Q&A's with SOA Blog Here - Page 25

keepclam · 07-01-2008, 12:26 AM

Here's another seat height critique from a new Forester owner, very happy with the vehicle overall. Check out the link, it's got an awesome photo of his new Forester in action.

"My girlfriend has to sit on a pillow in the passenger seat to see wear we are going."
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/dir.../.f178d36/1783

Can't imagine any crash testing is done with the dummies sitting on pillows.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Hondaslayer · 07-01-2008, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

Well, we plan to run out 3 months early.

So that's the plan to ensure we are still not receiving 09 brochures when the 10's show up eh? And here I thought you did not comment on future SOA plans

Also, FWIW I just snagged my new demo (09 Outback) and I must say, the Harmon Kardon system sounds great! (and I'm the type that's perfectly content with the stock speakers on my 96!)

SOA Blog · 07-01-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keepclam

Here's another seat height critique from a new Forester owner, very happy with the vehicle overall. Check out the link, it's got an awesome photo of his new Forester in action.

"My girlfriend has to sit on a pillow in the passenger seat to see wear we are going."
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/dir.../.f178d36/1783

Can't imagine any crash testing is done with the dummies sitting on pillows.

Man, this is becoming your thing isn't it? But no, they don't crash test using pillows, which is why changing seat heights in production is not an easy thing to do. We are looking into how much of an issue this is for most people.

SOA Blog · 07-01-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hondaslayer

So that's the plan to ensure we are still not receiving 09 brochures when the 10's show up eh? And here I thought you did not comment on future SOA plans

Also, FWIW I just snagged my new demo (09 Outback) and I must say, the Harmon Kardon system sounds great! (and I'm the type that's perfectly content with the stock speakers on my 96!)

Well, I just thought if we started early, we'll be finishing early too... Seems to make sense.

As for the sound, yes, it's a decent system isn't it?

Hondaslayer · 07-01-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

Well, I just thought if we started early, we'll be finishing early too... Seems to make sense.

As for the sound, yes, it's a decent system isn't it?

Very much so

HB_Dad · 07-01-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hondaslayer

I just snagged my new demo (09 Outback) and I must say, the Harmon Kardon system sounds great! (and I'm the type that's perfectly content with the stock speakers on my 96!)

Its funny how the Legacy and Outback get this premium sound system, but the actual premium vehicle (the Tribeca) doesn't. It boggles the mind!!

Sub!eDr!ver · 07-01-2008, 02:43 PM

I'll second this. The Tribeca is sorely in need of a better sound system.

Will there be any enhancements for the Tribeca sound system? The one in my '07 Tribeca Limited sounds quite anemic, substantially worse than the system in my '05 Legacy, and the subwoofer way out back is totally worthless. I can't hear it at all up front, and can barely hear it in the hatch area.

We need retrofit options to make the sound system at least sound decent, which would be a huge step up from what it is now. I'm not asking for premium sound, I'm just asking for non-muddy, non-totally-lacking-in-bass, non-clarity-handicapped sound.

Sub!eDr!ver · 07-01-2008, 02:45 PM

... or would that be "clarity challenged"?

100$ GUY · 07-02-2008, 12:52 PM

I think it´s great that SOA has a representative here (working full time I guess)

So congrats to this site for that

But I do have the question, how much does that really help? Any examples of how SOA has heard people´s complaints /comments / suggestions / and then changed or offered new standard or optional equipment for their cars. !?

b4wantab · 07-02-2008, 01:15 PM

Hey now, they (he, she or it) have not been here that long. The stuff we are talking about here you will not see for at least a year, usually longer. As frustrating as that sounds.

Now, when the redesigned Legacy comes out. SOA will have been here long enough by then, if it has issues or is missing content that has been talked about here, you will know where NASIOC stands.

Peace,

Greg

GodWhomIsMike · 07-02-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HB_Dad

Its funny how the Legacy and Outback get this premium sound system, but the actual premium vehicle (the Tribeca) doesn't. It boggles the mind!!

+12345

Hondaslayer · 07-02-2008, 02:30 PM

SOA Blob,

Why is there no access door for the oil filter on the Impreza?

keepclam · 07-02-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOA Blog

Man, this is becoming your thing isn't it?

Unfortunately, it seems to be happening that way.

Quote:

But no, they don't crash test using pillows, which is why changing seat heights in production is not an easy thing to do.

Understood & acknowledge the increased cost associated. Subaru Australia, with its crash-testing very similar to the US's, manages to offer height-adjustable passenger seats on several models. Perhaps SOA could look into how they've been able to do it Down Under. Since they seem keen on offering this feature there, perhaps Subaru Australia and SOA could share costs of whatever planning & design would be required to offer it in Forester.

Quote:

We are looking into how much of an issue this is for most people.

And I'm glad to help you look by posting my findings here (and I'm not searching for these seat-height posts, BTW!).

