I have never and will never own a vehicle with drum brakes. I can't believe they still make some cars with them. They are so squishy and lack precise control.
2 major sagas & the usual smaller ones since I last visited!.
juice - BIG congrats on the job! Just chiming in w/ everyone else w/ the knowledge that you deserve the best - hope the change = more benefits to you in every way!
heather - ummm, all I can say is lol & thanks for the entertainment!!!! Oh, and best luck & good wishes at joining w/ your hubby & figuring out what will make you both happy . A Bean AND a WRX in the driveway....I think you make more than a few folks here drool with that possibility!
OK, just kidding, but I do hope the two of you can come to some compromise that ends up with you happy with what you are driving!
You could tell him it's either the WRX or the asylum... and the asylum will cost more long term.
I dunno, I know that for me, I have to be happy with what I'm driving. Honestly, I'm still missing my old car some... that smaller and quicker handling feel is nice. However, I'm learning to enjoy the feel of my Outback, I call her my little *tankette*. Still no official name for her yet. Photos may be seen in the photo gallery. (I still wish the wagon came in a gleaming silver... I dunno why, but silver is the car color that most appeals to me and I miss it.)
Heather: I'd order an OBS, equipped the way you want it, and in your favorite color.
The WRX would become your hubby's car. That's why I say OBS. He won't touch it - just what you want! Plus the financial hit is much smaller. You miss your 2.2l so I doubt the 2.5l will disappoint.
Don't change your self, change your car. There is nothing wrong with you. You fit right in with us car nuts! ;-)
I agree what I want is an OBS not a WRX. They have the one I want on the lot one mile from my house! I don't have to order it. Now my husband is saying he likes his Outback and won't trade it in. I'm out of luck since I am a stay-at-home-mom and can't buy one myself. If I still feel sad in a year though, I will trade-in "MY" L.L. Bean for an OBS. I will have to adapt to the automatic and be happy with what I have. At least his Outback is a manual. It's just that the seats lean back too far for me and I hate that. Plus the OBS was funner and so easy to see out of and manuver around. I have a hard time manuvering the bigger Outback's and parking them, etc. But mostly it's an emotion. I loved my white Impreza with all my heart. I tried to use logic when he wanted the Bean to justify it, but had no idea of the result- a broken heart. At least I have photos of my OBS on the wall next to me to look at. Heather
Well, you know what you want Heather and that's half the battle. It may be hard to wait (if indeed you have to), but perhaps things will work out so you don't have to wait so long as a year. If you have to, you might could trade in the Bean earlier.
Something else... there's this idea in America that families *must* have large vehicles, station wagons, minivans, SUVs. Well, think this one over for a while... when I was young, very young, my father drove our entire family of six around in a 1963 VW Beetle. Not comfy, no, but it was done. Later, they bought a station wagon when we were older and the space was needed. Mom also had a large Pontiac sedan. Still, even then, I can remember one day when it was raining horribly and Dad took the four of us all to school in the Beetle. We floated through one large puddle, but we all made it there in our cramped style.
The thing is, you'd be surprised what you can make do with when you have to! So don't give up on your OBS... it should do admirably for a small family to ride around in and you get your fun quotient too!
(A happy Mom makes for happy family...)
I do know what you mean, I had superb visibility in my Camry and it was compact car size and so easy to park and manuever. However, I think I'll adjust to my bigger car, though it may take a while before I'm fully comfy. I've only driven compact cars or smaller, and except for the Camry, the others were all brief rentals.
Had another head turner moment today when I went to my storage space for a dig. The manager saw my car and loved it!
I also took my boss to UPS and he was pretty impressed with the car as well.
For whatever reason, and before those two events even happened, I really started to love the car today. I'd parked it at the bank, got out, looked at it and went "Wow" to myself. It's taken nearly two weeks to feel that. Before, I just liked the new car, but was still kind of missing the old silver Camry.
