Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

nygreg · August 2001

feeling better Patti! Welcome back. I've been out the past week or so myself with business travel. Trying to catch up. Subie was fine waiting for me at the airport for 2 weeks. Alarm told me all was fine. :-)

Greg

barresa62 · August 2001

Patti, hasn't been the same here w/o you. (geez, this sounds like a Hallmark card, sorry...) :-)

Stephen

bluesubie · August 2001

Welcome back, Patti.
I'm posting while on vacation in SC (parents computer). Kind of a wet day out.

paisan - Didn't your GPS tell you that you in the middle of the lake when you went back into the Pine Barrens that day? :-)

Dennis

subaru_team · August 2001

it is nice to be missed! I'm paging through each of the boards as fast as I can, but if there is a hot issue that you think I need to see first, please feel free to point it out to me!

Dennis - sorry about the soggy vacation day, but at least you're not dealing with Barry! They are saying that storm will be hanging around FL for a while. Serge - you okay down there?

Patti

paisan · August 2001

in a stream, but we were on a newly laid set of sharp gravel stones. I'm thinking they filled it in post my last map update (my update is at least 3 years old)

-mike

1subydown1togo · August 2001

Patti,
Yes, we are fine here, just tired of all this rain...the storm finally moved out and it is sunny today....the grass has grown very quickly this past week, so my lawn mower has been sending me e-mails...thanks for asking

kens · August 2001

Kate,

There are also REIs in Saratoga (near Lawrence) and San Carlos (off 101).

Ken

owells · August 2001

Since it has recently come up again, I thought I'd update our own ('00 Legacy) pinging issues. Well, using premium (Shell 93) eliminates our pinging. I did try to drop down to 89 octane to see if that would be enough of an adjustment, and the pinging came back.

For those who don't remember, we were getting pinging mostly on slight inclines or under moderate acceleration in warm weather, and always around 2000 rpms. Fuel filter, air filter, and plugs were replaced at 15K.

I'm still curious if it's an ECU problem. Carbon buildup seems unlikely in a vehicle with only 24K miles. I'm also mildly concerned that longterm use of 93 octane in an engine designed for 87 will have some kind of detrimental effect.

Richard

armac13 · August 2001

I am extremely suspicious of Shell gasoline. I had a pinging problem with my Golf when it was about 2 years old. The head mechanic's second question to me was "Do you use Shell?" I had been for the last few tanks. He claimed it was a common problem. I switched to any other brand and never had pinging again in over 4 years. Just a thought.

Ross

evilizard · August 2001

Check out the Magellen line, they have several. I've found the interface easier to use than a comparably priced Garmin. Though the E-trex isn't bad and it is small and cheap. No word on performance.

A GPS by itself is actually not very useful. On the mid to high end versions they have a little map track which kind of keeps track of where you have been. Otherwise your always trying to save waypoints and thats a real pain while driving, you never save enough, remeber which came before which etc...

If you have a good Topo mapof your area a GPS can really come in handy as you can place yourself on it.

The real advantage comes when you drop some more $$$ and get yourself a laptop and some good mapping software. Then you get a moving indicator of your current location. Its really neat. So when your doing GPS research think not only about the unit but the software that it can work with and how much that computer attachment kit is.

Out in the woods on a good day your GPS is good to within 30 feet or so. In a city its probably good to within 50. It won't tell you with certianty which house to stop at but it will get you within 2-3 on the right block. Theoretical (and sometimes applied) accuracy can be much better, this is what I have exeprienced in general use.

pattim3 · August 2001

Make sure you keep us informed of your adventures with your Forester! Have you come up with a name for it yet?

Patti

miksmi · August 2001

Guinness World Record for driving a car sideways

To raise funds for a children's charity, Simon de Banke of ScoobyNet (UK board) decided to break the world record for driving a car sideways (ok, technically, he was "slideways"). Simon drove a MY01 Subaru Impreza WRX around a large circle in a constant balanced powerslide keeping it within the lane and not spinning or straightening up. Here are the details:

i Club thread describing the attempt <<
Guinness World Record on ScoobyNet <<
World Record Achieved - 2hrs 11m 18secs <<
Photos <<
Why no video?<<

Way to go Simon!

