Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Hope you have a veryveryvery Happy Birthday!

    My first great-nephew was born yesterday! Should I start his future Subaru fund now? :-)

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Yep. Get him started right...

    Bob
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    My birthday was yesterday (16th).

    PS Message center is still only working for the Forester board.

    Ross
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Wow, thanks folks! 33, 1/3rd century, today. Had chocolate cake and rally bread for breakfast, too! :-)

    To elaborate on Hutch's comments, yes, the ramp was designed so that at one point or another, every tire had to pull the car up by itself. Since all US Subies except the VDC have open (unmanaged) front differentials, they would not make it all the way up.

    However, it is possible than an auto trans AWD model would make it up partially, because unlike the VC on the manuals it's possible that not all the power would leak to the front axle.

    My educated guess is the VDC would climb all the way up. The BMW spokesperson claimed that the difference between the Audi and the Bimmer was the tuning of the traction control. Well, tests have shown the the VDC actually kicks in pretty early, so it allows less wheelspin than most systems. C&D complained that it acted too soon and spoiled the fun, even (there wasn't an off switch back then).

    Now, that means the traction control would act early on the ramp as well. If so, it would actually get up the ramp quicker than the Bimmer.

    But, to prove I have a sense of humor, allow me to rant a little:



    You know what DSC really stands for? DON'T SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST, as in what owners pray for from its recalled-for-fires line of cars.

    The X5 is a record-breaking car. It's broken a record 13 times in recalls for the first year. It make the Escape seem like a Lexus!

    What do you call a 330xi with a $15,000 rebate? A WRX.



    See, I have a sense of humor. ;-)

    -juice
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    1st milestone birthday is next year (30).

    happy birthdays dave, ross, juice!

    whew it's hot in here! :)

    -Brian
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Just checked the NHTSA site, and it's a gold mine if you're not a Bimmer fan. 13 recalls, indeed, and several for vehicle fires. I knew Bimmers were red hot, but I didn't know the reason! ;-)

    (warning: juice is on a roll. If you like BMW, please skip this post. The surgeon general thinks juice is nuts and reading this can be hazardous to your health, especially if you are pregnant or nursing)

    So, worst case scenario, a Crew member and friend had 2 problems with his Subie that stranded him, which I admit is pretty bad. It's also worse than average, at least, for a Subie. But let's say he had bought an X5. The story could go like this:

    One fine day you're driving down the road, suddenly you lose control of the steering (recall #1), you hit the brakes but golly gee those fail too (2), so you shift into park but the gear selector is broken (3). You figure you're safe, but then the seat belts fail (4), and the steering develops a 2nd (5) and yet another, 3rd (6) problem. Then even trying turning the wheel gets harder, because the power steering pump fails (7). Again you try the tranny but the indicator says neutral but you are in gear (8). The faulty brakes then become more faulty as the booster goes bad (9), but by now it's not a problem because your vehicle has burst into flames (10). Several other engine fires develop under the hood (11-13), but by now you've spontaneously combusted and suddenly none of the other problems matter because you begin to see a light in the distance.

    You say, "St. Peter?", but it's kind of hot and you start to wonder if you should have given a bit more money to the Red Cross and a little less to BMW.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Enjoy... and buy yourself a nice present... like a WRX! :)

    And... there's more... juice can now be referred to as "Seinfeld-in-a-Subie." ;)

    Bob
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Ross and Brian. It was a holiday on mine (Columbus Day).

    Juice- so, the X5 does come with toasty "Cold Weather Package". ;-)

    -Dave
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    *had to LOL referring to Juice as our sube Seinfeld!*

    "what's the deal with that?"

    and finally....

    "Hello...Newman"

    -Brian
  • 1subydown1togo1subydown1togo Member Posts: 348
    Have a great one...all beers are on the house
    "Are you the master of your domain?"
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Happy Birthday, juice!

    There are a few i-clubbers that have traded S4's for WRX'en.

    Dennis
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    In order to belong here you must be named Dave (or Mike or, if female, have a "K" in your name), have a dog (or a cat that barks) and have an October birthday. Don't forget that Libras love balance - a Subie strong point. Happy BD to the rest of you.

    Ross David McMillan
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Karen- I for one am still having problems. None of the Subaru Crew discussions are showing up in my Message Center. I didn't realize it initially since all the other Subaru topics were still there. However, I finally got suspicious and came in the old fashion way and found 120 new posts in this topic alone (since sometime Saturday).


    For your IT types, I normally access Edmund's via a bookmark to the following URL: http://townhall.edmunds.com/cgi-bin/townhall

    I then click on the Message Center link.


    -Frank P.

