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Subaru Crew Cafe

17119 messages,  Last post on May 23, 2013 at 9:51 AM

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Messages Page 1690 of 1712

#16890 of 17119 Re: I know what answer I'll get from you guys... [volkov] by volkov

Nov 20, 2012 (11:25 am)

Replying to: volkov (Nov 20, 2012 11:23 am)
I should add, that I do believe your statement to be true for older model vehicles, say 8 years old or so.

#16891 of 17119 Re: I know what answer I'll get from you guys... [kcram] by colin_l

Nov 20, 2012 (3:14 pm)

Replying to: kcram (Nov 19, 2012 8:17 pm)
If you need/want a vehicle exactly like one of Subaru's few offerings, then yes, I do think they are a great value.
 
If you own vehicles longer and drive more miles, I would suggest a Kia or Hyundai because they have the 10yr/100k warranty, and sadly, Subaru is still not there with Toyota for mechanical reliability.
 
I haven't bought a Subaru since 1999. The Outback doesn't compare in terms of luxury or drivability to my A4 Avant, and the LGT wagon is long gone. Before that, my wife got a deal she couldn't pass up on a Suzuki G-V and it was a much better value than a Forester. The closest I've come to a Subaru was in 2004 when I bought my Evo; really, the WRX STi is nearly the same car. But I very much doubt the STi would have been as reliable, or sold for 44% of what I paid after owning the car for 8 years and 107k miles.
 
Also-- odd quote from the article:
" Don't look in Subaru's lineup for any minicars the size of the Honda Fit.."
 
Doesn't Subaru still make the Pleo and some kind of microvan, but they don't export it outside of Asia? The article was well-researched, but I think they missed this one. They should have said that Subaru has not seen fit to offer their minicars in the US market yet, much as they hesitated for years to bring the WRX over.

#16892 of 17119 Re: I know what answer I'll get from you guys... [kcram] by xwesx

Nov 20, 2012 (4:10 pm)

Replying to: kcram (Nov 19, 2012 8:17 pm)
For an article that is spouting off so many snippits of Subaru history, it's a funny thing that the caption of the photo of Tom Doll states, "Tom Doll, Subaru's top U.S. executive, in a Forester." Um... might want to check that interior again!

#16893 of 17119 Re: I know what answer I'll get from you guys... [colin_l] by volkov

Nov 21, 2012 (10:30 am)

Replying to: colin_l (Nov 20, 2012 3:14 pm)
I remember that last time I researched things (2008/09 maybe?) the STi was more reliable than the Evo long term and certainly Subaru overall was much better than Mitsu. With the usual YMMV caveat as was the case for your Evo.

#16894 of 17119 Tire chains by toboggan

Dec 03, 2012 (11:14 am)

OK, daughter has a 2002 Forester. Her tires do not have "M+S" or a "snowflake." What's the deal with tire chains. I'm kinda remembering must have on all four tires, not just two tires. What's your input.
 
By the way she lives in Portland, OR and is visiting us for this month (December in Duluth, MN). There are 3 mountain passes on I-94/90 between here and Portland.
 
Thanks.

#16895 of 17119 Re: Tire chains [toboggan] by xwesx

Dec 03, 2012 (11:33 am)

Replying to: toboggan (Dec 03, 2012 11:14 am)
All four, for sure, on a Subaru. If you have a two-wheel-drive (1WD with open diff!) vehicle, a pair of chains is fine for those "get unstuck" situations.
 
The problem with relying on chains over marginal tires for a long trip like the one your daughter is contemplating is that there may be many situations where she'll need them. Situations, such as ice or light (6" or less) snowfall, that wouldn't need chains at all with good tires. If her tires aren't even mud/snow rated, I wouldn't want to use them for winter driving at all. There are some pretty marginal all-season tires out there with the M+S rating on the side, so a lack of that symbol really says something about the tire's intended use.
 
So, three things on the chains. 1., Low speed only (30 mph MAX) while using them. 2., Use them only when necessary. 3., Take the time to learn how to install them before you need to install them, so that you do it right when it counts. Chains can really tear up a modern car - not only is the body at risk (as always), but there are now wheel sensors, wires, etc., in harm's way.
 
Their life span is limited, so if she hits a reasonable amount of bad weather, there's a good chance she might wear out (break) chains on this one trip.
 
Then again, if she has them in the car, you know the weather will be perfect all the way, so why are we discussing this again?

#16896 of 17119 Re: Tire chains [xwesx] by toboggan

Dec 03, 2012 (11:44 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Dec 03, 2012 11:33 am)
Thanks for the reply. Maybe we could "pop" for some decent tires for her for the trip back. Any recommendations for tire size 205/70-15?

#16897 of 17119 Re: Tire chains [toboggan] by hammerhead

Dec 03, 2012 (1:11 pm)

Replying to: toboggan (Dec 03, 2012 11:44 am)
All-weather, or dedicated winter use?
 
If all-weather, get the most aggressive tread you can find, and get them siped as well.
 
I'm guessing since she lives in PDX winter tires would be a waste, but if you go that route, there are many flavors from which to choose. We all seem to have our favorites around here

#16898 of 17119 Re: Tire chains [hammerhead] by xwesx

Dec 03, 2012 (3:22 pm)

Replying to: hammerhead (Dec 03, 2012 1:11 pm)
I'm guessing since she lives in PDX winter tires would be a waste
 
I agree. There's some nasty weather there once in a while, but I don't think such weather necessitates dedicated winter tires as she'd mostly just wear them out on dry roads. Good all-seasons, with chains for the really nasty stuff, should get the job done.
 
As for tires in particular, my current favorite all-season (overall) is the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred. Pricy rubber, but excellent treadwear and very good traction in pretty much any conditions. Downside: expect some loss of fuel economy. My Forester was consistently 1 mpg lower this summer than last (when I had the stock tires on it).

#16899 of 17119 Re: Tire chains [toboggan] by kyfdx HOST

Dec 03, 2012 (5:00 pm)

Replying to: toboggan (Dec 03, 2012 11:14 am)
Even all-season tires have M+S on them... what the heck does she have on there? I can't imagine summer tires on a Forester..

Messages Page 1690 of 1712

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