Cheers,

..Mike

kate5000 · August 2001

from a recent (08/06) post on the Tribute/Escape Problems thread:
"...but the major mechanical bits have the same design flaws, rattles and squeaks as every other domestic vehicle I've ever owned. The *real* Japanese designed vehicles I've owned (and that includes *real* Mazdas) didn't have half of the problems my Tribute does..."

aaahh... life's good... right, Paisan? :-) :-) :-)

paisan · August 2001

I'll take my crappy old MX6 and XT6 and my Japan Built Trooper over a Tribute/Escape any day of the week!

-mike

jimmyp1 · August 2001

Who's in the Philly picture?

Jim

nygreg · August 2001

After driving a Sable for the past 2 weeks on a business trip (your way Kate) I was sooooo glad to be back in the OB. Drove it home from the airport during a thunderstorm. :-)

Greg

miksmi · August 2001

Jim,

The photo is from the Philadelphia Auto Show earlier this year, in a WRX wagon. SoA even fired up the turbo (briefly) on the showroom floor. A few other east coast Crew were there (20?).

Front, L (closest to camera) to R: A.J. Teixeira (juice) ateixeira, Mike Smith miksmi, Lucien Walsh lucien2
Back: Patti Mickel subaru_team (Suburu of America) and ?

I apologize I don't know the name of the others in the photo. If you were there, speak up!

Patti treated the Crew to show tickets and a lot of goodies (tote bag, flashlight, WRX brochures, etc.).

Greg,

I know what you mean. You really learn to appreciate your Scooby when you don't drive it for a while.

..Mike

paisan · August 2001

The other guy in the car is Scott, he bought a yellow WRX and lives in NJ

The standing guy is Frank, from NJ also, his aunt has an OBS.

Both are friends of mine I brought to the show.

-mike

miksmi · August 2001

Now I recall you introducing them. Did you convince Scott to consider Subaru or was he already in the market for one?

..Mike

jimmyp1 · August 2001

thanks

paisan · August 2001

His dad has an RS. But he was basically going between a Toyota Tacoma extended cab and the WRX. When he heard I could hook him up with a yellow one it pushed him over the edge...

-mike

miksmi · August 2001

texsubaru · August 2001

Never used one myself, but, for whatever it's worth, I've read some good things about Garmin's "StreetPilot" units ( www.garmin.com/mobile/).

The only two GPS units I've ever personally seen in action were an older handheld that didn't have any map capabilities but basically just gave you longitude/latitude/waypoint data (probably great for serious hikers or maybe surveyors, not real useful for me), and a very nice built-in -- not handheld -- navigation system in a Lexus that linked maps off a DVD-ROM with the GPS system (really slick and quite accurate during the ride we took, but hyperexpensive and obviously useless once you left your vehicle).

rochcom · August 2001

Subaru engines have knock sensors that retard ignition when pinging starts. If you have pinging, there is likely something wrong in the sensor, ECU or ignition. Knock sensors can be fooled by other mechanical sounds either mimicking ping or masking it.

locke2c · August 2001

if the ECU retards timing, and you keep your foot down, AND the pinging continues it is *not* going to stop until you lift.

knock sensors are great and modern EFI is awesome-- but don't assume everything is fine and normal just because of them. if you hear that infamous marbles in a coffee can (or a muffled string of firecrackers, perhaps) then get off the accelerator. I ranted about this in SC General Maintenance earlier today... hmm, yesterday actually. Bedtime!

-Colin

lark6 · August 2001

Hi Patti and welcome back. I haven't been out here much of late as work and home have me really busy. It's awful to be sick in the heat of a summer - especially with a week like this one - so I'm glad to hear you've recovered.

Ed

pattim3 · August 2001

I've missed seeing you here! Chatting tonight?

Patti

lark6 · August 2001

I'll try to make the chat but it'll be tough. We're out of our house while the floors are being refinished so I'll either have to (a) stay really late at work or (b) go over to the house, open all the windows and turn on the whole house fan to tolerate the stink of polyurethane.

Ed

nygreg · August 2001

Looking to get that done myself (refinish floors).

Topic? Hmm, allows me to drive the Subie around while the floors dry.

Greg

lark6 · August 2001

Yeah, Greg, it's not fun but the house is older and even though the floors are solid they were worn.

Driving the Subie today isn't as fun as usual with 100 degree heat, black paint and no tint on the windows. Can you say greenhouse effect? I knew you could.

Ed

evilizard · August 2001

Bring a gas mask and chat away!

