Confession Time

"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass) 04/06/2016 at 17:09 • Filed to: None

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This GLA250 that parked next to me... I actually kind of like it.

RPM esq. > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 17:20

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I test-drove a GLA45 AMG. Pretty fun car. I actually really like the looks.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 17:20

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Me too. It’s barely trying to disguise its hatchback roots. I like that it’s basically tricking people into buying a hatchback and thinking it’s a crossover.

Shamoononon drives like a farmer > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 17:21

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I sometimes [often] like my own posts.

pjhusa > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 17:24

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The Sport Package works well on this one. Oh, and the AMG is awesome.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 17:25

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Your forester?

Probenja > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 04/06/2016 at 17:39

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Same thing with the cx3 I saw one the other day parked next to the new 2 and they looked to be about the same size.

*Image I found online, but I did see them parked next to each other IRL.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 04/06/2016 at 17:41

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Yeah that’s what I was thinking. Take away the side cladding, drop it an inch and its essentially an all-wheel-drive Mazda3 hatch.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > RPM esq. 04/06/2016 at 17:44

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I haven’t driven one yet AMG or not. I’d like to at some point, but I’m taking a test drive hiatus, because I’m really not looking for a car anytime soon.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 04/06/2016 at 17:50

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Yep. Work parking lot. The ‘01 Legacy wagon belongs to a co-worker who may never get rid of it, but he has called dibs on my wife’s Outback when she sells which is hopefully 5 years off.

I haven’t seen the MB before. Someone from another building on our campus must be here for a meeting.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 18:04

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I gotta say, I love your forester! It’s the exact spec that I almost got instead of my Outback. For some reason, I feel like the forester looks best with steelies.

TractorPillow > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 18:13

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I was very seriously considering buying one of these. Really enjoyed it. People say it’s a cheap car feel, but I thought it was rather pleasant inside. Could definitely see myself owning one.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 04/06/2016 at 18:18

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Thanks. I went base to get the manual. I would’ve preferred a Premium manual, but I got this one CPO with 30k miles for $16,500 and I couldn’t pass it up. As far as steelies go, these work better than most, but I’m planning on getting rid of them soon.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 18:31

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Damn thats a fantastic price!!! As far as wheels go, might I suggest a set of Impreza Sport wheels? They should fit perfectly in your current tires.

E92M3 > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 18:41

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I like the AMG version.

Boxer_4 > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 04/06/2016 at 18:43

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Yes! But with these center caps:

(personally, I’m not a big fan of the new style center caps)

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Boxer_4 04/06/2016 at 18:45

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Really? I like the colored ones.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 18:48

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I stood next to one of these and I could’ve sworn it was a hatchback, they really don’t even look like a typical crossover, which is a good thing.

Also question about your Forester, I just read in the comments that it’s a 6-speed. How are those?

Boxer_4 > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 04/06/2016 at 19:04

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I should clarify: it’s the black background I’m not a fan of. They look good on wheels with dark inner details (OEM BRZ wheels come to mind).

The silver background center caps with painted logo look better on silver wheels, in my opinion. These could be found on late 2011 and 2012 Outback Limiteds, and could also be purchased through the dealer (not sure if they are still available).

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 04/06/2016 at 19:45

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I do like those. What I really want are the new STi appearance package rims but my dealer said they can’t get them standalone yet. I’ve been thinking of BRZ rims because they are plentiful in CL.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > TractorPillow 04/06/2016 at 19:48

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I think this and the CLA are fine inside. They are closer to the previous C-class than the rest of the current MB lineup, but that’s still a pretty nice place to be. Then again I drive a Subaru by Rubermaid so what do I know.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Nymphicus Hollandicus 04/06/2016 at 20:11

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This is probably way more of a review than you want, but I may as well post.

It definitely feels quick enough, though it makes torque up high so you need to keep the revs up to actually go quick. It will supposedly get to 60 in under 7.5 seconds but that’s mainly because 2nd redlines at 61 so only 1 shift to 60. The CVT feels quick off the line but slower overall - I think it is 9 seconds to 60.

Gear spacing is nice. It’s basically a 5 speed with 6th being a cruise gear - at 75 MPH you’re just getting to 3,000 rpm. The clutch is stiff which I like, but can get tiring. The shifter is really notchy. Some days I like it other days it annoys me. It seems to shift better at higher rpm. I’ve been getting some lash/chugging when launching hard which may be a sign the clutch is in bad shape already.

The chassis isn’t anything special, but along with the AWD it is fun enough for a family car. Body roll is way more controlled and steering more direct than the Santa Fe I was replacing. Combined with the high-rpm shifts, I’ve enjoyed running it down back roads.

It isn’t perfect, but overall I like it. Definitely prefer driving it to my wife’s CVT Outback, although on long trips I’ll take the Outback every time because the seats are wayyyyyy better.

One final thought - it is burning oil at a pretty good rate - I add a quart every 3000 miles. The manuals supposedly have his problem worse than the CVTs.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 21:07

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BR-Z wheels would look amazing.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Boxer_4 04/06/2016 at 21:08

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Pretty sure Subaru doesn’t still sell those. Looks like the Forester is the only one currently without Black and colored center caps.

TractorPillow > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 21:37

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Oh I know nothing of true luxury. My last three cars were a viper, classic mini, and elise (I did briefly have a MB 420SEC that was old German luxury, but that's different). People complain about the ride quality of the GLA and I thought it was smooth as could be, but from what I'm used to its not hard to be worlds above.

Boxer_4 > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 04/06/2016 at 21:39

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Actually, I just noticed that silver caps with the painted emblems appeared on the 2015 and 2016 Imprezas (other than the Sport trims). If I’m not mistaken, I believe those the same center caps that were on the late 2011-2012 Outback Limiteds (I can check part numbers later).

The funny thing is that the 2017 Forester* looks to be getting the black center caps with colored emblems.

*(shown for Japan and Australia, but I haven’t seen any announcement from Subaru for the US)

Meanwhile, the 2017 Impreza Sport looks to be getting the silver center caps with colored emblems.

I’m sure I’ll get used to the black center caps on silver wheels with time.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 04/06/2016 at 21:43

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By the sounds of it the Forester with a 6-speed is a decent car; like it isn’t automatically a sports car but fun enough. If I had to get some sort of SUV if the Pilot got totaled I would try to find a previous gen manual Forester because I hate automatics, it’s just such an odd combination but in a really good way.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Boxer_4 04/06/2016 at 21:52

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I love the Fozzy’s new face!

Boxer_4 > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 04/08/2016 at 17:10

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I look forward to seeing the facelift on our shores (If/when they finally announce it).

The facelift on the SH was underwhelming appearance wise (new grille and new wheels)