I talked about it in the chat thread, but it needs its own thread. Pictures sometime this weekend maybe.
A few months of back issues narrowed down the culprit to my Accord seats. Tried a few cushions and other things, but never been able to get comfortable in it. Got an offer on it from my local Subaru dealership, and decided if I didn't take an absolute bath due to depreciation, I would trade it in for a new Outback. They ended up being $500 above where I was hoping, so I factory ordered an Outback. I think all in, I spent $5,000 in depreciation on the Accord in 14 months and 26k miles. Not great, but not bad either, especially for the mileage. Worth it to try and get my mobility back to where it was.
So here's what I got:
2020 Outback Limited XT (got the turboooo), green with black interior. Added a bunch of dealer accessories because they gave them to me at invoice pricing (almost half off MSRP) when I factory ordered. Got auto dimming side mirrors, a trailer hitch, door scuff protectors, all weather mats, wireless phone charger :muffin:, and a couple other things.
Was 100% going to get the Onyx XT when I first saw them. Then I test drove it and there were a few issues: the StarTex material is not like Toyota's polyurethane seats. It felt more like a wet suit and less like nice imitation leather. The driver seat didn't have the thigh extender like the limited, and was generally less comfortable. The stereo was terrible in the Onyx. Limited gets sound deadening windows.
Pros:
- Great seats
- Very comfortable ride. You can hit railroad tracks and pot holes full speed and barely feel anything
- Surprisingly good driving dynamics
- Turbo seems relatively quick so far (still breaking it in)
- The color :wub:
Cons:
- Lane keep assist was better in the accord. This bounces back and forth a bit more. Also, it wants to hug the right side of the lane. I'd rather be more towards the left side of the lane.
- Drive focus and auto start/stop are both stupid. You can turn them off, but they revert back on when you restart it seems
- Subaru Starlink is terrible, but all OEM phone apps and integration is bad
- Wheels are pretty ugly
- CVT drone
Next steps:
- Debadge the rear hatch
- Get some vinyl to wrap the chrome window surrounds and grill
- Maybe wheels and tires
If the chrome is wrapped in black, this would be perfect
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1239/8296/products/IMG_7717_2_480x480.jpg?v=1572978326)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1239/8296/products/IMG_7706_480x480.jpg?v=1572978326)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1239/8296/products/IMG_7735_480x480.jpg?v=1572978326)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1239/8296/products/IMG_7731_480x480.jpg?v=1572978326)
The wheels would be awesome with a white, silver, blue or black Outback, but yeah they look odd with this green. And dude, debadging again? Come on. Unless it's just the dealer badge.
Great colour. Wheel style really suits the overall appearance. As for wheel colour, black chrome might be nice, but the gold is okay.
Good choice.
Love it! Maybe plastidip the wheels? I don't mind the gold color though.
For clarification: that's not how mine looks yet :lol:
I'd like to buy those gold wheels. I have the ugly stock ones.
(https://cnet1.cbsistatic.com/img/OIUuGlUQdM0I8LR_POWGhGU_MN4=/980x551/2019/07/28/20951ad7-08e8-47b3-b8c7-b5cd6498753e/subaru-outback-2020-6217.jpg)
Quote from: MrH on December 06, 2019, 09:11:41 AM
For clarification: that's not how mine looks yet :lol:
I'd like to buy those gold wheels. I have the ugly stock ones.
(https://cnet1.cbsistatic.com/img/OIUuGlUQdM0I8LR_POWGhGU_MN4=/980x551/2019/07/28/20951ad7-08e8-47b3-b8c7-b5cd6498753e/subaru-outback-2020-6217.jpg)
Yeah, they suck. Check out black chrome if they have them, but the gold is okay.
Oh God, lol, it's like an entirely different vehicle! The stock wheels/tires are tragic.
Have fun with your CVT vacuum cleaner.
Quote from: Rockraven on December 06, 2019, 09:24:53 AM
Oh God, lol, it's like an entirely different vehicle! The stock wheels/tires are tragic.
They're really bad. They're 18" too. I have no idea why they decided this thing needs 18" wheels. The gold ones I posted above at 17s and look way better.
They look better all black like on the Onyx XT version, probably because the color hides how ugly they are.
(https://pictures.dealer.com/b/bachmansubarusoa/1927/01f879a1360ef718c8a328415c50622cx.jpg?impolicy=downsize&w=568)
Quote from: Rockraven on December 06, 2019, 08:38:00 AM
And dude, debadging again? Come on. Unless it's just the dealer badge.
:lol: The other thread inspired me. I can't resist.
Quote from: Rockraven on December 06, 2019, 09:24:53 AM
Oh God, lol, it's like an entirely different vehicle! The stock wheels/tires are tragic.
A lift kit, better wheels and oversize AT tires make a big difference.
I had similar complaints with the lane assist in the Outback rental I had. Seemed I was constantly fighting it to position myself where I wanted to be in the lane. The Elantra I had was more seamless.
Quote from: MX793 on December 06, 2019, 03:22:33 PM
I had similar complaints with the lane assist in the Outback rental I had. Seemed I was constantly fighting it to position myself where I wanted to be in the lane. The Elantra I had was more seamless.
My husband noticed it with his rental Impreza!
