Suggestions to SOA: Ref. Future Models

[HB_Dad]

How about making the puddle lights as seen on the Tribeca STANDARD on ALL SUbarus? They are not only convenient, but good safety if you need to exit the vehicle on a dark road (makes you easier to see). Also, the cool factor seems to get a lot of attention from passers by when they are lit on my Tribeca. Practicality/safety/bling all rolled into one, and at a easily absorbed cost.

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

[left footed whooten]

Puddle lights? Please elaborate.

[HB_Dad]

Originally Posted by left footed whooten

Puddle lights? Please elaborate.

By the way, I think they need one for the rear hatch that illuminates the ground when you are accessing the rear.

[BOY]

Originally Posted by aaykay

I am not too convinced that the Limited package that comes with the Impreza, passes inspection at the $2500 pricepoint. All you get are heated seats, plasticky leather and a sliver of open space on the roof that has been termed a "moonroof".

The moonroof on the WRX-LTD is, marginally, better than the one on the old RS at least

[aaykay]

Originally Posted by BOY

The moonroof on the WRX-LTD is, marginally, better than the one on the old RS at least

Frankly, I would like the WRX to not have come with a moonroof. It simply adds an additional 50lbs to the roof of the car, where you least need that additional weight.

I would have preferred the WRX limited to have come with better and grippier seats (I liked the seats of the original WRX) and in the EAT model, to have come with a 5EAT and the new SI-Drive. Now that is worth $2500...to me.

Currently, there is a $1800 difference in price between the Legacy GT 5EAT with SI-Drive and the WRX-LTD with 4EAT. When you look at what you get with the GT, including the Side curtain airbags, powered seats in both the front seats, much better leather, 5EAT, SI-Drive, arguably better and technologically superior suspension etc., the WRX-LTD starts appearing as a rip-off. The regular WRX that comes with all the fundamentals of the WRX-LTD, starts appearing as a real value. I need an Auto (EAT) and a car sized like the Impreza but unfortunately, I am not given an option other than paying the $2500 additional ripoff for the "LTD features" that I absolutely don't need or want, in addition to the $1000 for the EAT.

If the WRX EAT were available in the non-LTD, I can live with the 4EAT, especially at a $2500 "discount"...but unfortunately Subaru has decided not to have such a model.

Alternatively, if the 2.5i came with the WRX wheels, brakes, VTD-AWD system, rear LSD, quicker steering ratio (2.7 of the WRX), tighter suspension and all other things, I absolutely would not need the turbo engine, especially if it were available for $20-22K.

[rsholland]

Originally Posted by aaykay

Frankly, I would like the WRX to not have come with a moonroof. It simply adds an additional 50lbs to the roof of the car, where you least need that additional weight.

There are 3 levels of WRX: the bare-bones WRX TR, the nicely-equipped mid-level WRX, and the luxury WRX Limited. 2 of those models don't come with a moonroof. The sport-luxury-oriented Limited does, and rightly so... Most people who buy the Limited could care less if the moonroof adds 50 pounds to the vehicle's weight.

Bob

[Catsmeow]

Originally Posted by aaykay

If the 2.5i came with the WRX wheels, brakes, VTD-AWD system, rear LSD, quicker steering ratio (2.7 of the WRX), tighter suspension and all other things, I absolutely would not need the turbo engine, especially if it were available for $20-22K.

That would work for me, and be a good replacement for my 1998 Dodge Neon ACR Coupe which came from the factory in Belvidere, Illinois with an owner tunable high performance Koni suspension, 5-speed close ratio gearbox and race ready quick steering. The car handles like a dream and is absolutlely flat through the corners. Feels neutral in most any situation and can be set up with a rear bias: you'd never know it's FWD. Puts a smile on my face every time I drive it . Cost a little over $14K new and is without a doubt the best darn car value I've ever owned or known.

\\\=^..^=///

[sweendiggs]

deleted

[aaykay]

Originally Posted by rsholland

There are 3 levels of WRX: the bare-bones WRX TR, the nicely-equipped mid-level WRX, and the luxury WRX Limited. 2 of those models don't come with a moonroof. The sport-luxury-oriented Limited does, and rightly so... Most people who buy the Limited could care less if the moonroof adds 50 pounds to the vehicle's weight.

