Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Very, very cool Serge. Next time you go on one of these trips, stuff me in a suitcase, and bring me along. ;)

    Bob
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    You should fit as long as you dont wear your helmet!. Speaking of...
    image
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    LOL! Stig wannabes!

    Bob
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    hope everyone is managing with the heat all over the place ... we've been a lot hotter than usual, but nowhere near what some others are getting .... stay hydrated and find cool spots .. don't want to lose anyone to heatstroke!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Yeah, they're predicting 100 or more here, 3 days this week.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Back from my extended vacay ..

    We hit NYC first (talked to paisan on the way for some traffic advice, thanks bud). Highlight was seeing Mama-Mia on my mom's 70th birthday. We put her and all the grand kids in a limo ride around town, dropping her off like it was a red carpet "premiere". Then a nice Italian restaurant afterward.

    Then brought the fam to DC for a few days. I drove, they flew.

    Then part II was a drive South. We took a pit stop in Florence, SC, nothing much there.

    Then we hit Orlando. Yes, it was WAY too hot. Some of the elderly folks in our party could not stand being outside at all and spent some days in the hotel, believe it or not.

    Highlights? Besides all the theme parks, we saw a Tampa Rays baseball game (indoor dome, neat), an Orlando Predators arena football game (so fast paced you can't blink), and then a VIP suite for the Tampa Yankees minor league game, my gift to my mom. We had 21 people in a sky box, all inclusive with food and drinks, and they put her name up on the jumbo tron. Free hats for everyone, too. It was perhaps our best night.

    Off the the Keys, we spent 3 nights in Key West. I liked that better. Still too hot, waaaaaaaaaaay too hot. The pool was warm, it's ridiculous. But we saw the sunset at Mallory Square, did Sloppy Joe's, rented jet skis to take the 10 kids around, and a cruise/snorkeling adventure. To be honest the snorkeling was weak, but I'm used to Brazilian beaches and have been snorkeling in Belize, so I guess my standards are high. The cruise was nice.

    Then we hit Coconut Grove and Miami Beach for a day trip, and spent the night in Sawgrass Mills, where the gang shopped til they dropped the next day. They flew off, and I drove back, again with a pit stop in Florence. 11 hours driving on Saturday, rough. 8 on Sunday, not too bad.

    Did 4000+ miles in the minivan, which handled it well. Gotta say, a Tribeca would not have had enough room, not nearly enough, for what we did. So I'm glad that Bob pushed me to get a big van. MPG ranged from a little under 18 to a little over 27 or so. Gas from $3.39 to $3.99.

    Nice to see Pat again, I was wondering when he'd show up again.

    And yes, 2 things to Colin - your door is indeed backwards and if you buy cheap alloys I'm going to remind you of the time you teased me for the doing the same thing a few years back. LOL

    Glad to be back home, I was out for 4 weeks!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    We were right there (1 hour away maybe) and I actually thought about driving to see the launch, but it was rainy and we didn't know if it would keep being post-poned. Too bad.
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    welcome back! LOL, I don't remember when I was advising you to buy cheap wheels but I was probably single and childless at the time... Today, I'm totally in the 'cheap' group, especially for a small SUV. (I don't think I would buy expensive wheels for my Evo though, either. :D)
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Sounds like a really great trip. Now you just gotta pay for it. ;)

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Actually you advised against buying cheap wheels, but I was on a budget and could "sell" a Plus One to the wife since it came with new (better) tires as well.

    So no regrets. I'm sure it'll be an upgrade compared to the 15"s, especially tire selection.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It was an expensive trip, but considering it was 4 weeks long, and we only spent about twice as much as we did in 4 days in Miami last year...not bad. We were very economical, relatively speaking. I drove, and hotels were inexpensive.

    The dollar is so weak, though, that the Brazilian crew was in heaven. To them everything seemed cheap. I saw at least 3 new iPads, supposedly they cost 4x as much down there, so no wonder.

    There were 17 people from Brazil. 34 suitcases. All around the world the weight limit per bag is 50 lbs. Only Brazil and Japan allow 70 lbs. They had weight scales, seriously. Nearly every bag out of the 34 was near the 70 lb limit, they even had to shift things around from some bags to others.