I also noticed shitty lane keeping assist with the rental Impreza I had.
It ping pongs so badly and isn't the greatest at detecting where the lines are. My rental snatched itself out of lane more than once.
Something to shake up the 'SPIN - MrH buys yet another new car.
The XT model was sorely needed.
Does the CVT do a decent job of keeping the engine on b00st?
Nice!!! Woot woot!
(https://i.imgur.com/XTHWeQ6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/x7yF9ZV.jpg)
Quote from: Laconian on December 06, 2019, 11:14:51 PM
Does the CVT do a decent job of keeping the engine on b00st?
Inquiring minds want to know. I've never driven a turbo CVT before.,
Quote from: Laconian on January 12, 2020, 09:25:19 PM
Inquiring minds want to know. I've never driven a turbo CVT before.,
It's odd. Does a pretty terrible job off the line honestly. Quite the delay from throttle input to hustlin.
But from a roll, it's dang quick for a 4000 lb SUV. Roll into the throttle so the turbo is spooled, and there is no let up in the power surge. Once the turbo is at full go, it just keeps going.
The accord was quicker, transmission felt snappier, but this actually feels more useful. AWD allows you to actually put the power down. Commuting, I rarely can go full throttle. Gas mileage isn't great, but beats having that slow 2.5 NA motor.
Does the turbo make make the 2.5's gargle sound better or worse?
Quote from: Laconian on January 12, 2020, 09:41:32 PM
Does the turbo make make the 2.5's gargle sound better or worse?
It's better! Less groaning. Most whoosh, Also, my trim level has acoustic glass. I was digging around in the driver footwell and looking in the engine compartment today. Really impressed at the lengths they went to put noise insulation in. There's basically one massive wiring harness coming through the fire wall, and it's sealed really well. Tons of insulation paneling covering the rest.
Looks nice. If it just had an interesting transmission...
If they announced a manual is available for 2021 model year, I would totally lose my ass and trade it in for a manual. Zero questions.
You want a manual ass?
the manual trans is not compatible with Subaru's Eyesight driver assist technology so that's one of the reasons they're phasing it out.
Quote from: veeman on January 14, 2020, 11:54:17 AM
the manual trans is not compatible with Subaru's Eyesight driver assist technology so that's one of the reasons they're phasing it out.
Eyesight driver assist technology?
Quote from: FoMoJo on January 14, 2020, 11:55:48 AM
Eyesight driver assist technology?
One of the semi-automated systems. Subaru actually has one of the best.
I don't see how they couldn't use most of the features it has on a manual. There would have to be a limited range of speeds the adaptive cruise would work in.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 14, 2020, 11:58:45 AM
One of the semi-automated systems. Subaru actually has one of the best.
I don't see how they couldn't use most of the features it has on a manual. There would have to be a limited range of speeds the adaptive cruise would work in.
Yeah i don't see why it would be completely incompatible. My Golf has a manual and all of its driverless tech works. The only difference (I know of) is that my car can't shift itself or start from a stop without the automatic.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on January 14, 2020, 12:22:04 PM
Yeah i don't see why it would be completely incompatible. My Golf has a manual and all of its driverless tech works. The only difference (I know of) is that my car can't shift itself or start from a stop without the automatic.
Does yours have adaptive cruise?
Based on googling articles with interviews, Subaru has no plans to "try" to make Eyesight compatible with a manual transmission.
This is just one of them and this article is rosy on the future of manual transmissions in Subarus whereas most of the articles say they're being put out to pasture, model by model. I think only the Crosstrek, WRX/STI, and BRZ in the U.S. have them currently available. Crosstrek take rate of the manual is probably single digit percentage.
https://jalopnik.com/perhaps-the-future-of-subaru-s-manual-transmission-isn-1823645963
Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 14, 2020, 12:27:29 PM
Does yours have adaptive cruise?
Yeah, it will slow down or speed up based on what's in front of me, will hit the brakes if it sees something in front of me and doesn't think I am reacting fast enough (even when the cruise is off), will stay inside the lines, and so on.
No way of doing an autonomous emergency stop in a manu without stalling or without an automated clutch -shrug-
Eyesight adaptive cruise makes pretty extensive use of the CVT to slow the car down without engaging the brakes...
Quote from: r0tor on January 14, 2020, 05:51:23 PM
No way of doing an autonomous emergency stop in a manu without stalling or without an automated clutch -shrug-
And yeah, I believe that this is the #1 reason.
Quote from: r0tor on January 14, 2020, 05:51:23 PM
No way of doing an autonomous emergency stop in a manu without stalling or without an automated clutch -shrug-
A simple solenoid to release the clutch to avoid a stall seems like an easy enough fix.
There are plenty of European and Asian cars in non USA markets that offer automatic braking with a manual transmission.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 14, 2020, 06:47:52 PM
There are plenty of European and Asian cars in non USA markets that offer automatic braking with a manual transmission.
Automatic braking to a full stop?
Quote from: MX793 on January 14, 2020, 07:14:35 PM
Automatic braking to a full stop?
Yes.
https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1108673_manual-transmissions-will-survive-heres-how-and-why
Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 14, 2020, 06:31:38 PM
A simple solenoid to release the clutch to avoid a stall seems like an easy enough fix.
Rekluse clutches for all!
