tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post588067099504136290..comments2024-01-21T03:30:35.366-05:00Comments on Standing Outside Looking In: I WantStephenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-69757186677198826492012-05-08T09:38:51.502-04:002012-05-08T09:38:51.502-04:00Mrs. S., if I'm lucky I get 16 mpg in my truck...Mrs. S., if I'm lucky I get 16 mpg in my truck. Thanks, Sweet lady.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-90073687972576456202012-05-08T09:38:22.878-04:002012-05-08T09:38:22.878-04:00Thanks, drjim. I haven't as yet given up on my...Thanks, drjim. I haven't as yet given up on my search. I'm sold on the Subaru.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-61189442476833386222012-05-08T09:37:51.753-04:002012-05-08T09:37:51.753-04:00What a great and informative comment. Thank you, m...What a great and informative comment. Thank you, my good friend.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-70529529594003813862012-05-06T22:28:43.181-04:002012-05-06T22:28:43.181-04:00Hubby's family bought Subaru station wagons be...Hubby's family bought Subaru station wagons before they became popular and expensive (late 70's early 80's). Hubby and his sister actually walked away from an accident where they rolled one into a farmer's field (icy conditions). Even with his broken glasses hubby could see the farmer hurrying over the fields to get to them with the manure spreader following behind chucking muck faster than you could imagine. If there had been fans in the sky, it would have been hitting them. I digress. They are good vehicles, if you can find one that isn't used up.<br /><br />If you want something with more headroom, try a Honda Element. We like ours. The only trouble you might have is getting an element owner to part with theirs so that you can buy it. Ours has a manual transmission, and even with a heavy foot, it gets 22-25mpg.Mrs. S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05303378310653171627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-35943800097125225402012-05-06T00:29:13.839-04:002012-05-06T00:29:13.839-04:00My stepson's girl friend has an Outback with a...My stepson's girl friend has an Outback with about 400k on it. It's only given her trouble once, and that was when one of the cam drive sprockets disintegrated. They used a "composite" material to make them, and they do occasionally fail.<br />The bad thing is that they're an "interference" type engine, which means if the cams stop turning, leaving the valves open on certain cylinders, the pistons come up and hit the valves.<br />Her Dad came down from Colorado and trailered it back to repair it, and it's running fine now.<br />I also had a buddy back in College who had one of the early ones who put 500k on it.<br />If you take care of them, they'll run for a loooong time.drjimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05647484115197408897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-29181585049228180332012-05-05T19:08:28.749-04:002012-05-05T19:08:28.749-04:00I have a Baja, which is the pickup version of the ...I have a Baja, which is the pickup version of the Outback in your picture. I have a "Coexist" sticker made of gun company logos on it, along with a Gadsden flag and a USCCA sticker. All on the windows, nothing on the paint. I wanted one as soon as I saw them, in Baja Yellow of course, and now I have it.<br /><br />It's been a good little rig, I bought it for 10K a couple of years ago and have put almost 35K on it. The only problem I've had with it was when the idle air control valve went out on it ($45 for my Pontiac), the parts store guy quoted over $300 for it and didn't even offer me a drink first. Ebay Motors fixed me right up.<br /><br />Two things about the pancake 4 (think water cooled VW motor), they have a problem with head gaskets leaking water (there's an additive that Subaru sells for the cooling system to prevent this) and they will develop piston slap. Nothing to worry about, it just makes noise when cold.<br /><br />It sure was a good companion in the slick stuff this winter when I went to the folk's house (in Iowa) for Christmas.<br /><br />There's this, as well. I went looking for fog lamps for it (neighborhood kids and BB guns) and found exactly 3 Subi's in all of the junkyards in the local area. Two had been wrecked and the third was an early 80's model. Says quite a bit for their reliability right there.