So not too long after the previous tune-up, the Impreza started getting an odd rattling noise when I didn't have my foot on the accelerator -- almost like something wasn't secured tightly in the engine compartment. It was annoying, but I never quite got the car back in to have it checked on, and everything was running fine.

Well, everything wasn't fine, as it turned out. During this past week's tuneup, the mechanics (after I described the problem) opened up the (manual) transmission and discovered that the frammistat grommit had fallen off, and was broken pieces and sending little slivers of metal all throught he transmission system. (Or something horrific sounding like that -- I can't find my receipt at the moment).

So the car was in for a couple of days while they Ordered Parts. Still under warranty, though, so I got a loaner -- which turned out to be one of the new, redesigned Subaru Foresters (a 2009 -- I had no idea date-advancing cars had gotten so ridiculous), a 2.5XT. I was favorably impressed driving it home and back as part of my commute and some city street driving. Lots of perk from a stop, but also capable of smooth driving (encouraged by the little MPG indicator --- I was in the low-mid 20s), and a substantial amount of cargo room. 

I'm leaving the Forester on our short list, though I'm iffy on the mileage. Fun vehicle.

Filed under :: Cars

We have a 2000 Forester and LOVE it! I won't give up this car until it dies the True Death. Unless, of course, I come into some serious money and can get a hybrid. . . ..Mmmm . .hybrid Forester . .the perfect car!

I am liking the New Impreza 5-door models...and I would love it if Subaru made a Hybred version of them.

Well, I currently have no issues with replacing the old Impreza with a new one when the time comes up -- but we have a van to replace first. :-)

Yeah...

How is that whole new van thing going? ;P

I seem to seem to remember like visiting the worst dealership in the world a year ago. Heck we're into the next or even the next after next model year, time to go and look cars again since we had so much fun last time and since every thing has changed and you'll both need to redo your lists of likes and dislikes. =D

I think it's unlikely we're going to get another van. I think we can get away without the cargo space.

That said, the Forester, as a middish-sized SUV might be what we get instead. Nothing bigger than that. Possibly something smaller. Gas mileage being, of course, a priority.

There are a couple of Hybred SUV type vehicles out there now.

True, though tough to get hold of (very limited supply, for a variety of unsatisfactory reasons).

FWIW, we probably won't be getting a car this year (again), but doing the long-overdue landscaping out front. At least that's the current plan.

Well, that and the Sewer.

But, yeah, I have been in a couple of the Escape Hybreds we have at work and they are spiffy.

On a related note, there's now a Smart Car dealearship in Denver. I've seen several of them around. Not something I'd get for myself, at present, but ...

So Stan is that what mary and I should do tomorrow? I was thinking of going to Coors - drinking beer and getting Rockie's tickets.

The official diagnosis by the way:

REMOVE TRANNY, SPLIT CASE, FOUND VISCOUS CLUTCH BROKEN, METAL FROM CLUTCH GROUND TO SLIVERS AND CONTAMINATED INSIDE BEARINGS AND OIL GALLEYS IN TRANNY, CLEAN ALL PARTS, REPLACED ALL SYNCROS, AWD DRIVE AND DRIVEN GEARS, BEARINGS, VISCOUS CLUTCH ASSY.

2009 Forester review: http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/03/forester-first.html

Interesting notes about the manual vs automatic, and automatic only on the turbo.

~laughs~

You know, going to the Rockies game in a snow storm and drinking beers does have an appeal Margie. :)

Thursday: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. North northwest wind between 10 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Blustery, with a northwest wind between 14 and 22 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.