Quote from: r0tor on January 14, 2020, 05:51:23 PM
No way of doing an autonomous emergency stop in a manu without stalling or without an automated clutch -shrug-
If its really an emergency I don't see what the car stalling would be a big deal.
And yes my car has an emergency braking system as well. A little too touchy IMO...it has gone off a couple times when it thought I was braking too light or too late.
edit to add: FWIW I can understand why Subaru has chosen not to implement a system for their manual (extra cost, low volume) I am just saying these are choices they made, it isn't some unsolvable problem (because other companies are already doing it).
That's why I wondered about adaptive cruise rather than emergency stops. A stop is a stop, and if it stalls the engine- so what?
Cruise though, could slow you down enough to want to be in a lower gear, does it then lug back up or does it give you some kind of shift light warning?
Also start/stop is a mystery to me with manuals.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 15, 2020, 09:13:24 AM
Cruise though, could slow you down enough to want to be in a lower gear, does it then lug back up or does it give you some kind of shift light warning?
For my car it will lug the engine if I don't shift down (or rev then engine sky high if I don't shift up). But that is part of the deal with a true manual transmission...that is the one thing I would always have to do myself.
That being said, changing gears while it is otherwise driving itself doesn't interrupt anything. It lets off the gas when I push in the clutch then then resumes when I let it out, so shifting is reasonably smooth even if it is on cruise.
At some point maybe people should just drive their damn car.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on January 15, 2020, 01:07:20 PM
At some point maybe people should just drive their damn car.
A significant part of the aftermarket industry is now devices that defeat features in cars that customers don't want.
I do not buy the line that the companies are just responding to customer demand.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on January 15, 2020, 01:07:20 PM
At some point maybe people should just drive their damn car.
Yes. I don't want no damn car trying to take over from me. The only features I like are the backup camera, the beeps telling me when if something is behind or approaching when I'm backing up and the blind spot indicators. The rest of the stuff is overkill. I know where the lanes are on the road and I know if there's a car stopped in front of me, or any other obstacle, so I don't need the car to do anything other than what I tell it do do.
Quote from: FoMoJo on January 15, 2020, 01:15:34 PM
Yes. I don't want no damn car trying to take over from me. The only features I like are the backup camera, the beeps telling me when if something is behind or approaching when I'm backing up and the blind spot indicators. The rest of the stuff is overkill. I know where the lanes are on the road and I know if there's a car stopped in front of me, or any other obstacle, so I don't need the car to do anything other than what I tell it do do.
I like backup cameras and Apple CarPlay. I use cruise control, but I just pay attention to the road instead of texting or whatever.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on January 15, 2020, 01:07:20 PM
At some point maybe people should just drive their damn car.
I hardly ever use the cruise control. Its kind of nice to know its there, but outside of a long highway drive I generally do prefer to do everything myself.
I like backup cameras (kinda) and cruise control (especially radar cruise control). But I don't need emergency braking, lane assist, tiredness warnings, etc etc
Quote from: SJ_GTI on January 15, 2020, 02:05:05 PM
I hardly ever use the cruise control. Its kind of nice to know its there, but outside of a long highway drive I generally do prefer to do everything myself.
I haven't had (working) cruise control in the Taco for like 3 years now. Only time that was a PITA was when I drove out west to Moab and stuff. But...I still made it. I'm used to not having it now. It gives me something to pay attention to, if anything.
Really good lane keep assist helps with long distance fatigue quite a bit. That constant slight correction is what makes you tired. Empty highway driving with lane keep assist is not nearly as tiring.
Unfortunately, Subaru's lane keep assist sucks. Honda's is much better. Subaru wins on the active cruise control by quite a bit though.
Quote from: MrH on January 15, 2020, 02:28:17 PM
Really good lane keep assist helps with long distance fatigue quite a bit. That constant slight correction is what makes you tired. Empty highway driving with lane keep assist is not nearly as tiring.
Unfortunately, Subaru's lane keep assist sucks. Honda's is much better. Subaru wins on the active cruise control by quite a bit though.
Is Honda's lane keep assist better? The active cruise definitely sucks since it would just slam on the breaks instead of gradually slow down, but I didn't feel that the lane keep assist did much of anything.. i turn everything off now on the Pilot now..
Back up cameras and, better even, surround vision are great. Poorly lit, long, steep, curved driveways were almost impossible for me to reverse out of at night in my Beetle which didn't have a back up camera. Especially now with the design trend of cars having small windows and large blind spots. It's easier to parallel park my Infiniti QX56 than my Camry because of the surround vision. Gives a birds eye view of the car as well as the trajectory of the car based upon how the steering wheel is positioned.
Quote from: veeman on January 15, 2020, 03:08:13 PM
Back up cameras and, better even, surround vision are great. Poorly lit, long, steep, curved driveways were almost impossible for me to reverse out of at night in my Beetle which didn't have a back up camera. Especially now with the design trend of cars having small windows and large blind spots. It's easier to parallel park my Infiniti QX56 than my Camry because of the surround vision. Gives a birds eye view of the car as well as the trajectory of the car based upon how the steering wheel is positioned.
Surround camera in the Nissan Armada I rented was totally clutch.
Radar cruise gets annoying when you hit packs of slower moving traffic. I end up having to disable cruise and manage speed manually until I clear the pack in situations when I might have been able to weave through with traditional cruise.
