Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

locke2c · May 2002

Heather--

Good luck with the Legacy GT! But you say the turbo never kicked in during your latest drive in a manual WRX? Um, did you have the pedal all the way to the floor and the rpms above 3,000? If so, above 3,500-4,000 it should have been *very* obvious the turbo 'kicked in'.

-Colin

hypov · May 2002

Tom-
Bob forgot to mention an advantage... you get a four hour head start to break in the new car. ;-)

I don't think a dealer service would care less where the car was bought when it is brought into service. If it is going to be bad service to be gotten, it'll be pretty much across the board. Not because you bought your car from another dealer.

-Dave

barresa62 · May 2002

what do you mean the turbo never seemed to kick in? Did you "drive" it or just putter around? Believe me, you would know when the turbo kicked in...there would be no doubt. Was it a stick or auto? You were so enamored w/the new OBS, it's the same body, hence same room as the WRX wagon. I'm just a bit confused as you seem to be jumping all over the perverbial Subaru model lineup. Are you sure the GT wagon is what you want or will I read about a Baja as your next purchase tomorrow...sorry, couldn't resist (just teasin') :-)

Stephen

storyteller · May 2002

We had a troll pop up on a WRX board this weekend, and a mighty twisted troll at that, spewing racial epithets. What motivates such people?

Steve

lucien2 · May 2002

we had one here about a year and a half ago. Kept going after Drew (our former host) and Paisan. Management finally locked him (or her) out.

bluesubie · May 2002

A few months back I was asking for some maintenance advice for a friend's Honda. He finally decided it was time for a new car and was all set to buy a Civic. Until I intervened. :-)

I took him to Flemington, NJ and we went for a test drive in a WRX. He couldn't believe the power and had no problems getting the turbo to kick in. ;-)

Yesterday, he took delivery on a WRB WRX Sedan.

-Dennis

bluesunlion · May 2002

Sorry this is a bit tardy, but for accommodations in Albuquerque, I would try the Amerisuites by the Coronado mall (the address escapes me.) Service at this particular location was stellar, and the rooms were really nice. We stayed there over a weekend in April when we were there for a wedding. Everything was top-notch, and they even allow pets! Additionally, if you guys are into Native American Jewelry, etc, check out the Utility Shack (yes that is the name of the place) on Central between Juan Tabo and Menaul. Really great stuff. Oh yeah, and as an extra draw to the Amerisuites, I saw 2 WRX sedans parked at a nearby restaurant! Hope you guys have a great trip.
-Rachel

heatherbean · May 2002

Hmm.. Well I do know how to drive the WRX! It was raining hard so I could not hear the turbo whine- maybe it kicked in and maybe it did not. I push to 4,000 RPMS, Oh yes I do! The previous one I drove was very spunky! I was so in-love with the OBS because I missed my OBS so much. I did not know why until I drove the GT for the first time. It is NOT POWER I am after, it is the confidence in handling and the road feel and the clinging to the road feel. That is what I had with an Impreza and NOT with the Outback. They feel like they float above the road and do not corner tightly. I was so sad to loose that with the Outbacks! Yes I was posting too much, but it was theraputic. The GT gives me all the ride quality, plus a much smoother quieter ride and plenty of room for my family and cargo. It looks much more upscale and suits me perfectly. I am confident of my choice! So Stephen I hope I explained why. I hear your point though :>)
Heather

ateixeira · May 2002

WDB: you can't have missed the wonderful "What Will Heather Do?" Soap Opera.

I could've used you to take my wife on a Legacy GT demo drive, but too late. As it turns out spending less was probably wise (for us).

Ken on assignment in Japan: keep up the good work, find out a little something for us!

Sorry I missed the chat - the circus lasted a lot longer than we thought. Got home about 10 minutes after it had ended. :-( At least the toddler had a great time, even got a pony ride, and still talks about it even now.

Tell us more about Ireland, Don. My little bro went last year and loved it. I haven't been yet, dying to though!

Welcome to John, hope you do get that VDC. The 2003 gets a more integrated grille and bumper, plus a 6CD changer for that MacIntosh, so yes, wait. Plus those chrome rings around the speedo, like my Miata has.

Tom: buy wherever, they'll be glad to accept your service dollars. Fitz does not put any tacky dealer stickers on your car, thankfully!

Trolls, yuck. Ignore them and they tend to go away quickly. Fortunately we get few here at the Crew.

-juice

ateixeira · May 2002

Your purchase is a hot topic, so I'll dedicate this post entirely to you. :-)

First off, I admire your restraint in that WRX test drive. It wasn't broken in and you respected that.

