Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...good news to hear. Just keep the positive thoughts.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    So, here is the gist of it:

    I am trying to locate a car in the northwest somewhere at the lowest possible price. I will only own this car for a month or two as a tool to assist me in completing a very ambitious trip. At the end of this time, I plan to sell it and break even on my ownership (not including fuel, mind you!).

    My choice is between an '08 or an '07. If an '07, it would be used. Auto transmission (due to ease of resale), no OE.

    Here is what I have so far:
    1. "Best price" the local dealer (Fairbanks, AK) is willing to give me for an '08 is $23,738. Ouch, but good since I have no intention of buying from them - I just wanted to gauge the feasibility of this idea and their price was a huge consideration.
    2. McCurley Subaru in Pasco, WA was willing to sell at $22,599.
    3. Carter Subaru is willing to go to $21,752.

    This gives me a $2,000 spread between new prices. Considering depreciation and additional costs, I should be able to break even on it were I to purchase an '08.

    I am currently looking to get a price on an '07 with relatively low miles (as I will be adding quite a few of my own to it). Does $19,500 seem like a reasonable price in Washington on an '07 with no optional equipment and about 5,000 miles? Too low? Too high? This would likely be a dealership's loaner or demo vehicle, so not necessarily a loving relationship with past drivers. Not so concerned about that if the car is still well into the warranty period, but it is an arguing point in terms of price.

    The advantage of the '07 is that I would not be eating the depreciation, thereby making this a "safer" bet and probably meaning I could help subsidize the rest of the trip with it upon sale.

    I am taking another vehicle south, on a one-way trip, for a family member. If I am going to be down there, I would like the ability to visit family over a large area and get back to Alaska without the excessive costs of a rental car, airline ticket, etc.

    Thoughts?

    My 2nd child is due any day now.... ah the anticipation!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Definitely go used then, a new one you'll never recover the depreciation on it.

    -mike
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Yeehaw, road trip!

    Since you are going to resell it in Alaska, you might just be able to get the numbers to work. I had a couple of friends who would fly Outside once a year or so, and get a used ride and drive 'em back to Anchorage and pay for their mini-vacation (usually something like a 4WD truck though).

    What's working against you is the deals in the NW probably aren't as good on Subarus as they would be in some place where they aren't held in such high regard.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Gotta agree with mike.

    When you look at used prices, keep in mind you're probably comparing asking prices. Buyers will want to haggle you down. Used will have to be at least 10% cheaper than new for a buyer to even consider it, 20% if it has 10k miles or so.

    Do you have Subaru Bucks? That might be the only way you can actually break even. You can use them on CPO used Subarus, in fact I was the one that lobbied SoA for an official announcement on that policy (it came out in a recent Drive issue). :shades:
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,741
    I have 300 Subaru bucks, but being on a tight budget, I am not one to spend much each month. I definitely will not be maxing out my 500 per annum!

    Thanks for the head's up - I am certainly not of the mindset to "get into the car business," but trying to figure out how to make this work for my mother (get her the truck) and for us.

    I have looked at quite a few places, and Carter has the lowest prices thus far anywhere that I can find, though that is for new. I am supposed to hear back from a fella today regarding their used inventory so I am not sure how well I can make out on one. As for selling prices here in Fairbanks, 07 autos seem to be selling for about 22,000, so if I extrapolated that to an '08, I should still be able to walk away from it unscathed. I want to get used, though. Just not too used, since I will be adding another 7500 miles to the ticker and 24 months of warranty with only 6,000 miles left is not much of a deal, now is it? :P

    Thanks for the feedback, fellas!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    CPO usually costs more, I think a grand or more compared to a similiar used (cost of certification, recon, and warranty). You do get the longer warranty as a selling point.

    Can you get $300 less than you paid after your trip? I still kinda doubt it.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Talk to the internet guy at Carter's. He's a great guy- i've talked to him several times and they do have great pricing.

    There are some other large Subaru dealers here that also can give good deals as well- competition is a good thing.

    Good luck

    tom
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Bob,

    Just checking the boards and read about your wife. I really hope that everything turns out well and we'll keep our fingers crossed.

    Mark
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Things are starting to look a bit better. She met with a surgeon yesterday, and will be meeting with another on Monday for a second opinion.

    She came away from yesterday's meeting feeling much more optimistic. As it stands now, it looks like stage 1, and not stage 2, which means probably a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy; at least we're hoping that's the case. She said the mass is about 1 cm.