Lane assist can be handy on really long trips, but I also found it annoying. I did a few trips to Maryland this past summer and my rentals had lane assist. To make time, I grabbed fast food (Subway) and ate while I drove instead of actually stopping to eat. Being able to take my hands off the wheel to unwrap food and the car being able to keep itself in the lane rather than trying to awkwardly steer with my knee was kind of nice. It was annoying much of the rest of the time.
So I did a post delivery meeting with the dealer. I took the product guru lady on a drive and showed her it ping ponging back and forth. She told me to call service, so I'm going to do that in the morning and see if this is normal or not.
Quote from: MrH on January 12, 2020, 09:00:16 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/XTHWeQ6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/x7yF9ZV.jpg)
PURDY!!!
Quote from: MrH on January 15, 2020, 06:41:44 PM
So I did a post delivery meeting with the dealer. I took the product guru lady on a drive and showed her it ping ponging back and forth. She told me to call service, so I'm going to do that in the morning and see if this is normal or not.
Dropped it off this morning. They gave me a new Forester as a loaner. The EyeSight on this does a much better job of lane centering when traveling straight.
They said the cold start whine is just Subarus being Subarus :lol: CVT + boxer + cold diffs. Whatever, that's fine.
For the EyeSight, they said they noticed it ping pong back and forth a bit. Checked the alignment. Toe was off both front and rear. They gave it an alignment, everything is good now they said. Pick it back up this afternoon.
I need to check the toe on my Bolt too. It likes to wander on the highway.
The alignment fixed it. Tracks much straighter with the lane centering now.
I debadged the rear hatch yesterday (sorry Nick :lol:). Replaced the weak inside hatch bulb with an LED one, same with the reverse lights. Took goo gone to the wheels to get all that gunk off of them? Apparently it was some time of adhesive used to keep covers on them during transport?
Got a cargo net for the rear too.
Next is to figure out this auto start/stop defeat device. Hopefully a software update is coming any day now to address some of the infotainment issues.
Wheels and tires in the spring maybe. Apparently Falken Wildpeak A/T tires are really good? Anyone have any experience? I'm definitely not going down the BFG KO2 route again. Waaaaay too heavy and overkill for this thing. I want to downsize to 17" wheels, and get some bigger sidewalls, but not if it adds 15-20 lbs of rotating mass per corner.
I have heard good things about Wildpeaks. They were in the top 3 on my list when I was looking for new tires.
Quote from: giant_mtb on January 27, 2020, 10:32:33 AM
I have heard good things about Wildpeaks. They were in the top 3 on my list when I was looking for new tires.
They're cheap, well reviewed, and relatively light.
I can do a whole wheel and tire setup, mounted and balanced with TPMSs for pretty cheap. Maybe $1600?
Super deep tread, too. 20/32.
They have good reviews on Tire Rack.
Quote from: MrH on January 27, 2020, 08:19:44 AM
Next is to figure out this auto start/stop defeat device.
Have you looked in the owner manual??...
Quote from: giant_mtb on January 27, 2020, 11:24:39 AM
Super deep tread, too. 20/32.
It drives me nuts that tread depth is measured that way. That's 5/8ths dammit.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on February 04, 2020, 07:48:33 PM
It drives me nuts that tread depth is measured that way. That's 5/8ths dammit.
Nope. Fractional numbers lose accuracy in inverse proportion to the denominator. 5/8 would have to become 500/800, which is the same as 62.5%, which becomes 625/1000, which inversely reduces to 1.6 centimeters.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 04, 2020, 08:27:51 PM
Nope. Fractional numbers lose accuracy in inverse proportion to the denominator. 5/8 would have to become 500/800, which is the same as 62.5%, which becomes 625/1000, which inversely reduces to 1.6 centimeters.
Let me tell you where to put your sig figs.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on February 04, 2020, 07:48:33 PM
It drives me nuts that tread depth is measured that way. That's 5/8ths dammit.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 04, 2020, 08:27:51 PM
Nope. Fractional numbers lose accuracy in inverse proportion to the denominator. 5/8 would have to become 500/800, which is the same as 62.5%, which becomes 625/1000, which inversely reduces to 1.6 centimeters.
Thank God for metric measurements
Quote from: Soup DeVille on February 04, 2020, 07:48:33 PM
It drives me nuts that tread depth is measured that way. That's 5/8ths dammit.
Drives me nuts, too, but I make an exception for tirez.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on February 04, 2020, 08:31:08 PM
Let me tell you where to put your sig figs.
I went to college.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 05, 2020, 08:17:13 AM
I went to college.
Yay College.
But you and I both know that outside of that, its bullshit. Your 1/2 inch sockets are every bit as close to 0.5000 as your 17/32 is to 0.5313.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on February 05, 2020, 08:21:15 AM
Yay College.
But you and I both know that outside of that, its bullshit. Your 1/2 inch sockets are every bit as close to 0.5000 as your 17/32 is to 0.5313.
Nope. Literally nobody has a 17/32" socket :lol:
Biggest revelation from having this car?