The WRX is truly fast, but if you like low end torque and immediate throttle response, I can see that you may actually prefer the 2.5l Phase II engine.

My wife's car is definitely more torquey than mine (Phase I DOHC), especially at part throttle. And that's where you spend a lot of time in traffic. It's not even broken in yet, so I haven't pushed it, but it never feels lacking.

I think a GT may be the perfect car for you. Compared to the Outback your husband has, it has tires with a smaller diameter, and that means gearing that is effectively 7% shorter, for quicker starts. It may be a bit lighter than the Outback, too. Plus it's roomy and not expensive at all.

Titanium Pearl is a nice color. In fact I think that's what WDB and Pat chose, two long time OCD members. The color tends to look clean even when it isn't.

Yes, a 5 speed, please! Never again buy an auto, I think you're like my wife (and me) in that you really enjoy the involvement of rowing your own gears.

Let us know how it goes, and Happy Birthday!

-juice

barresa62 · May 2002

Actually, you're saga sounds like what I go through when I'm looking to buy a car. I just don't have the guts to post my schizo-thought process, LOL!! I really do enjoy your process though! I figure that you're going to end up w/the car that suits you best and if it's a Subaru then it's all "good". :-) Of course, it goes w/o saying that I'm objective.

Stephen

heatherbean · May 2002

Heck I may not get my GT. The truth is it is 200 miles away in South Lake Tohoe- not in the lake though I hope! It would be a Dealer trade to Chico. I offered $250 over invoice and they are giving us Fair Kelly Blue Book Trade-in value on the 2001 Outback. It would add $6,000 to our dept. Not a good thing, but at a better interest rate and $40 less a month (for 2 more years!) We'd still have the L.L. Bean (Spruce Goose) but would we ever drive it?

I am really really sure this time! Wish I knew that 7 weeks ago when we got the Bean! My husband wanted the Bean and I wanted a GT. If there was ever one near by to drive I would have insisted! But 200 miles away is the closest. The test drive was with a automatic sedan, not a good test, but the handling should (and better be!) the same. Yes I test drove the WRX in manual- All 4 I drove were manuals with short shifters. I like to feel the road and take tight corners without the body roll in the Outback's. It means more to me then anything- well it comes second to a MANUAL TRANNY! I like the name Frothy (meaning agile and light) Mocha. Since she looks like my mocha coffee yogurt and coffee with frothy whipcream in it. What do you all think of that name Frothy Mocha? Yummy just like my car- I hope! If this deal falls through we will have to order a 2003 model. Only hope my husband does not change his mind! He is much more comfortable with this choice then the OBS to say the least. I am scared of the sight unseen purchase! What if it rattles, what if there is severe wind noise, what if the paint is chipped and the window cracked! Oh my!!!! Whatif the driver who gets it at $6.00 an hour drives it in 1st all the way to Chico! O.K. Anyone here a heart specialist? I feel faint now.

BTW- the saga will continue because I will post about the Bean and the GT often.
Heather

ateixeira · May 2002

Glad to hear that.

One cavaet: make sure the GT will be YOUR car and not your hubby's. If he doesn't want the Bean, I'd really trade that in instead.

-juice

cynthiag · May 2002

Congrats Heather! It sounds like the GT is a good choice all round for you! I think the Titanium Pearl color is really pretty!

I might have been interested in a GT, but I just couldn't abide the whole dual sunroof/moonroof thing. But that's just me.

I do wish Subaru would offer that as an option, rather than a standard feature. Me, I'd rather have a full size spare as standard.

Cynthia

ateixeira · May 2002

Why not get one? I saw steel rims for just $38 at Discount Tire Direct, add one tire and you're only out a little over $100.

I'm not sure if an Outback-sized tire will fit, but I'm sure a GT or L sized spare will. I'm going to get one myself, and will post pictures when I do.

-juice

lucien2 · May 2002

ROTFLMAO

Heather, you slay me! That's the best car name EVER! Hee hee.....

brekke · May 2002

A friend needs a decent, used 4WD that can tow. I noticed a 97 Trooper ($8500) in the classifieds, is this a safe car? He wants another Explorer Sport and said his coworker got rid of his Trooper at 70K because it had too many probs. Did those Troopers have the 10yr warranty?

ateixeira · May 2002

Speaking of Frothy Mocha, we spent the weekend at the beach, and our hosts have a dog named Mocha.

Mocha (a chocolate lab) and Rocky (a huge doberman/black lab mix) rode up in the back of Sandy. The moms went ahead with the kids and Hadji, and the two dads took the big dogs later in the day.