    Bob
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Bob,

    Glad to hear things are looking up. It's amazing what they can do nowadays with something that small. I was happy to read that the second detection came back benign. The doctors know a heck of a lot more today than years ago.

    All our best wishes.

    Mark
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    My wife and I got back from Hungary this past Saturday, which is why it is taking so long to catch up with all the posts. We had a great time there driving all over the country. Thank goodness for GPS units otherwise I'd still be lost over there :) .

    Kate - thanks for the heads up on Tokaj. It was funny seeing everyone sell it but then noting the price differences between the 3 and the 5 (never saw higher except one place who had the Tokaj6). Tokaj wasn't too bad, but while you were there did you try palinka? My sister in law calls it diesel fuel- it's pure alcohol. Normally they flavor it with plum or pear, but all the places we did tours of served the "plain" palinka. Since both my wife and SIL didn't like it, I wound up getting 3 times the amount.

    Driving was interesting. It took about 10 days before I finally saw a few Subaru's - 1 STI, 1 - Forester; and 2 Outbacks. Our rental was a Ford Fusion, but nothing like the US version. It was fun driving stick again - I really need to have my wife get her license so that she can take over the OB and I can get something more fun (Forester XT?) to play with.

    Mark
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    We're here for you Bob and Deb ;)
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    I'm glad that it's sounding optimistic ... I know it's still difficult, but I echo some of the others .. it's amazing what they can find while it's still very treatable and beatable!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Thanks again folks. Yeah, the doctor seemed very optimistic.

    Bob
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Mark - post up a pic or two when you get the chance! Makes me think of the Thomas Dolby song "Budapest By Blimp". :)
  • tazerelitazereli Member Posts: 241
    Hi,

    I just picked up a 2007 WRX wagon this past Wednesday. Its that tannish silver color (cant remember name of paint). It had 9200 miles on it and listed for 22222. Seemed like a decent bargain to me so after convincing the better half, its now in the parking spot. I'll take some pics and add them to my carspace page. Its a 5 speed and the previous owner added SPT exhaust, intake and short throw shifter. Needless to say I'm very happy with it. After not having a Subie of my own for 10 years, its good to be back in the fold. Not counting the wifes 02 forester of course.

    Regards,
    Kyle
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Welcome back to the fold Kyle! :D

    Isn't it great to have the fastest "grocery getter" on the block :P

    -Frank
  • tazerelitazereli Member Posts: 241
    Thanks Frank. I am happy as a pig in you know what. it kicks butt. i haven't done the full acceleration thing yet. just 2nd to 3rd to 4th. What a blast!!! I love the intake sound of the SPT intake. the SPT exhaust has a good growl as well. this the spiritual successor to my last Subie. an 84 blue wagon. the only thing to make it the perfect car is if it was rally blue but i love it no matter what. You had a WRX wagon your self if i remember correctly? or was that Paisan?

    Regards,
    Kyle
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats, Kyle.

    Frank has a Forester XT.

    paisan picked up a rare find - an 05 Legacy GT wagon with a manual, only year it was made.

    You picked up a new car, I picked up a case of Shingles. Ouch. Hard not to scratch the itch. :sick:
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Shingles?!?!? What the heck? Pardon my ignorance but aren't you about 40 years too young for that :confuse:

    -Frank
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    it is essentially the re-activation of the dormant chicken pox virus, which lives on in your spinal column well after your childhood illness. It is most common in the elderly because the only thing that keeps it dormant is your immune system, which weakens with age. But many other things can weaken it as well, from the extreme (AIDS) to the mundane (stress, processed-food diet).
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Stress for me, no doubt.

    I've been going through the process of a promotion at work, and it's been so tedious that honestly I have to wonder if it was worth it. It has dragged on for months.

    I will know by the end of October.

    Honestly, if I don't get it, I'm not going to ask for one again. I usually put my family first and unfortunately I've had to compromise that a bit lately.

    There's something to be said for just laying low, doing the work, and enjoying a work/life balance with the family. At least we have a vacation coming up in October.

    Any Crew in Tampa? I'm only there for about 4 days, though.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Juice, you are right about the work/balance thing. I quit my high-stress, high-paying wall street job and now I'm working at the power company in the union. Field Engineer inspecting lines with infrared technology. It's great work and low-pressure, does wonders for how one feels.

