When you ruin your daily driver to the point you need to get another one...

[Cookie Monster]

A little backstory:

Since I'd given up riding in March (crashed the 954 on the way to work and broke my collarbone, but that's another story), I had to start driving to work for the first time in four years. My commute was only 7 miles each way, so between the RX7 and Miata I was getting by OK. However, I ended up moving back home with my parents, and my commute ended up stretching to 20 miles each way. The RX7 also took a shit on me after replacing the fuel pump (my guess is a dirty tank is clogging the fuel pump now), so it was back to the Miata commuting full time, 40 miles a day.

I hadn't realized how unlivable I had made the Miata with all my sweet ricecar mods. I have to wear headphones in the car, and even with good in ear monitors I started getting tinnitus from the stupid amount of exhaust, drivetrain and tire noise. Plus, I was starting to get irritated with the lack of space, and with my brother using the MDX everyday and my general dislike of the MDX (it's a great SUV for what it is, but god damn it's boring to drive), I decided I needed something more practical and more livable. My only requirements were AWD (for skiing) and a manual (duh).

I ended up with a 1996 Subaru Outback with the 2.2L specifically to hopefully avoid any headgasket issues. It's lowered on shit eBay coilovers and rides like a dump truck, but has a fucking bangin sound system with two amps under the front seats and two subs in the spare tire well. Everything, including the A/C, works, and other than some clunking here and there it drives fine. The coilovers are so stiff the car handles pretty well for what it is, but I'm going to at least raise it come winter so it doesn't sag like crazy while hauling people and skis to the slopes.

I've already bought some endlinks too, to try and cure the clunking. Other than that, the car seems like its good to go *knock on wood*. I also threw my Thule top box on there for extra fun adventuring times.







Tearing into the wiring a couple hours after buying:






Yes, you can flame me for 1) crashing yet again and 2) being such an epic fail of a ricer I don't even want to drive my own car on the street anymore.

[GoCougs]

Broke your collarbone in a second motorcycle wreck? Yikes.

For ski and DD rigs Subarus are hard to beat. I only wish they still made a modern version of the XT and GT (turbo w/MT) wagon.

[Cookie Monster]

Broke your collarbone in a second motorcycle wreck? Yikes.

For ski and DD rigs Subarus are hard to beat. I only wish they still made a modern version of the XT and GT (turbo w/MT) wagon.

Technically my 3rd wreck and yeah, snapped it into 3 pieces and had to get surgery to have a plate and 7 screws put in.

3-4 weeks in a sling and I was good to go. Started lifting full time 5 weeks afterwards, and did a Tough Mudder last week (~11 weeks post surgery) and had no problems, so it wasn't a big deal.

[shp4man]

I'm out of the loop on Subies. Is that the one that's considered a lesbian vehicle or is that some other model?

[12,000 RPM]

I approve

Why not just put a turbo style muffler on the Miata? I had a straight pipe to a big baffled muffler on my first Accord after one of those fake "Mugen twin loop" pipes, and it was pretty good (for me at like age 20). Blunted top end a little bit but still got the job done (and didn't piss my mom off when I left early in the morning :) )

[MrH]

You're done with motorcycles now? Selling off everything?  I can't say I blame you. I support this decision.

Congrats on the purchase. Looks really clean. A Subaru of that age around here is always rusted to hell.

[MX793]

I approve

Why not just put a turbo style muffler on the Miata? I had a straight pipe to a big baffled muffler on my first Accord after one of those fake "Mugen twin loop" pipes, and it was pretty good (for me at like age 20). Blunted top end a little bit but still got the job done (and didn't piss my mom off when I left early in the morning :) )

Doesn't address the road and wind noise associated with tearing the sound insulation out.

[68_427]

Guys please now refer to this as the Raggin Waggin

Thank you for your time

[Cookie Monster]

I approve

Why not just put a turbo style muffler on the Miata? I had a straight pipe to a big baffled muffler on my first Accord after one of those fake "Mugen twin loop" pipes, and it was pretty good (for me at like age 20). Blunted top end a little bit but still got the job done (and didn't piss my mom off when I left early in the morning :) )

I could (and might still) put a quieter muffler on the Miata, but that doesn't solve my space issues. I have too many other hobbies like cycling and skiing to be stuck with a 2 seater as my only car.

You're done with motorcycles now? Selling off everything?  I can't say I blame you. I support this decision.

