New Subaru Q&A

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Hey Guys,

Long time no see. =p

I'm not sure if this will take off or not, but I was browsing the forums and realized there is a huge wealth of knowledge about the older models/generations, however there really isn't much as far as new models (Legacy or otherwise) go.

I work in the Sales Dept. at Maita Subaru in Sacramento, and have access to a whole wealth of info on the new ones. If anyone is thinking about moving toward a new one, or just has questions about them, I'll be happy to answer them for you.

I will try to check this at least a couple of times a week and get back to you as promptly as possible.

Best regards,

Phil Gundry

phil@maitasubaru.com
Maita Subaru
2410 Auburn Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95821

[chuckthefuk]

I say you just fill this thread up with info and us mods will take care of the rest.

Try to focus your info towards topics or issues.

A+ for the helping hand!

Oh try to snag the latest Database from your parts department if you wont get in trouble of course.

-Chuck

[Reason]

I say you just fill this thread up with info and us mods will take care of the rest.

Try to focus your info towards topics or issues.

A+ for the helping hand!

Oh try to snag the latest Database from your parts department if you wont get in trouble of course.

-Chuck

Exactly :smt023

[1996Battlewagon]

Can you tell me why the new Legacy/Outbacks are so ugly.

[GTDrifter]

Can you tell me why the new Legacy/Outbacks are so ugly.

didn't Toyota take control of Subaru's designing department or something?

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Can you tell me why the new Legacy/Outbacks are so ugly.

didn't Toyota take control of Subaru's designing department or something?

Toyota owns about a 10% share of Subaru now.

Subaru's redesign of the Legacy/Outback was actually an incredibly effective marketing move that brought the vehicles into the mainstream.

The Outback comprises around 50% of new Subaru sales, it won Motortrend Sport Utility Vehicle of the year when they redesigned it, and it is much more appealing to the customers who are not shopping specifically for a Subaru from the get go.

Legacy sales have increased by almost 90% over the previous generation, and it's being hailed as one of the best values in the mid-sized sedan market.

Diehard enthusiasts hate them because they changed. But those people (us) aren't buying new Subarus. We'll keep the parts and service departments running, but to base new vehicle designs off of our preferences, rather than the preferences of the other 98% (and now closer to 96.5%) of the US Auto Market, would be a horrible business plan.

Whatever Subaru did with these new models, it's working. 2009 was a record setting sales year with around 214,000 units sold in North America. We passed that number in the first week of October of 2010.

I felt just like you when I first started, but they are really excellently designed vehicles, and they really grow on you if you give them the chance.
:smt023

[Yamazaki]

Can you tell me why the new Legacy/Outbacks are so ugly.
I felt just like you when I first started, but they are really excellently designed vehicles, and they really grow on you if you give them the chance.
:smt023
That's how it is with every generation of cars. I remember when I saw the BL for the first time thinking that it was big and ponderous and just crap in general. Now, 8 years later, I really like them. I think they're sleek and upscale.
Except for the GD A and B models, I've come to like and appreciate each generation of Subaru over time. I'm not a fan of the new Legacy/Outback now, but I suspect I'll like it several years on.

[mike-tracy]

Can you tell me why the new Legacy/Outbacks are so ugly.

New safety regulations require the hood to be higher, among other things about the body's shape, to reduce pedestrian injuries, so Subaru uhh, felt the need to beigeify it's lineup?

I haven't seen too many Subaru models past or present I consider beautiful, but I do like the rugged badassness of a 2-door Impreza RS, along with the side and rear of the SVX. My 91 Legacy has a certain charm to it too - I think it looks ultra-80s but with modern car performance & handling.

[GTDrifter]

When Subaru came out with the hatchback Impreza, WRX, and STI I thought they looked like crap but now I wouldn't mind having one but at least the new STI is supposed to be available in a sedan version.