Subies have a way of growing on you with time. You buy them for sensible, practical reasons, but later on you keep finding little things about it that please you.
Give the Bean some time. Try to figure out a name for it, that may help you form a bond.
Yeah, got a verbal confirmation today on that job, so looks good.
Good enough that I'm buying rims from Jim in Texas, and also ordered a leather shift knob and a cargo tray/liner from Liberty Subaru (they had the best prices I could find). Next will be the wheelskins leather steering wheel cover, though I'll try to find that locally.
Well, I finally found some time to check my subscriptions at Town Hall!
Got into Japan two days ago and have been running around. I haven't had time to stop by the Subaru building in Shinjuku yet. I did pass by it on a bus and saw two WRXs on the show floor so it doesn't look like there's anything new. I'll check on it at the end of my trip.
As for car spotting, I haven't seen too many things that caught my eye yet. Last night, a red WRX sedan with the JDM HID headlights drove by -- very sharp. No B4s or new Foresters yet.
juice -- I'm glad to hear that you got the job. Congratulations!
Sorry I had to leave so abruptly. Even in retirement duty sometimes calls. Fortunately, like most "emergencies", this one was not as serious as it first seemed. I should make 1/2 a chat next week.
I've been lurking about for the last few months while deciding what car to buy when my lease is up in September. I've truly enjoyed this site and feel as if I've gotten to know several of you rather well. Anyway, the wife and I have decided on the Outback - probably the VDC (IMO it blew the Passat away in all categories). We're most likely going to wait for a 2003 model since we do not need the car yet, and we will order it. I do have a few questions, though.
While I suspect none of you have a crystal ball, based on your experience, what are the chances we will see a monotone outback next year? Subaru's Switzerland site has a BEAUTIFUL "silver espirit" model.
Next, if not a monotone model, what are the chances we will see at least monotone rims? While I know some like the gold trim, I would rather not have it - just a personal opinion.
Finally, I heard from a rather "Cliff Clavin-ish" source that white cars rust faster than darker colors. I know cars are much better with rust and Subaru has a nice warranty, but does that make sense?
Sorry for the length of the post, but it's a "slow" Friday, and I thought you might not mind.
We hope you will be able to join us as Subie owners. As a base OB owner, I know you will love it. Since you seem to like monotone paint, you might want to consider the GT. Very, very sharp looking. As for white cars rusting. I don't buy it. How you take care of your car is the most overwhelming factor long term. Just ask all the OCD people here. Anyway, let us know how the shopping is going. Good luck.
Hope I'm not spoiling anyone's surprise down the road....
Yesterday I had a package from LLBean. Now I know I didn't order anything, so I'm scratching my head wondering who might have sent me a gift...
Well, it was from Subaru & LL Bean! A little "thank you loyalty gift" for buying their car!
I'm shifting those "thank you cards to write" up to the top of my "to do" list. Little gestures like this definitely help spread smiles & good feelings around the world - something we can all use a little bit more of.
Anyone heard of a recall on '00 Outbacks? Today I get this bright red/orange postcard from my dealer "Important Notice - Product Safety Recall", blah, blah, blah, "because a potential accident/injury situation could exist, it is imperitive that your vehicle be repaired immediately!" Say what?!?!?
Nothing noting WHAT the problem is, just to call them for repair arrangements. Wondering what this could be, I just checked my.subaru.com and see no recalls listed for our subie. The nhtsa.dot.gov site lists a small recall (129 vehicles) for the Legacy, but it's dated 3/27/2000. We got our subie at the end of July 2000.
Patti - help! Well, I suppose I could just *call* these numskulls and ask 'em what gives.
Returned this afternoon from a trip to Ireland. Happy to report my wife and I had a marvelous time and were able to participate in the group's educational seminars without strain. Just what the doctor ordered.
Glad to read and find a happy ending regarding your employment situation. I can imagine the stress you and your wife experienced. As the Crew said, "way to go."
