Subaru Crew - Future Models II

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Comments

  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Hello Forester interior. ;-) Those wheels look funky. The Crew should be the only point for SoA focus groups!

    -Dennis
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Here! Here Dennis! :)

    Bob
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    NO idea if we're getting the Saaburu. Saabs are very rare indeed up here. What are the Subara/Saab sales ratios in US. They'd be like a 100:1 here. No guff.

    Nicholas
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Looks like that steering wheel is Subaru's new corporate design -- seems to be popping up on everything. I like it.

    I don't know who has been in charge of picking WRX wheels from 02-05, but they are continuing to disappoint. First of all, the fenders are clearly proportioned for a wider wheel/tire (for instance, 215 or 225 tires w/ ~48-53mm offset) and the sixteens they keep throwing on look too small and ingrown. I can't begin to convey how much better my WRX looked when I went to 17" wheels. I think you could go to a wider 16" wheel and get much of the same effect. The OEM wheels just look too wimpy in my opinion.

    I think the WRX has been the first car I've owned where the OEM wheels just looked wrong. My Prelude had a 5-spoke 16" wheel similar to the WRX, but proportionally, they just looked a whole lot better. The 16" wheels on my wife's Forester XS look great, and the new Legacy wheels are pretty nice too. So what's the deal on the WRX? Why can't they fill out those fenders with the right wheel ?!?!?

    Craig
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Craig, I couldn't agree with you more. The North American WRX wheels have looked wimpy from day one, and this new wheel is no better. The car screams for a 17" wheel, like what's been sold in Japan and Europe.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    http://www.cars101.com/subaru/impreza/impreza2005photos.html

    http://www.cars101.com/subaru/impreza/impreza2005photos1.html
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    chances are your Subie dealer already has some '05 Outbacks on their lot. It seems the distributor Subaru of New England has some pull, as virtually every dealer in Conneticut has 3 or 4. I also noticed most other dealers in NE also have new '05s listed in their inventory, as I did a random search in all the NE states. Go to the dealer locator on the SOA site and check dealer inventories in your state. You may be surprised.

    Bob
  • sebberrysebberry Member Posts: 148
    seem troubled by Japan and Europe getting all the goodies way before we in North America get them, if we get them all.

    We should all write (nice) letters to SOA asking them to start including the features we can all only drool about right now.

    Almost everybody on these boards have been wishing for features like the Navigation system, Mcintosh stereo, HID's and more. Most of us here are either Subaru owners looking to add another to our fleet, or non-Subaru owners planning on purchasing a new Subaru.

    For me, it makes little sense to not listen to the customer, or potential customers.

    Subaru has been making a lot of positive changes to their cars, especially the Legacy and Outback. Subaru might call these revolutionary for their models, but I call it keeping pace with automotive trends. So even though the cars have undergone an extensive facelift, they are just better able to compete with models like the Accord, and now vehicles from Europe. (Which is probably why only the European models get the extras.) To really have a competitave advantage, they need to offer the extras.

    Just think, to keep the costs of the vehicles down, the Nav system could be a dealer installed option. Every dealer would be required to stock a couple of Navi systems, and it would be a simple installation during the PDI should the customer want it. Same could be done with the sound systems.

    Just my .02
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    I agree completely. Subaru's total absence from the satellite radio field is also inexplicable. Being partly owned by GM, I am stunned that Subaru doesn't even offer XM. Onstar is certainly available...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    So we might not be the first ones to try the 2005 models after all. But then for turbos, we might.

    WRX rim looks small, must be a visual effect but there almost seems to be more sidewall than before.

    Not sure I like the smoked lenses, they look dirty. Painted lower trim is already on our 2002 Legacy L, it's about time.

    Thumbs up for the 3 spoke wheel, a big improvement, and the single tip exhaust and Forester center stack.

    STi gets Ecsaine on the doors, I love it! Like that new darker color, too, in fact it might be my pick of the bunch. The flare looks subtle, I like it.

    Seems like a lot for what I thought would be a carry-over year. I guess this is the interior face-lift.

    -juice
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Anyone know if I can retrofit to get a behind-the-console flip out cup-holder to work in the WRX? Do the current Foresters have this feature? There is a discrete plate on the back of my console which looks like it should easily be removed for the mod.
    Nicholas
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    IIRC it fits, but it's a slightly different color on the Forester.