[grayguy]

^ that was exactly how I felt too. I hated the 06-07 Imp front ends, now I love them. I hated the 08' Sti until I saw one in person, now I'd love to have one. I have a feeling it isn't going to be the same with the newest body styles for me, but I am perfectly fine with them selling shit tons of them, because hopefully it'll drop the price of a used 05-07 Legacy sooner :)

[TheAngryPidgeon]

^ that was exactly how I felt too. I hated the 06-07 Imp front ends, now I love them. I hated the 08' Sti until I saw one in person, now I'd love to have one. I have a feeling it isn't going to be the same with the newest body styles for me, but I am perfectly fine with them selling shit tons of them, because hopefully it'll drop the price of a used 05-07 Legacy sooner :)

Haha, good luck. For better or for worse, Subaru has the highest resale value in the industry as a brand (via KBB) and as far as lease residuals go (via ALG).

The good news is when you sell yours with 250k miles on it, you'll still get a couple of grand for it, lol.

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Btw, the new Impreza concept = :smt027

[DarkPhoenix]

IMHO, still one of the best looking Scoobies to be released.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2342/481/30852740001_large.jpg

God do I miss that car!

[TheAngryPidgeon]

I say you just fill this thread up with info and us mods will take care of the rest.

Try to focus your info towards topics or issues.

A+ for the helping hand!

Oh try to snag the latest Database from your parts department if you wont get in trouble of course.

-Chuck

Exactly :smt023

Unfortunately, with how much I am working (around 250 hours a month), I don't have much free time to compile a database for you guys, but I can answer questions sporadically when I get a chance.

If it doesn't take off, no biggie, if it does, I'm glad to help when I can.

[chuckthefuk]

you know... there are other people who are willing to compile..

Would you be willing to send your material over.?

-Chuck

[Huffer]

Honestly mate, I think Joe Spitz at cars101.com does a pretty bang up job. No offence intended.

Seriously though, how about official recall notices?

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Seriously though, how about official recall notices?

What do you think this is, Toyota? =p

[jey]

I have no problem with the Outback - it helps diversify the lineup a little and the Tribeca should have never happened (thanks GM). But I want the Legacy Wagon back :)

I talked to a coworker this week and he has a 2001 Outback but now has 3 kids and are looking for more room. His wife has a Toyota SUV but he still wants a Subaru - Outback seems like an excellent solution.

[TheAngryPidgeon]

I have no problem with the Outback - it helps diversify the lineup a little and the Tribeca should have never happened (thanks GM). But I want the Legacy Wagon back :)

I talked to a coworker this week and he has a 2001 Outback but now has 3 kids and are looking for more room. His wife has a Toyota SUV but he still wants a Subaru - Outback seems like an excellent solution.

It definitely is. They dramatically increased the rear leg room with the current generation, not to mention hip, shoulder and head room.

The Tribeca is... well, it is the one Subaru model that didn't experience an increase in sales numbers in 2010. It made more sense (if only slightly) before they bumped the Legacy and Outback platform up to the Tribeca's chassis size. They either need to redesign the Tribeca on a larger scale, or stop trying to pretend that anyone other than very small children or amputees can fit into the 3rd row seating comfortably.

Then again, the Tribeca does ride very nicely, and provides nice utility for what it is. It's just not as exceptional as the rest of the Subaru line-up.

[chuckthefuk]

The tribeca launch failed because of the tri-grille adding to the shock value, its harsh but it was and still is a ugly suv.. the next gens were were much nicer but not deserving of a third row bench.
-Chuck

[xoSubieLegacyxo]

IMHO, still one of the best looking Scoobies to be released.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

God do I miss that car!

WOW! I honestly want a 1980s Subaru Brat!!

[jey]

The Tribeca is also expensive and fancy - it doesn't really reflect what Subaru is all about and what normal Subaru buyers are looking for. Most Subaru buyers I know want something safe and practical with AWD without having pay the premium for a Volvo :)

[Huffer]

Minivans. I kept telling SOA that in every customer survey I get. A flat four, AWD minivan is what people want. The engine can be slung low, which will dramatically increase cabin size and handling capability.

