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Comments
-Dan-
Cheers...
DD
PS-Will buy 2005 Impreza TS now,unless my car falls apart this winter.I am always open to advice and info,I check this board every night.
-Dan-
-juice
It is the other party's fault since they slammed us in the rear. Actually, the 4-runner who was directly behind us and hit us, was at a stop but the Dodge Ram behind it did not stop and smashed the 4-runner into us. So I guess it would be deemed as the Dodge Ram's fault. All 3 vehicles were towed away after the incident.
Later...AH
-juice
How much was the repair estimate ? Insist on putting in genuine Subaru parts, since a lot of companies try to save money by sneaking in other supposedly "same quality" parts.
Later...AH
Thanks for your input Dan.
Goodnight...
DD
-Brian
-Dan-
-juice
Total repairs were about $7,500+ and they have already been reimbursed (except deductible) by my insurance company.
I'm planning to get something a little less attractive to thieves. Considering a different Subaru turbo wagon. :-) Then again, there are times when I miss my trusty OBS.
http://www.isuzu-suvs.com/events/pb02-17-02/pics/pages/DSCN1219.h- - tm
-Dennis
The all wheel drive system is excellent and gives definite control and safety advantages. I can feel an underlying security and confidence when driving this car.
Coming most recently out of a Civic coupe, the ride in the OBS is quieter and smoother. The quality of the OBS is at least equal to the Civic and any other vehicle I've owned for that matter. So yes, there is a lot that I do like about it.
I wouldn't be selling them if I didn't believe in them and like them.
-Dan-
Follow up, am I going to have a hard time fitting an aftermarket name on there instead if I have to?
Thanks to all you guys who help us uneducated out.
sp
Besides, when yours is the best the rest are just that, the rest.
p.s. I've also heard that gurgling noise, I'm not worried about it, myself.
p.p.s. 1997 install leather boot + knob http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/shifter/shifter.html
You can buy a universal wheelskins leather boot at jcwhitney for $20
fly: I'm guessing it's an auto? Those understeer more because the default power split is biased toward the front. A fatter rear sway bar would work wonders. I got an OE 18mm bar from a 2.5RS for $78 from a wholesaler, though they are no longer in business. But any Subaru dealer should sell the 18 and 20mm bars.
The thunk? Was it just a firm shift? There isn't a lot of slop in the powertrain. Try easing off the gas just before the shift occurs. All 4 wheels accelerate and brake, including when you are engine braking.
Not sure if the gauge cluster is pre-wired. All the audio stuff is, FWIW.
-juice
1. After a month with the car, I have noticed an intermittent rattle from the glove compartment that occurs after driving over even small bumps, whether it be city driving or on the freeway. The rattle is very annoying, and I was wondering if anyone else with the same model has experienced anything similar.
2. Is it just my car, or have others found the coating over the bumpers and body molding to be pretty cheap/easily scratched? The other day I was removing one of the assembly stickers from the end of the molding on the drivers side door, and some of the coating rubbed right off revealing black underneath. I also noticed two other areas where the coating has been worn away where the front license plate has been mounted to the bumper. Is this normal wear and tear after 1 month of driving the car? Should I discuss this with Subaru, or am I being too anal?
I would love any feedback on these issues. Thanks.
1. I DAVE NOT HAVE RATTLE FROM MY GLOVE COMPART-MENT. YOU MAY TAKE THIS CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO
CHECK IT.
2. I THINK THE PAINT OF OBS IS VERY EASY TO GET
SCRATCHED. IN FACT, WHEN I GOT MY CAR, I NOTICED
THERE WERE LIGHT SCRATCHES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE
REAR PASSENGER DOORS. I TOLD THE SALESMAN AND HE
SAID IT WAS EASY TO HAVE THE DEALER TO BUFF THEM
OFF. WHEN HE DELIVERED THE CAR, THE SCRATCHES
WERE GONE. ANYWAY, WAX THE CAR MORE OFTEN TO
PROTECT THE PAINT. THAT IS WHAT I PLAN TO DO.
BY THE WAY, HERE IS MY OWN STORY. I LIVE IN TEXAS.
THE DEALER TOOK THE LICENCE FRAMES OFF, JUST
LEAVING THE BARE METAL LICENCE PLATES ON THE CAR.
