Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • dannykadannyka Member Posts: 115
    I'm with you on the octane issue. This was the service manager telling us this. Except for this one issue, I thought everything he was saying was in line with everything I'd heard, here and elsewhere.

    -Dan
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Patti should probably note that service manager's dealership and send him/her to training.

    -Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Maybe he was having a (really) bad day. 85 octane? Service Manager?

    We're talking 8 to 1 compression, which is still relatively high for a turbo. With a whopping 13.5psi of boost! It's also an oversquare design (big bore, short stroke) meant to rev high and get there quickly.

    Everything about it's inherent design begs for octane.

    -juice
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    The service manager's comments seem reasonable to me. "He said to use the lowest octane where the engine doesn't ping." If it pings, the octane is too low, if it doesn't you are all right. There may be a slight performance hit but unless you are all-out racing, ...

    Ross
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    with free food and Subaru souvenirs? Too bad, I was never invited to such in the Bay Area. Anyone here from SF-BA who went to such an event? I really want that Forester cap, touch-up paint, and a kangaroo too!
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    also has new owner orientation, but I couldn't make it. :-( A very good idea IMHO.

    Ross
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Argh! Not another Trooper lovefest. Mike, I think I hear the Isuzu Crew forum calling....
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    That's for liberals ;)

    -mike
  • dsackmandsackman Member Posts: 145
    is just to indoctrinate people in using the service facilities so that the dealer can make money out of gouging the owners who are obliged to have their cars serviced at regular intervals to stay within the warranty.

    It was interesting that most of talking was done by the service manager! Figure!

    I went to one many years ago at a Jeep dealership and I received a lot of promotional material (junk) that was a junk as the Jeep.

    Buyer beware! Do not get fooled by "good intentions". Do you actually think the dealership gives a hoot about us as owners?

    Daniel
  • sibbaldsibbald Member Posts: 106
    This is my second Subaru and with both, the dealer supplied free oil changes (I only paid for oil and filter about $17.00 Canadian or $5.00 U.S.)for the first year. I was just about to start doing my own oil changes when I received their V.I.P. Service Club information. For $25.00 Canadian a year, you get up to three oil changes (filter extra)a year, 10% off parts and labour for other warranty work and 15% off all accessories. And no I have never been gouged by them, they know my name, remember my car and always give it back washed and vacuumed. For that price, why bother getting dirty.

    Cheers, Tom
  • dsackmandsackman Member Posts: 145
    we could get that type of service in the San Francisco Bay Area somewhere.

    Does anybody around here know of a place with the type of service Tom described?

    Daniel
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    My dealer has an orientation once a month... Q & A, tour the service facility, usually have a couple cars on lifts so as to have a peek at the underpinnings. Cookies & punch, door prizes, and a tube of touch up. Basic but nevertheless informative.

    Trivia Question (thought about saving it for a chat, but my attendance is too spotty)(and Patti, you're disqualified!):
    What did BRAT actually stand for?
    Bonus question, no points:
    Why do I remember? Ack!

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • amishraamishra Member Posts: 367
    I would love foldable mirrors that were powered. That way I wouldn't have to lower my window the 2 times a year I do, and fold them myself. Sheesh!
  • peterson10peterson10 Member Posts: 116
    What did BRAT stand for? I'm just guessing here, but Beach Run-About Truck seems likely. All I know for sure is I always winced at the name; maybe because I knew some bona-fide brat who drove one.
    Dave
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Daniel,

    I think Santa Cruz Subaru has something like that. Not 100% sure, but they do have excellent service.

    Ken
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    My experience has been very much like that described by Tom. Excellent service, friendly, car always returned cleaned.

    Ross
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    ...Bi-Drive Recreational All-terrain Transport, if I recall correctly. A high school classmate had one while I tooled around in a '66 Mustang.

    My dealer (Fred Beans, Doylestown, PA) had one of those "new owner orientation" gouge nights. Little did I know they'd do such a sloppy job on my wheel bearings. Ah, but thanks to Patti, Darlene (moment of silence) and crew all harmony was restored.

    I have never had a dealer, Subaru or otherwise, return a car to me washed and vacuumed.