This is my ideal daily driver form factor for sure. Wagon body, extra ground clearance. You get more wheelbase than a cross over, better seating position, better luggage space form factor (not as tall, but longer), lower CoG. Plenty of room for 4 people and luggage for a weekend trip. Not a big floaty monster like the 4Runner was. Fuel economy is adequate, but not stellar. Power is more than adequate, but doesn't melt your face.
This is very much my Goldilocks preference for the daily grind. If I were to win the lottery and buy a whole garage of cars, I'd probably get an A4 or A6 Allroad or V90 cross country or something as my daily.
Wagons are way better than the average SUV/CUV but my reservation is lower security. I frequently carry highly sensitive items - from firearms to corporate laptops - in the typical sedan the trunk is lockable separate from the cabin. Smash-n-grabs are rampant here, especially at trail heads, which I'm at all the time. There are available lockable compartments that bolt into the cargo area of a wagon or SUV, but those big enough to hold a rifle or laptop bag greatly reduce overall cargo capacity.
There's a cargo cover for the Outback so people can't see what's in back. Good enough for me. :lol:
Yeah, you could bolt a gun rack and safe into the back of an outback if you really wanted. With a sedan, if someone is willing to smash a window, can't they just release the trunk from the inside too?
Most smash and grab burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Somebody sees something inside the car so they break the window and take it. Putting stuff in the trunk helps because it gets it out of sight.
Quote from: GoCougs on February 18, 2020, 09:14:12 AM
Wagons are way better than the average SUV/CUV but my reservation is lower security. I frequently carry highly sensitive items - from firearms to corporate laptops - in the typical sedan the trunk is lockable separate from the cabin. Smash-n-grabs are rampant here, especially at trail heads, which I'm at all the time. There are available lockable compartments that bolt into the cargo area of a wagon or SUV, but those big enough to hold a rifle or laptop bag greatly reduce overall cargo capacity.
The underfloor compartment in old full size station wagons was brilliant for this.
Quote from: MrH on February 18, 2020, 09:51:09 AM
There's a cargo cover for the Outback so people can't see what's in back. Good enough for me. :lol:
Yeah, you could bolt a gun rack and safe into the back of an outback if you really wanted. With a sedan, if someone is willing to smash a window, can't they just release the trunk from the inside too?
I don't think modern trunk releases will work without the key present.
The Outback does have some under floor storage kind of. There's room for a full size spare, and the foam around it has space for the cargo cover to come out and store completely under the floor. Pretty great design honestly.
Cougs, buy an outback, get a roof rack and mount the spare up there, make a lockable safe into the spare tire well.
Quote from: MrH on February 18, 2020, 09:51:09 AM
There's a cargo cover for the Outback so people can't see what's in back. Good enough for me. :lol:
Yeah, you could bolt a gun rack and safe into the back of an outback if you really wanted. With a sedan, if someone is willing to smash a window, can't they just release the trunk from the inside too?
At least in the G, there's a sorta hidden switch in the glove compartment that disables the trunk switches (dashboard, trunk lid and key fob) and then the glove box can be locked with the car key.
I don't know what security is-
In Scrappy, glovebox lock is busted and I don't trust the cheap plastic center console lock (which has trunk release). So I use the key to manually lock the trunk so the cable release doesn't work on it, whenever I'm not around the car. I keep the registration and insurance card in the trunk. No valuables at all in the glovebox. When I'm at work I can't take my phone in, so I lock it in the trunk.
Oh and to prevent top from getting slashed, I've never locked the doors......
***************
I kinda want to take my slim sub out of the old minivan and put it in Scrappy (under the seat?) But I fear it getting stolen?...
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on February 18, 2020, 03:51:18 PM
I don't know what security is-
Oh and to prevent top from getting slashed, I've never locked the doors......
***************
I kinda want to take my slim sub out of the old minivan and put it in Scrappy (under the seat?) But I fear it getting stolen?...
I never locked the doors in one of my old cars either- it when the radio got stolen, the window got smashed anyways.
Being better handling then a 4Runner isn't exactly a huge achievement
Quote from: r0tor on February 20, 2020, 05:49:41 PM
Being better handling then a 4Runner isn't exactly a huge achievement
👏 stop 👏 saying 👏 "then" 👏 when 👏 you 👏 mean 👏 "than" 👏 for the luvva 👏 gawd
Quote from: Soup DeVille on February 18, 2020, 04:56:15 PM
I never locked the doors in one of my old cars either- it when the radio got stolen, the window got smashed anyways.
IIRC, this happened to my aunt as well. I think thieves are so used to cars being locked they don't even check the handle. Just smash and grab.
Given that modern convertible tops are pretty tear and cut resistant, I suspect that if someone wants into a Miata, they're likely going to smash a side window rather than cut through the roof.
Quote from: giant_mtb on February 21, 2020, 01:59:23 AM
👏 stop 👏 saying 👏 "then" 👏 when 👏 you 👏 mean 👏 "than" 👏 for the luvva 👏 gawd
Remember class, tan is a color and ten is a time.