    -mike
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Come on Mike, don't you miss haveing to be at work when the rest of us are sleeping, or having someone yell because you paid $0.02 more for gold than they thought? ;)

    Mark
  • tazerelitazereli Member Posts: 241
    for the welcome. It's like coming home after 10 years abroad. For the last 3 years my wife has driven a Forester but since it's not mine, I didn't visit here that often. Plus its a L edition with auto...not exactly performance inspiring. Though it has been useful in a workhorse kind of way. We're taking the Rex to the shore this weekend for the MS City to Shore bike ride. Sponsored by Subaru if I'm not mistaken. I'll check out the new 08's at Subaru's tent. My dad and his buddy are riding so we'll meet them down there at noonish.

    Maybe is was rsholland that has/had a WRX wagon? Regardless, thanks again.

    Regards,
    Kyle
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Maybe is was rsholland that has/had a WRX wagon?

    Yep, 'tis me, and I still have it.

    Bob
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    There's something to be said for just laying low, doing the work, and enjoying a work/life balance with the family.

    Amen. Went through the promotional process here 3 times, and died on the top of the list twice. Looking at what that job entails today, no thanks. It's okay to be one of the indians. I get my job satisfaction from within.

    Cheers!
    Paul
  • toboggantoboggan Member Posts: 283
    Oh, shingles.....I'm familiar with that. Had that this past late June. Breast bone around to back bone. Itch, itch and sometimes a little painful :cry:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It starts at the nerve. In my case my back, then the spine, and then the itch started creeping around to my belly. It feels like tiny little creatures crawling beneath the skin.

    I've been VERY disciplined not to itch, but it's annoying as any sickness I've ever had.

    Oddly, I'm 100% functional, alert and energetic.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Juice - try to find a study at a good hospital nearby. Sometimes being a guinea pig has a great outcome and some monetary rewards. I referred a co-worker with shingles to the hospital my wife works at. He made a few hundred bucks while they pinched and prodded him. He left the company before the study ended so I have no idea of the outcome.

    Here's an interesting article - Tai Chi and Shingles
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Uhhh, I think I'll pass! The idea of being poked and prodded right now just doesn't seem worth it.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Well they also might give you some meds that could help. My co-worker was getting about $100 a visit and each was for about an hour.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    A little late for me, I suppose, but I'm sure it helps.
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Are you sure it isn't the new-car-buying itch, juice? That can be a little painful, too. :P

    Really, though, hope you get through it soon.
  • leo2633leo2633 Member Posts: 589
    juice,

    My doctor had me on a medication called "Lyrica" for nerve pain and tingling related to a spinal injury caused by an auto accident. The stuff is made specifically for shingles. You might want to speak to your doc about it.

    Good luck,
    Len
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think I caught it early enough that it's under control.

    At first I thought it was just back pain, since I've sprained my back before.

    When the rash appeared I got on a prescription right away and it has not gotten worse. The itching is subsiding, albeit slowly.

    I'm back at work today, actually.
  • toboggantoboggan Member Posts: 283
    Takes several weeks for the drugs to do their thing. Some of the itch surfaces weeks later.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Ouch, shingles huh? Do you still have a rash? Did they put you on antivirals? (Acyclovir or equivalent) It sounds like it's not too uncomfortable for the time being. Some people go on to have chronic pain after the shingles called "post herpetic neuralgia" or PHN for short. It's literally a pain to treat, and can be quite stubborn.

    Lyrica is an excellent drug for PHN and we use it like water. There are patches with numbing medicine which can also be quite helpful called Lidoderm. We also have done some clinical trials here some of which have been interesting and we'll see if the treatments make it past the FDA.

    Anyway Juice, tell me if it's bothersome to you and I can make some recommendations or point you to the right people.

    tom
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    I've had bouts with shingles several times, and it's no fun.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think I caught it early, the rash is small and limited to one area on my back. It has not spread since the day I noticed it.

    Doc has me on Valtrex, which seems to be working as the itch has subsided quite a bit.
  • tazerelitazereli Member Posts: 241
    A family member had a case of the shingles last year and still has the scars to prove it. Nasty scabs that left huge scars. Consider yourself lucky if you don't get any of those. To keep us on track...I just replaced the stock RE92's on the WRX today with a set of Continental extreme contacts. They had rather good write ups on Tire Rack with about 28 million miles driven. I'm hoping they perform well as they are the 1st set of Conti's I've had. I seem to be getting a thing for directional tires. The wifes car has them, my old civic has them and now the WRX. We'll see how they perform over a longer haul when we head to the shore tomorrow.