Kind of off topic but how much did it cost to get your floors refinished per sq ft. I had to sand, stain and put on 3 coats of poly on my hardwoods. It was once of the most dreadful 2 week experiences in my life and I will never do it again. So I want to know how much money I need to save up. I did approx 900 sq ft and it cost me $500 in rentals and supplies. The end result was not exactly errr...professional. But it still looks great.

lark6 · August 2001

I'll have to check the invoice on cost. I know what we're paying but I'm embarrassed to admit that I can't quote the square footage of the house and what percentage of that is wood cf. linoleum, tile and slate. There may be some added costs there as well because they may, their schedule permitting, do some work on the moldings at the bottom of the stairs. The previous owners had put carpeting down on the stairs and landings only and they'd removed some moldings to accommodate the carpet.

At any rate I imagine our costs will be higher than yours would had you hired someone, simply because we live in Pennsylvania as opposed to Texas (Austin, right?).

Ed

bat1161 · August 2001

With the high temps we are experiencing right now, it causes me to think of getting the windows tinted on the OB. Is there ever a "bad" time to get the windows done? Will the weather (temp, humidity,etc) affect the job results? Is there one tint that is better than another, and available in the NY area? I never had a car tinted before, so excuse my ignorance.

Thanks,
Mark

originalbitman · August 2001

Hotter the better as the tint will "cure" faster and you will be able to open your windows sooner. Other than that I wouldn't have it done during a bad dust storm. I have had both my 00 and 01 GT wagons done and LOVE it. Had all windows (other windshield) and both moonrofs tinted. I did 50% on the fronts, 5% on the moonroofs and 20% on everything else. Cuts UV by more than 90% and significantly reduces heat in the car. Get a metalized or hybrid film to reduce the chance of fading. Most important check around and get a reputable installer. Ask for references or call your dealer for a referal. Installation is everything.

bit

originalbitman · August 2001

Found this link on the New Generation board:

http://www.fullysecurednow.com/1stsubaruparts/

Prices on pare with SubaruParts.com. Only Accessories listed on line. Anybody buy from these guys?

bit

bat1161 · August 2001

First- Thanks bit for the info on tinting. If I get my tax rebate soon, I may try to get it done.

2ND- I need some advice. My niece is trying to purchase a car (sad to say, not a Subaru-too expensive for 1st car)and ran into some problems. The 1st daeler she went to tried the bait and switch routine- she agreed to get a model w/pkg 3, the car they prepped for delivery was w/pkg 2. They also forgot to mention a bank fee for financing. They said they would fix it- throw in a cd player and lower the price to keep the $ in line with what they agreed on. She said she'd be back today to talk about it. Today she went to another dealer and got an even better deal for a more equipped car, at about the same payments.
Now for the problem- she left a deposit at the first dealer, who is now refusing to refund it. The only papers she signed was for NYS DMV and to process for financing. She never signed for the car. My question is can the dealer refuse to give back the deposit if the car she agreed upon was never available?

Thanks,
Mark

paisan · August 2001

Barry's in Eltingville has a great tint guy. I had my trooper done there and it's been on for a year w/o a problem.

-mike

bat1161 · August 2001

Thanks Mike for the tip about Barry's. They are convenient too- about 5 minutes from me. I have to wait till the end of the month for that check before I can do anything.

Mark

nygreg · August 2001

I guess the question is, did she sign any paperwork stating the deposit is non-refundable? I don't think so according to your post. Since they did a bait and switch, I say they have to refund the money. Going to court, they would lose and they know it. I bet they are trying to take advantage of a young female (unfortunately, there are still some low life's out there). I would make their life miserable. Go and scream at them during their busiest time, have a lawyer send a letter, etc. BTW I am assuming she paid by certified check - something that can't be cancelled. Then there is always the NY way of handling it.............

Greg

bat1161 · August 2001

Yeah, we feel that the finance guy tried to "take advantage" of her. I don't know what the paper she signed said, she has it at home. The one good thing is she left the deposit on her credit card so that helps. She has already contacted the credit card company and told them there is a dispute. If that doesn't work, we may just try the NY way; especially since the daler is in Bay Ridge:)

Mark

nygreg · August 2001

using the credit card. Services have not been rendered, therefore, the credit card company should side with your niece. After all, she is their customer. Hope it works out well. When I was buying my OB, one dealer tried the bait and switch. I had way too much info (thanks to our friends here) and that dealer lost the sale... and any future ones. Good luck.