Thanks for asking about Marianne. Have to keep her healthy so she can trade the Impreza for a WRX.
... is the dealers owners bank account! If there are no notices on Subarus site I woudl be very wary. they probably just want you to call so they can entice you in for some sort of maintenance!
Nope, it's the dealer's 'special' service #, complete with an extension #. (I recognize it by the area code and prefix.)
I hadn't gotten a recall notification before for my 'several' previous vehicles. So, getting this orange post card from the dealer was surprising, to say the least. They've been good with no pressuring of extras, etc. in the past. Perhaps management has changed.
Perhaps it's time for me to try another dealer for service.
maybe GM is just cheap but I always get little cards with handwritten addresses from my Chevy dealer about recalls for one of our minivans.(The other a Windstar gets even more recalls but Ford sends fancy letters direct to you). Since our Venture had lots of recalls , this wasn't a one off thing. Maybe its just the way my dealer does it! It was surprising but they were definitely for genuine recalls!
The fed government actually requires the manufacturer to send the recall letters, not the local dealers, because how do they know you didn't move, etc. They pull the data from the DMV database because I know a few people who have gotten recall notices, and they were the 2nd owner, never having contacted the manufacturer to change the addy of the vehicle.
don't know if this should be here or in Subie Cafe...Susan, Michael, and I are thinking of taking a trip to Sante Fe for this summer's Indian Market in mid-August. Do any of you local folks know where a good place to stay might be. It could be anywhere from Albuquerque to Sante Fe, or even heading out to Taos. If you can help, let me know, either on the board or by e-mail to subiefam18@aol.com. Thank you Serge
I drove a WRX again today, this one just got on the lot with 9 miles on it. This was the 4th WRX I drove. They let us take it out as a family with no salesman. I drove it for an hour. I concluded it is too loud, too much interior noise, too small for our family in the back seats as well as the cargo room. Plus, it was not too fun. I liked the short shifter this time, but the turbo never seemed to kick in. They had a Legacy GT on the lot in a sedan. I drove that one for the same twisty mountain road hour-long drive. WOW!!! I loved it. It sure does handle much better then the Outback's do! Just as well, if not better, then the OBS/WRX. It clung to the road and had a real good road feel that I felt really confident with going 60 MPH around corners with. No body roll whatsoever. Anyway, I am 100% sure this time. I am getting a GT wagon in Titanium Pearl, manual transmission with the Premium sound and a 6-disk cd-changer delivered on Wednesday (it’s my birthday that day too!) The perfect car for family and my sports car itch! I am perfectly happy with my choice! Heather
I have been poking around these boards for the past several months in preparation for (and anticipation of) buying an Outback wagon....most likely an LL Bean.
Juice and others have praised the low-cost no-haggle virtues of the Fitzmalls outside of DC. The local Pittsburgh area dealers that I have spoken with are giving me quotes much higher ($1500+) than what is seen at the Fitzmall.
What really are there disadvantages of making the 4 hour drive to Maryland to purchase a new car? Family and friends are trying to warn me of the importance of buying from the local dealer who will "take care of me" when service is needed. Granted, I will most likely have the car serviced at one of these local dealerships.
Can anyone relate there own experiences either positive or negative?
at Fitzgeralds in Rockville, and have had both serviced at local Subaru dealers, with no problem whatsoever. My local dealer is maybe 40 miles from Fitzgeralds. However, whether it's 40 miles or 4 hours, it shouldn't make any difference.
I would certainly call ahead, to see if the car(s) you're interested in are still in stock, and to answer any other questions you may have, such as being from out of state, etc. I guess the question you need to ask, is it worth a 4-hour drive?
Tom, if you're coming in on I-70, then south on I-270 (at Frederick, MD), in Gathersburg—which is before Rockville—Fitzgerald has another Subie outlet. It will save you perhaps an additional 20 miles (round trip) if you go to the Gathersburg dealer.