If you could forward my findings on to the appropriate marketing researchers, that'd be swell. At least 'til I receive my passenger-seat-height survey. Really, though, just hoping to keep this on the radar. I know how easily things get put on the back burner, but that's where they simmer. (Simmering customers are not good.

Ask unclemat.

)

GuyLR · 07-02-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keepclam

Understood & acknowledge the increased cost associated. Subaru Australia, with its crash-testing very similar to the US's, manages to offer height-adjustable passenger seats on several models. Perhaps SOA could look into how they've been able to do it Down Under. Since they seem keen on offering this feature there, perhaps Subaru Australia and SOA could share costs of whatever planning & design would be required to offer it in Forester.

So Australia's adjustable passenger seat is really just our driver's seat. Sounds like an easy to do "Premium" content option for SOA to offer their driver's seat as our adjustable passenger seat. The mind just boggles at the obvious. Come on SOA, charge us for it. That low introductory price of the 2009 Forester was bound to go up anyway.

unclemat · 07-02-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyLR

So Australia's adjustable passenger seat is really just our driver's seat. Sounds like an easy to do "Premium" content option for SOA to offer their driver's seat as our adjustable passenger seat. The mind just boggles at the obvious. Come on SOA, charge us for it. That low introductory price of the 2009 Forester was bound to go up anyway.

Occupant detector sensor is probably the hard part.

Allegedly the reason USDM STI didn't get Recaros (

).

I guess they have no time for such details like they didn't have for VDC for manual LGT

GodWhomIsMike · 07-06-2008, 04:00 PM

SOA Blog: Why did Subaru make the platinum gray interior the only color choice of most of the 2009 Foresters? I would believe it is safe to say that most of us here lead a fairly active lifestyle, and our cars get pretty dirty inside and out. I would say that would be case with most Forester owners as well.

How did Subaru decide that a ultra light gray interior would be the perfect choice for the majority of the 2009 Foresters? That interior would be ruined in a matter of weeks after a typical Forester owner took possession of their new 2009. I went for a test drive of a 2009 Forester XT yesterday, and the inside was platinum gray, and it was a bit worrisome how dirty it was already.

With all that being said, I am most likely going to own a 2009 Forester XT Limited w/ navigation in the next 2 months or so. I am going for a black model, reluctantly, as I really like the Newport Blue. As much as Newport Blue is my favorite color on the Forester, I know the light gray interior would be ruined by stains and dirt in just a few months. This is pretty disappointing. I like camping, fishing, hiking, gardening, and my Legacy GT gets pretty dirty inside and out. The black leather I have now hides most and is easily cleaned. I am just disappointed, as Newport Blue and Sage Green are my two favorite colors on the new Forester, but the ultra light gray interior makes it impossible for me to get one in those colors.

SOA Blog · 07-06-2008, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GodWhomIsMike

SOA Blog: Why did Subaru make the platinum gray interior the only color choice of most of the 2009 Foresters? I would believe it is safe to say that most of us here lead a fairly active lifestyle, and our cars get pretty dirty inside and out. I would say that would be case with most Forester owners as well.

How did Subaru decide that a ultra light gray interior would be the perfect choice for the majority of the 2009 Foresters? That interior would be ruined in a matter of weeks after a typical Forester owner took possession of their new 2009. I went for a test drive of a 2009 Forester XT yesterday, and the inside was platinum gray, and it was a bit worrisome how dirty it was already.

With all that being said, I am most likely going to own a 2009 Forester XT Limited w/ navigation in the next 2 months or so. I am going for a black model, reluctantly, as I really like the Newport Blue. As much as Newport Blue is my favorite color on the Forester, I know the light gray interior would be ruined by stains and dirt in just a few months. This is pretty disappointing. I like camping, fishing, hiking, gardening, and my Legacy GT gets pretty dirty inside and out. The black leather I have now hides most and is easily cleaned. I am just disappointed, as Newport Blue and Sage Green are my two favorite colors on the new Forester, but the ultra light gray interior makes it impossible for me to get one in those colors.

Black comes with 4 of the exterior colors, grey with 5 so there's a fair spread. It's tough to offer multiple color choices as that doubles the model complexity. I think the grey is certainly an improvement over the ivory.

MechEng · 07-06-2008, 08:54 PM

I made a point of getting the light interior this time - just because I had the dark one last time.

I really like it actually...

Mike Wevrick · 07-06-2008, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GodWhomIsMike

I am just disappointed, as Newport Blue and Sage Green are my two favorite colors on the new Forester, but the ultra light gray interior makes it impossible for me to get one in those colors.

I sympathize with you (I don't like easily-dirtied colors either) but its very easy to get aftermarket seat covers.

GodWhomIsMike · 07-06-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Wevrick

I sympathize with you (I don't like easily-dirtied colors either) but its very easy to get aftermarket seat covers.