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yes, cold weather package standard, ROTFL. And here Bob thought the heated steering wheel was on purpose! LOL!

    I swear I am not making this up - the black car we did our practice laps in smelled like radiator coolant. Mike and Hutch - did you guys notice the same thing? We all practiced in the same car.

    We Libras do like balance, so it's productive for us to have someone like Ash who will on occasion play devil's advocate. I'm no different, really.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    is something Subaru should add to their All-Weather-Package.

    Bob
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    the heated steering wheel will be a nice add to the Subie...
    but not the way it has gotten for the bimmies though - "And here Bob thought the heated steering wheel was on purpose!" he he :-D

    -Dave
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Your only 33 and you've lost it. I think tonight would be a good night to ask honey to buy the WRX. Call it a midlife crisis.

    Greg
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I turn 40 on.....you guessed it......Halloween! I think my WRX should be black. BTW, that makes me a scorpion. Not sure how balanced I am suppose to be.

    Greg
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Wow...I remember when I turned 33 like it was yesterday...ok, a few yesterdays. I'm lookin' at 40 on Groundhogs Day! Glad I have that WRX to keep me young. I highly suggest you not wait like I did (unless delayed gratification appeals to ya) and do it now! :-)

    Have a good one Boss (re: the website idea, LOL)

    Stephen
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    forgot to add that my B-Day makes me an Aquarian, another perfect fit for a Soobie (IMHO) as we like things a bit quirky and offbeat!

    Stephen :-)
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    anyone knows if Edmunds has this event this year?
  • 1subydown1togo1subydown1togo Member Posts: 348
    Another Aquarian?...when?
    PS...you guys are babes in the woods...It will be 52 for me in February
  • bluesunlionbluesunlion Member Posts: 38
    Scorpios are naturally unbalanced. ;) at is why we love the Jekyll and Hyde personalities of the WRX. Family-car sleeper one minute, and performance monsters the next! Just reading about the WRX makes me grin maniacally!
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    I'm still ahead of you, youngster. :~)

    Ross
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Heated steering wheel? Aren't we going a little too far? We have to remember, there is a finite amount of money for R&D, and the VDC's pricing scared off a lot of people already.

    Maybe if Momo can be the OE source, and Subaru spends exactly nothing on its development. And they can keep costs down to no more than $200 extra for it.

    Still, I'd rather see things like rear discs standard across the board, 5 speed automatics with manual controls, transmission coolers, stuff like that to beef up the utility factor.

    The new car purchase is postponed for now. The service I did seems to have resolved the problem. The 626 ain't perfect but it is paid off and the wife still likes it.

    I'll eventually get her in a Subaru showroom to test drive a GT Ltd sedan 5 speed, and maybe a VDC sedan too.

    I'll pick up an SVX roadster when it arrives to battle with the Audi TT, at a lower price of course. ;-)

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Nah... Nobody on this board wants a 5-speed automatic, etc., more than I do, but you got to strike a balance between comfort and performance too. Besides, if it's part of the All-Weather-Package, then it only comes on more upscale models—and usually as an option.

    I know I'd rather have a heated steering wheel, than "On-Star," which top-of-the-line '03 models are getting. Talk about a waste of money...

    Bob
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    with all the performance but you can't steer (frozen fingers), and I don't like gloves between me and the steering.

    -Dave
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think Subaru is already ahead of most folks in that game, offering heated seats, mirrors, and windshield (and windshield washer nozzles, I found out today). Most automakers offer only heated seats.

    I guess you could argue that they are popular in the snow belt so such an option would be even more desirable to a Subie customer.

    I agree about OnStar. No thanks, I don't need yet another monthly bill.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    the BMW X5's heated steering wheel at the BMW thingy last Friday. It's a nice feature that adds some extra frosting to the cake. Is it needed? Probably not, although on a cold January morning, probably much appreciated (like heated seats).

    Not sure how they could make a heated wood/leather steering wheel, however. One more reason to go back to an "all leather" steering wheel...

    Bob
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Groundhog's Day (2/2)! I like to think of it as a high holy day...something about the metaphor of being in the dark and finally seeing the light of day...as in enlightment,etc. Yeah, I know it may be self-serving but it works for me. :-) BTW, glad to see there's another Aquarian on the boards! What day is yours?

    Stephen
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Hmm, my heater works just fine in both my XT6 and the Trooper. Maybe the BMW heat isn't up to the task of heating up the vehicle adequetly enough? My steering wheel is the first thing that gets hit with the heat. beside you shouldn't be doing agressive driving when the car is still cold.

