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Subaru Baja

2213 messages,  Last post on Feb 20, 2012 at 8:57 AM

You are in the Subaru Baja Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Baja, Truck

Messages Page 170 of 222

#1685 of 2213 So close by jchagtdi

Apr 03, 2004 (2:02 pm)

I almost bought a new Baja Sport today. It was the Mystic Blue pearl mono paint scheme. The Subaru websit makes it look purple, but it is actually a very handsome, deep blue. The dark pearl paint with the deep tinted side and rear glass gave the car a very rich look.
 
It was a non turbo 2.5 automatic, and my only complaint with the vehicle itself was the lousy stero.
 
The only reason I didn't buy it was because of a nasty case of being upside down in my current loan.
 
The dealer asked for $9000 over the MSRP of $23,595 to cover my negative equity. For $9000 I decided to keep my 2003 Accord LX and enjoy it (and maybe start making double payments on it :-{
 
Oh yeah, there was no price break on the Legacy 35th, either. I was approved for the 1.9 financing, but we were too far apart in price, I guess. I may consider trying to do this transaction online, but it's tough when a trade is involved.

#1686 of 2213 by ateixeira

Apr 05, 2004 (9:36 am)

Wait until the 2005 Legacys are on the lot, then you have more negotiating power.
 
But really, you're better off waiting until you're not upside down.
 
-juice

#1687 of 2213 I've gotta wait by jchagtdi

Apr 05, 2004 (8:23 pm)

I'll be upside down for a while, I'm sure. I drive about 35K miles per year, and the Honda is NOT a terrible car. I just think the Subies are better . My first car in high school was an '84 GL 4- door (gold). That Subaru has left quite an impression on me,even after 10 years after getting rid of it. The harder I treated it, the better it ran. I know quite a few Subaru "lifers" that will not buy any other make of car. Are they any official numbers on Subaru owner loyalty? I'd think the loyalty numbers are probably higher than those of Toyota or Honda.
 
Anyway, Saturday night I was at the Volvo/Virgin All Access Drive event in Foxboro, MA, and I got to drive a manual and automatic version of both the T5 and 2.4i Volvo S40. The non turbo 5 cyl is actually very pleasant with the manual, and for $24,200, will have my serious consideration along with the new Legacy/Outback/Baja. What's funny is that there is always quite a bit of talk about Subaru in the Volvo forums. These two car companys seem to design and build cars that appeal to similar sensibilities, yet, are very different.

#1688 of 2213 by ateixeira

Apr 06, 2004 (7:41 am)

Forester is best in class for owner loyalty, last time I saw RL Polk's numbers. That says a lot for a tiny niche manufacturer with 1% market share.
 
CR surveys owners and asks them if they'd buy the same car again, once again Forester came out on top in its class.
 
So yeah, we tend to like 'em.
 
I'm actually registered for the Volvo event in DC, that's funny. I like to sample as many cars as possible, to see what's out there. I've sat in an S40 and found it sorta small, about WRX sized, though. The V50 looks bigger.
 
Then again the Baja is kinda tight inside.
 
-juice

#1689 of 2213 04 Improvements by samadam

Apr 11, 2004 (1:16 pm)

Has the 04 Baja had the same issues as the 03? Such as the seals/leaks, engine noise, and gas sloshing sound?

#1690 of 2213 OTF by twrx

Apr 12, 2004 (7:21 am)

Guess that answers that question. All of you Forester owners will need to buy a new one or Consumer Reports might make the "Aztek" the numer one loyalty vehicle!

#1691 of 2213 Owner Loyalty by atlgaxt

Apr 12, 2004 (7:30 am)

Juice - I know this is a little off topic (and old), but knowing the loyalty of Subaru owners, why does the Forester score so low on J.D. Powers surveys? Forester is ranked below the CRV, Sante Fe, and I think even the Escape. It does not make sense.

#1692 of 2213 by ateixeira

Apr 12, 2004 (10:18 am)

Saw an update, coincidentally, and yes, Forester won the owner loyalty award again for 2003. They had won it in 2000 and 2001 as well.
 
Forester was tied for 3rd in the JD Power Initial Quality study, CR-V was 1st, then RAV4, then Forester and Santa Fe (tied). That's not bad.
 
Besides, though, that's only looking at 90 days when everthing is under warranty and fixed for free. I say "who cares?". IQ is just a forecast, really.
 
JDP's own Durability Study is much more significant. It looks at 5 year old models that are out of warranty.
 
CR also looks at longer term numbers. Subaru tends to score better on longer term studies.
 
Unless you lease a new car every 2 years...
 
Back to Baja, AN says Subaru might discontinue it, but only after the 2006 model year. Wonder if it'll continue on the current chassis until then?
 
-juice

#1693 of 2213 Give me a longer cargo bed... by twrx

Apr 12, 2004 (11:30 am)

...and I'd consider one. The turbo has given it the personality it should have had to start off with. The content is all there and the price is pretty darn good for what you get--especially on the base model turbo. But it just is not too good in the hauling department.
 
Till then I guess I will stick with my 1992 Toyota Red Neck Pick Up.
 
TWRX
 
PS, just got to thinking, has anybody seen an Element in that olive green? Reminds me of a baby Hummer. Maybe the military should save about $90000 and get army green Elements!

#1694 of 2213 by ateixeira

Apr 12, 2004 (12:04 pm)

Yep, popular color. I always thought they should have a yellow one, that's a popular H2 color.
 
Baja hasn't met sales expectation, but Element has exceeded them by nearly double. Price is probably a big part of that.
 
-juice

Messages Page 170 of 222

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