Everything is light gray - carpets, plastics, doors, panels, etc...

SubaruFan · 07-07-2008, 02:22 PM

Nice thread. Even cooler that a SOA person keeps tabs on it.
I'm a first time owner though have had it since 2001 Leg GT. All I can say is I've sold 5 subaru's via friends and family too bad Subaru doesn't have a referral program. Ha ha

Anyway our legacy has 150K on the ticker and it replaced a 4runner - though our use never changed. So its hauled sailboats all over CA - seen more offroad than the 4runner ever did (even as a GT) and even though we have a 2001 Jetta with almost zero miles on it the 150K GT gets selected for road trip duty every time.

We are waiting for the Subaru Diesel - Milege and capability being our two largest needs.
If the subaru diesels can haul people and crap in 100 degree weather our next subaru will be replacing TWO cars! Toyota Land cruiser and our much loved Subaru GT.

SOA rep - tell your boys and gals MPG and capability will be King with the thousands of people dumping their over the top SUV's for something more practical yet still capable.

Hondaslayer · 07-07-2008, 03:37 PM

Not really a Q or an A, but the new system for the SAS maintenance is a real pITA to use, please bring back the coupons.

TurboRX · 07-07-2008, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboRX

Thanks scooby.

The salesman called me today to let me know he'd been told the car would be at their dealership this coming week. Hopefully that happens.

UPDATE:

My salesman talked to the regional rep today and was told not to expect my car until the 14th or so.

They still can't answer exactly where the car is and I have to say it is EXTREMELY frustrating as a customer who is trying to spend $30K+ to not be able to get any decent information about my future purchase.

unclemat · 07-09-2008, 02:29 PM

Bump for answers:

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclemat

SOA Blog.

Why SOA is not doing anything about the epidemic of oil pickup tubes failures on STIs and LGTs? Mainly 06-07 STIs and 06 LGTs, but also many reports of failures on 04 STIs.

How come SOA has nerve to blame customers for such a failure, e.g. because they could have an aftermarket exhaust?

This is clearly manufacturing/design defect and should be addressed via a recall or at least extended warranty???

Picture below (tons of them on the board, btw):

Knotsure · 07-11-2008, 11:15 AM

Uncle Mat - sheesh - you want to chase SOA Blog away? If I were he/she - I'd give up. You really think he/she is going to post on here the results of anything that SOA finds or investigates with your 'mission'? If you have a problem with your car with the pick up, call SOA. If you don't and are doing the whole Joan of Arc thing with carrying the torch for other's - it ain't gonna get fixed via the web. Let them bring their car to a dealer and get it fixed or call SOA to get an answer. You gotta think that SOA Blog will just not spend the time on here 'dispelling rumors' if it just turns out to be a place for you to harass him/her. It's pretty clear to me - - bump all you want, but it's not going to get responded to on here. He/She has said what the purpose is on here - not to address individual problems but to clarify rumors. Now please give it a rest?

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07-01-2008, 12:26 AM	#601
keepclam Scooby Specialist Member#: 120244 Join Date: Jul 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Everett, WA Vehicle: 2006 Legacy SE Sedan 2006 Pilot EX-L 4WD	Here's another seat height critique from a new Forester owner, very happy with the vehicle overall. Check out the link, it's got an awesome photo of his new Forester in action. "My girlfriend has to sit on a pillow in the passenger seat to see wear we are going." http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/dir.../.f178d36/1783 Can't imagine any crash testing is done with the dummies sitting on pillows. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

07-01-2008, 02:43 PM	#607
Sub!eDr!ver Scooby Newbie Member#: 88924 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Vehicle: 2007 Tribeca Limited 05 LGT (98 LGT, 88 Justy)	I'll second this. The Tribeca is sorely in need of a better sound system. Will there be any enhancements for the Tribeca sound system? The one in my '07 Tribeca Limited sounds quite anemic, substantially worse than the system in my '05 Legacy, and the subwoofer way out back is totally worthless. I can't hear it at all up front, and can barely hear it in the hatch area. We need retrofit options to make the sound system at least sound decent, which would be a huge step up from what it is now. I'm not asking for premium sound, I'm just asking for non-muddy, non-totally-lacking-in-bass, non-clarity-handicapped sound.

07-01-2008, 02:45 PM	#608
Sub!eDr!ver Scooby Newbie Member#: 88924 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Vehicle: 2007 Tribeca Limited 05 LGT (98 LGT, 88 Justy)	... or would that be "clarity challenged"?

07-02-2008, 12:52 PM	#609
100$ GUY Scooby Newbie Member#: 183410 Join Date: Jun 2008	I think it´s great that SOA has a representative here (working full time I guess) So congrats to this site for that But I do have the question, how much does that really help? Any examples of how SOA has heard people´s complaints /comments / suggestions / and then changed or offered new standard or optional equipment for their cars. !?

