Wagon.

    Thanks,

    Ray
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Welcome home safely to you and yours, I am sure you will remember this Christmas gift of another precious child for the rest of your life.

     It appears to be so symbolic especially at this blessed time of year.

      Cheers Pat.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ray: it would not be practical, even if it could be done.

    VDC integrates the VTD AWD, which you don't have, with the stability and traction control. The computer is working with a default power split of 45/55, biased to the rear, while your auto has a significant front bias.

    So forget VDC, it would almost be easier to get a 3rd party to design a stability control system that made use of the existing ABS hardware. Even that would probably cost you more than just trading yours in for a VDC model.

    A lot of us want to see Subaru make this feature more available throughout the range. It's not longer a luxury features, the Ford Focus offers it as an option. The Scion xB has it standard, and the Mazda3 also offers it.

    Stability control has become mainstream and Subaru will hopefully soon catch up.

    -juice
  • ray_cray_c Member Posts: 36
    Thanks juice, maybe I can get a aftermarket stability control system when it become more common
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    ...the mounting limitations of doing business in a sedan are what's motivation this whole thing in the 1st place. I really like the XT; I didn't thrill to the handling, but I suspect the Geolandars are largely responsible.

    XT- needs some remedial handling help, but has a strong engine, a newly reinforced 5MT, and loads of versatility.

    WRX- canyon carving champ, less tractable powerband (can get used to that), smaller and therefore a better urban commando, crappy paint, questionable tranny fortitude, no AVCS. Currently dirt cheap as well.

    Craig- Chateau Potelle Zin, David Bruce Zin, or splurge on a Neyers Pato Vineyard or Tofanelli Vineyard Zin. Or Ridge too. Ravenswood has been sold to a big huge big wine corporation, so their off my list. Seghesio Zin is great too. Merlot? *shrug* The market is drowning in the stuff right now...I can't keep up!
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    does Australia make a good Zin? Just curious...

    Steve: welcome back! Next time you're on the Left coast, bring family with you!
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    as far as I know, it is only in the US, unless you count it's genetic twin in Italy, the Primitivo rape.
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Loosh-
    What do you do with Grappa wine?
    Had a sip of it,... dang it's potent 8-0

    -Dave
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ray: put it this way, I think you're next Subaru will have it.

    Even by itself, you'd need yaw sensors, throttle position sensors, steering angle sensors, all as just some of the inputs. Then the motor to activate each individual brake, plus the brains to decide when.

    For now, know that AWD gives you a greater threshold before losing stability is likely to happen. :-)

    -juice
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Ohh Grappa, I had a swig of that once, tasted like sawdust...

    Craig
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Grappa isn't wine, it is a distillate made from the must, or leftovers of winemaking. Skins, pips, etc.

    So it clocks in around 80 to 90 proof, sometimes higher. Usually clear, some examples are aged in oak like a brandy and so are caramel in color. The French make it too, but call it Marc.

    Good ones are awesome assuming the consumer is predisposed to liking them (already a fan of cognac, armanac, single malt, etc) Bad ones are freakin firewater. I sampled about 10 of them last night and they were all amazing. Mostly from Jacopo Poli, and a couple from Nardini too. I have a stash of Marc from Provence I bust out on appropriate occasions.
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    to post about your experiences. We all enjoy reading them and we're glad you and your family are finally home safe and sound. What a holiday season you are going to have!!

    Patti
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Ah, so it isn't wine. Thought it had the aroma of cognac. Wasn't expecting the kick since my mind and taste buds was tuned to "incoming wine".

    -Dave
  • hoodatbehoodatbe Member Posts: 5
    so - i'm looking to buy an '04 and am torn. after 5yrs of an automatic, i just test drove the 5-speed limited and realized how much i missed the manual transmission. i have yet to try the H6 and, after reading these posts, am concerned that if i do i may be hooked. i use these wagons like pickups, have been known to haul lots and heavy loads. but primarily, i commute two hrs a day. so i want something comfortable (thus tha leathah wi'da heated seats,) and something fun to drive. any advice y'all might have for me would be greatly appreciated. oh and pls forgive me for posting in two groups, ah'm aiming to buy in the next couple wks and am looking for speedy feedback.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Do not buy before the 2004 Detroit AutoShow.

