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Comments
I would love those Recaros though- can't get them without losing my side airbags.
The RHD would be interesting here as well.
tom
So 2 decisions- financial and car choice. Financially I'm getting roughly xK(know roughly what this amount is) for the car. We had planned on waiting another 2 years to replace my car as the spouse is still paying off hers and financially we aren't on top of the world. Not sure what I can afford loan wise and what i can qualify for given high mortgage etc(Yes I know how I'm supposed to live doing that now but its taking a while to get everything straightened out)
Option 1- buy a used car- minimal out of pocket money- or depending on price of used car get a loan putting ins money to down payment- of course once financing is involved- need a decent used car- would like to hit 4-5 years on it
2- for 2-3 years- buy when spouse has paid hers off
Car choice- would like another Subie of course
thoughts?
thx RT
If prices are high, check out Legacy wagons. In 2005 they even came in turbo+manual drivetrain. Sweet, if you can find one.
That's what I'd be looking for.
Bummer about the total loss.
It is not just the side airbags.....the problem is that the entire set of airbags in the car, operate as a team. You remove one of the airbags (when removing the seat) and the entire SRS system gets disrupted.
My pet peeve about the STI, are the seats. Absolutely lousy flatties with no option whatsoever to get (if not the optional JDM Recaros), at least well designed sports-seats. I envy the well bolstered seats that are on the 2002 WRX that a friend has !
I just saw a new Recaro seat with a side airbag option? Not sure if it was a mistake but it would be interesting. However, at $1500 a seat, it would be an expensive upgrade.
I do like the Recaros in the Evo- fit in like a glove!
Sometimes, I just don't know what Subaru of America is thinking! :mad:
But I still love my STi- there aren't a whole lot of cars out there that do everything the STi will as fast as it does!
tom
You must be at least 20 lbs lighter than me.
Hey Juice, what do you think about the NC Miata compared to the NB?
I'm seriously considering a Mazdaspeed NB or a new NC (auto).
tom
RT
Also, in marginal traction conditions, the Subaru system outperforms the Honda unit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t09ExAUgtyE&feature=related
Bob
I'd get an NC vs. a MazdaSpeed simply because it makes the same level of power without the complexity of the turbo.
Take a good test drive and make sure you hit a few speed bumps and potholes to make sure the ride is tolerable.
Still, the growth is only limited by the supply from SIA right now...
looking at 2006-2008 outbacks to replace a totalled car- a couple of things need words of wisdom on
Carfax- is lack on maintenance records on carfax meaninful or not? obviously if someone changes oil themselves not going to show up in carfax
Edmunds TMV vs KBB- KBB seems to be a good bit higher for same car- seems to be what dealers use- how to use TMV- the floor price?
Looking at 2 vehicles- 06(sold 8/06) OB limited mid 50K miles- clean carfax but no maintenance records on carfax
other car is 07(sold 11/06) 2.5i premium mid 50K miles- clean car fax- all dealer maint on car fax.
Also looking at:
07 premium with 38K miles
08 limited with 46K miles- manufacturer car for 20k
and a couple of 06 limited with around 50 K
Prices ranging from 18900- 08 limited to 17.5(one of 06 limited and "cherry" 07 premium above
How to judge these if 1K difference in price. does dealer maint give value over limited options
Thought on these??
Am I engaging in analysis paralysis.....
The presence of bad information, though, is very meaningful.
I sold my Miata with a carfax report and it said nothing about a couple of accidents I'd been in (fully disclosed to the buyer, of course). It didn't have a single entry on maintenance even though the prior owner had done the 30k servicer at a Mazda dealership.
Take it FWIW, but it's not complete, and certainly not gospel.
I actually prefer private party with maintenance records when buying used specifically because dealers seem to be so record-averse.
There were quite a few "little" changes between the model years in the last run, if that plays any significance for you. For example, VDC became available on the 2.5i Limited models in 2008. I think it was optional but, if you are inclined to go for safety features, that might be a factor. Head rests changed at some point in there as well, though that may have been 2009. The new style, while much larger than before, I find to be much more comfortable and supportive... others don't!
Warranty-wise, it sounds like several of these are out of their 3/36, but the remaining 5/60 powertrain will vary based on in-service dates and could be a player depending on how many miles you tend to accumulate per year.
