Basically just an auto 4x4 system. Leaves it in 2wd until it senses slippage, then engages the 4x4. Nothing you want to leave running all the time, but great in winter in marginal conditions (especially in the mountains, when it might be fine one corner and brutal the next). Some people prefer the old school way. After being sideways on the crowsnest in the oncoming lane in an 04 Duramax, I much prefer this system (and you don't have to slow down to engage it like the traditional systems). I can't believe I didn't mention it, as when I was looking at trucks, that's ultimately what sold me on it.
The Following User Says Thank You to DownhillGoat For This Useful Post:
I was looking on Subaru Calgary (both locations) last night and they didnt have a vehicle over $30K for anything they sell, Tribeca, Cosstrek etc.
If people dont need bulk storage in the back or towing capability why one earth would they buy a truck if inclement weather is the only driving factor. Some trucks can be almost as bad as some cars if you dont put any weight in the back. Other than the clearance height there is no reason if you dont need it for what trucks should be used for.
Its just an option since he mentioned the need for possibly a few car seats.
Think about the purchase logically - you will still need to drive this vehicle in good weather, and park it.
Is there some weird Subaru-owner conspiracy going on? I always hear about how cheap they are, then I look at them and they're totally expensive. You just posted you couldn't find a Subaru at the dealership in Calgary for over $30,000, and even specified a Tribeca. I just went to subaru.ca and the base model starts at $41,190, not including taxes! If you want any options, just add money. The top trim level starts at $47,690, not including more options and taxes.
A lame, bloated base Outback starts at $30,690, plus taxes. The top trim level Outback starts at $42,190, plus taxes.
Did you just make a mistake when you typed "they didnt have a vehicle over $30K for anything they sell, Tribeca..."?
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Sliver For This Useful Post:
Basically just an auto 4x4 system. Leaves it in 2wd until it senses slippage, then engages the 4x4. Nothing you want to leave running all the time, but great in winter in marginal conditions (especially in the mountains, when it might be fine one corner and brutal the next). Some people prefer the old school way. After being sideways on the crowsnest in the oncoming lane in an 04 Duramax, I much prefer this system (and you don't have to slow down to engage it like the traditional systems). I can't believe I didn't mention it, as when I was looking at trucks, that's ultimately what sold me on it.
Yeah that's great and would definitely by a huge selling feature for me, too. I probably use 4x4 less than I should because I don't like using it unnecessarily, so that would be an awesome middle ground between 2x4 and 4x4.
If you dont need to tow, dont need it for work then why not just buy an SUV?
Subaru has alot of used SUVs for under 30K with low KM and if you want a vehicle thats good in the snow then nothing compares to a Subaru.
Wont get as good gas mileage but thats what happens when the 4 wheels turn properly.
As a guy that's driven Subaru cars and SUVs as well as trucks in Calgary, when the conditions are just slippery (majority of Calgary winter conditions) the Subaru's are fine. When the snow gets deep, though, a truck is unbeatable. Part of the problem is AWD is just not as good as 4x4 when you're taking off.
A lame, bloated base Outback starts at $30,690, plus taxes. The top trim level Outback starts at $42,190, plus taxes.
Did you just make a mistake when you typed "they didnt have a vehicle over $30K for anything they sell, Tribeca..."?
You can get a pretty awesome loaded 2.5i outback for 37k sticker. That's if you want all the fancy eyesight features and interior upgrades - I would, but some people just don't give a damn. It's a pretty good deal for the performance you get in the winter.
For me it's a lot about the sight and sitting. I had a car (pontiac), went to an SUV, went to a car (benz) and now to a fully size SUV. I like sitting in a chair, not on the ground. I like getting out of the car and I'm standing, not lying down. I also like to be able to see above the car infront of me or into intersections/traffic, etc. I feel I'm much more safe when I can see a few cars infront of me, you can suddenly give a bit more space when you realize the car infront of you is tailgaiting the car infront of them. I can't imagine driving something small or ground level.
You can get a pretty awesome loaded 2.5i outback for 37k sticker. That's if you want all the fancy eyesight features and interior upgrades - I would, but some people just don't give a damn. It's a pretty good deal for the performance you get in the winter.
Do those interior upgrades bring the Subaru interior into the 21st century? I like their cars, but the interiors are plastic crap and a big reason I wouldn't buy one.
The Following User Says Thank You to burn_this_city For This Useful Post:
I had an Outback for 4 years. While it was a great "around town" car, especially in the winter, I hated it on road trips. Too small inside and damn those seats are uncomfortable after 6 hours of driving. Plus it was gutless. I had the 2.5 and trying to pass in the mountains was painful at times.
I should add that this was 10 years ago. I'm sure the car has improved since then.
Its not a truck but its the best 4x4 out there as it has...
Selectable locking front and rear differentials. This makes a HUGE difference when stuck
Figured I would wikipedia explain it because they do a much better job of it than I ever could...
Quote:
Many differentials have no way of limiting the amount of engine power that gets sent to its attached output shafts. As a result, if a tire loses traction on acceleration, either because of a low-traction situation (e.g. - driving on gravel or ice) or the engine power overcomes available traction, the tire that isn't slipping receives little or no power from the engine. In very low traction situations, this can prevent the vehicle from moving at all. To overcome this, there are several designs of differentials that can either limit the amount of slip (these are called 'limited-slip' differentials) or temporarily lock the two output shafts together to ensure that engine power reaches all driven wheels equally.
Locking differentials work by temporarily locking together a differential's output shafts, causing all wheels to turn at the same rate, providing torque in case of slippage. This is generally used for the center differential, which distributes power between the front and the rear axles. While a drivetrain that turns all wheels equally would normally fight the driver and cause handling problems, this is not a concern when wheels are slipping.
Your ordinary 4x4 truck will get stuck in a lot of places where I'll just power on through.
Edit: By the way, if you insist on a truck, at least get one with a Rear Diff Lock (Chevy's Eaton G-80 locker really doesn't count as its really not very good and isn't selectable). Ford offers the selectable RDL as well as the Tacoma. Not sure about Dodge.
Damn those trucks are nice looking. Was it this thread or another that people were talking about rims? Look at the difference the rims make in the pictures above and tell me those trucks don't look awesome with after market Rims!
__________________
Thanks to Halifax Drunk for the sweet Avatar
Last edited by return to the red; 12-05-2013 at 12:57 PM.
Edit: It's actually Ruby Red Tinted Clearcoat that I like. I don't see a Candy Red Metallic anymore
That Ruby Red is a killer color and it matches great!. When we actually have to apply it we have to put the base metallic red on as usual. Than apply a coat of a red tinted clearcoat (looks like blood) it costs about $200.00 for a quart than clear coat overtop of it. Rumor has it that the new ford candy blue has the same application I have not sprayed one yet but im sure it will not be long!
__________________
Westerner by birth, Canadian by law, Albertan by the grace of God