SummitPost.org

Yes, Lesbarus rule as a climbing car -

why are they also, always the slowest passenger cars to end up behind on a mountain road. If I had all wheel drive, I'd consider cutting loose a bit around the corners. I mean, drive within the abilities but don't mock me in my 2wd frustration1

My parents owned one when I was a little kid. It always overheated. About a week after they sold it the buyer called my parents to complain about blowing the motor. My mom asked him if he shut the AC off when the engine temp started to get a little warm. He said no.

My mom said something to the affect of, "well that wasn't very smart, have a nice day."


Why would you own a car that you can't run the AC when it is hot?

aahz wrote:

erykmynn wrote:why are they also, always the slowest passenger cars to end up behind on a mountain road. If I had all wheel drive, I'd consider cutting loose a bit around the corners. I mean, drive within the abilities but don't mock me in my 2wd frustration1

You certainly aren't driving behind me then. Or maybe you were just left in the dust. I love zipping around mountain roads in my subi!

I've never had my Forester overheat, and I run the AC almost constantly (unless I have the window open).

No doubt!

but I should be allowed to requisition the subarus of these friggin safety hippies

norco17 wrote:My mom

Cue 'yo mama' jokes

So, is it true that all women driving Subarus and Jeeps are lesbian ?

I want one! Damn you ford escort that needs 800$ in replacement parts

erykmynn wrote:why are they also, always the slowest passenger cars to end up behind on a mountain road. If I had all wheel drive, I'd consider cutting loose a bit around the corners. I mean, drive within the abilities but don't mock me in my 2wd frustration1

You weren't behind me or most of the other Subie drivers I know. My Outback XT is really fast, considering it's a wagon and has 9" clearance. 0-60 is under 7 sec and if you downshift while on the highway and take advantage of the turbo boost, 60-(I'm not going to admit to a misdemeanor on the internet) is scary fast. I have tested the theory that cops don't target mild mannered looking cars like Subaru wagons and unfortunately proven that theory false.

I wish they had put a real spare in the outback, and not used the stupid heat-shield standoff design. But I guess I've said that before, about 800 times.

PS DMT used to have a soobie.

Dingus Milktoast wrote:
My main beef with subies is they are just too delicate underneath.

DMT

That's exactly my main complaint... and unfortunately, it holds for a lot of the "good" mpg awd-4wd vehicles.

One requirement for good mpg is a "smooth" undercarriage. You would hope someone would find a way to make a smooth, tough undercarriage, compatible with tough struts and differentials.

erykmynn wrote:why are they also, always the slowest passenger cars to end up behind on a mountain road.

In my case, it's not out of choice, it's just because the Forester is sadly underpowered.

But other than that, I'm pretty happy with the car. I'm on my second one.

Two things. If you think you can stick with me up Tioga I will be happy to let you try. I can get from 395 to Yos entrance station in about 10 minutes in my WRX. And they do make these things called Skid Plates for your Subaru you know. These are cars that are raced on the World Rally you know.

I have skid plates on both the back and front of my outback. But the exhaust system in between those points is dangerously exposed. And changing the oil filter is now a bit more complicated...

Subarus do well in races that involve mud and rough, but fairly soft terrain. They do well when there are occasional rocks in the road, and a seasoned driver can simply drive with one wheel on top of an isolated rock. They don't do as well creeping at 10 mph over a road composed of 10" rocks. Fair enough, they were not designed for that.

I picked up a new subaru outback last winter to go back and forth to work in and for occasional dirt road traveling. For the tougher stuff, I take my Tacoma. It has 6 ply tires and those make a big difference. Yes, I enjoy the Outback and yes, I prefer the Tacoma when off road.

Dingus Milktoast wrote:What's the purpose of that thing shortimer? There isn't a scratch on that skid plate.

DMT

Obviously, that's when he first put it on; else why would the car be on ramps? I bet it has scratches now. I did the same thing with mine, mainly so I would have a visual record of where I put the bolts (registered against fixed points, not always obvious), and where I was getting the most hits in later use.