Folded the seat flat, threw a carpet remnant on top and the dogs hopped right up. They had plenty of space and a great view. Didn't complain at all the whole trip. The cargo hold was tall enough that they could stand up and turn around, even.

3 hours later they hopped right out (low step-in was nice). Funny thing was Mocha hopped right back in! LOL

It's official, Dogs love Subies!

-juice

heatherbean · May 2002

Darn! I just called the Dealer here and the guy I am working with has today off. If we get the car I must go to the tire place and trade the tires first. I won't hear from him until tomorrow and I still have no idea if they accepted my deal. It's all a big unknown. And I have to wait another day to find out anything!

Husband this morning said, "Hey the GT is the same car as our manual Outback, so why do we want to spend $6,000 more for it!?" Well it has the same features, yes, but it does handle a lot better for me. I like the leather wrapped wheel better then the MOMO wheel in the Bean. I like the taller center console in the 2002 models as well. I like the classy looks of the GT a lot better too, and his blue is not my choice at all. He wants the Silver GT- hence the titanium pearl. Hee hee- to make sure it is mine! He likes the Bean better then the standard Outback, except for the automatic. Got to go forward with the deal before my husband changes his mind!!

Yeah Frothy Mocha is a bad name. I was trying to do a Thesauras match for NIMBLE and then a match for Titanium, but none found except for frothy. The mocha was from my coffee yogurt color. I like Kona, but it reminds me of the Ford Focus. Oh well, when I see her she will get the right name I am sure.

Thanks for all you support through this trying time in my life!
Heather

jimmyp1 · May 2002

No, those years did not have the 10/100 warranty. Paisan is going to say something like "the coworker had the exception, not the rule regarding problems at only 70k in a Trooper". And I will second that, because my 1998 (also withOUT the 10/100) has been flawless, and I have over 60k miles. Any used car is a gamble. Any new car is a gamble. My 2 cents.

Jim

ateixeira · May 2002

OK, time to consult our official Content Specialists to tell your hubby exactly what the 2002 GT has that you don't. I'll start the list:

* molded cup holders in the the console
* lit key ring
* sport suspension (1" lower)
* lower profile tires
* 7% shorter gearing

I know there are a lot more. Let's help her out folks! We need a long list for her to show her hubby. Don't disappoint.

-juice

heatherbean · May 2002

What does 7% shorter gearing do? It also has the Impreza turning radious which is a much tighter turn then the Outback. Why is that?
The supension is a mystery to me totally. All I know is I like the way this car handles and drives compared to the Outback's. It is like a night and day difference to me. I need road feel! I need great handling and cornering! I need a sports car! I don't care to race or auto cross, just enjoy the day to day driving on the day to day roads. So no turbo or big engine for me please. Besides- NO ONE here has a GT! I'd be the only GT owner within 200 miles! Of course if I get it, I will suddenly see tons of GT's on the road. It always seems to workout that way. Everyone in Chico has Outbacks it seems. Besides the handling- the handling!! I need good handling. Enough said.
Heather

ateixeira · May 2002

It makes the car quicker because the engine has more leverage, basically. Imagine riding your bike up a hill in the tallest gear. Shift down to first and it's much easier to get started. Same principle with cars.

The gears and final drive are actually the same, but tire diameter is 7% smaller. That gets it moving off the line more quickly.

The trade-off is that it'll rev higher on the highway at a given speed, and it may consumer slightly more fuel, though EPA tests are the same as the Outback.

The tighter turning circle also is likely due to the tires. They are 205mm wide, or 20mm more narrow than the Outback's. I'm not sure if the steering gear allows them to turn at a sharper angle or because the tires themselves turn more easily.

-juice

lucien2 · May 2002

keep "frothy!"

babaoriley · May 2002

I kind of know how you feel, Heather. The lease is up on my 00 Outback shortly and I've been prepping my wife for a WRX. She keeps saying things like its smaller, not as refined, etc. I keep saying 227 HP! But, now I'm not so sure. I just drove a relative's Audi TT and had an absolute blast as long as I was going all out. When I was trying to maintain and not get a ticket, the engine was gutless and unresponsive. Now, I know it wasn't a WRX, but I don't think I'd like a turbo coupled with a small engine for an everyday driver.
Also, we just got a dog (from the pound) that'll probably end up at 80 lbs. so I don't think the size will work either.
I also like the VDC, especially the McIntosh stereo and steering wheel, but I'm afraid the price is a little high since we're new homeowners.
I'll probably keep my Outback since it's been such a great car, but that doesn't mean I won't continue to drive me and my wife crazy thinking about the other Subaru options available.