<br /><br />Kind of wordy, but have a good mechanic check it out for you and then do not fear.Larryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11308171394825291900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-33235136558434427002012-05-05T07:58:15.058-04:002012-05-05T07:58:15.058-04:00Hank, thank you very much for the link, and trust ...Hank, thank you very much for the link, and trust me, I shall read. You and I think much alike on statistics. I even carry two weapons in my truck and will do the same in my Subaru - if I buy it. Thanks, and please, hang around.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-78760940338338383482012-05-04T23:19:59.212-04:002012-05-04T23:19:59.212-04:00Stephen, the best (smartest) thing you could do be...Stephen, the best (smartest) thing you could do before you 'pull the trigger' on this purchase is to go to: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/index.htm and see what they have to say - it's saved my butt a few times over the years - the car could be great except for a crappy electrical system (for example) - Consumer Reports is all about which one is statistically best - I'm all about about statistics, which is why I wear a seat belt, carry a gun (or two), a knife, flashlight, etc. Hope this helps.<br /><br />HankHAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-30882512841357065702012-05-04T22:53:37.773-04:002012-05-04T22:53:37.773-04:00That's why you add your own "bumper stick...That's why you add your own "bumper stickers" to it, with luck the shock at seeing heresy of a NRA or Tea Party bumper sticker on a Subaru will cause said tree hugging liberal to "shuffle off this mortal coil".Odysseushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16710666926746925370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-73469042750303870242012-05-04T22:52:52.881-04:002012-05-04T22:52:52.881-04:00Odysseus, thanks. Good point on the parts. Thank g...Odysseus, thanks. Good point on the parts. Thank goodness I've a son employed by Acura and he orders parts at cost with a discount. Thanks, good to hear from you.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-87543969208953480102012-05-04T22:51:09.566-04:002012-05-04T22:51:09.566-04:00Well said, my friend. I have the same kind of stic...Well said, my friend. I have the same kind of stickers...I think the car is kickass. Thank you very much...Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-9420332527492032932012-05-04T22:50:31.808-04:002012-05-04T22:50:31.808-04:00My mother had a couple of Subaru wagons and loved ...My mother had a couple of Subaru wagons and loved them. AWD is a pretty impressive system, I recall when driving it there seemed to be far less "hesitation" when you had to steer sharply. Do be aware that while they are durable when something finally breaks the parts do cost more.Odysseushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16710666926746925370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-86121818772170292262012-05-04T22:49:32.666-04:002012-05-04T22:49:32.666-04:00I'll check it out tomorrow and if it passes a ...I'll check it out tomorrow and if it passes a carfax, and my son's inspection I might just lay down some cash. Thanks, Shepherd, positive feedback helps.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-79839528902538001072012-05-04T22:47:32.074-04:002012-05-04T22:47:32.074-04:00Ah, come on, Sweet Lady, I know you want one. With...Ah, come on, Sweet Lady, I know you want one. With the proper 'Free men do not ask permission to bear arms' sticker I believe the general public will get the message. Thanks, Dear Red.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-49846517010812083822012-05-04T21:51:35.279-04:002012-05-04T21:51:35.279-04:00Matt: Yes that is a good point. The best way to ...Matt: Yes that is a good point. The best way to save money is to ride you current vehicle into the ground, followed by careful driving to increase gas mileage.<br /><br />I do the first one, but the second one - not so much.russell1200https://www.blogger.com/profile/16258915475311426433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-29488501061719687352012-05-04T21:38:57.281-04:002012-05-04T21:38:57.281-04:00I have a 2011 Outback, for all the reasons you lis...I have a 2011 Outback, for all the reasons you listed. I can fit the gun cases and range boxes in it and still carry 4 people, and I'll get around 30 MPG doing it. Almost 9" of ground clearance mean that curbs and "speed bumps" are no longer a big concern. The 2.2 has plenty of power; last year's trip in the WV mountains proved that to me. I got an upper-endy one; it's got every creature comfort known to man and a kicking stereo to boot. Everyone I ever know who's had one loved the thing.