My mum has now decided that it's time to upgrade her car and since I've always owned a Impreza (which she loves driving) she's decided that an Impreza is top of her list.
My mum plays softball both summer and winter comp and having to lug around a kit to various venues, lots of shopping as well as my 2 year old daughter at times she's after a vehicle that has lots of room, can fit a pram as well as LOTS of shopping, is easy to drive but still looks sporty. She's not a fan of 4wd's and doesn't like the look of the Forester's, finds the Liberty and Outback too big for her liking but the Impreza is just right.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Well it's been a few weeks since my last post and in that time I've taken the Outback and the Liberty for yet another test drive as well as a Mazda 6 and CX-7 but I just simply can't get past Subaru's.
The look of them, the way they drive...the price tag is an issue since I can buy the same type of vehicle cheaper which is a bit of a hurdle with hubby even though he thinks Subaru's are fantastic but it just means a few extra weeks before we commit to purchase.
The look of them, the way they drive...the price tag is an issue since I can buy the same type of vehicle cheaper which is a bit of a hurdle with hubby even though he thinks Subaru's are fantastic but it just means a few extra weeks before we commit to purchase.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Forester Features - Take two
I love these cars - they are just superb. Apart from the interiors of a car - the more important item is the safety features of the car.I used to be a Volvo person for their safety features of 25 years ago - but luckily the rest of the car makers aught up. I drive my little 4 year old grandson about Sydney and I need to know he will be safe .
The Forester boasts front brakes that are ventilated discs and the rear brakes discs that are all anti lock. Seat belts are in the rear - lap sash so I feel safe with children using that with the booster seat when the baby seat is not in the car. I also like the height adjustable front seat belts.
I believe that the inclusion of the driver's airbag ,front passenger's airbag, front side (thorax) airbags are all essential an inclusion for me that is a major decision maker regarding a purchase of a new car.
Having missiles in the back section of the car that cannot be secured is a risk with city driving so having the luggage & cargo tie down anchorage is a bonus. My husband likes the high-mount rear stop lamp and side door anti-intrusion beams. Increased safety.
Four wheel discs and superlative suspension - a smooth smooth ride for those country weekends in vineyards and dirt roads.
Great car!
The Forester boasts front brakes that are ventilated discs and the rear brakes discs that are all anti lock. Seat belts are in the rear - lap sash so I feel safe with children using that with the booster seat when the baby seat is not in the car. I also like the height adjustable front seat belts.
I believe that the inclusion of the driver's airbag ,front passenger's airbag, front side (thorax) airbags are all essential an inclusion for me that is a major decision maker regarding a purchase of a new car.
Having missiles in the back section of the car that cannot be secured is a risk with city driving so having the luggage & cargo tie down anchorage is a bonus. My husband likes the high-mount rear stop lamp and side door anti-intrusion beams. Increased safety.
Four wheel discs and superlative suspension - a smooth smooth ride for those country weekends in vineyards and dirt roads.
Great car!
Forester Features
When thinking about a new car I place a lot of emphasis on the Interior Features.
The Forester has got a whole heap of boot and luggage area - the floor carpet is of excellent quality. Door trim looks stylish and I like the moulded structure. An added bonus is the Driver's footrest and I partiularly like the leather bound steering wheel. The sunvisors are a good size and we all like the vanity mirror.
Overall the trim of the entire interior is sleek and contemporary. A 10 out of 10 for style.
The Forester has got a whole heap of boot and luggage area - the floor carpet is of excellent quality. Door trim looks stylish and I like the moulded structure. An added bonus is the Driver's footrest and I partiularly like the leather bound steering wheel. The sunvisors are a good size and we all like the vanity mirror.
Overall the trim of the entire interior is sleek and contemporary. A 10 out of 10 for style.
Friday, March 9, 2007
History lesson for today !
History lesson for today !
Did you know that Subarus were named after the constellation Pleiades? I bet you did'nt!
The name SUBARU is the Japenese word for the PLEAIADES which is a small constellation in the northern hemisphere. After WW II General MacArthur broke up all the big military industrial companies - Zaibatsu's ??? in Japan to prevent them being powerful and I think rearming.