    So yes, they shopped til they dropped. I think the US economy will see a slight blip in the charts for July.

    I did my share to help the economy. You can thank me if your stocks go up this week.
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    whoops, that's what I meant. (note: don't post on Edmunds while on a conference call. ;))

    maybe you were looking for performance out of it. I don't see that being a feature of most increases in wheel size-- usually wheels weigh more, decreasing performance, while tire availability stays about the same.

    I want 18" on Arika's Suzuki simply for the bling. I can get tires I need in 15" no problem at all.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I actually weighed the wheels+tires.

    The 15x6" steelies were about half a pound heavier than the 16x7" alloys I replaced them with (with tires). 44 lbs or so IIRC.

    So even the cheap ones were lighter than steelies, in that case at least.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    but guess I'll have to do it more often now. Today I purchased a Steel Silver Subaru Forester 2.5X/Premium 5 spd. w/All Weather Pkg. OTD: $22,882 plus tax and title. I won't take delivery for a day or so, but I'm feeling pretty good about the vehicle and the buying experience. :shades:
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited July 2011
    That's great news Karen! Congrats. AJ's (juice's) brother Jose recently got one like that, but I think it's red or orange. 5-speeds are hard to come by these days. Price sounds good too! Does yours have that huge moonroof?

    I think if I were to buy one, that's the way I'd get it equipped. Now, if it was my wife's car, it would be an automatic. She can drive a stick, but just prefers an automatic. I think she's driven my WRX maybe 3 or 4 times since I've owned it, mainly because it's a 5-speed. It scares her.

    Bob
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    Congrats! Any dogs, ride bicycles, or happen to be named Dave?

    (Old school Subaru Crew demographic reference :D)
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Yeah, has the moon roof. I didn't really care if it was 5-spd or automatic. Test drove the 5-spd and had no problems with it. My husband, however, would have kittens if I went with the automatic. So, to keep the peace I chose 5-spd. Although it is MY vehicle, he's being a bit possessive about it already. ;)

    Okay, so now I need to decide on all the extras, extended warranty, paint sealant, fabric sealant, etc. The only one I'm really considering is the paint sealant. Don't normally wash and/or wax more than a couple times a year. :blush: What are the Crew's recommendations?
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Black Lab. Yes, but rarely used. My father-in-law. :shades:
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Paint sealant? Bah!

    Some owner's manuals don't even recommend waxing cars, much less putting a "sealant" on the paint.

    You got silver right? You're done, no dirt will show. :D
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    LOL! Welcome home then, as you certainly fit in. :D

    I would also skip the paint protector. If you have cloth seats buy 2 cans of Scotchgard and apply a whole can in the evening and let dry overnight. Repeat the next evening and you will have perfect fabric for years.

    If you have leather/leatherette seats then just buy 1 can and use half on the carpet & floor mats, and the other half the second night. Two applications are the key.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited July 2011
    Congrats! Any dogs, ride bicycles, or happen to be named Dave?

    (Old school Subaru Crew demographic reference )


    Names with a "K" was another criteria (as well as Mac ownership), so she's a shoe-in for the Crew.

    My brother got Paprika Red Pearl, but basically the same car. It's a reddish-orange color that really pops.

    Silver will be a good OCD color, doesn't ever look dirty.

    Congrats KarenS!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    image
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Weighing in on the so called protection packages, IE paint and fabric protection, dealer rustproofing. In a word SCAM! big time, lotsa profit for the dealer, little or no benefit to the consumer.

    Like Colin said get a couple of cans of fabric protection like Scotch guard and do your own. As for rust proof I get mine sprayed with one of the recommended ECO friendly oil treatments. Since I keep my cars an average 10 years, I would rather still have it rust free at the end of my ownership, it is easier to sell a clean car than a rust bucket even at ten years old.

    I sold the Titan for way over black book retail to the first guy who looked at it.

    Cheers Pat.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    When Pat talks about car care, I usually take notes. :shades:
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Suprised BMW is so high. VW reduction in list price for some of their NA vehicles likely has a lot to do with their #2 position.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Look at Mercedes - higher, and BMW's average transaction price is higher, too.