    -mike
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    mike - I'm not an agressive driver, as you would know (sort of). It's just that I've got chicken blood - gets cold quickly and warms up slow. :-)

    -Dave
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    Wow, there are a lot of Oct. birthdays on this board. Mine was the 6th.

    I access Edmunds the same way Frank P. does and I also am having the same problem with the "Crew" messages. It is not intermittent, only the Forester board updates.

    Regards,
    Frank
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    Well, at least my name is neither Mike nor Dave, but I turn 43 on Saturday (20th). Not sure that I believe in the astrology stuff but there must be a logical reason for so many October babies on these pages. Does Subaru do new model releases just when we are thinking of birthday presents for self?

    Cheers

    Graham
    ps What is "On Star"?
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Frank - Belated B'day!!!

    Graham - and to you this coming 20th!!!

    'OnStar' is a satelite 'seek and assist' service

    http://www.onstar.com/visitors/html/ao_features.htm


    -Dave

  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Okay, I'll chime in. I'm a Libran too. Though just barely. My B-day was the 26th of Sep.

    -Frank P.
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    OnStar - Isn't there a monthly fee for this? In that case, it is making money for GM continually, instead of the one shot deal a heated steering wheel gives.

    So now Subaru has heated washers? What cars and years? 2002? I don't believe my 01 OB has them - only the seats, windshield and side mirrors.

    Greg
  • 1subydown1togo1subydown1togo Member Posts: 348
    Mine is the 6th and our son Michael's is the 15th.
  • vdchawkvdchawk Member Posts: 40
    I too am a Libra, Oct 10th.

    Just want to say sorry, going to miss tonights chat due to a business trip.

    And what's all this about heated nozzles??

    Keith
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    kate5000 Oct 17, 2001 12:44pm

    To my knowledge, the EdmundsLive event will not happen this year....and possibly not the next. If I hear different, I'll let you know.

    Re: Message center problems- I'm sending your comments..so far I've not received a reply.

    KarenS
    Host
    Owner's Clubs
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    is a General Motors thing. It was first available only on Cadillac. It is now available on other GM models, including Saab, and pickups. Subaru will be offering it on some high-end models for '03.

    My understanding, is that after the first year, you have to pay an annual fee in order to maintain the service. No thanks...

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I heard about the nozzles on the VDC thread. Was someone mistaken? I don't know. Patti?

    Seriously, this is getting ridiculous. Say you get a dedicated car phones. OK, $40 a month. Then you add satellite radio for $13 a month, which I'm sure won't even work in tunnels. Then toss in OnStar, for what? Another $10 or more per month? That adds more than $60 to your car payment!

    These things nickel-and-dime you to death. OK, let's break out the bean counter in me. For each $10 per month at a basic 8% car loan rate, that's a whopping $493 in present value you pay for. If you're paying $60 that is $2,958 more you are paying for the car.

    That's the difference between a Forester L and a Forester S Premium. I'll take the dozens of extra features over the phone, radio stations, and OnStar any day!

    -juice

    PS Anyone else read Drive? Notice there are two Daves in the letters section? Coincidence? I think not!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Anybody out there have OnStar? If so, do like it? Do you think it's worth it? Are you planning to re-subscribe after the year honeymoon?

    Bob
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    are balanced! 49/51 If I remember my stats correctly; missed 1987 Motor Trend ICOY though- came in 2nd.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Correction, just checked their web site and OnStar costs $17 per month, for starters, not $10. That's $838 (present value adjusted for interest) just in the first 5 years, with no added resale value.

    So, for argument's sake, let's go shopping. What would I add to my Forester, if I could customize one, instead of getting OnStar, for the same monthly outlay:

    OnStar

    or

    6 CD changer
    Trailer hitch
    differential skid plate
    leather shift knob
    arm rest extension
    cargo net
    2 extra power outlets

    Easy choice, IMO.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Like you are in east middle of nowhere, and lock your keys in the car. YOu call onstar and they unlock the car. It's not costing the consumer anything for them to put it in there to begin with, the R&D has been done. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there, non-car enthusiasts that like the sense of security.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I agree, and for the gadget guru that must have everything, it'll fall on their list. But not on mine. I use the keyless fob to lock the doors, so that never happens.

    It did happen once on my Escort, but it was in a garage and I doubt OnStar would have had the range. Actually, I would have been a bit peeved to have paid for OnStar if it couldn't help me in that situation.

    I'd venture to say that the same type of person who uses concierge services at hotels will want OnStar, since it is similar. Also, said consumer will not have cost as a high priority.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Why wouldn't it work? It will work anywhere that cell service is, and IIRC if there is no cell service it's out in the boon-docks and then the sat reciever will work?

    -mike
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