A group of seven small companies decided to band together to form a car company- SUBARU. They made a very small car in the late 50's early 60's and have gone on to being one of the most powerful and popular car companies in the world !
Did you know that Subarus were named after the constellation Pleiades? I bet you did'nt!
The name SUBARU is the Japenese word for the PLEAIADES which is a small constellation in the northern hemisphere. After WW II General MacArthur broke up all the big military industrial companies - Zaibatsu's ??? in Japan to prevent them being powerful and I think rearming.
A group of seven small companies decided to band together to form a car company- SUBARU. They made a very small car in the late 50's early 60's and have gone on to being one of the most powerful and popular car companies in the world !
Fabulous Forester
We are in the market for a new stylish car and the Forester is one at the top of the list. Have been thinking about this for a while after a very swish trip up to the Hunter Valley in my friends ultramarine blue one.
Handles well - gorgeous interior- sleek and stylish. Can fit stacks in the back -shopping, kids and holiday gear.
I used to think Subarus were country cars- everyone seemed to have one in the Southern Highlands where we used to live. They handle well on dirt roads and we used one on a vineyard we worked on fro years to move just about everything - I even think the pet pig!
They have improved the style factor significantly and therefore now a suitable Sydney car -not too big!
Handles well - gorgeous interior- sleek and stylish. Can fit stacks in the back -shopping, kids and holiday gear.
I used to think Subarus were country cars- everyone seemed to have one in the Southern Highlands where we used to live. They handle well on dirt roads and we used one on a vineyard we worked on fro years to move just about everything - I even think the pet pig!
They have improved the style factor significantly and therefore now a suitable Sydney car -not too big!
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Subaru 2
Over the past few years I believe that Subaru has done a remarkable job in changing its image. They in no uncertain terms have come a long way. They have a wide range to choose from, and I believe the Liberty is the way for the future. Families are getting smaller, but even with one child they just need to make it a bit larger to fit all of those nick knacks in. With fuel prices going up the larger sports cars may well be left behind, it is very import that these sporty little cars make their mark with reliability and a good reputation. At the moment Subaru are defiantly doing that, look at the big players that have dominated the market, what do they have to offer in the way of small cars? Sure they have some good products, that are cheap but they are not quite as finished off as well as the Subaru.
That would be one thing that Subaru could do that would really get them selling more cars and that is making them a little cheaper. Sure they are a smidgen over $30k, but once you put a few extras on they are well into the mid $30’s. This can be a bit off putting for the average family; they can save $10k by getting an Astra……
That would be one thing that Subaru could do that would really get them selling more cars and that is making them a little cheaper. Sure they are a smidgen over $30k, but once you put a few extras on they are well into the mid $30’s. This can be a bit off putting for the average family; they can save $10k by getting an Astra……
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Subaru, Forester, Liberty
I bought a Subaru Forester in 2005. Before buying the Forester I always associated Subaru with hotted-up WRXs and ram raids!
We were encouraged to consider a Forester by an older friend of ours who has one and loves it. We bought when I was 6 months pregnant and now it carts around a 2 year old and a 6 month old, prams, bags and all the other parephenalia you have with kids. There is plenty of room in the back seat for our two baby seats. The best thing about the Forester for me is that it is high enough to avoid stooping over when getting the kids in and out of the car.
Although I love the Forester for its convenience, the Liberty seems much more stylish and sporty. If we are able to, we would consider upgrading to a Liberty once the kids are older and making less of a mess. It seems like every second car is a Forester in the part of Sydney where we live - the Liberty is not so noticeable.
We were encouraged to consider a Forester by an older friend of ours who has one and loves it. We bought when I was 6 months pregnant and now it carts around a 2 year old and a 6 month old, prams, bags and all the other parephenalia you have with kids. There is plenty of room in the back seat for our two baby seats. The best thing about the Forester for me is that it is high enough to avoid stooping over when getting the kids in and out of the car.