-Brett

heatherbean · May 2002

No one gets to me like Chewbacca! So, does a Titanium Pearl GT look like Chewy? Or Wookie (Hey is it Wookie or Woogie?) I do like that name for her. I see Subaru's as girls though and Chewy is all boy. Frothy or frosty Mocha are much more like names of coffee's then cars. Hmmm.....
Heather

barresa62 · May 2002

Even though my silver WRX wagon has some cahonas (sp?), I still think of "her" instead of "him". I haven't named her yet but I'm open to suggestions. :-)

Stephen

paisan · May 2002

What JimmyP said is right. I know of about 2/200 troopers that had serious problems with 92-97 Troopers. The 2 people who had problems with them were used cars they bought and had been in collisions and most of the problems stemmed from poor initial repairs. In general they are good for about 200-250K miles w/o major repairs as long as they are maintained. But any used car is a gamble.

-mike

cynthiag · May 2002

I did think about getting one, but then one has to either ditch or store the foam tray and I'm not sure about that yet. I'm also not entirely sure the Outback tire will fit the spare space, it would be tight I think.

I thought I'd wait and see if this car is as flat prone as the Camry was and if necessary, THEN get the full size spare. I still don't see why Subaru wouldn't just offer it. Even the Toyota Matrix I looked at had a full size spare and it's a much cheaper car.

On behalf of the Camry though, she did know WHEN to have a flat... she had two in the hands of the thieves that stole her once and therefore I recovered her for many more enjoyable miles. It may sound weird, but when I saw she was gone, I willed her to throw a flat so she could get back to me.

Cynthia... psychic car owner

cynthiag · May 2002

My boss told me years ago, when I got the Camry that you tell by the VIN number. If it ends in an even number, it's a girl car, and if it ends in an odd number, it's a boy car.

How do other folks do it?

Just curious...

My Outback turned out to be a girl car, which augurs well for her being like the Camry and living a long healthy life.

Cynthia

seayakker · May 2002

Gender sex, of course is what I mean!

I dunno Cynthia, but I had no idea whether my Subie was male or female until I finally got her name (Grooru), and then all of a sudden I knew she was a she.

I guess she was just being coy until I finally got it together to figure out her name, then she let me know. Just like a woman, eh? ;-)

And you know the only reason I get to say a remark like that is because I am one!

Jillian

lucien2 · May 2002

gets a time out for multiple illegal apostrophe use. Apostrophes are used before the letter "S" to denote possession. The plural form of a noun needs no apostrophe. The plural of Subaru is Subarus, not Subaru's. /rant off

Heh heh...Heather, it is a pet peeve of mine, as others will tell you! A niggly error I see creeping in all over the place...even billboards and TV ad text. =8^))

heatherbean · May 2002

Yes you are correct Lucien2. The darn WORD spell check changed it on me to Subaru's.

Name decided: Chewbacca. I like that and hubby approves.
Heather

ateixeira · May 2002

Brett: have you named the dog? Dave, maybe? At least use a "K" in the name. ;-)

I liked Frothy, but Chewy is cool.

Stephen: silver wagon? Hmm. Silvia?

Cynthia: that's a useful skill. I hope you stick around so we can make use of it!

I consider all my cars female. I guess I spend enough time with them that I consider them my "mistresses" after a while. They reward drivers with a gentle touch and smooth operation. Excellent hygiene is a must (for OCD clubbers). Waxing the wheels is like painting toe nails. Must be female. :-)

-juice

ffsteve · May 2002

Serge, my wife and I vactioned in Sante Fe and Taos 18 months ago. Next time I want to drive there in my Subaru. I can personally recommend the places we stayed.

In Sante Fe the Pueblo Bonita Inn is just a short walk from the main square in the center of the town, you can just leave your car parked for the duration of your stay. Converted stables, the rooms are pleasant and the rates reasonable.

http://www.pueblobonitoinn.com/

In Taos, the Hacienda del Sol is supurb, and we received a very warm reception. Try the Cowboy Room!

http://www.taoshaciendadelsol.com

(I don't know how to make the links active - sorry).

Steve

brekke · May 2002

I think of all cars as female, except for Herbie the Love Bug and my friend's former '66 VW Fastback that was named 'Miles.'