Bob

Maybe I did not make myself clear the first-go-around. Happens sometimes..

Actually, I would LOVE to buy a WRX TR, with a EAT. Do you have one available ? Or am I forced to fork out extra thousands of dollars and spring for the LTD to get one ?

[aaykay]

Originally Posted by rsholland

Most people who buy the Limited could care less if the moonroof adds 50 pounds to the vehicle's weight.

Bob

Also, I would care less if those extra 50 lbs were at the bottom of the vehicle...does not adversely impact the CG. For instance, the differential protector weighs quite a bit but I have absolutely no problem with that weight since it is at the very bottom of the vehicle. In fact, it will add to the stability a bit.

But at the top of the vehicle (moonroof) ? I am not too thrilled by it.

[rsholland]

Originally Posted by aaykay

Also, I would care less if those extra 50 lbs were at the bottom of the vehicle...does not adversely impact the CG. For instance, the differential protector weighs quite a bit but I have absolutely no problem with that weight since it is at the very bottom of the vehicle. In fact, it will add to the stability a bit.

But at the top of the vehicle (moonroof) ? I am not too thrilled by it.

Again, the typical Limited customer won't care about that. It doesn't bother me in the least, and I have a WRX Limited. I'm not "tracking" my car, so I'll take the fresh air and ventilation of a moonroof at the expense of a tiny fraction of handling loss any day of the week.

Bob

[LastResort]

Since you are so concerned with performance, I'm still trying to convince why you would possibly consider a limited WRX or STI. As all those packages do is add weight, and no performance.


Again. Allow the purchase of a Legacy GT, that's not a limited, so the wife and I can get one with a Turbo, but no leather.

[sweendiggs]

deleted

[aaykay]

My needs in a vehicle are pretty basic:
a) It needs to be a small wagon - sized like an Impreza. A Legacy GT Wagon would do too, but it is a bit on the larger side.
b) It needs to handle really well. The handling of the 2.5i wagon is weak at best. The steering is slow and sloppy, which was a big turn-off for me.
c) It needs to have AWD.
d) It definitely need to be a EAT (preferably 5EAT)

My options in the Subaru lineup:
a) WRX Wagon 4EAT Limited (Other versions like WRX TR etc do not come with EAT)
b) Legacy GT Wagon Limited (The GT Wagon only comes in the "limited" version).

So to get an EAT good handling wagon, AT THE VERY LEAST, I have to foot 27K, if I opt for a Subaru. I am not too thrilled at paying 27K, simply to get a 4EAT with no sportshift, in the Impreza class, especially since the fundamentally identical vehicle in the specifications I want, but without the EAT (WRX TR etc) is available for 1000's less.....bottomline, the WRX is truly a 22K vehicle, with the LTD version equipped with a couple of additional doodads that I do not need or want and I will end up paying over 5-6K additional for it, simply to get the EAT.....I am thus forced to explore other non-Subaru options.

[aaykay]

Originally Posted by sean96gsr

I can see the regular WRX coming with the EAT, but not the TR. In my mind, the TR comes with the expectation that it will be modded and tracked, thus no EAT.

I think any 'limited' model should have a sunroof. More of the general population would be upset with NOT having it; we're a little different on this site .
-Sean

You are absolutely right. But that is fundamentally my problem. If the "regular" WRX is available with an EAT, I would be home free. But it is not, and thus my dilemma.

I agree that any such "limited" package comes with a sunroof as a mandatory add-on. It is just that I would prefer to cheap out and go with a version with all the basic goodies at 1000's less. Unfortunately, that version, even though available with a stick-shift, is not available with an EAT. Tough luck !

[sweendiggs]

deleted

[LastResort]

I finally get it(sorry), you are in the same bundling dilemma that the wife and I are in. I want the Manual Legacy Turbo, but I get a forced into the Limited that includes things I don't want; Leather, power seats, sunroof, and the heated front seats. And to get the VDC you have to get the Navigation, what kind of option package is that?