    Period.

    -c
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Zins are an interesting grape. As Loosh pointed out, they have origins near Italy. I've read that it originated in Croatia. In any event, Zins were what made California wines famous until Cab became king.

    One of my favorite Zins is Renwood (not to be confused with Ravenswood) from Amadour County. Bogle's Old Vine is a good buy as well as Rancho Zabaco (I believe they're owned by Gallo).

    Kate -- Australia is famous for their Shiraz. Rosemount Estate at Trader Joes is a great buy.

    Speaking of great buys at TJ's, for just plain old every day drinking, the Charles Shaw Merlot is a very decent buy (can't go wrong for $1.99).

    Ken
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Rosemount Diamond, good buy alright. I like Buckeley's also. have some of each onhand at this moment. :)

    -c
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    Zifandel is only infrequently planted in Oz. Its definitely a grape of choice for Californians. I can't think of a mainstream Australian winery making any.

    Now for the bad news - we keep our good stuff for home consumption. Export gets the okay stuff. Australia doesn't make bad wines. It's a treasonable offence and transgressors find themselves wearing concrete boots at the bottom of the barrel.

    Less jocularly, the Australian obsession with sterile winery conditions means that the nastier bits of flora that damage wine, are killed off. I recall an eastern european winery worker complaining that "the Australian winemaker made them clean, clean, clean and clean again..,. and then he made us do it all over again". Australian winemekers are popular for making Eastern Eruopean wineries material suddenly fabulous because of the hypersensitivity to winery sterility.

    The French do not like the Australian obsession and hence, the frequency of dodgy wines is far higher in France than elsewehere.

    Now for some good news. There are about 2,000,000 litres too much good red wine in Australia for us to drink at present. We are having to throw some of it down the drain because it is more expensive to bottle than can be realized. Now, you can all come to visit and bring your own glasses, or a straw, to help us drink it.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Just catching up:

    Steve-

    Welcome home to the entire family! Sounds like a trip to remember for all time.

    Brenda- Glad to hear your Dad is doing better.

    Graham- Now I'm thirsty:-) When I go out tonight from work, I'll have to raise a glass for Australian wines. Actually, I have 1 bottle left of a Shiraz a group of us bought earlier in the year called Woop Woop. Very nice.

    Mark
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    My dw and I would occassionally have a bit of wine, usually a zin. But, that was before nursing kids. Once she's done nursing Brogan, we'll be able to enjoy a glass or two (responsibly ;-).

    She prefers the sweeter wines really. She's so 'dry', she thinks the wine at church (port I think) is the best stuff on earth.

    -Brian
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    I seem to recall someone listing what the different codings are for Subaru's, but can someone refresh my memory? Which model line is what? If I am looking for parts for 2000 OB what "coding" do i look under?

    Thanks,
    Mark
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    BE for sedan, BF for wagon. Is that what you mean?
  • twrxtwrx Member Posts: 647
    Should anyone venture into the Midwest there is a thriving wine industry here in my state Indiana. The grape wines are fine but of course we lack the dry conditions for the best grapes so two wineries stand out. One is the Huber Winery at Starlight IN (About 25 miles NW of Louisville KY--easily reached from I-64). Their specialty is fruit wines such as strqwberry, blackberrya and rasberry. Also they have and excellent farm market and there are several family style farm restaurants in the area.

    The other winery of note is the oldest in Indiana, the Oliver Winery at Bloomington. Their specialty is meade. Their Camelot Meade has been in production since the mid 1970's. Although made from honey it is not sickly sweet as you would expect. A truly different taste.

    TWRX
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sweet Graham, fill up an old barrell and save it for me! :o)

    Welcome to the Crew, Beth. Check out my detailed response in the Outback thread. Like Colin, I do suggest you wait to see the 2005 Legacy debut, if you can. There's also the Baja turbo and Legacy 2.5GT currently available with Sportshift, which might be a good compromise for you.

    -juice
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    Colin's right, the '04's are good cars in their own right, but they're being redesigned for 05.

    Possibly with more towing capacity added to other features like variable valve timing, new 4 and 5 speed sportshift automatics, increased fuel economy etc. If I were you I'd wait to see what Subaru has up its sleeve for 05.