Stephen, how about 'Remy'?

lilbluewgn02 · May 2002

Thanks for the suggestions...
We are trying to find someplace cheaper so we can spend our money on Pueblo pottery, which we collect...prices have been going steadily up..this is both good and bad..our collection is worth more, but it's more expensive to acquire new pieces. We keep checking SW Airlines for their internet specials out to Albuquerque.
-Pueblo Serge-

heatherbean · May 2002

Hey Stephen- the one who LOVES his beautiful silver WRX- I thought of a name for your car- Rocket. Seems to fit a silver WRX to me. Just a suggestion though.
Heather

hypov · May 2002

Just playing with Deutsche and Italian off the name "Rocket" suggested by Heather.

"Rakette" as in rakete : rocket
or
"Razzo"

-Dave

ironsides1 · May 2002

A fully inflated 225/60-16 will not fit in the spare tire space of the OB. I tried and it will not allow the rear floor cover to fit flat even after the foam storage container is removed.

I'm hopeful that the smaller Legacy tire- 205/60-15 will fit as a spare in my new Legacy SE wagon. Has anyone accomplished this? In my '92 Legacy wagons I've always carried a full size spare, however it is only a 185/70- 14 tire.

I've discovered that Subaru only has two sizes for their temporary spares. The 135/70-16 is the T spare for my '92 Legacy (14" tires) as well as the newer 15" Legacy. The GT tires are 205/55-16 and the OB has the 225/60-16 and they both have the 145/80-16 T spare. There is quite a difference in the circumference of all these tires, considering the restriction of no more than 1/4" circum. difference allowed by Subaru.

Jon

mrk610 · May 2002

I have not been able to follow your saga due to the fact I have been working so much in the past 4 days .I just got on and it seems your now going for the gt good luck Its a great car and probable going to be the same one I buy when my lease is up . Keep us posted .

Mike k

heatherbean · May 2002

No word from the Dealer yet. I called them yesterday and the Salesman was off work again and no one else knew about my trade with South Shore Motors!! Today, the day I am supposed to get my GT and my birthday, still no word! I feel so frustrated. Heck, I finally know what I want and can't even drive it! If they did go get it today, like they said, it could not possibly be here until 8:00 p.m. or so and no way could I drive it that late. My hopes were up and now are dashed. Sad on my birthday.
Heather

fibber2 · May 2002

If you make a tire wider and increase it's diameter, you will need more physical room in the wheel well to move it thru an intended steering angle. That is one of the reasons that as tires 'grow', mfgrs have to add fender flares, then change the wheel offset or suspension geometry to move the tire to the new centerpoint so that it doesn't rub on either the outer fender or inner support structure.

As little changed in the Legacy when it spawned the Outback (with it's larger tires), the solution was to limit steering angle. Thus the turning radius is a few feet larger.

Steve

cptplt · May 2002

I've noticed my WRX can't turn into my garage as easily as my GT even though I would have thought being smaller etc it would have a smaller turning radius, maybe they have limited the steering angle on the WRX too!

Off topic
Dropped the tire pressures on my WRX 4psi to 32 (the recommended pressure) and the difference in ride is amazing. I had talked to some people who thought my S03s would do better at 36psi.It may handle better, though I couldn't tell the difference but it was jarring the heck out of my brain! 4psi difference on my GT with Pilot XGTs (or the OEM Re92s) would be imperceptible!

mrk610 · May 2002

It really sucks when your what somthing and you have to wait for it .On the other hand HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

mike k

rsholland · May 2002

an anthrax scare yesterday at the World Bank, where juice works. I'm sure he's fine. Many (not all) workers were asked to stay home while the building is checked. He may(?) be one of them

Bob

ateixeira · May 2002

Jon: whichever one of us tries it first has to tell the other if it fits (205/60R15).

Steve: interesting bit of trivia, thanks.

Yes, I'm at home, but because I'm sick. The anthrax scare happened in another building. Preliminary tests were positive, but later tests were negative. They are getting a 3rd opinion, but most likely it's a false alarm.

-juice

lark6 · May 2002

Feel better.

Ed

ateixeira · May 2002

Psst, this is Hadji. juice is sleeping so I thought I'd say hi to his friends that walk upright.

First of all, I really am a cat. I don't meow or purr so as not to hurt his feelings, but I mean, look at me, I'm feline!

Also, while I like the high view point Sandy offers, I prefer the moquette upholstery on mommy's car. Shh, don't tell him.

Don't ever tell him I dropped by, it'll be our secret! He doesn't know I can type. ;-)

Dogs (and cats) love Subies!

-Hadji

bluesubie · May 2002

Where's that pic of you on the mulch pile?

-Dennis

Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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