    With a new E-class and a refreshed C-, that's not good...
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    VW is definitely propped up by TDI sales. They sell for MSRP (or higher, but VW won't get a cut of that) all the time, every time. Incentives on diesels are never offered to my knowledge.
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    edited July 2011
    I am sure by now juice, you haven't got much to learn. ;)

    Cheers Pat.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've been slacking when it comes to cleaning the minivan. Perhaps because it's not a Subaru...LOL.

    True story - instead of vaccuming, I open the sliding doors and the hatch, and use a leaf blower to clean out the inside.

    Works even for spilled McDonald's french fries!
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Ok your membership in the OCD club is hereby revoked :shades:

    Cheers Pat.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    But...but...

    I wash it every time it rains! Well, rinse at least.

    I'm so ashamed! :D
  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    Its been a while, so lots of catching up to do! Hope all is well with everyone. Some scattered comments from me ... sorry for the length ...

    Trees don't belong on the roof. Yup - that was my Mustang. July 2nd marked 1 year in the body shop. It is now completely repaired and fully painted, it just needs to be put back together. Dealing with little parts and finishing touches. Sorry to hear about your incident, Steve.

    Good luck with the new Forester, Karen.

    Hi Pat. Mikey always asks about you.

    Bike Tires. I have been running kevlar tires on my Specialized Rockhopper for years. Haven't popped one since!

    TPMS/Runflats. I always thought the TPMS on the new Outback was a PITA - especially in the cold weather. I had to run the tires at 35psi (per the service department) to keep the indicator off in the winter months. However, that little indicator may have saved my life one night. I was driving on the highway (yes, exceeding the speed limit) when the little yellow light popped on. I changed lanes and backed off the gas. Seconds later, I felt the car wiggle from under me. Because I was in a heavy construction area on I-93 outside of Boston, it took a while to get into a breakdown lane. By that time, I had completely ruined the right rear tire. I'm guessing I would have appreciated run-flat tires. The nicest MA State Trooper protected me with his car and flashing lights while holding a flashlight as I put on the spare. BTW, the OEM Bridgestone tires are very, very expensive. And, I was fortunate I did not ruin the TPMS indicator, that would have added another $125 to the bill.

    As to why was I in Boston ... Mikey woke up early one Friday morning in extreme pain and after taking him into the local ER at 3am, he was transferred into Boston via ambulance for emergency surgery for a blocked and infected kidney. Karen went with him while I ran home, grabbed some things then dashed into Boston. He ended up being there for 5 days. Karen stayed in the hosptial room the entire time while I attempted to run back and forth late night/early morning getting important things such as her blood pressure medication and clothes. I ended up staying over Sunday night as he was supposed to be released on Monday morning. We finally got home Tuesday afternoon. Back to Boston for the day a week ago Friday for a Nuclear Scan, and back in on this upcoming Wednesday for another 2-3 days for reconstructive surgery to his kidney. There were never any signs and symptoms prior to this, and his prognosis is excellent. Other than the intial distress, Mikey actually feels fine.

    Once this is over ... vacation! The three of us are so looking forward to a nice, relaxing week at the beach.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Wow, poor kiddo. Y'all deserve a vacation. Take a lot of K'Nex stuff!
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    Hi Rob, good to touch base, sorry to hear about Mikey's rpoblems I hope everything gets sorted out satisfactorily. Tell Mikey I said hi.

    Cheers Pat.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited July 2011
    Wow Rob, glad Mikey is doing okay. Yes, you guys need some R-'n-R!

    Bob
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    Wow, Rob, that's quite a story!

    It brings up an interesting issue - when to run to the ER, and when to wait. How do you know? Several times recently I've taken the kids in and fortunately we've been sent home with an aspirin. But twice with my wife it has been real life threatening issues, and once for me they wrongly sent me home only to need hospitalization days later. You feel foolish when you overreact, yet you don't want to ignore a growing crisis.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Not as good as the first one, but what sequel is? And still very entertaining.

    Pro? Loved all the hidden car guy stuff. Besides the same mountain ranges shaped like classic Caddys, they added hills that were shaped like the front fenders and hood of classic cars. The elevators were pistons, neat. And the F1 car has Pasta Potenza tires, which cracked me up.