Congrats on the purchase. Looks really clean. A Subaru of that age around here is always rusted to hell.

For now, yep. Sold two bikes, still have one more to move. I might get a supermoto in the future but this car was largely funded by motorcycle sales.

And yeah, it's not bad at all. I was pretty impressed with how solidly it drove.

Guys please now refer to this as the Raggin Waggin

Thank you for your time

My friend suggested getting a vanity plate that says "RAGNWGN". Yes or no?

[Cookie Monster]

Here are some crappy interior pics:







I'm trying to find some mesh grate to put over the subwoofers to be able to put things in the back:

[12,000 RPM]

Wait, no more bikes? Why? Were the accidents the result of people's shitty driving or poor riding decisions? That bums me out

[68_427]

My friend suggested getting a vanity plate that says "RAGNWGN". Yes or no?

Perfect

[Cookie Monster]

Wait, no more bikes? Why? Were the accidents the result of people's shitty driving or poor riding decisions? That bums me out

I got cut off in traffic at a highway interchange due to someone else wanting to make a last minute lane change. It was my fault in that it could have been prevented but my mind was fried from long hours at work and no sleep.

Putting myself through so much risk just to get to work every day is not worth it to me. 3 crashes in a year is also not worth it so I'm done for now. As I said, maybe a supermoto in the future but I'm not missing riding for now.

[giant_mtb]

Dirt > Street

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

I got cut off in traffic at a highway interchange due to someone else wanting to make a last minute lane change. It was my fault in that it could have been prevented but my mind was fried from long hours at work and no sleep.

Putting myself through so much risk just to get to work every day is not worth it to me. 3 crashes in a year is also not worth it so I'm done for now. As I said, maybe a supermoto in the future but I'm not missing riding for now.

WOW! Nice Sube tho......

[12,000 RPM]

Dirt > Street

I was going to say, track days, but bikes are cheap over there and it takes time. I would sell the Miata for a track bike but it's all good.

[Cookie Monster]

Between the suits and potentially breaking bones I prefer to track cars. Tracking bikes is rewarding but I don't really want to get a tow rig and trailer and all that shit again.

[12,000 RPM]

Fair enough

[68_427]

Fair enough

More motorcycles in the world for you to buy now no need to cry

[FoMoJo]

135 hp, you're gonna be so bored driving that thing .

[68_427]

I would say 180-190hp is fairly simple, but not with that shit California gas

[Cookie Monster]

135 hp, you're gonna be so bored driving that thing .

Yeah this thing makes my Miata feel fast.

But, with some friends in the car and just cruising down the street, I love this car. I don't have to drive it fast or like an asshole because I can just cruise and listen to music.

Today I pulled the bumper ducky off the NC and stuck it on the Subaru:



The wiper arms were rusty and gross looking so I quickly cleaned and sanded them and spray painted them.







And an artsy fartsy pic from dinner just because:

[r0tor]

I really don't understand driving a wagon and then putting a luggage carrier on top for day to day driving.

[68_427]

I really don't understand driving a wagon and then putting a luggage carrier on top for day to day driving.

I'd assume is was a test fit and possibly being used for cargo until he builds something to sit over his subwoofers.

[FoMoJo]

Yeah this thing makes my Miata feel fast.

But, with some friends in the car and just cruising down the street, I love this car. I don't have to drive it fast or like an asshole because I can just cruise and listen to music.

Today I pulled the bumper ducky off the NC and stuck it on the Subaru:

A new phase, congratulations.

[Cookie Monster]

I'd assume is was a test fit and possibly being used for cargo until he builds something to sit over his subwoofers.

That and I don't have a better place to put it at home.

[2o6]

Nice!


Now you have THREE cars? I thought everyone in the Bay Area just teleported and complained from place to place

[SVT_Power]

Three cars that he should sell and get one decent car

[BimmerM3]

I really don't understand driving a wagon and then putting a luggage carrier on top for day to day driving.

Skis + passengers. I've been thinking about getting one for the Explorer.

[giant_mtb]

Skis + passengers. I've been thinking about getting one for the Explorer.

I think he's talking more about just leaving it there 24/7/365 like some people seem to do.  I've got a customer who drives a Matrix with a bike rack and a luggage carrier on top...they never leave that roof.  It is kinda weird to leave them on all the time (especially the luggage box) because of MPGs and stuff, but I get it, especially on smaller vehicles that get decent mileage.