Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

15455575960692

Comments

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I second his suggestion! Hint Hint SUttle Suttle!

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I used to carpool. Maybe my voice scared her away! ;-)

    Actually, my odd schedule and the fact that I moved stopped that.

    DC slipped from a 2nd place tie to 3rd worst for traffic congestion, but only because the Bay area got even worse than before.

    Anyone else see the Weakest Link yesterday? They asked what Japanese auto manufacturer sells the Outback!

    The contestant got it right - but I wonder if they would have known if they said Legacy instead! Bet they would have guessed Acura...

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Hey I saw that last night on Weakest Link too! I was impressed it was a question.

    Maybe someday they'll have a question like: "What 'W' is the rally-bred turbo-charged sports car made by the company that sells Outbacks"

    Love that show!

    Ken
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    This link is for those interested in the upcoming 42 volt electrical systems, and predicted timetable.

    http://www.wardsauto.com/default.asp?action=ar&aid=42620019225

    This link is about Subie's "Barking 'Box."

    http://www.autospeed.com/A_0943/page1.html

    Interesting read about the the WRX-Sti, and other Subies, including the Legacy B-4 twin-turbo. Also comments on the Evo.

    http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Track/9120/html/Subaru1.htm#STi

    Car ranking system.

    http://home.netvigator.com/~europa/Super_Rank.htm

    Bob
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    It seems an awfully long time since you got burned out. Are you back home yet?

    I was interested to see the H6 ECM issue is looming in the USA. Here in Oz there have been a few issues with the (Japanese made) H6 and Auto transmission not loving towing. Given that this is what Outbacks, and particularly the H6 are frequently used for, it is a bit of a problem for some people. Again, it seems to be an ECU issue.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    Not yet - 10 months and counting - patience wearing thin....Thanks for asking.

    I haven't heard of any issues with our ECU's and towing. The one that some folks here are dealing with relates to cold temps. It can cause a hard start until it is re-programmed. Anyone having the problem is encouraged to bring it into the dealer for a re-programmed ECU and it resolves the concern.

    That's really the only issue I'm aware of so far. We've had some set up for towing in our test fleet and all appears well.

    Are the emissions requirements very different over your way?
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    A day at Flemington - that would be great. We haven't even set up any events for employees due to a lack of cars. It's the first time in years that we could not do something. We have NO WRX's around for our test vehicles because of the demand.

    I keep begging for a day, but everything is going to market right now. Maybe someday....but I doubt we will do something like SOC. I think we/they would be reluctant because the insurance cost would be astronmical.

    sigh ;-{

    Patti
  • soon2bsubeesoon2bsubee Member Posts: 137
    How about a WRX Drive Day(or week) at Moroso Motorsports Park, or Homestead..Us Floridians deserve some fun also!!!!
    Barbeque at our house afterwards (except for Mike Smith, who gets to eat only dim sum).
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    What about all of the WRX's in Arizona? Granted they'll probably be ready for the junkyard by the time that's over.
    Dennis
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    When they are done in AZ with them, I'll be first in line @ the junkyard! :)

    -mike
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    I was in Phoenix 5/2-5/5 and only saw two on the road. Both were silver sedans and I didn't catch the license plate so they may have been the same car.

    Regional drive days might be a good idea. Watkins Glen, Lime Rock, Road Atlanta, Homestead, Riverside, the one in Wisconsin whose name I can't remember...I could go on and on.

    I still haven't measured the diameter of the new Yoko vs. the 3 w/22K on them. Will do that ASAP.

    I spent the last 2 days in Massachusetts driving a new Volvo Cross Country. I'll post on that in detail over in Future Models since that's one of the cars in direct competition with the H6 Outbacks. In short, I liked the OB better but then I'm beginning to become a bit biased.

    Ed
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bob: interesting links.

    Anyone else notice that the 2.0l engine in the new Impreza makes MORE power than the 2.5l engine in the Legacy GX? 155 vs 154 hp.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    In AZ is where alot if not all the Ride-Drive days are for SOA dealers, techs and their "Special Internet Friends" of which I still have no idea how to get into that group I think it's called the SIPP group. :(

    -mike
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Ed, here are some pics on the i-club:

    http://www.i-club.com/gallery/sipp_phoenix.htm

    You've been working too hard. :)

    Dennis
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Cool pix, Dennis. Sorry I missed the Pine Barrens event but I've gotten lost driving around in there enough times already. Yes, there's no arguing the working too hard part. :P

    Ed
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    Well we picked up the GT last night. Loads o'fun; I love that intake! At WOT that boxer growl really intrudes, and if you put your foot in it fast enough there is a quick suction sound not unlike a turbo BOV. Anyway, we couldn't resist pulling the tag off the OB and tooling around for a while. The car is tight, faster than the OB by a bit (lighter, intake I suppose), corners like a champ. Needs a bigger rear bar and a brace. I'll prolly bolt up the stock 18mm bar from the OB that is still in the garage.