07-02-2008, 01:15 PM	#610
b4wantab Scooby Specialist Member#: 21293 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Oak Park, IL Vehicle: 05 OB Black Bean 1969 W-30	Hey now, they (he, she or it) have not been here that long. The stuff we are talking about here you will not see for at least a year, usually longer. As frustrating as that sounds. Now, when the redesigned Legacy comes out. SOA will have been here long enough by then, if it has issues or is missing content that has been talked about here, you will know where NASIOC stands. Peace, Greg

07-02-2008, 02:30 PM	#612
Hondaslayer Brain Stew Moderator Member#: 4562 Join Date: Feb 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Auburn, WA Vehicle: 1998 Forester,lifted 1975 VW Westfalia tin top	SOA Blob, Why is there no access door for the oil filter on the Impreza?

07-06-2008, 04:00 PM	#616
GodWhomIsMike Scooby Specialist Member#: 102287 Join Date: Dec 2005 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Hawley, PA Vehicle: 2011 Sportage SX AWD Signal Red	SOA Blog: Why did Subaru make the platinum gray interior the only color choice of most of the 2009 Foresters? I would believe it is safe to say that most of us here lead a fairly active lifestyle, and our cars get pretty dirty inside and out. I would say that would be case with most Forester owners as well. How did Subaru decide that a ultra light gray interior would be the perfect choice for the majority of the 2009 Foresters? That interior would be ruined in a matter of weeks after a typical Forester owner took possession of their new 2009. I went for a test drive of a 2009 Forester XT yesterday, and the inside was platinum gray, and it was a bit worrisome how dirty it was already. With all that being said, I am most likely going to own a 2009 Forester XT Limited w/ navigation in the next 2 months or so. I am going for a black model, reluctantly, as I really like the Newport Blue. As much as Newport Blue is my favorite color on the Forester, I know the light gray interior would be ruined by stains and dirt in just a few months. This is pretty disappointing. I like camping, fishing, hiking, gardening, and my Legacy GT gets pretty dirty inside and out. The black leather I have now hides most and is easily cleaned. I am just disappointed, as Newport Blue and Sage Green are my two favorite colors on the new Forester, but the ultra light gray interior makes it impossible for me to get one in those colors.

07-06-2008, 08:54 PM	#618
MechEng Scooby Newbie Member#: 155113 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Vehicle: 2009 Forester XT Red	I made a point of getting the light interior this time - just because I had the dark one last time. I really like it actually...

07-07-2008, 02:22 PM	#621
SubaruFan Scooby Specialist Member#: 35649 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: CA Vehicle: 2001 Legacy GT sdn sand/gray	Nice thread. Even cooler that a SOA person keeps tabs on it. I'm a first time owner though have had it since 2001 Leg GT. All I can say is I've sold 5 subaru's via friends and family too bad Subaru doesn't have a referral program. Ha ha Anyway our legacy has 150K on the ticker and it replaced a 4runner - though our use never changed. So its hauled sailboats all over CA - seen more offroad than the 4runner ever did (even as a GT) and even though we have a 2001 Jetta with almost zero miles on it the 150K GT gets selected for road trip duty every time. We are waiting for the Subaru Diesel - Milege and capability being our two largest needs. If the subaru diesels can haul people and crap in 100 degree weather our next subaru will be replacing TWO cars! Toyota Land cruiser and our much loved Subaru GT. SOA rep - tell your boys and gals MPG and capability will be King with the thousands of people dumping their over the top SUV's for something more practical yet still capable.

07-07-2008, 03:37 PM	#622
Hondaslayer Brain Stew Moderator Member#: 4562 Join Date: Feb 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Auburn, WA Vehicle: 1998 Forester,lifted 1975 VW Westfalia tin top	Not really a Q or an A, but the new system for the SAS maintenance is a real pITA to use, please bring back the coupons.

07-11-2008, 11:15 AM	#625
Knotsure Scooby Specialist Member#: 41730 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Jersey Vehicle: 0910 Leggy3.0/Impr BLU Leg/BLK Imp	Uncle Mat - sheesh - you want to chase SOA Blog away? If I were he/she - I'd give up. You really think he/she is going to post on here the results of anything that SOA finds or investigates with your 'mission'? If you have a problem with your car with the pick up, call SOA. If you don't and are doing the whole Joan of Arc thing with carrying the torch for other's - it ain't gonna get fixed via the web. Let them bring their car to a dealer and get it fixed or call SOA to get an answer. You gotta think that SOA Blog will just not spend the time on here 'dispelling rumors' if it just turns out to be a place for you to harass him/her. It's pretty clear to me - - bump all you want, but it's not going to get responded to on here. He/She has said what the purpose is on here - not to address individual problems but to clarify rumors. Now please give it a rest?