Drop the "Tired-beca" and build a Pleiades! (aka seven stars = seven passengers)

[TGX4776]

Minivans. I kept telling SOA that in every customer survey I get. A flat four, AWD minivan is what people want. The engine can be slung low, which will dramatically increase cabin size and handling capability.

Drop the "Tired-beca" and build a Pleiades! (aka seven stars = seven passengers)


And if they build an STI version with a 6 speed manual ...... :smt007

[DarkPhoenix]

Minivans. I kept telling SOA that in every customer survey I get. A flat four, AWD minivan is what people want. The engine can be slung low, which will dramatically increase cabin size and handling capability.

Drop the "Tired-beca" and build a Pleiades! (aka seven stars = seven passengers)


And if they build an STI version with a 6 speed manual ...... :smt007

They do that in Japan, so why not.

[TGX4776]

Minivans. I kept telling SOA that in every customer survey I get. A flat four, AWD minivan is what people want. The engine can be slung low, which will dramatically increase cabin size and handling capability.

Drop the "Tired-beca" and build a Pleiades! (aka seven stars = seven passengers)


And if they build an STI version with a 6 speed manual ...... :smt007

They do that in Japan, so why not.



EXACTLY!

[Yamazaki]

Minivans. I kept telling SOA that in every customer survey I get. A flat four, AWD minivan is what people want. The engine can be slung low, which will dramatically increase cabin size and handling capability.

Drop the "Tired-beca" and build a Pleiades! (aka seven stars = seven passengers)


And if they build an STI version with a 6 speed manual ...... :smt007

They do that in Japan, so why not.
Huh? We don't have the Tribeca here....
And if you're talking about this: (click) (http://www.sti.jp/product/exiga/), It's a 5EAT.

[TGX4776]

i want a minvan with the sti treatment

[jey]

Minivans. I kept telling SOA that in every customer survey I get. A flat four, AWD minivan is what people want. The engine can be slung low, which will dramatically increase cabin size and handling capability.

Drop the "Tired-beca" and build a Pleiades! (aka seven stars = seven passengers)

Speaking of slung low, how put the engine in the rear, REALLY maximize cabin size :) I think we're beyond the days where Subaru is THAT quirky though - sounds like something that should sit alongside the XT6 and the Brat. Hey maybe they can partner up with VW - it'll do a lot better than the rebranded Dodge they've currently got.

[98outbackpdx]

if subaru would bring the turbo diesel to the states and got about 40 mpg with AWD and could tow 4400 pounds, it would be a killer seller, and i do not see a justifiable reason not to except for the reason of it is too costly. from what i can find online (with a grain of salt) people really want the boxer diesel. there is even a facebook page for trying to bring the boxer diesel state side.
for the specs of a diesel fozzy
http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/suv/163_0902_2010_subaru_forester_2d_first_drive/price_specs.html
facebook page for boxer diesels
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Subaru-Diesel-to-the-US/369835731018

[DarkPhoenix]

Minivans. I kept telling SOA that in every customer survey I get. A flat four, AWD minivan is what people want. The engine can be slung low, which will dramatically increase cabin size and handling capability.

Drop the "Tired-beca" and build a Pleiades! (aka seven stars = seven passengers)


And if they build an STI version with a 6 speed manual ...... :smt007

They do that in Japan, so why not.
Huh? We don't have the Tribeca here....
And if you're talking about this: (click) (http://www.sti.jp/product/exiga/), It's a 5EAT.

Isn't the Exiga just a really tall Legacy wagon?

[Yamazaki]

Huh? We don't have the Tribeca here....
And if you're talking about this: (click) (http://www.sti.jp/product/exiga/), It's a 5EAT.

Isn't the Exiga just a really tall Legacy wagon?
No.