Comments
Ed
-Brian
squishy comes from the vacuum boost and/or master cylinder. same for precise control.
it has nothing to do with drums vs. brakes I'm afraid.
-Colin
juice - BIG congrats on the job! Just chiming in w/ everyone else w/ the knowledge that you deserve the best - hope the change = more benefits to you in every way!
heather - ummm, all I can say is lol & thanks for the entertainment!!!! Oh, and best luck & good wishes at joining w/ your hubby & figuring out what will make you both happy
Jillian - delighted & feeling blessed w/ her Bean
OK, just kidding, but I do hope the two of you can come to some compromise that ends up with you happy with what you are driving!
You could tell him it's either the WRX or the asylum... and the asylum will cost more long term.
I dunno, I know that for me, I have to be happy with what I'm driving. Honestly, I'm still missing my old car some... that smaller and quicker handling feel is nice. However, I'm learning to enjoy the feel of my Outback, I call her my little *tankette*. Still no official name for her yet. Photos may be seen in the photo gallery. (I still wish the wagon came in a gleaming silver... I dunno why, but silver is the car color that most appeals to me and I miss it.)
Cynthia
The WRX would become your hubby's car. That's why I say OBS. He won't touch it - just what you want! Plus the financial hit is much smaller. You miss your 2.2l so I doubt the 2.5l will disappoint.
Don't change your self, change your car. There is nothing wrong with you. You fit right in with us car nuts! ;-)
-juice
Heather
Something else... there's this idea in America that families *must* have large vehicles, station wagons, minivans, SUVs. Well, think this one over for a while... when I was young, very young, my father drove our entire family of six around in a 1963 VW Beetle. Not comfy, no, but it was done. Later, they bought a station wagon when we were older and the space was needed. Mom also had a large Pontiac sedan. Still, even then, I can remember one day when it was raining horribly and Dad took the four of us all to school in the Beetle. We floated through one large puddle, but we all made it there in our cramped style.
The thing is, you'd be surprised what you can make do with when you have to! So don't give up on your OBS... it should do admirably for a small family to ride around in and you get your fun quotient too!
(A happy Mom makes for happy family...)
I do know what you mean, I had superb visibility in my Camry and it was compact car size and so easy to park and manuever. However, I think I'll adjust to my bigger car, though it may take a while before I'm fully comfy. I've only driven compact cars or smaller, and except for the Camry, the others were all brief rentals.
Had another head turner moment today when I went to my storage space for a dig. The manager saw my car and loved it!
I also took my boss to UPS and he was pretty impressed with the car as well.
For whatever reason, and before those two events even happened, I really started to love the car today. I'd parked it at the bank, got out, looked at it and went "Wow" to myself. It's taken nearly two weeks to feel that. Before, I just liked the new car, but was still kind of missing the old silver Camry.
Cynthia
Give the Bean some time. Try to figure out a name for it, that may help you form a bond.
-juice
1st vehicles sold with 4wd and 4-wheel independent suspension.
1st manufacturer to offer FWD in every model
1st to offer 4WD or AWD on all vehicles
XT6 has speed sensitive variable intermittent wipers
-mike
-juice
Patti
Patti
Yeah, got a verbal confirmation today on that job, so looks good.
Good enough that I'm buying rims from Jim in Texas, and also ordered a leather shift knob and a cargo tray/liner from Liberty Subaru (they had the best prices I could find). Next will be the wheelskins leather steering wheel cover, though I'll try to find that locally.
-juice
-Dennis
Got into Japan two days ago and have been running around. I haven't had time to stop by the Subaru building in Shinjuku yet. I did pass by it on a bus and saw two WRXs on the show floor so it doesn't look like there's anything new. I'll check on it at the end of my trip.
As for car spotting, I haven't seen too many things that caught my eye yet. Last night, a red WRX sedan with the JDM HID headlights drove by -- very sharp. No B4s or new Foresters yet.
juice -- I'm glad to hear that you got the job. Congratulations!