    Ed
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    Returns our car washed, unless it's raining.
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    Has anyone heard how she is doing and what the situation is at the dealer?
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Ed wins the kewpie doll! I obviously didn't have enough important stuff to remember back then... ahh, the 70's :)
    My dealer washes, weather permitting. Jiffy Lube vacuums. I do both. If I wash, it *will* rain :)

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    Both times I've been to my dealer for oil changes, it's been raining, so our OB wasn't washed.

    Hey, whaddya know, the spring Drive arrived today (finally).

    -Brian
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Maybe you guys will be interested for the foresters?


    Here is the prototype of the rear bumper protector, actually it's pre-production, this was just thrown together to size it up.





    image





    -mike

  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Mike- When you get it installed, how about a side shot to show how far it protrudes past the bumper.

    -Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Looks good mike. I don't think it has to stick out any further, since if you are hit from behind the person is usually braking, so there is brake dive. If anything hit your spare, it would be the guy's windshield!

    I have not heard from Darlene. The dealer went bankrupt, and that can take a while. We're hoping new ownership arrives and keeps her. I did ask her to call me if the situation changes, but for now she cannot order parts. I'm not even sure she's still employed! :-(

    Daniel: dealerships are a business and they have the right to earn a return on their investment. So of course, money is the bottom line, but I don't think that's incompatible with good, friendly service. In fact, they get more repeat customers that way.

    Let's give credit where credit is due - that type of orientation deserves a pat on the back.

    -juice
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    I knew it had to happen sometime. Last night as I was getting out of the car I noticed the right rear tire a little low. I managed to get to a station, where the air hose was broke. Made it to the 2nd station where the air was free ( Yea!). Then went to a 3rd station with a 24/7 mechanic and found I picked up a nail along the way. After getting it fixed, I noticed that the front left fog lamp grill was missing.

    Two questions:
    1) The tire is now slightly worn where you can see the white from the sidewall peeking through. The shop that fixed the tire said it was fine, but should I change it? It's annoying just for the look. I only have 9100 miles on the car, and it stinks to have to replace the tire so soon. If I should replace it, can I only do the one tire, or replace both (I remember being told to always do tires in pairs)?
    2) Any suggestions for where I can get the fog lamp grill in expensively?

    I love NYC streets and highways!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Mark, you should try Guy's Tires on Hylan Blvd. They are good folks. I wouldn't replace the tires just yet. I'd wait til they are at about 20K miles and do all 4.

    -mike
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Thanks for the tip about Guy's Tires. If the tire is fine, any suggestions on how to cover up where the sidewall is worn? The white showing through is really annoying. I'm going up to Flemington next Sat for some service, figured to ask them.

    Mark
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    9100 miles is pretty early, so you probably can get away with changing just one tire. But I wouldn't bother unless you feel it's more vulnerable to a blow out.

    Too bad the spare's a donut. You could have swapped if you owned a Forester.

    Try subaruparts.com for the grille guard.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Try some black paint or shoepolish? Perhaps a big permenant magic marker might do the trick also.

    -mike
  • FrankMcFrankMc Member Posts: 228
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    ..but this had me rolling.

    PLANT CITY, FL (AP) - Some Wal-Mart customers soon will be able to sample a new discount item - Wal-Mart's own brand of wine. The world's largest
    retail chain is teaming up with E&J Gallo Winery of Modesto, Calif., to produce the spirits at an affordable price; in the $6-8 range. While wine connoisseurs may not be inclined to throw a bottle of Wal-Mart brand wine into their shopping carts, there is a market for cheap wine, said Kathy Micken, professor of marketing at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I., "There is wine in a box that people are willing to buy," she said. "The right name is important"

    The top 15 suggested names for Wal-Mart Wine:
    15. Box O' Grapes
    14. Chateau Traileur Doublewide
    13. White Trashfindel
    12. Big Red Gulp
    11. Grape Expectations
    10. Domaine Wal-Mart "Merde du Pays"
    9. NASCARbernet
    8. Chef Boyardeaux
    7. Peanut Noir
    6. Blue Light Special Nun
    5. Chateau des Moines
    4. Martha Stewart's Sour Grapes
    3. I Can't Believe It's Not Vinegar!
    2. World Championship Wriesling
    and the number 1 name for Wal-Mart Wine...