Although I love the Forester for its convenience, the Liberty seems much more stylish and sporty. If we are able to, we would consider upgrading to a Liberty once the kids are older and making less of a mess. It seems like every second car is a Forester in the part of Sydney where we live - the Liberty is not so noticeable.
Subaru
I find the Subaru to be a neat little package, over the years I belive they are becoming more and more advanced. All models now appear to have a long list of luxurious touches and advanced safety features. The technology has certainly advanced and Subaru seems be setting the pace!!
They are now going the next step with a wide range of vehicles to choose from, something for everyone, from all walks of life. I recently test drove the impreza when a friend purchased his second Subaru.........obviously a converted..........and I was very impressed with the amount of power, pick up, braking and handling capabilities.
However, as a new young family I would have to say that the liberty may seem to be a little too small when considering adding two car seats and shopping, and all other accessories that are required for when you have children. On the other hand I cannot resist the sporty style shape and luxurious features.
They are now going the next step with a wide range of vehicles to choose from, something for everyone, from all walks of life. I recently test drove the impreza when a friend purchased his second Subaru.........obviously a converted..........and I was very impressed with the amount of power, pick up, braking and handling capabilities.
However, as a new young family I would have to say that the liberty may seem to be a little too small when considering adding two car seats and shopping, and all other accessories that are required for when you have children. On the other hand I cannot resist the sporty style shape and luxurious features.
Mista B4/GT
I just realised we're meant to write about the Liberty, I was saving it for my 2nd car post on the rex.
Well...I dont own one, never driven one, I _have_ named my future one though :D
As I mentioned in my previous post (again) I think I will need to give up my wrx once I'm child bearing, I dont exactly want an early labour from the bumpy ride in Mick. I have travelled in my cousin's Liberty before, it was quite smooth, though it was not a B4 nor GT, I'm not sure what the suspension's like in that.
Liberty to me is a more "grown up" car because of the luxury it's far more classier and mature than the Impreza...in a BIG way haha...well it is Mick's big brother after all.
I'm still young for another year or so, I can afford to look like a raging crazy woman rather than the refined one I'd want to be when I'm a mum.
But yeh...what I think of the liberty!? 2 thumbs up!! that's without test driving it...however I have no doubts about the ride.
Well...I dont own one, never driven one, I _have_ named my future one though :D
As I mentioned in my previous post (again) I think I will need to give up my wrx once I'm child bearing, I dont exactly want an early labour from the bumpy ride in Mick. I have travelled in my cousin's Liberty before, it was quite smooth, though it was not a B4 nor GT, I'm not sure what the suspension's like in that.
Liberty to me is a more "grown up" car because of the luxury it's far more classier and mature than the Impreza...in a BIG way haha...well it is Mick's big brother after all.
I'm still young for another year or so, I can afford to look like a raging crazy woman rather than the refined one I'd want to be when I'm a mum.
But yeh...what I think of the liberty!? 2 thumbs up!! that's without test driving it...however I have no doubts about the ride.
Sexy Rexy (Mick)
What can I say!? I think I just called all WRX owners "Loud, possibly obnoxious, fairly power driven and mod hungry bunch of (typically) boys." in my previous post. LOL
Well hopefully I'm none of the above, this is my small step to support Subaru in getting out of that ugly stereotype. I do have issues telling people I have one though, infact I even debadged the thing. I think the air intake and exhaust gives it away though, because people still feel the need to play with it when parked on the streets. (which is quite annoying)
Apart from the unecessary attention it draws from theives, loud young men and money hungry insurers. It is without doubt the BEST drive I've had _ever_....granted....I spose I havent driven as many cars as any given car mag comparison. However, I have driven sports cars of similar and pricier classes. But on my test drive of the rex I was like...WOW!! this thing is the coolest thing since aircon!! really!! what an amazing, fun, exhilarating and powerful ride....sure it's a little bumpy....and maybe a little loud (my exhaust is terribly embarassing) but I'm not giving it up for anything. That is...until I get pregnant...
And how cool does it look!! My wrx (I call him mick btw) is a MY04 model...designed by Peter Stevens. IMHO the best looking one so far! I mean how can you not think that after the bugeye model! (YELCH!)