    Eric
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Loosh,

    When I am looking at vendor sites they keep mentioning GC* and GD*. I admit to not knowing what that means, which is why I am asking the pros.

    Mark
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    GC* is the original 93-01 (US & CAN) Impreza. A GC8 didn't exist here because that was a 2.0L turbo (WRX). The 2.5L is a GC6.

    GD* is the 02+ Impreza. The front suspension is nearly identical but the rear is different enough that bad things happen with camber if you try to switch parts between the two models. Rear linkages and swaybars don't swap between the body styles at all.

    -c
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    So very likely the same applies to Foresters after 2003. Anyone know the codes for those?

    Then you have the engine codes, EJ22, EJ25, EZ30, etc.

    -juice
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Early in the morning to visit with my daughter in Texas, we are really looking forward to seeing since we havn't seen her in a year and it has been a very difficult year for her.

     Not looking forward to the actual trip as travelling is very hard on me healthwise, but it will be worth the discomfort just to see her and assure myself she is coping okay.

      The actual flying time amounts to about a total
      of 4-5 hours but all the hanging around in airports totals another 4 to 5 hours and thats the killer.

       Cheers Pat.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    are "S," right? I've only been paying attention for a week or so. :)

    SG= current style
    SF= pre USMY 2004 but not as far back as, say, 1998

    SE? for that? I dunno.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I'm heading to TX on Jan. 1
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    we'll all converge ... I'll be leaving dec 26th in all probability and land in houston area by the 27th ... stay til just after new year's ... where you guys wanna meet? (like texas isn't a HUGE place!!)
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    in San Antonio. Mmmmmmm....breakfast tacos!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Subaru Crew Meet in Texas? :o)

    Mmm, tex-mex, now I'm hungry.

    -juice
  • outback_97outback_97 Member Posts: 130
    For model codes, IIRC, the 4th and 5th digits comprise the code. For example, my '97 OB's VIN is xxxBG = BG. '03 TS's VIN is xxxGG = GG.

    utahsteve
  • subarusaleshousubarusaleshou Member Posts: 161
    I'll be like Tom Bodet and leave the light on.
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Thank you for the education. If I can read my vin, that makes my car a BH model. Thanks again.

    Mark
  • goneskiiangoneskiian Member Posts: 381
    Ya'll (Texas vibe) need to check out the Washington vineyards. Especailly those near Walla Walla. L'Ecole No. 41, Woodward Canyon, Waterbrook, Three Rivers, Canoe Ridge... the list is quite long. I was fortunate enough to go to college in Walla Walla. A roommate I had for a semester worked for L'Ecole No. 41 and would bring home samples all the time. Not good for studying. ;-)

    Loosh - Are you familiar with any Walla Walla wineries? What's your favorite?

    -Ian

    p.s. This Tex-Mex talk is making me hungry too!
  • goneskiiangoneskiian Member Posts: 381
    Ken - When are you and your brother going. I've been thinking of heading over for a couple days as well and would love to cruise the show with someone besides me, myself and I. ;-)

    -Ian
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Ian,

    I think we're planning on going around 1/10 for the opening of the public show. I'll post more details as I know them.

    The more the merrier -- anyone else?

    Ken
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    but also Dunham Cellars.
  • goneskiiangoneskiian Member Posts: 381
    Thanks for the tip. I don't think we've tried them yet.

    One of our favorites is the Waterbrook Melange from 1999 or 2000. Good stuff.

    -Ian
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Be in Fort Hood area, a place called Harker heights, apparently about an hour and a half from Austin, now I am not big on my geography of TX but I don't think it is within spitting distance of either Loosh or Brenda.
     
    Also we leave on the morning of the second, and Loosh will be arriving on the 1st, we may not be able to get together physically but at least we will all be in the same state at the same time.so we can be together in spirit.

      Cheers Pat.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Pat- This is the daughter who was in the accident right? The Army doesn't have any plans to ship her overseas any time soon I hope. Enjoy your visit. Personally, the Texas hill country never did much for me but some folks consider it pretty!

    -Frank P.
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    safe trip. Make sure you take time to rest when you can on the plane. I'm sure your daughter is as thrilled to be seeing you as you are to see her. Please fill us in on how she's doing when you get home.

    Have a wonderful holiday!

    Patti
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