    Kyle
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I did that, too. At one point I had changed all 3 cars in our fleet to directional tires. :shades:

    The Sienna has OE tires now, but eventually I'll try to upgrade those, too.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Every set of continentials I've used have been sub-par IMO. Had em on my Armada from factory, they were real bad. Drove a ton of WRXs with the "extreme" contacts they were ok but nothing to rave about.

    -mike
  • tazerelitazereli Member Posts: 241
    Mike,

    Whats your take on them as all seasons? I'm not a super aggressive driver and dont plan on rallying the WRX. at least not while its new. How about compared to the RE92's in your opinion.

    thanks,
    Kyle
  • nickelnickel Member Posts: 147
    After finally deciding on buying a new car, I took the week for test drives. As I just want an upgrade from my OB 2.5i based on power, I decided to try a G35x, a BMW 335ix, and the Subie Spec B. I need AWD (Minnesota), but skipped A4 and C300, I just don't like them.

    Impressions:

    If you have not tried a 335, go and do it. It basically blew away any preconception I had about power and automatic transmission in the same sentence. The brakes and balance were perfect. I can't stop thinking about that car. Sad story is price, minimum with AT is 43,000 (decently equipped).

    Then, I went on the G35X. It was as big a deception as you can imagine. The salesman (whom I told about the BMW) was trying to sell me reliability. But the 306 hp of the Infiniti were pale against the BMW, and brakes were not so well modulated. Plus, the test drive (w/salesman) was uninspiring. Basically a total disconnection.

    In Subaru of Bloomington they have a Spec B. Is a beautiful tuned car, I found it more sharp in the curves than the BMW. Power is definitely less, and it felts. But I can live with that much. The salesman (fleet manager) is a really cool guy, an authentic Subaru pro (he's a rally driver). Then I tried the Legacy GT Auto, and to my surprise, I think the difference is not enough to make, well, a difference. In my way back, driving my Outback felt so good, that I was thinking if I should sacrifice the ground clearance. I just love Subarus.

    So now I am basically piling numbers to see if I can get to that BMW. If not, I think I can trade up for an Outback XT. Hope Scott (the manager) can get me a deal I can't refuse.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If that's what you love, then consider doing a euro delivery to get that price down. $43k does sound a bit painful.

    I haven't sampled the new 3 series yet, but I hope to tomorrow, at the Taste of Lexus event. They bring competitors' cars. Bob's meeting me up there.

    Any last minute folks want to join? Lucien? Anyone else near DC? It's at FedEx Field at 9:15am.

    Things like great resale and free service will ease the cost, but what leaves me cold is that interior. It just doesn't look like a $35k interior, much less a $43k one. It's just ... I dunno, cold? Stark?

    X Drive is awesome, though. It can truly send power to any given wheel. We saw the last-gen 3 series climb a ramp designed for pricey 4x4s, and it made it up.

    I'll share my driving impressions after tomorrow.

    What are the spec.Bs going for, street pricing?
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    I went last year to the Taste of Lexus in Chicago. This year it was "booked" when I tried to register, seemed they wanted you to have a registration number to get in, but would put you on a waiting list if you didn't have one. I was eager to go again too, wanted to really pay attention to the IS250 (this was prior to my purchase of the S40). After I got snubbed on that event, I drove to the Lexus dealer with the family and quickly found that even the 6yo and 4yo had little leg room back there in the IS250.

    Back a couple weeks ago, I went to the MB C Drive in downtown Chicago. Nice venue (Grand Central Station), but the actual drive was Lame (capital L intended). Basically, we drove around 4 city blocks and back, about 5 minutes in the car tops, with no highway speed, but plenty of stop lights. And I did the BMW Susan G Komen drive the week prior. The 335 convertible was my favorite, the 6 series coupe was just scary fast.

    I'm going to an Audi drive http://audidrivingexperience.com/ at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL at the end of October. Just doing the 2 hour free one.

    -Brian
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    IIRC I checked the the C thing didn't have a DC location. Glad I missed it.

    Wonder if Audi's coming? I'll follow the link. I love AWD demos. :shades:

    Edit: nope. NY is the closest one. Most locations are at race tracks, too. :cry:
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    They run $52k base up here, but a very nice car. I did test drive the 328 Touring - nowhere near the performance but I was was impressed with the handling.
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