I could go on and on, but I spose you get the general idea as to why I purchased it. :D:D
Well hopefully I'm none of the above, this is my small step to support Subaru in getting out of that ugly stereotype. I do have issues telling people I have one though, infact I even debadged the thing. I think the air intake and exhaust gives it away though, because people still feel the need to play with it when parked on the streets. (which is quite annoying)
Apart from the unecessary attention it draws from theives, loud young men and money hungry insurers. It is without doubt the BEST drive I've had _ever_....granted....I spose I havent driven as many cars as any given car mag comparison. However, I have driven sports cars of similar and pricier classes. But on my test drive of the rex I was like...WOW!! this thing is the coolest thing since aircon!! really!! what an amazing, fun, exhilarating and powerful ride....sure it's a little bumpy....and maybe a little loud (my exhaust is terribly embarassing) but I'm not giving it up for anything. That is...until I get pregnant...
And how cool does it look!! My wrx (I call him mick btw) is a MY04 model...designed by Peter Stevens. IMHO the best looking one so far! I mean how can you not think that after the bugeye model! (YELCH!)
I could go on and on, but I spose you get the general idea as to why I purchased it. :D:D
Before my purchase...
My earlier perceptions of Subaru....derived from forums and magazines, carshows and friends, was that Subaru = affordable speed. A few small tweaks here and there and you have the speed of a porsche without that terrible frog shape and pricetag. Because of this, the car (wrx) has almost painted the brand, Subaru's huge following are generally of the same ilk; Loud, possibly obnoxious, fairly power driven and mod hungry bunch of (typically) boys.
My first impression was that if you own a Subaru, you're possibly one of the above. I've spoken with people who will never consider a Subaru because of the branding by the brand which often occurs. Personally I dont give two hoots what others think. To me, Subaru = AWD = safety, it's probably the best car to drive through mountain bends in rain. They're probably the best cars to put a teenager for max control, and I hear, they're built to last....BONUS!
And because of this, I've wanted a Subaru for the longest time.
My first impression was that if you own a Subaru, you're possibly one of the above. I've spoken with people who will never consider a Subaru because of the branding by the brand which often occurs. Personally I dont give two hoots what others think. To me, Subaru = AWD = safety, it's probably the best car to drive through mountain bends in rain. They're probably the best cars to put a teenager for max control, and I hear, they're built to last....BONUS!
And because of this, I've wanted a Subaru for the longest time.
Subaru Liberty
I currently own my second subaru liberty and personally I find them a fantastic car. Not only are they reliable but they have that sporty look about them and they drive extremely well. I have recently been given a company car of another brand and there is absolutely no comparison between the two vehicles. Whilst I am female I do love to have a car that not only looks great but feels like a sports car. It also has to be big enough for my two young children and the liberty has always measured up in every way. And the standard extras are always well appointed.
We purchased our first liberty RX in 2000 and I was very sad to sell it mid last year - but in saying that it kept its value extremely well and I was well rewarded for looking after it. We purchased our second liberty RX in 2005 and didn't even consider any other type of car. We are looking to purchase a new car sometime next year and I doubt it would be anything other than another liberty.
We purchased our first liberty RX in 2000 and I was very sad to sell it mid last year - but in saying that it kept its value extremely well and I was well rewarded for looking after it. We purchased our second liberty RX in 2005 and didn't even consider any other type of car. We are looking to purchase a new car sometime next year and I doubt it would be anything other than another liberty.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Subaru Liberty model
Nice looking car, a little conservative, but nice enough for a family I guess. One of the guys at work has just brought a Subaru, chose it because he has 2 young kids and believes Subaru's are reliable and a good car. I guess it is pitched to go against cars like the family versions of Toyota's and Ford's, so it's certainly pitched at the right audience.
There hasn't been much advertising about this car or the Subaru brand, so I guess i don't really know much about it. Most of my friends are corporate professionals, and none of them really know much about Subaru's, just not considered by this group as chic and urban. There isn't very much PR about the car either, so difficult to comment.