Ken
mike k
-mike
Patti gets another WRX,
The general stuff...
Steve
Ed
Ross
While I suspect none of you have a crystal ball, based on your experience, what are the chances we will see a monotone outback next year? Subaru's Switzerland site has a BEAUTIFUL "silver espirit" model.
Next, if not a monotone model, what are the chances we will see at least monotone rims? While I know some like the gold trim, I would rather not have it - just a personal opinion.
Finally, I heard from a rather "Cliff Clavin-ish" source that white cars rust faster than darker colors. I know cars are much better with rust and Subaru has a nice warranty, but does that make sense?
Sorry for the length of the post, but it's a "slow" Friday, and I thought you might not mind.
- John
Greg
Greg
Yesterday I had a package from LLBean. Now I know I didn't order anything, so I'm scratching my head wondering who might have sent me a gift...
Well, it was from Subaru & LL Bean! A little "thank you loyalty gift" for buying their car!
I'm shifting those "thank you cards to write" up to the top of my "to do" list. Little gestures like this definitely help spread smiles & good feelings around the world - something we can all use a little bit more of.
Jillian
Ross
Nothing noting WHAT the problem is, just to call them for repair arrangements. Wondering what this could be, I just checked my.subaru.com and see no recalls listed for our subie. The nhtsa.dot.gov site lists a small recall (129 vehicles) for the Legacy, but it's dated 3/27/2000. We got our subie at the end of July 2000.
Patti - help! Well, I suppose I could just *call* these numskulls and ask 'em what gives.
-Brian
Glad to read and find a happy ending regarding your employment situation. I can imagine the stress you and your wife experienced. As the Crew said, "way to go."
Thanks for asking about Marianne. Have to keep her healthy so she can trade the Impreza for a WRX.
Don
but otherwise um no that's not it, Service and Saftey bulletins are paid for by the manufacturer.
-Colin
I also watch the recalls section in our daily newspaper, they update it weekly. Again, haven't seen it there either.
-Brian
if the notice doesn't bear a code (recall) I'll be weary.
-Dave
Something smells fishy. Oh wait, that was the Friday Fish Fry dinner...
-Brian
Probably a dealer gimmick.
-mike
I hadn't gotten a recall notification before for my 'several' previous vehicles. So, getting this orange post card from the dealer was surprising, to say the least. They've been good with no pressuring of extras, etc. in the past. Perhaps management has changed.
Perhaps it's time for me to try another dealer for service.
-Brian
-mike
-mike
Thank you
Serge
- Juice bought a Legacy
- Juice lost a job
- Juice got a job
Anything else? ;-)
Cheers,
-wdb
:-) Welcome back.
Ross
Heather
I have been poking around these boards for the past several months in preparation for (and anticipation of) buying an Outback wagon....most likely an LL Bean.
Juice and others have praised the low-cost no-haggle virtues of the Fitzmalls outside of DC. The local Pittsburgh area dealers that I have spoken with are giving me quotes much higher ($1500+) than what is seen at the Fitzmall.
What really are there disadvantages of making the 4 hour drive to Maryland to purchase a new car? Family and friends are trying to warn me of the importance of buying from the local dealer who will "take care of me" when service is needed. Granted, I will most likely have the car serviced at one of these local dealerships.
Can anyone relate there own experiences either positive or negative?
My thanks as always in advance.
Tom
I would certainly call ahead, to see if the car(s) you're interested in are still in stock, and to answer any other questions you may have, such as being from out of state, etc. I guess the question you need to ask, is it worth a 4-hour drive?
Tom, if you're coming in on I-70, then south on I-270 (at Frederick, MD), in Gathersburg—which is before Rockville—Fitzgerald has another Subie outlet. It will save you perhaps an additional 20 miles (round trip) if you go to the Gathersburg dealer.
Bob