Quote from: giant_mtb on February 21, 2020, 01:59:23 AM
👏 stop 👏 saying 👏 "then" 👏 when 👏 you 👏 mean 👏 "than" 👏 for the luvva 👏 gawd
:pee: <cheerios>
An update on my LL Bean Hiking Boot of a car:
One of my biggest complaints was this giant screen. Huge, massive infotainment screen, with Carplay only taking up half of the available space. Here's what it looked like
(https://www.car-revs-daily.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/anigif-2020-outback-display-screen.gif)
Subaru finally released an update. Released first to dealerships, but no time frame on the over the air update. People on the forums started booking appointments to get it updated, but a handful got their entire headunit bricked by the technicians :facepalm: I read the instructions, got my hands on the files, and did the update myself via USB. Not difficult at all, but if you don't follow the instructions, it bricks the whole thing. I trusted myself to follow simple instructions more so than a random tech. It was also a 6+ gb file, so people were talking about sitting for 3-4 hours while the dealer downloaded it. Took me about 20 minutes to do, start to finish.
This is the end result. Finally puts the massive screen to use and fixes a lot of other quality of life things with the car. Still a handful of things I want changed that they hopefully will get to with future updates, but this was the biggest :facepalm: about the whole implementation.
(https://i.imgur.com/ArymBsn.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/t4t7LJp.jpg)
That's REALLY nice!!
iOS 14 fixed the one issue I had with CarPlay. Now it scales better with the screen size and orientation. Menu buttons move to the bottom for portrait screens, and all the icons are now the right size to touch. Previously they were so small it was hard to press while driving.
(https://i.imgur.com/JOEt1Bu.jpg)
Also, this finally arrives today. https://www.autostopeliminator.com/collections/subaru/products/2020-subaru-outback-autostop-eliminator
I can kill this auto start stop function for good. What a terrible, terrible "feature". It was 100% non-latching. At every restart, it would default to being on.
I also pulled the Driver Focus module out of the car. This was bar above the infotainment with a sensor to check to see if you were looking ahead while driving. While it worked some of the time, there were way too many false errors. Look at the navi screen for a split second too long, it would yell at you. Look to the side for too long while turning, same thing. Shift your weight to one side a bit on a road trip, etc.
It's buried 2 menus deep in the infotainment just like auto start stop. Unlike auto start stop, this was semi-latching. You could turn it off, and it would stay off for a couple ignition cycles, and then turn back on. So I pulled out the module, and just replaced it with the interior trim piece that lower models have.
(https://cnet3.cbsistatic.com/img/F1C5v-NMUR1zX3YAagR1G6BO878=/940x0/2019/07/28/36df460f-0ae9-4611-b734-0ada41ef70f9/subaru-outback-2020-6204.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oOj12JL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9PDTVGw.jpg)
It was throwing a small error every time, but now the error is only showing up maybe 15% of the time? I might reset the car by unplugging the battery for a bit. I'm guessing it will totally forget it even had this feature and will gray it out in the menus.
Next up: ordering some https://www.dipyourcar.com/ to change all the window surrounds to black and mirror chrome. Will probably do the same on the grill too to get rid of the silver mustache. I could order the Onyx XT grill, but it's $500 and this is much easier than pulling the whole bumper.
Can't you just code out options in a Subaru like a lot of other modern cars?
Also the new "hyperdip" world pretty well, I did my emblems a couple months ago
Quote from: r0tor on September 21, 2020, 10:54:00 AM
Can't you just code out options in a Subaru like a lot of other modern cars?
Also the new "hyperdip" world pretty well, I did my emblems a couple months ago
Good to hear hyperdip works well. I bought a pre cut vinyl kit to black it out, and it was the cheapest, thinnest vinyl I've ever used. Slightly too much heat on one piece and it was ruined. Waste of money.
I'm guessing you're referring to like VW's programming? Can't do that with Subaru's system to my knowledge. This auto stop start eliminator works great. Took a few minutes to install, now I don't have to dive into menus on every startup.
I know there is coding options for VW, BMWs, and pretty much all FCA products. Pretty cool with what you can do
The Outback is alive and going strong. Taking it in for its second service tomorrow. It's around 17k miles now. Just got it back from getting some body damaged fixed :facepalm: I made a slight dent in the rear quarter panel trying to position a trailer when we were moving back in August. Overall, still really happy with the car. It's my daily driver, but if I go anywhere with the girlfriend, I'm driving her Acura RDX typically. I borrowed my parents Forester while the Outback was in the shop. I definitely prefer the Outback's seating position and size over conventional crossovers. You sit with your legs out in front of you a little more, the roof is shorter, and the body is longer. The cargo space is much more usable shape than the RDX or Forester.
Something interesting I came across. I was looking to get new wheels and tires for the Outback, since the stock ones look so bad. On a whim, I checked Edmunds and KBB and they have my trade in somewhere between $36,500-$37,700. For comparison, I paid $38,221 over 2 years ago, and that's with a lot of dealer accessories.
This is insane to me. $1200 in depreciation in 2 years and 17k miles does not make any sense. I almost want to get out of it and into something new for next to nothing while I can. I think this will all change in 6 months once the market stabilizes a bit. A few ideas:
- New Outback Wilderness: I get new Subarus at 1% under invoice. I could likely make $1,000 by trading my car in for one :lol: There are some pros and cons to it. Worse stereo, I'd lose the moonroof I don't use, but better wheels, new tires & brakes :lol:, a lift, etc.
- A truck of some sort? Would be incredibly handy to have one. I actually like the new Tundra, but it's too expensive. Maverick is likely too small and couldn't get one for ages anyways.