    Q loves it too. She ended up doing most of the driving (uh oh). She pulled into the far right lane in preparation to head north on 83 right at the harbor in Baltimore. This is tough because after the light turns green, you have to merge left within 60 yards or so. It is kind of a problem because if you are there, the person to your left knows EXACTLY what your intentions are. In this case, a 1989 BMW 528e. Well he took off, she took off, and she dropped him, redlining all the way to 4th! Granted it was an ETA; things might have been different if it was an i. I've created a monster.....
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Bit, Patti and all:

    "The measured difference in circumference between the replacement tire and the other tires on the vehicle cannot exceed 1/4 inch....If the vehicle mileage is low and the tires have been rotated and driven at the proper inflation pressures, then you may be within the allowable 1/4-inch difference in circumference."

    I measured at lunch with all 4 off the ground. The difference between new and old is 2/32", or 1/16". I should be okay based on the info provided.

    Thanks,
    Ed
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I read somewhere recently that there's a research showing that crude oil originates from the Earth's mantel, where carbon and hydrogen are reacting at high temp, with no oxygen, and then that hydrocarbon thing is sipping through the cracks in the Earth's core. It was said that oil has nothing to do with dinosaurs or ancient vegatation.

    If this is true, that means that correct name will be mineral not fossil fuel, although it was kind of neat to think about rotten T-Rex fueling my little Loyale :-)

    Colin, you work in that industry...can you please enlighten us, re: mineral vs fossil origin of oil.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Kate-- I challenge someone to find any posts where I refer to petroleum as a "fossil fuel". ;-)

    I've read several articles and one book on this theory, it basically states that petroleum is a natural geothermal by-product. Besides theory and explanations of how this could be, evidence is given such as comparing vegetation & animal mass vs. oil field sizes, and most importantly the RISING level of oil in several fields. (and they are reasonably sure it is not simply shifting from one field to another.)

    I have never seen anyone in Big Oil support this theory, often they won't acknowledge it at all. If it were true, is the commodity worth as much? Could someone figure out how to duplicate it above ground?

    Do I believe it? Well, I believe it's a possibility. Few like this theory though, environmentalists and oil companies have different motivations but equally dislike it.
    Governments should like it, at least anyone who isn't an oil exporter.

    -Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Loosh: doesn't the GT already come with an 18mm rear sway?

    That GT has 5.4% shorter gearing, because the tires have a smaller diameter, and both have the same gears and final drive. That probably makes up for most of the difference in acceleration. Plus, a sedan is lighter than a wagon.

    I don't get why BMW came out with those E for economy engines. Stay focused, makers of the Ultimate Driving Machine!

    Colin - you mean I can't call it dino oil any more? ;-)

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bland styling: nothing a good Blitzen model could not address.

    Cheapish interior: these guys spend too much time in $50k cars. Gimme a break! I almost think the interior is TOO nice! I mean, you're supposed to haul dogs and cargo in them, right?

    -juice
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I'm sorry but I'm going to say that the Edmunds reviewer needs to pull his head out of his overly pampered posterior. What is he comparing the interior too!? Like you said...get out of the $50k cars and compare to a $25k Accord or (dare I say) Camry. The Camry especially, has, IMHO, a cheap looking, albeit well put together interior. The only thing cheap in the article was the "cheap" shots the reviewer made. Ok, done venting...for now. :-)

    Stephen
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    On a positive note, Edmund's did acknowledge Subaru's strength in AWD and took the GT out on snow!

    I think there was a typo about the GT coming standard with A/T.

    Ken
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    come std and only w/auto but the regular GT has a choice?

    Stephen
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I believe so -- the GT Wagon I test drove a few months ago was a 5-speed.

    Ken
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    juice-

    nah, just a 15mm. 18mm might actually be a little much for the stock suspension and dogmeat RE92's....
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    GT Ltd does come in a 5-speed. I was gonna buy one last year in 2000 maybe different in 01.