    Con? I felt the movie had pro-Ethanol and biofuel subliminal messages, and almost had a hidden political agenda to promote those. Big Oil is always the bad guy, I suppose.

    Still a worthy movie and I say catch it while it's still on the big screen.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Hi Rob!

    Sorry about Mikey- did they figure out why he had the blockage? Good thing is kids bounce back much faster than adults!

    A nice relaxing week sounds great! Sign me up too!!!!

    tom
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,735
    Scary! I'm glad they were able to diagnose Mikey's ailment quickly and get it corrected. Sounds like it was pretty hard on him nonetheless, with five days in the hospital.

    I'm not sure I would make the right choice if something like that happened with my son. That kid is constantly crying wolf - he doesn't have degrees, he just has crisis. So, if there really was an emergency, I might just end up letting the bugger die! Well, no, probably not, but I might be tempted! :blush:
    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
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    It's been a genuine blessing to have been a paramedic all these years - not just for being able to serve my community & take care of complete strangers, but to be able to recognize the "zero-dark-thirty" medical issues of my own kids as either being 'right now' vs. 'wait til morning' situations. I've been able to use my head as well as my heart to get these guys through some tough times. Grace is a former (and now, again, current) EMT as well, so it's been easy to keep the panic level down :)

    It's too bad that all parents can't go through some sort of class to help them through the emergency/non-emergency decision tree. My best advice to anyone - when in doubt, call. As I have told countless parents over the years, we'd much rather be called and not be needed, than be needed and not get called.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,780
    See? I thought my wife was supposed to know all of this stuff. I mean, she is a Mom, right?

    Turns out she doesn't know, either... and, now I figured my mother was just faking it for all those years...

    It's a wonder that I'm still alive, not to mention my teenage boy... ;)

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  • rob_mrob_m Member Posts: 820
    Hey! Popping in quick before going to bed. Mikey's surgery was this morning, and everything went extremely well. He was in surgery for over three hours where it was discovered that he had a constricted ureter, the tiny little tube that drains the urine from the left kidney. Seems like it was squeezed between two blood vessels, an issue that he has had from birth. All it took was a single kidney infection, the only one in almost sixteen years to exascerbate the entire issue.

    As for the trip to the ER ... the second I saw him in that type of pain, I just knew what to do. Yeah, I was thinking that he would be looked at and sent home. Thankfully, an extremely astute Pediatric Hospitalist interpreted the CT scan and immediately connected with the head of Pediatric Urology at the best Children's Hospital in Boston, and with a lot of really fast action, got him there and now, all is well.

    The hospital, with an absolutely amazing staff (kudos to all that work there), allows one parent to stay, so Karen is with Mikey while I commute back and forth. We expect him to be released on Saturday, and his prognosis is excellent. Thanks for your thoughts - it means a lot! Rob M.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Good to hear Rob!
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    glad everything is being taken care of ... but sorry you all have to go through all this ... wishes for a speedy recovery !
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Excellent news Rob!

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

    Very pleased to hear that the surgery has gone off well. Poor kid will be feeling very rough for a while; I sympathize with him.

    Our daughter Tamsin has a finely graduated sense of severity of illness. She is also the possessor of a large menagerie of soft toys, largely teddy bears. The bears were constant companions when she was small and remain in her bedroom despite her now being eighteen

    When smaller, she would assess the severity of a parent's illness and loan a teddy bear appropriate to the severity of the incident. Nausea and vomiting would produce a moderately senior bear; a cold someone less important

    The gradations were fine and her mother's imminent death when giving birth to our second child only rated a second tier bear. However, I had some urinary tract problems which had me moaning in agony and fetched up in Gloucester Royal Hospital.

    Judy knew that things were really bad when Tamsin passed over her most senior bear, Max, to care for me. I recovered, probably more through caring reassurance from the bear than any medical intervention. I still regard him very warmly.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    what an amazing story, Graham.

    ...and my allergies are really getting the better of me this morning, watering eyes and all.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I second Colin's comment: an amazing story.

    Bob
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Children's in Boston is an amazing place. When we had to do some visits there for a burn my daughter suffered when she was two, they really stepped up.

    BTW, which ER did you take him to? IIRC, you live out on 495 between 3 and 93.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cool story and shows the positive effect of believing something can help, so it does.
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