I couldn't remember if you had an NA or NB.
I will test drive a few and think about it some more.
tom
the o8 limited would be covered til 2014(sold may08) or 54K miles
the o6 limited covered till 2012 or another 46k miles
So I guess ineed to figure out limited or premium
looking also at 2 premiums- the one mentioned above and another 07 with 38K miles- both certified
these are all with $1500 of each other dont think miles are a concern(08 w 46K, 07 limited with 53K with alll dealer maint)?
RT
Edmunds TMV is based on actual sales.
Analysis paralysis - I like that. After deferring maintenance forever on my '97 Outback, I have an appointment Wednesday to change out the original timing belt (yeah, I know, but it's only got 78,500 miles on it).
With my luck, it'll break on the six mile trip to the mechanic next week.
Not to mention that it's running real peppy right now; as soon as I get it tuned up, the mpg will go down and it'll start idling ragged. :P
Maybe I should reconsider?
Steve, visiting host
If priced within 1k-1.5K of each other 2010 impreza new versus 07-08 outback premium or limited
Understand features differences- know there may be some mechanical differences- what are they?
thanks?
RT
This is exactly the point. I am just amazed that Subaru equipped their max performance car (the STI) with such lousy driver seats. These look really cute, with the integrated headrests and all, but are totally worthless for any kind of high performance driving. :mad: And due to the presence of the airbags, replacing these with aftermarket seats are not an option at all (and I personally never change core factory components for aftermarket add-ons - either the car come from the factory with it or it does not !).
I just saw a new Recaro seat with a side airbag option? Not sure if it was a mistake but it would be interesting.
Recaros (with side airbags that are fully integrated with the SRS system of the car) were always an option in the JDM STIs and the Spec-Cs. They just never bought that into the USDM products - even as an option. :sick:
To be quite honest, I absolutely don't think they need to go for a $1500 expensive Recaro option at all even though offering such an option would be a big step forward. There are dozens of high quality and well-bolstered sports-seats in FAR cheaper cars, (including in the Honda Civic SI and the above referenced 02-03 WRX) and thus expensive Recaros are not the only game in town to keep one in place during aggressive maneuvers. The current USDM STI/WRX seats are a disgrace in a high performance car and I am a guy who is at the threshold of buying the new 2011 STI.
Bob
I remember there was a letter writing campaign lobbying for the Recaro option.
The Recaro's I was mentioning were aftermarket with side airbags, not the OEM Recaros that Subaru puts in the STi EVERYWHERE ELSE. Sorry, just a little frustration there.
I do love my car. I test drove a few used miatas- they are incredibly cramped and the chasis was quite 'loose' compared to my STi or even my son's civic.
I'm rethinking this miata idea some more. . .
tom
The 09 seats improved somewhat. The door panels also improved - the bottle holder no longer protrudes and hits your knee.
And yes there is more than expected body roll on the Miata, in fact I just commented that the BMW 550i GT actually has less body roll in the Subaru Crew Cafe thread.
If it were me tuning the suspension, I'd make the springs stiffer but the tires/sidewall more compliant.
You know which car had great seats for me? My 98 Forester. Excellent side support, totally unexpected in its class. They seemed a bit firm but that paid dividends after a long time behind the wheel.
Ha, that was funny ! Actually I have barely gained around 2 lbs or so in over a decade, which is not too bad for a guy who is brushing 40. And I don't starve either. :shades:
Good point. I always find firmer seats to work well during longer trips, with less strain on the back.
I bike in the afternoon, do a 20 minute workout in the morning. Parked my lawn tractor and went back to a walk-behind mower - all in a effort to slow the death spiral.
Comfy as your favorite couch for the first hour or so.
On long drives you start feeling fatigue.
I just got a new mower also, and thought about a self-propelled, but then decided to stick with a basic push mower, since it's the best exercise I get!
Yup, I know it is coming ! :sick: Just enjoying my time in the sun while the good times last.
Last month, when I went to get my license renewed, the lady who tested my eyesight, asked if I was wearing contacts. I said no. She looked quizzically at the form I filled out, which had my date of birth - clearly she expected a 40 year old to be wearing contacts.