    1. Nasti Spumante
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    Will it be Wal-Mart Wine or or Wal-Mart Whine. You know, like Lobester and Biff? (Anyone know what show that came from??)

    Patti
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    I did a bit of checking. The difference between the Legacy models being recalled in Japan and ones sold here relates to the emissions/fuel systems. In Japan and most of the European market, they use a "canister" type of emissions/fuel system. Since we have OBD in our vehicles, the components are different and not related to the issue they found there.

    Thanks!

    Patti
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    I'm starting my second day of training on our transmission systems. I'm learning a lot, so I hope I'll be able to help with information in the future.

    I'm really impressed by our manual tranny's. I also have a better understanding on why you should not rest your hand on the shifter. Our syncro is brass for a smoother shift and less vibration. Over time, resting your hand on the shifter can cause this softer metal to wear.

    Have a great weekend and I hope those of you going to NY have a blast!

    Patti
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Some of you will notice that your messages from yesterday no longer exist. There was a major hiccup in the system last evening. Edmunds.com apologizes sincerely for the difficulties this situation poses. Please rest assured that every effort is being expended to rectify this matter as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Typical. I post a rare witty message and the system blows it away. Hmmmm..... maybe that's a sign that I should leave attempts at humor to the comedians.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Sorry about your witty message. If you re-post it, I promise to chuckle! :-)

    This all went down last evening. All my work from yesterday in the OC is floating somewhere in cyber-land and at this point I don't know if it can be retrieved.....I'm thinking of taking the day off. Today is Friday the 13th. Why tempt fate?

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    The last sentence says it all: "Subaru needs to come up with a couple of compelling reasons for us to recommend the H6-3.0 VDC over any of these."

    Those "couple of reasons" are: a 5-speed automatic, and 5-speed manual.

    Bob

    http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/spin/45609/article.html
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Patti - ours have canisters, too, but I guess they are different.

    When I installed the hitch, I had to remove and reinstall such a canister from the passenger side rear of my Forester. I believe they are for evaporative emissions control. Forget even one tube and you'll be rewarded with a CEL.

    Make sure to ask about the automatic - like would a 5th ratio fit, associated costs, etc. Tell them that in C&D's sport sedan comparo, *all* vehicles has 5 speed automatics. Not only that, but one of the most often mentioned cross-shopped vehicles also has one (Passat).

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Patti,

    Thanks for the info on the manual trannies. That's pretty cool how you're getting to learn all about our vehicles. Please keep us posted of any interesting tidbits of info.

    I heard from a service manager that the newer manual trannies have dual mass flywheels. Is this just for the Legacys or do the Forester/Imprezas get them too? Also I'd love to hear more about the WRX manual trannies as well. I heard that they're quite different.

    Ken
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Patti-- if you read this before / during your training, you should ask your instructors why rallyists call the Subaru 5MT a "glass transmission".

    Ask them if the WRX's 5 speed is more robust.

    -Colin
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Gee.... sure is quiet today. Yet further proof that the majority of posters do so from work.

    -Frank P.
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I'm working -- and therefore posting. ;-)

    Ken
  • WMartonWMarton Member Posts: 58
    One of the messages that got sent to the electron graveyard was your response to my Q about Fitzgerald's. I need your e-mail address again to follow up on your contact at Fitzgerald's. Thanks.

    Bill
  • dannykadannyka Member Posts: 115
    at work too! Hmmm... I just had a thought. I'm having some work done on my car on Saturday. I just hope my dealer doesn't give its best mechanics the weekend off! :-)

    -Dan
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Well obviously then we're the disadvantaged few who didn't get the day off!

    Dan- You have heard of senority right? I'd say that the odds of an expereinced mechanic working the day before Easter are less than those for winning the lottery!

    -Frank P.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bill: I sent you an e-mail (it's listed in the profile).

    Have a great Easter everyone.

    -juice
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    BLOWS!!!! Dammit. I tried to go there. "You need a Flash Player." Oh yeah? Well I already got one, you silly englishk-k-k-night! So I downloaded it again from Macromedia. Still no-go. Q and I wanted to have a look at new Leagacys, but, oh well....
  • hammersleyhammersley Member Posts: 684
    Who has time to post at home? :)

    Cheers!
    Paul (at work)
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