Also considering EVs. Now that we have a gas powered RDX that we can use for long road trips, a 200+ mile EV would work. Most are still eligible for the $7500 EV federal credit too. In the next month or two, we'll see how my job situation works out, but there's a good chance I'll be back to driving considerable mileage again. Ohio cheap electricity prices and $3/gal gas prices... this gets really enticing. I would save $1600-$1800/year. Cheap financing, and it shakes out to about $6k-$7k in present value. $37k + $7500 Credit + $6500 gas savings = $51k MSRP for a new EV and be even.
-Ford Lightning: Still have my reservation in. The trims and pricing are all a mess, and I probably can't get one anytime soon, but this would be a killer deal with an MSRP $44k. I would love to have a truck around too.
-Ioniq 5: won't be available in Ohio for awhile, but seems like a great car for the money.
-Subaru Solterra/Toyota bz4x: Terrible names, but it's basically an EV outback with better tech, and will likely be well under <$50k. I have a shot at getting one if I get a reservation in immediately when it opens.
-Audi Q4 etron: seems nice. Kind of expensive and don't know availability yet
-Mustang Mach E: Ugly and too expensive
-Polestar 2: probably too expensive
Am I missing anything? I'll likely end up just keeping the Outback, but I feel like it would be stupid to not at least explore some options.
10 years on and EVs are still just play things for the rich, and still not as useful as a $20k Civic. The most useful F-150 Lightning has a base MSRP of $73k.
Plug-in hybrids are better, but still weak on range. And still way too expensive. Rav4 Prime and Audi Q5 hybrid get great reviews, for what they are.
The gas savings + tax credit now makes a lot of them viable if you have another gas powered car for longer trips and a garage you can charge in.
The F-150 Lightning trims are strange. The best deal is actually just the base Pro + the tow package to get the 360 camera. Has nearly everything I need. I could get better speakers + leather seat coverings and heated seats installed for <$50k all in before incentives. Only thing it's really missing is active cruise control.
Quote from: MrH on January 20, 2022, 09:35:15 AM
Am I missing anything? I'll likely end up just keeping the Outback, but I feel like it would be stupid to not at least explore some options.
I've had similar thoughts about selling my car and getting a WRX (via my brother's employee pricing).
What holds me back is that I like the hatchback body style. It comes in handy a few times a year with the interior space, and it always has the tiny footprint (its overall footprint isn't much bigger than my Z3).
I still might do it. My Golf will be 6 years old this summer. I've been pretty lucky so far...only "mechanical" issue I've had was a dead battery.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on January 20, 2022, 11:11:29 AM
I've had similar thoughts about selling my car and getting a WRX (via my brother's employee pricing).
What holds me back is that I like the hatchback body style. It comes in handy a few times a year with the interior space, and it always has the tiny footprint (its overall footprint isn't much bigger than my Z3).
I still might do it. My Golf will be 6 years old this summer. I've been pretty lucky so far...only "mechanical" issue I've had was a dead battery.
I could never bring myself to purchase such an ugly car. And this is coming from a person who owned a Honda Element :lol:
Quote from: MrH on January 20, 2022, 11:02:38 AM
The gas savings + tax credit now makes a lot of them viable if you have another gas powered car for longer trips and a garage you can charge in.
The F-150 Lightning trims are strange. The best deal is actually just the base Pro + the tow package to get the 360 camera. Has nearly everything I need. I could get better speakers + leather seat coverings and heated seats installed for <$50k all in before incentives. Only thing it's really missing is active cruise control.
But the PRO is only available with the standard range battery. It's a minimum of $73k (XLT) to get the "extended" range battery.
I think you should buy a Tesla
Quote from: mzziaz on January 21, 2022, 02:51:08 AM
I think you should buy a Tesla
For most people I agree. Easily the best range per dollar spent and more importantly, you can actually drive long distances if you need to in a pinch because it has by far the most public charging stations and more importantly the most user friendly charging infrastructure (the car will tell you exactly where the nearest charging station is, how many connectors are currently available at said charging station, and how long your expected charge time will be).
But I have a feeling Mr. H would almost rather commit hari kari than ever get a Tesla :lol: He cares too much about build quality and honesty.
Will Teslas charge from "generic" charging stations?
Near me there's a line of superchargers; and then a trio of some other kind- I see Bolts at them occasionally (you'd think I'd see them all the time, they're built a mile away).
Just sometimes, there's a wait for the superchargers, and no wait for the others. I didn't know if the Teslas couldn't use them, or if they just took longer and they didn't want to, or if its just some sort of brand loyalty.
:lol: I knew this was coming. I looked at Tesla pricing. You're right, strictly from a spec sheet, needs, and pricing standpoint? A Model 3, long range, dual motor probably fits the bill better than anything else. I don't really care about superchargers at all. Hurts the long term life of the battery, and I'll be charging at home 100% of the time anyways.
I could never do it though. It needs an actual gauge cluster. It doesn't come anywhere close to the listed range. I could never put up with all the Tesla stuff that goes with owning one. After working with them for two totally different tier 1 suppliers, their lack of validation and testing made me want to puke. Ethically, I couldn't support that company either.
