115 messages,
Last post on Jan 28, 2008 at 9:04 PM
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Toyota RAV4 Forum.
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Toyota Highlander, Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, Sedan, Wagon
Dec 14, 2007 (9:11 am)
anyone had experience with the 6-cyl version of the Outback?
How does it compare to the 4 cylinder models?
#88 of 115 Re: Outback XT experience [kurtamaxxxguy]
by ateixeira
Dec 17, 2007 (11:19 am)
You may want to try test driving a used one. The transmission is adaptive and will learn your driving habits and adjust its shift map accordingly.
I just wonder if a used one would already be adjusted, and feel any different?
No manual for you, I suppose?
The turbos feel a lot quicker with the manual, a good second or so to 60mph.
Dec 17, 2007 (11:25 am)
Hi everyone. I bought a 2008 RAV4 Limited last Saturday and can't find a clothes bar to fit into the holes provided. Has anybody found a fix? Thanks!
#90 of 115 Re: Outback XT experience [ateixeira]
by kurtamaxxxguy
Dec 17, 2007 (1:09 pm)
thnx for suggestions, ateixeria. I will be doing just that.
No interest in manuals unless they are clutch-pedal-less, and Subaru does not offer them yet.
VW/Audi does, but reliability and dealer issues make me very hesitant wrt those.
Dec 18, 2007 (5:48 pm)
apparently the Haldex systems, per wikipedia.com , can be "trapped" if two wheels on either side can't get traction.
Perhaps this is what the latest HALDEX system emarked for Saab's 9-3 is supposed to fix? But the Saab's out of the running (price, preceived market, etc.).
#92 of 115 Re: should also add.. [kurtamaxxxguy]
by ateixeira
Dec 19, 2007 (9:17 am)
Nowadays they pair up AWD with traction/stability control anyway.
#93 of 115 ..and now for something completely different...
by kurtamaxxxguy
Dec 21, 2007 (5:28 pm)
adding, briefly, 1 more model to this discussion:
Ford Escape Hybrid AWD. This uses the Prius Synergy Hybrid drivetrain but with an additional motor and shaft driving the rear wheels. Ford claims the drive system is intelligent (i.e., it transfers power to the wheels opposite from what are slipping ).
This one's looking attractive as given the big hills I have to go up and down (which guzzle gas going up, and use up the brakes going down) this SUV may help save a lot of gas and brake wear and none of the other 3 in this discussion can avoid using.
yes it's less powerful than the other three, but uses way less fuel. I have yet to drive it to see how responsive it is.
Comments?
#94 of 115 Re: ..and now for something completely different... [kurtamaxxxguy]
by xwesx
Dec 21, 2007 (6:31 pm)
I would have seriously considered this vehicle as well except for my sub-arctic location. I cannot see the batteries lasting long enough to make the investment worthwhile. In a more temperate environment like Portland, why not try it?
#95 of 115 Re: ..and now for something completely different... [kurtamaxxxguy]
by ateixeira
Dec 26, 2007 (1:21 pm)
IMHO it really, truly, depends on the price you pay.
At low-mid 20s, it's fine.
For a well equipped one, they get near $30k, and then the interior starts to feel cheap.
See what sort of prices paid people are getting. At $25k or less it makes a good case for itself, higher than that it just feels too low-rent.
Dec 28, 2007 (8:31 am)
Edmunds completed its long term test of a RAV4. Interesting remarks about the V6 engine . It's first time I have heard Emunds saying a vehicle had too __much__ horsepower, but apparently the V6 RAV4 had nasty torque steer.
By comparison, I have never seen/felt Torque steer on any '08 Subaru outback I have driven, even when two wheels were in gravel and other two on pavement. m On other hand, the Subies don't respond well to the throttle (they have good ultimate power, but you have to wait to get it).