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Subaru Baja

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

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Baja, Truck

Messages Page 204 of 222

#2030 of 2213 quandry... by once_for_all

Jun 21, 2005 (2:00 pm)

not sure what to do here, the local Honda dealer is offering me a Ridgeline RS for $28k including destination, plus $15.5 k trade in for my 2003 Forester XS 5speed. Edmunds indicates that the Forester is worth, at best, $14.7k trade in. The local Subaru dealer offered $14k trade in on a new Baja.
 
I suspect that the Ridgeline price won't get a whole lot better, but the trade-in on my Forester isn't going to be so sweet if I wait 6 months trying to decide between the Ridgeline and an '06 Baja. I suspect that getting into the premium leather seated model of the '06 Baja (the only one with adequate head room) will run me about $25k minimum, with a trade-in of about $13 k.
 
For $12.5k difference for the Ridgeline, vs about $12k for the Baja, the Ridgeline sure is looking attractive. The lower mpg is more than compensated by the better resale value of the Ridgeline.
 
Anyone else struggling over whether the Baja is in their future?
 
John

#2031 of 2213 Ridge by ateixeira

Jun 22, 2005 (9:01 am)

Sounds like they make more of a margin up front, so they can offer more for your trade.
 
What are your needs? Will you use the extra space, or will it just be wasted and use up extra gas?
 
If you can use the space I'd get the Ridgeline. Otherwise, if you want to have fun in a vehicle that's a lot easier to park, Baja.
 
-juice

#2032 of 2213 Baja AWD System Question by pagris

Jun 24, 2005 (10:17 am)

I am considering purchasing a new Baja Sport and have been inclined to get a 5-speed (even though they seem to be very scarce here in the Mid-Atlantic area - I have never seen one at a dealership over the past couple of years). However, after studying the specifics of the differing AWD systems that come with the automatic and manual transmissions, I am thinking that the automatic's system may be functionally superior and would appreciate any opinions on this.
 
TIA - pagris

#2033 of 2213 AWD by ateixeira

Jun 24, 2005 (10:43 am)

VTD is indeed a more sophisticated system, but I think that only comes on the turbos, right?
 
So if you're getting a Sport model, the VC splits power 50/50 front to rear and is actually a little sportier in feel than the 90/10 default split of the automatic's system.
 
If you want a stick, get a stick.
 
-juice

#2034 of 2213 Re: AWD [ateixeira] by once_for_all

Jun 24, 2005 (12:15 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 24, 2005 10:43 am)
what juice said. The turbo auto with VTD is a high-level AWD system. The MT is next best AWD. The Sport auto AWD is on the low end.
 
John

#2036 of 2213 Re: AWD by pagris

Jun 24, 2005 (12:43 pm)

Replying to: once_for_all (Jun 24, 2005 12:15 pm)
Thanks for the replies, members. I can understand where the 50/50 split might be better for normal driving, but isn't the variable power split of the the automatic's system better for inclement weather (ie, snow)? Or perhaps I am just over-thinking this.... Besides, if I get the manual, my kids can't drive it and my wife won't want too...

#2037 of 2213 Re: quandry... [once_for_all] by wht1986

Jun 24, 2005 (1:59 pm)

Replying to: once_for_all (Jun 21, 2005 2:00 pm)
Yup I'm struggling too. I've been bitten by the baja bug, but I am going to hold out for the 06s. Saving up enough to upgrade to the turbo if possible.

#2038 of 2213 Re: quandry... [wht1986] by njswamplands

Jun 24, 2005 (2:52 pm)

Replying to: wht1986 (Jun 24, 2005 1:59 pm)
bitten by the baja bug, now that is a rare disease

#2039 of 2213 Re: AWD [pagris] by once_for_all

Jun 24, 2005 (4:08 pm)

Replying to: pagris (Jun 24, 2005 12:43 pm)
The auto with the VTD is better--safer, since it senses slip and compensates. The standard auto (non-turbo model) is a 90/10 split front to rear.
 
I actually need to get out of my MT Forester as my back suffers from the constant clutching. So, I have been looking at the Baja AT with the turbo.
 
I am holding off waiting for the '06 model. The Forester XT auto made huge improvements in MPG and I am hopeful the Baja Turbo will also get the engine upgrades.
 
John

Messages Page 204 of 222

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