    -mike
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    help me out my Canadian friends (Drew, Ross, etc)...Is the GT Ltd only available in auto in Canada. Seems to me that I read this somewhere amongst these posts a while back.

    Stephen
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    I just checked the Canadian site http://www.subaru.ca/ and it does seem that the GT Ltd is only available in auto in Canada.


    Ross

  • tristessatristessa Member Posts: 10
    Yes, the GT Ltd is only available with auto.

    About that review....bland styling?!!?! Is that reviewer on drugs? The only thing I find "okay" looking is the front air dam. Everything else about the car is very sharp: rear view, side view, 16" alloys, headlights, front grille, and Ltd interior. I have the rear spoiler (5" tall) on mine, and I think it is just gorgeous.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    I guess I'm a bit late to the party, LOL. Here's something that you may find amusing...the editor who wrote that review is from Canada (Toronto), but I believe he's now LA
    Here's more on the editors: http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/editors.html


    You can send your feedback to the editors here: http://www.edmunds.com/news/column/letters/


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    Congrats on the GT. I had one as my last test vehicle and I loved it.

    Patti
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    I'm glad things are okay with your tires.

    Patti
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I believe the Limiteds used to be auto-only, but now they offer 5 speeds. Sounds like his info comes from north of the border!

    Actually, it's kind of funny that someone owning a 1970 Plymouth would complain that the interior of a Legacy GT was not luxurious enough!

    Guess he wanted vibrating massage with his heated leather seats, eh?

    Loosh: how are the tires hanging in? How many miles again? Time for Kumhos...

    -juice
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    26K, and the OB is about ready for a set too. The RE92's are still in good shape, so I will try to get through another 9 months or so on those. OB is going to need them by the Fall.

    one quick pic now up in the gallery, all.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Looks pretty sharp. For $15.5K you stole it.

    26k on RE92s and they're still good? I'm surprised.

    -juice
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Someone near me has that same color GT as in the review. I really enjoy looking at that car so needless to say I completely disagree with the reviewer. As for the interior, which is the same as my OB, I like it very much thank you. (I think you all have brain washed me). And by the way, before we purchased I had my wife look at the Passat and A4 and within 30 seconds she said "no, I like the OB". She has good taste - after all she picked me ;)

    -greg
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    Really, you've got a great deal on it.
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    Oh those reviewers... They were drooling over XC70 interior, but I find it UGLY. That flat mouse-gray central dash panel with GM-looking buttons -- brrr.

    I actually find most reviewers slightly anti-Subaru biased. I cannot figure out why they are this way.
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    appeared in the Vancouver Sun (reviewer in Edmonton). http://www.vancouvertoday.com/carclick/articles/050401/5011988.html Fairly positive.


    Ross

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    the only one here that likes the styling of the new Volvos? (<>..<>)

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It's the old tag line, "inexpensive and built to stay that way".

    Give the WRX a year to sink in, and people will begin to feel differently.

    I also hated the XC interior (though the V70 is fine). There were 7 mismatched colors in the one I drove. The silver grab handle in the center console was worn already, too.

    -juice
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    Guess so. :~)

    Ross
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    when BMW has a cheap-looking interior, they call it "business-like". When Subaru has a understated yet functional interior, they call it "cheap". I guess nothing can be cheap about allmighty BMW these days?
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    the war of words... Is the glass half full, or is it half empty?? (aka positive or negative spin)

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Absolutely! Here you go:

    325xi wagon 31795
    leather 1450
    heated seats 500
    in dash CD 200
    metallic paint 475
    sun roof 1050

    OUCH that's 35470

    And that's just the 2.5l engine without the sports package.

    They actually now have a 525i that starts at about $36k. The catch is, add just a few options and you're over $40k quickly.

    -juice
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    that paint surcharge always was funny on Bimmers. But I've heard, Porsche is charging for wheels AND paint as options?

    I dunno... BMW 330 did not impress me at all at the EdmundsLive event. Heavy. Slow. Even Acura was better.
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    to the editor about the GT Ltd review. I feel better now and yes, I kept it clean and "somewhat" respectful. :-)

    Stephen
  • soon2bsubeesoon2bsubee Member Posts: 137
    I am another one who disagrees completely with Edmunds comments on both the exterior and interior..I find Susan's Legacy very muscular and sporty looking. The interior is very nicely done..I especailly like the switch from grey to black at a certain level. just my 2 cents
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.