    -juice
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    yes, NE Mass dealers have the Base H4 OB already
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    Ultimately, the big question surfaced: "If you were going to spend $40,000-plus for a sporty midsize SUV, would you buy this X3?" Anyone who wants BMW performance in an SUV, who can go easy on the options and who doesn't mind a cabin that's not as luxurious as some much cheaper SUVs should be pleased with the X3. But were it us shopping, it wouldn't be such a knee-jerk reaction; we'd have to add at least two other vehicles to our test-drive list. One would be another premium-brand, sporty SUV — the comparably priced but more generously equipped Infiniti FX35. And the other is something you probably wouldn't expect us to mention here — the $11,000 cheaper yet still well-built and thoroughly enjoyable Subaru Forester XT (please hold off on the snickering and irate letters until you've actually driven one).
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    it was rumored that he '05 models would have longer warrantys. Well that has not happened, from what I've read. :(

    Bob
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    let us all go to SOA site & report(contact subaru sec) what we need hid, nav, memory seats etc

    And report here, so we will know how many communiated to SOA

    how does it sound ?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bob: I bet they thought about going upscale in terms of pricing, and that might have required a longer warranty and perhaps even some free service.

    Still, I'd take the current lower prices over higher ones with those perks.

    From the CR-V thread, varmint says it's rumored that the 2005 CR-V will get substantial upgrades. The EX may be getting 16" rims, and all models may get SAC, VSA, 5EAT, and an improved AWD system.

    Forester has pioneered a lot of stuff in the category, like standard ABS (1998), side air bags that protect the head (2003), but it's time to pick up the pace.

    Toyota has VSC on the RAV4, SAC too, I think. And that's this year, next year it might even get more stuff.

    Legacy is current in terms of safety equipment but for the Forester it's time to think about some upgrades. It's always been at the forefront and it should try to stay there.

    -juice
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    If you want an exact color rear cup-holder, there's a guy that imports UK parts. I can't remember his web site, but I'll look for it. His name is Arne Haines.

    I had a friend pick up one for me when he went home to the UK. :-)

    edit: Found the site with a search in the WRX forum:
    http://www.subietech.com/Photo_Gallery.html

    -Dennis
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Many thanks Dennis.
    Do you guys not get that stuff in USA. The doggie guard is available here for instance, but it's $$$. $400 Can, about 300U$D if I recollect.

    Nicholas
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Note that the cupholder Arne sells is not like the Forester (or JDM Impreza) unit that folds *into* the back of the console. Arne's cup holder mounts *on* the back of the console.

    I think Allsubaru.com sells Forester cupholders that have been painted to match the WRX interior.

    Craig
  • ratbert1ratbert1 Member Posts: 72
    Diesel Subaru. I don't care which model! Ok, OBW if I have to choose. Right now diesel fuel near me is $0.15 cheaper per gallon. I know Subaru could put a diesel engine with similar performance into a car. One of diesel's strongest points is that it has huge torque (towing). AND there would be a waiting list for it. Look at the Jeep Liberty. When NYS gets it's ultra low sulphur diesel in 2006, I'm buying one! But for now I can't even buy a TDI VW because NYS won't allow them to be sold (thank you enviro-wacko groups). I think that Subaru buyers may be very likely to respond to the introduction of a diesel. We own Subarus for a reason (or many reasons) and certainely AWD is a factor for many. Diesel seems like a great combo with that.

    I'd definitely vote for diesel over hybrid elec. Diesel technology is established and proven. Diesel has a reputation of reliability, power, and longevity. Unfortunately it also has a reputation (not currently justified) of being noisy and smelly. But look at the VW TDI diesels. very impressive. Mercedes, too.

    ARE YOU LISTENING SUBARU? :)
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Why on earth is it banned in NYS?
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    The sale of diesel powered autos (Jetta/Passat TDI, MB E class D) are prohibited in at least CA, NY, MA and ME because the emissions generated are higher than what the Federal and Local EPA's allow. Current diesel fuel is high in sulphur - by 2006 diesel fuel in the US will be low sulphur as has been the case in Europe for many years. Two probable factors for the delay of intro in the US is the trucking and petroleum industry lobbies - low sulphur diesel requires more processing and will sell for a higher price.

    As for who to blame, remember that federal highway funding is withheld from states that do not meet the clean air standards and current diesels are an easy target for the states in order to meet those standards. Although environmental groups do have a strong influence on EPA legislation, keep in mind that once upon a time it was considered OK to dump hazardous chemicals willy nilly in places like Love Canal, the Hudson River, and the wells for Woburn, MA (see A Civil Action).

    I for one look forward to the new class of diesels - they are a better solution right now than fuel cells IMHO.
  • cdnp5cdnp5 Member Posts: 163
    Does anybody know which market already has one of these? What kind of mileage does it get? I to would think this would be a perfect match up (wagon/diesel) and would trip over myself running to the dealer to get one. I did a quick look at the UK and Oz websites but didn't see any.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Does the Jetta TDI come in a wagon? If so they're closer than you think. Passat too.