IN THAT AFTERNOON, I WASHED MY CAR. WHEN I WAS
WASHING WITH A SPONGE NEAR THE LOWER FRONT BUMPER,
MY UPPER SIDE OF MY HAND JUST ABOVE MY THUMB SLID
AGAINST THE ROUGH OF THE METAL LICENCE PLATE AND
THERE IT WAS CUT ABOUT AN INCH IN LENGTH. I HAD TO
GO TO ER ROOM TO HAVE 5 STITCHES OVER THE CUT.
I COULD NOT WORK FOR THAT WEEK, CAUSING ME TO
LOOSE 3 DAYS OF VACATION TIME.
THE DEALER SAID THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
IN TEXAS DOES NOT ALLOW DEALER LICENCE FRAME TO
BLOCK THE NAME OF TEXAS ON THE LICENCE PLATE.
SO TEXANS BE CAREFUL.
JOE TAI
Also, using all block letters in your message means you are shouting; please use lower case only. Capitals are also hard to read.
Thank you for your advice. I am going to use
aluminum tape to tape off all edges of the plate
and then,as you suggest, use a thin frame.
I use capital letters because solely I am lazy.
I do not mean to shout at any body. Please accept
my apologies.
Joe Tai
The paint seems thin and easily scratched. I've also had the car for just a month and have noticed this as well. This is the #1 complaint existing owners had when I was researching the Impreza, so it goes with the territory.
I agree on the paint. I mostly notice it at the very front of the hood. I knew about the paint going in, so it's something to live with. You can get an accessory to cover it, if you like.
-Dan-
I believe in the U.S., at least for the State of NY, even framing the license plate is illegal. However there is an out; the law prohibits any coverage by glass or plastic but no mentioning of metal. So, find youself a thin metal frame so as not to cover/block any license details and you're good to go.
-Dave
-juice
Later...AH
Later...AH
Later...AH
Our 4EAT '03 TS got about 22mpg in town during breakin, now it's slightly higher (23-24 mpg, 100% in town, at 7000 miles). We've gotten over 30 mpg on highway trips, but more commonly high 20's.
utahsteve
-juice
Later...AH
http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/wheels.html
TS rim = 19.5 lbs. and WRX rim = 16.5 lbs.
*but*
TS tire = 18 lbs. WRX tire = 21 lbs. per Bridgestone's site, so it's a wash, assuming all these numbers are right.
As for size, yes, AH, you're absolutely right. I mentioned the size difference in 2393 above in regards to the ground clearance, but of course it affects speedo, odo, and final gear ratio (by around 2%, not enough to worry me). But, FWIW, we've compared the speedo to that in my OB and it's actually closer now that we have the WRX rims/tires on the TS. It's also spot on when passing those radar display signs (if those are to be taken as accurate). Go figure.
utahsteve
http://www.wheelweights.net/
-Dave
Usually they say +/- 3% is OK, and that's conservative. So those would be fine on a TS.
Besides, the speedo is already conservative, so it might actually be more accurate. The odometer would rack up fewer miles, which I'm sure you won't mind...
-juice
Thanks guys...
DD
PS-When does the timing belt need to be changed on a RS?Is it true the back seats don't fold down on a RS?
The '98 model had the same engine in my Forester, the DOHC Phase I. The timing belt change is at 105k miles, with an "inspection" at 90k. Given the labor will be paid for, I'll just change mine at 90k.
The wheel bearings are the #1 issue I'd be concerned with. Subaru does cover them under the 60k warranty, but still, they can run several hundred each if they fail after 60k.
The 2003 design is more robust and will likely not have that problem.
The RS is a fun vehicle, and I think the '99 model even got a rear limited-slip diffy. It's sportier, with 16" rims too.
But...resale is strong, so you won't save much. I'd buy new, definitely. Get the better bearings, the revised clutch, and a full warranty for not a whole lot more cash.
-juice
You'd think an Outback "Sport" would have a "sport"shifter, wouldn't you? Or the WRX auto. Or even maybe the RS...they're supposed to be sporty-type cars, right?
I'm leaning so far toward getting an OBS that I want and got one of those Subaru credit cards so I can rack up dollars to put towards it. But the zigzag shifter still annoys me, and I'd LOVE one with a sportshifter.
-juice