[Catsmeow]

Originally Posted by sean96gsr

I think Subaru should make an (Impreza) 2.5R:

-Available in limited or standard
-Available in sedan or wagon
-A higher-revving DOHC variable valve timing AND lift 2.5 NA motor (~190-200hp?)
-5MT from the LGT (dual cone 1st gear syncro) or 5EAT w/ sportshift
-WRX steering rack and suspension components
-WRX wheels
-WRX seats
-WRX 6disc/MP3 stereo

That would sell pretty damn well I think ... it could have the gas mileage of an NA car at normal revs, then become more of a beast as you rev it out. AWD, nice interior, and handles like a champ. ... it can be done successfully.

NOW I get it, too! Give me an Impreza 2.5R Wagon (Standard Edition) with the option of either 5EAT or 6MT (gear ratios properly matched to the NA DOHC motor) and I'll write the check today. Garnet Red or Urban Grey will do just fine for the color. SOA: Are you listening? I'm ready to buy!

\\\=^..^=///

[sential]

Subaru needs a coupe... A sports coupe... a fast one, lightweight, with the sole purpose of being a sports car... Just no weird "SVX" windows or styling...

[hexadec0079]

hey, leave the SVX alone, it was, errrr, is a great car. But SOA, and Subaru Int'l need a coupe, desperately. They need to compete in the growing sports coupe market. Thats where the market i going coupes and crossover SUVs. They need a Tribeca and a nex SVX/P2 to thrive.

I vote for a 2.5 Turbo twin scroll (300 hp), 6spd DCCD, or 5eat w/ sportshift, and shared suspension (with new Impreza to cut costs) or optional H6, ala a new EG33 (ie dual throttle bodies and at least 250hp, with torque) Alcanatara, and brembos. NO sunroof.

To conclude, to compete with the new crop pf AMG's, new 3 series turbo, new Skyline, and the like; a new coupe is VITAL! Are you listening SOA?

[chaddeus]

if I am a designer for Subaru, I will take a quick look at these kind of websites but will not put heavy emphasis on the comments to the next car that I am designing.

Simply because most people do not understand what it takes to design a car. The difficulty in working with the marketing people, the engineers, the accounting department etc... People say they want this and that. Some say if they build a super car, they will buy it. Yah but that super car will only serve to that extremely specific customers who they end up paying maybe $100,000 for a Subaru branded car; which they end up not buying it since its too expensive....

[BigElm]

Originally Posted by chaddeus

if I am a designer for Subaru, I will take a quick look at these kind of websites but will not put heavy emphasis on the comments to the next car that I am designing.

Simply because most people do not understand what it takes to design a car. The difficulty in working with the marketing people, the engineers, the accounting department etc... People say they want this and that. Some say if they build a super car, they will buy it. Yah but that super car will only serve to that extremely specific customers who they end up paying maybe $100,000 for a Subaru branded car; which they end up not buying it since its too expensive....

You're preaching to the choir... tell us something we don't know!

[SoDealer]

Originally Posted by chaddeus

if I am a designer for Subaru, I will take a quick look at these kind of websites but will not put heavy emphasis on the comments to the next car that I am designing.

Simply because most people do not understand what it takes to design a car. The difficulty in working with the marketing people, the engineers, the accounting department etc... People say they want this and that. Some say if they build a super car, they will buy it. Yah but that super car will only serve to that extremely specific customers who they end up paying maybe $100,000 for a Subaru branded car; which they end up not buying it since its too expensive....

There's a term... Diamonds in the Rough... I'm sure SOA can sift through the crap and find some real meat. Some of the posts here i'd agree with 100% dead on... "???" gave some very good points. Then again... some of these posts are absurd. SOA/FHI will have to sit and think... what points will benefit Subaru in the US/Global market... and what points are from a fan boy sketching out "Homer"

[HB_Dad]

Originally Posted by SoDealer

There's a term... Diamonds in the Rough... I'm sure SOA can sift through the crap and find some real meat. Some of the posts here i'd agree with 100% dead on... "???" gave some very good points. Then again... some of these posts are absurd. SOA/FHI will have to sit and think... what points will benefit Subaru in the US/Global market... and what points are from a fan boy sketching out "Homer"

I am almost willing to bet that a good 90% of perspective buyers out there truly don't know what they want, even when they THINK they do.

[BOY]

Originally Posted by HB_Dad

I am almost willing to bet that a good 90% of perspective buyers out there truly don't know what they want, even when they THINK they do.

Only 90%?