On topic, my WRX seats fit better when I'm in a winter coat.
First, I just read on this page, comments about the lousy seats in the STI (again) and someone mentioned a campaign to get Recaros here. I was the one that started the petition to Subaru...that was successful (not). It might be still out there somewhere gathering dust and a signature or two.
I have a question...yeah, I know, you guys were wondering, why is he rambling on...when is he going to ask something? The question is what GPS unit would you recommend for occasional use. I'm driving up to Washington DC for an educators conference at the Holocaust Museum at the end of the month..the 26th through the 29th...anyone for dinner..juice, Bob, Lucien, anyone else n the neighborhood?. I know I don't need one to get there..Take 95 North and drive! Stop when you get there! I know they sell of lot of Garmins and Tom Toms; I'm leaning towards Garmin, but what model? There seems to be so many different ones. Any help, intended or otherwise, is appreciated.
Serge
Garmin makes a great GPS. That's what I use.
-mike
Still have retained the flexibility and speed from my younger days and hopefully can keep at it for a bit longer. :shades:
As to dinner, might be able to work that out—but I'm trying to loose some recently packed on pounds
Bob
Brenda Priddy & Company - Automotive Spy Photography ... And it would have made such a cool spy vehicle, but the bidding is going too high for me. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260617858067&viewi- - tem&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D1&category=6443#ht_1082wt_1167
Bob
I bought a StreetPilot c320, then a c340, then a Nuvi 200w, then a 260w, then a 265wt, and now a 1490T. In between I was a tester for Dash, but they went under (good idea, terrible execution).
I've sold the 3 oldest ones listed, but I still have the 265wt in the Miata and the 1490T in the minivan, while my wife uses the 260w.
First thing is to decide what features you want. You can get basic navigaiton for $100 or so, with a 3.5" screen.
If you want to add bluetooth, to link up to your phone, that's a bit more.
Then there are bigger 4.3" screens, usually with a "w" in the model name to indicate widescreen. Last I looked Costco has the 265wt for $169, and that even includes free traffic updates, plus bluetooth.
The 1400 series is even bigger - 5". They are about $300 new, but I got one refurbished for $229. I should have gotten the bundle that included map updates, that would have been $315 but it would include map updates for the life of the unit.
What's your budget? What features are you seeking? Are you a fan of gadgets, or do you prefer simple no-nonsense stuff?
Check out the miles on that...
Definitely makes a $2000 OE gps seem like a bad investment!
tom
Having had several OE GPS systems (Honda/Acura/Lexus), and a couple of Garmin units (one got stolen, which got replaced with my current 855) I believe that the performance of the OE units are FAR better than the portables overall. Plus one does not have additional wires and equipment lying around to be stolen.
However, the price difference between the OE and the portables is just so horrendously lop-sided ($2000 vs $200 :surprise: ) that I no longer look for a car with a built-in GPS. Even if it were in the $500-600 range, I would have no hesitation in springing for an OEM unit. The convenience in being able to move around with the portable units is a big plus for me, since I travel quite a bit as part of my work and always carry my Garmin along.....of course I cannot carry my OE unit along, however well it performs !
I just drove a brand new 5 series sedan, the one that just came out, and it did not have VOB BMW in Rockville. I can forgive that it did not have the new location (~1 year old), but it didn't have the previous location either.
An Audi S4 did not have Miller Subaru. My theory is that one was intentionally removed, as Audi sees Subaru as a threat, LOL.
The 2009 Forester I test drove did not have 2 Exxon stations right next to the dealership in its Navi.
Few, if any, offer true text-to-speech. BMW's could only read numbered streets, not names.
Few, if any, allow custom POI databases to be uploaded (e. g. speed cams).
BMW's text was hard to read even with a huge widescreen. Don't know why they use a black font, FWIW Mercedes' street names were much easier to read at a glance.
Entry is tough without a touchscreen. I guess I would try the voice commands, but scrolling through A-Z just to enter one single character took forever.
Perhaps there's a learning curve, but given Subaru charges $230 for a single update, and I paid less than that for my entire device!
Here's my tip: get a vent mount, then tuck in the wires neatly and put a black or navy hat over it when you park.