If i were to buy a car it would be a VW or Honda... Reason for the latter is because i have had a honda for 10 years and it has been fantastic..no engine problems or brake problems...basically no problems with the car and it's fuel efficient and very realiable to get me around. I love it. As for the VW, german engineering...it's slick and great marketing and advertising for it...just love it..
There hasn't been much advertising about this car or the Subaru brand, so I guess i don't really know much about it. Most of my friends are corporate professionals, and none of them really know much about Subaru's, just not considered by this group as chic and urban. There isn't very much PR about the car either, so difficult to comment.
If i were to buy a car it would be a VW or Honda... Reason for the latter is because i have had a honda for 10 years and it has been fantastic..no engine problems or brake problems...basically no problems with the car and it's fuel efficient and very realiable to get me around. I love it. As for the VW, german engineering...it's slick and great marketing and advertising for it...just love it..
Subaru brand
I find the Subaru brand VERY, very masculine, boy car- perhaps due to the popularity of the blue and black WRX's, which it seemed at one point in time not long ago was every second car on the road. Almost every Subaru that you come across has loud music blaring from it, or young guys driving it. In saying all this the brand seems to have a good reputation amongst young guys for it's power and masuline body kits etc.. I couldn't find any one of my girlfriends who liked Subaru's, but then again we're probably not the target audience!! And of the guys I did talk to about the Subaru brand, none seemed that interested in it. Most of my friends live on the south side and not that I want to make them sound snobbish, but the guys tended to agree that it was a car for "boys" from the suburbs, used for drag races.
Apart from the WRX, I couldn't name another make of the Subaru brand.
Apart from the WRX, I couldn't name another make of the Subaru brand.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Subaru to me means reliability, performance and good looks. Initially they seemed to market towards younger people and families with their models but in the last few years, they have really gone towards become a prestigious brand and the price tag has certainly followed.
http://www.subaru.com.au/models/liberty/
With the Liberty range there doesn't appear to be a base model that you can build on as most features you find in other manufacturers vehicles come standard on the Liberty which to me is another indicator of where Subaru are heading, especially when comparing price tags. That said however, why have optional extras when everything you want comes standard and with a name that for me encompasses everything that I am after in a motor vehicle.
I still find the Liberty a very sporty looking model and for those wanting a bit more fun with what I this is a family wagon or a tourer, there's several options so it appeals to everyone, so long as you have the bank balance to accomodate the choice of course!
http://www.subaru.com.au/models/liberty/
With the Liberty range there doesn't appear to be a base model that you can build on as most features you find in other manufacturers vehicles come standard on the Liberty which to me is another indicator of where Subaru are heading, especially when comparing price tags. That said however, why have optional extras when everything you want comes standard and with a name that for me encompasses everything that I am after in a motor vehicle.
I still find the Liberty a very sporty looking model and for those wanting a bit more fun with what I this is a family wagon or a tourer, there's several options so it appeals to everyone, so long as you have the bank balance to accomodate the choice of course!
Subaru Brand
I've always found the Subaru motor vehicle brand to be exceptional. Since purchasing my first Subi back in 96 I simply can't fault them. My Impreza has been on thousands of road trips, done 160000 kms and still hasn't missed a beat. For reliability, performance and a great drive I just can't go past them.
I'm always impressed with the new models that are released, (although what happened with the bug eye Impreza's I'm not sure but they didn't last long.) Now it's time to upgrade and the only vehicles that I've considered is the Liberty or the Outback although I'm leaning heavily towards the Liberty. The drive is very much like my Impreza which I love, the exterior and interior of the car is fantastic and it's nice to know that I can still have a bit of fun when I put my right foot down.
I'm always impressed with the new models that are released, (although what happened with the bug eye Impreza's I'm not sure but they didn't last long.) Now it's time to upgrade and the only vehicles that I've considered is the Liberty or the Outback although I'm leaning heavily towards the Liberty. The drive is very much like my Impreza which I love, the exterior and interior of the car is fantastic and it's nice to know that I can still have a bit of fun when I put my right foot down.
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