<br /><br />Bad thing is that most people who buy them are "green", and you get tagged as being "one of them". The cognitive dissonance when they see the NRA Endowment Member sticker on the rear window is like a Mastercard commercial--priceless. :-)The Freeholderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09989697995675652792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-77840903061692638822012-05-04T21:24:59.496-04:002012-05-04T21:24:59.496-04:00Glad you see it my way! How about one of those li...Glad you see it my way! How about one of those little Honda SUVs? Honda CRV? Not sure of the name but they are cute but lack a tow hitch. Maybe Lil Bit can drive it when she turns 16. You're ready for that, right? It will happen in a blink.Mermaidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04624058637518241020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-25940625276422254082012-05-04T18:46:20.597-04:002012-05-04T18:46:20.597-04:00My sister is on her third Outback, and don't t...My sister is on her third Outback, and don't think she will consider another vehicle ever again. My best man is on his second. They are love it or hate it styling wise. Mechanically, they have a good reputation. The boxer engine turns out pretty good performance and gas mileage for the size engine. I'd say go for it.Daddy Hawkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01386749814126280114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-32080720284907741792012-05-04T17:46:09.183-04:002012-05-04T17:46:09.183-04:00Okay,I just have to throw in my two cents. I like...Okay,I just have to throw in my two cents. I like the looks of them but would never own one. Here in Oregon if you drive a Subaru you are a tree huggin' liberal. Wouldn't be caught dead in one :)<br /><br />Blessings,<br />RedRed Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13618348708651144199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-9890888989345283902012-05-04T16:15:48.157-04:002012-05-04T16:15:48.157-04:00I might just throw caution to wind and buy the lit...I might just throw caution to wind and buy the little sucker...thanks, Sweet Phyllis.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-90114599425897609452012-05-04T16:15:01.563-04:002012-05-04T16:15:01.563-04:00Well thank you, Pretty Girl. It's a very old &...Well thank you, Pretty Girl. It's a very old 'saying,' as they say....Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-3935091584863023882012-05-04T16:14:10.252-04:002012-05-04T16:14:10.252-04:00Duke, 'ole Buddy, I'll take up for you. Le...Duke, 'ole Buddy, I'll take up for you. Let it fly.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-82304053451285366312012-05-04T16:13:10.878-04:002012-05-04T16:13:10.878-04:00Now I want some grilled Whale...and those bumper s...Now I want some grilled Whale...and those bumper stickers work for me. Thanks, Dear Lady. Duke, btw, is the ugly one. I'm cute...Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09752401490789789451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-28382753998367894772012-05-04T15:06:21.039-04:002012-05-04T15:06:21.039-04:00Duke, you're not as far off as some would defi...Duke, you're not as far off as some would defiantly claim. As for whales - you know that tastes change depending on the amount of carbs available? Inuit and Inupiaq friends of mine state very strongly that whale tastes awesome when you're on the traditional diet. To my potato eating, rice-loving, pasta is awesome self, muktuk tastes awful. As for the grilled meat - it's like beef in size and texture, really - except it tastes strongly fishy. It's probably also an acquired taste, and I just never ate enough to acquire the taste. <br /><br />Again, though, like guns - blame the user, not the tool, eh? And if the stereotype smarts too much, well, I can probably find the sanctimonious bumper stickers for you. Alaskan favorites include "Alaskans for Global Warming", "Eat Moose: 10,000 wolves can't be wrong", and "Friends don't let friends eat farmed fish."On a Wing and a Whimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00754595334684845895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507051756134115711.post-65512118901031153682012-05-04T14:44:35.122-04:002012-05-04T14:44:35.122-04:00Best 4X I EVER owned was my Bronco - kept it for 1...Best 4X I EVER owned was my Bronco - kept it for 13 years until it fell apart - to bad they don't make them anymore.<br />Then I had a Chevy Blazer - a total piece of garbage. Now I have my Jeep Cherokee - love it! I've had it for 12 years now and it has always made it home through snow storms, hurricanes and floods. The new ones are just rust buckets. My cousin has a Subaru and loves it. She lives in the suburbs, so I don't know if it would be any good in the country.<br />Have it checked out, put it through a good workout and if you like it - buy it! Good luck!Phyllis (N/W Jersey)noreply@blogger.com