    -juice
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Jetta Wagon does indeed come in TDI.
  • rangnerrangner Member Posts: 336
    That was the deal breaker for us when we were considering a jetta TDI, well that and VW's reliability.

    Eric
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    It wasn't too many years ago that diesel cost more than reg unleaded. Anybody know why the two don't track the same when compared to the price of crude? Colin?

    -Frank P
  • ratbert1ratbert1 Member Posts: 72
    I thought there were 5 states? Maybe VT or NH are part of that, too. I agree that low sulphur diesel is great and necessary, but do they have to ban the sale of diesel cars until then? I think that's extreme. There are so few diesel cars sold that it wouldn't make a difference for the next year or 2.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Diesel prices just fluctuate less. Around me it costs a bit more when gas is cheap, a bit less when gas is pricey (like now).

    Good point - VW hasn't mated the TDI to 4Motion for the US, at least.

    -juice
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Please note that this info comes 2nd hand from my Dad with almost 40 years in the oil business on 3 different continents. I have asked him before about unleaded prices.
    Part of it relates to a dwindling number of compounds to increase the octane rating of unleaded gas that are allowed. See tetra-ethyl lead basically was an anti-knock compound and therefore an octane booster, and it was dirt cheap. Remember back in the days when both were available, unleaded was more expensive. Some of the other compounds which have since been restricted as additives include the aromatics (benzene and its derivatives)and MTBE. It's just getting more and more expensive to come up with acceptable compounds that improve the octane rating.
    Oh and much of the rest is just money-grubbing , price-fixing, government-owning oil company price fixing.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    we've sold low sulfur and low particulate exhaust diesel fuel for some time now (four or five years?), but without the EPA forcing people to buy it market conditions are tepid at best.

    ~c
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    VT or NH is the other. I don't think the sale is banned. I believe it is more that the vehicles won't pass the required emissions testing so the manufacturers don't even offer them in those states and discourage border state dealers from selling them as well.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Russell Subaru in Catonsville MD got a blue '05 STi in yesterday. I happened to swing by today, and it was sitting out front of the dealer.

    There was an '04 STi sitting about 10' feet away from the '05 model, so I was able to make some real comparisons between the two.

    The interior is definitely nicer on the '05. Nothing major, but just a lot of little details make it nicer. The interior appears to be a bit classier than the '04 model. The rear wheelwell flair looks better in person than it does in the photos. If you look carefully you can see the different wheel lug spacing differences. The smoked headlights and STi badges with black edges look good too.

    The MSRP went up ~ $1200 or so. The dealer tacked on an additional $3K ADM.

    Bob
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    LOL, they're dreaming with that ADM. They will be happy to get MSRP.

    --I mean, how many '04s were sitting out there next to the '05? ;)

    ~c
  • ratbert1ratbert1 Member Posts: 72
    I thought there were 5 states? Maybe VT or NH are part of that, too. I agree that low sulphur diesel is great and necessary, but do they have to ban the sale of diesel cars until then? I think that's extreme. There are so few diesel cars sold that it wouldn't make a difference for the next year or 2.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If I'm shopping and I see an ADM on the sticker, I just walk. I don't even bother with dealers like that.

    -juice
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Flemington Subaru has neVar applied ADM to any car!

    -Dennis
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Around me it's the Honda dealers, both College Park and Ourisman did that last time I looked.

    -juice
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I liked how it looked on pix. Classy. I wonder if the same color will make it into Forester 2005 lineup.
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=9&article_- id=1314
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    check out the nice OB video added in need-desire.com page

    under gallery, 360 view, click the 3rd one
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Was the link intentionally for the R32?

    Ken
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Love the seats in that Golf. Looook Maaahvelous!!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    No thanks, for that kind of money I'll take an STi. I mean, it's the old, old Golf. The new one's been out in Europe for how long now?

    What next? A classic 1984 GTI?

    Maybe Subaru will come out with an XT6 to compete...

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Base price about $300 lower than '04 model, plus Momo wheel, 6-CD standard, lit key ring!

    It was an automatic, and the MSRP was $20-something. It also had a few options.

    Bob
  • pon1pon1 Member Posts: 196
    How did you like the crystal gray, is it a whole bunch different from the current silver? JP
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I saw it at dusk, so it looked a little different than normal, but yes, I liked it.

    Bob
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    it's not a gunmetal grey is it?

    ~c
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    it's not that dark, although I wish it was... :(

    Bob
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