If there was a Toyota version of the Model 3, that'd be perfect :lol:
Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 21, 2022, 08:00:39 AM
Will Teslas charge from "generic" charging stations?
Near me there's a line of superchargers; and then a trio of some other kind- I see Bolts at them occasionally (you'd think I'd see them all the time, they're built a mile away).
Just sometimes, there's a wait for the superchargers, and no wait for the others. I didn't know if the Teslas couldn't use them, or if they just took longer and they didn't want to, or if its just some sort of brand loyalty.
There hasn't been an adapter for Teslas to use CCS plugs until very recently.
Teslas have been able to use J1772 chargers for a long time.
Quote from: MrH on January 21, 2022, 08:06:48 AM
:lol: I knew this was coming. I looked at Tesla pricing. You're right, strictly from a spec sheet, needs, and pricing standpoint? A Model 3, long range, dual motor probably fits the bill better than anything else. I don't really care about superchargers at all. Hurts the long term life of the battery, and I'll be charging at home 100% of the time anyways.
I could never do it though. It needs an actual gauge cluster. It doesn't come anywhere close to the listed range. I could never put up with all the Tesla stuff that goes with owning one. After working with them for two totally different tier 1 suppliers, their lack of validation and testing made me want to puke. Ethically, I couldn't support that company either.
If there was a Toyota version of the Model 3, that'd be perfect :lol:
That's pretty much my feeling on it. I'd love a Model 3 since it's a sedan instead of a small hatchback like our Bolt. But I want a normal instrument cluster, some buttons on the center console, similar build quality to legacy automakers, parts availability, etc.
I'd love to buy online without a dealership, though. At least some others are doing that (Rivian and Polestar)
Quote from: CaminoRacer on January 21, 2022, 09:21:37 AM
There hasn't been an adapter for Teslas to use CCS plugs until very recently.
Teslas have been able to use J1772 chargers for a long time.
This means nothing to me.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 21, 2022, 10:31:39 AM
This means nothing to me.
CCS = level 3 DC fast chargers
J1772 = level 2 chargers (240V)
So I took the Outback in for service. Doesn't sound like they're going to be able to get to the $36k-$37k in trade in. They're going to check to be sure though. I saw this on the lot.
(https://i.imgur.com/GwUXyNB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RPxdM17.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/foz9BeC.jpg)
I liked it more than I thought I would. I could likely get it for invoice if I'm willing to wait 3 months and order one. I would ditch the sunroof and navigation. I don't use either, just CarPlay. Invoice would be $35,700 + D&D.
Pros:
-Lift, wheels & tires look better
-Forward camera & more AWD settings
-Black headliner and trim (A-pillar, EyeSight surrounds, etc). I didn't even know this was a thing, but it makes the interior look a lot better.
-2 years newer and no miles
-Probably better from a depreciation standpoint down the road
-All the chrome is blacked out
Cons:
-Worse stereo
-No thigh extender
-No heated steering wheel
-Worse gas mileage
-No deployable roof rack rail system
If they're willing to do the trade straight up, and lock in my trade in value until it arrives, I'll do it. Not worth it if I have to include any money at all in the deal.
On the EV front, I don't think any of the new, good ones will be available for the next two years. Too little supply, too much demand. So most likely scenario, Outback will stay for another 2-3 years at least.
But I did test drive this while I was there:
(https://i.imgur.com/RF4W85F.jpg)
Absolutely loved it. Orders are closed for 2022 already due to the huge amount of demand. I'll be ordering one once 2023 orders open for fall delivery. I'll drive the S2000 one last spring and summer and then sell it.
Looks good - both of them!
I hate touchscreen controls and CVTs. Get a base model Impreza.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 23, 2022, 10:22:15 AM
I hate touchscreen controls and CVTs. Get a base model Impreza.
I find this more and more true as I go along. The things which are considered "luxury" or upscale on most cars I either don't care much about, or actively don't want.
Retro Aztec... with snazzy orange accents
I like how they have it parked on gravel to prove it's off-road worthiness
Quote from: CaminoRacer on January 23, 2022, 11:21:03 AM
I like how they have it parked on gravel to prove it's off-road worthiness
:lol: That's where they put only their toughest mall crawlers. It's actually like a little mound that's angled up too.
I like the leather man purse
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 23, 2022, 10:22:15 AM
I hate touchscreen controls and CVTs. Get a base model Impreza.
I want a late 90's 7-series. 1100 buttons and a bunch of small monochrome LCD screens.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 23, 2022, 12:03:24 PM
I like the leather man purse
That's a leather man backpack. Two straps make it more manly.
Quote from: MrH on January 23, 2022, 04:05:33 PM
That's a leather man backpack. Two straps make it more manly.
Whatever, I like it.
European carry-all
Quote from: Submariner on January 23, 2022, 03:25:25 PM
I want a late 90's 7-series. 1100 buttons and a bunch of small monochrome LCD screens.
I'll take a 540i with only 700 buttons.
Quote from: Submariner on January 23, 2022, 03:25:25 PM
I want a late 90's 7-series. 1100 buttons and a bunch of small monochrome LCD screens.
Would've been heaven for a 5 year old me.
It's crazy that you can potentially get a new Outback for the same price as a 2 year old one with 17 thousand miles on it. No freaking way the Dealer is going to let that fly. Good luck though!