Greg

bat1161 · August 2001

We tried to tell her somethings to watch out for, but she was going to do this on her own. Thankfully when she went last night and today, she took her brother with her. Sites like this are extremely helpful, provided the person wants to look for the info.

Mark

miksmi · August 2001

Mark,

Make sure she requests a refund via a letter ($0.34) sent Certified Mail ($2.10), Return-Receipt ($1.50) from the US Postal Servivce. Keep it factual and short; leave out the emotions (which don't impress arbitrators or jurors). Something like:

Please refund the $ deposit I made on with Visa account for . On , I asked to refund my deposit ( ); refused.

If I don't receive my deposit in 3 business days, I will contact an attorney.

Thank you.

Regards,

/signature/

She doesn't have to explain that the dealership was rude (that'll become obvious in arbitration or court). Someone not emotionally connected with the transaction should proof the letter for clarity and tone.

Contact the local government's office of consumer affairs, the NY Consumer Protection Board << (you can file a complaint online), and the Better Business Bureau <<. Filing with these agencies will warn others to avoid the dealer.

It's important that she document everything via letters to the dealership. At this point, phone calls to the dealership only serve as "he said, she said" fodder. Communicate with the dealership only in writing. Yes, it's a pain.

If it's any consolation, NY has some of the best consumer protection laws in the US. Sorry to hear she had trouble. Good luck.

..Mike

PS - IANAL (I am not a lawyer) but IATHSOAL (I am the son of a lawyer).

edit: She can send USPS certified mail online <<. Request return receipt (it's extra) so she has a record of delivery and print a copy of the letter while still on the USPS site.

lark6 · August 2001

It is running approximately $2/square foot for approximately 950 square feet, or $1900. Much more than you spent but there's no way I could do as nice a job as they have. I peered in at it last night and it looked really good - and there's still one more coat of poly to go.

Ed

originalbitman · August 2001

I was just reading the Joe Spitz page http://www.cars101.com and it lists the new for 2002 specs for the Legacy and OB. Not all new news but all the changes in one place:

LEGACY

All models get off delay dome light, new center console cupholders (delete dashboard cupholder), new keyless remote buttons

Wagons: smaller center rear headrest for improved visibility

Sedans: trunk emergency release

GT: now included in base price: carpeted floor mats (was $75), woodgrain door trim (was $100). New illuminated ignition switch, all weather pkg (heated front seats, mirrors, windshield blade de-icer),

OUTBACK

Biggest change is the 6 cylinder now available in the Outback Sedan. Redsigned keyless remote, Bridgestone Potenzas replace Firestone Wilderness tires, new color Regatta Red replaces Winestone, White Frost replaces White Birch, dashboard cupholder replaced by redesigned center console with 2 cupholders, new delay-off dome light, illuminated ignition switch, front door puddle lights, in-glass antenna (replacing exterior antenna), re-designed rear center headrest (wgn), sedans have an inside trunk release, and door panel woodtrim now standard. Destination/delivery increased $30.

bit

originalbitman · August 2001

The Joe Spitz site also has a nice 2002 model comparison summary and side by side chart for the Legacy, Forester and Impreza:

http://www.cars101.com/subaru_new.html#snapshot

bit

drew_ · August 2001

http://www.auto.com/industry/iwirj10_20010810.htm

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

subearu · August 2001

onstar in the H-6 sedan, eh? nice, but I'll pass. just give me a turbo GT...mmmmm, blitzen....

-Brian
(sorry I had to bail out on the chat last night)

bat1161 · August 2001

Mike- Thanks for the info. I printed it out for my niece to follow. I agree that cooler heads will get results rather than a screaming match. She is taking today off from work to go and try and talk to them in person. Hopefully that will work; otherwise she will go the letter route.
I figured that with such a diverse group on this board, I would be able to get good advice in a short amount of time. Thanks for the advice.

Regarding Onstar, I have always thought it is a nice idea. I just wish it was available on all models, not just the Sedan, and that there was no additional cost for the base (emergency) service.

Mark

paisan · August 2001

But mark, people need to pay to play. You can't offer the base (emergency) service for free,or else people wouldn't pay to upgrade and they'd be stuck holding the bag.

-mike

Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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