Kev M Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Hey all, Nice to meet you. I'm soliciting opinions here. Any Baja owners out there want to help try to convince me to buy one? My ex has a 1998 Forrester with 158k miles on it that has treated her QUITE well. I've always been a fan of Scoobie-Doos and seriously considered one when the WRX came out. I'm not looking for a Turbo anymore, getting older and more boring, but I just got rid of a Jeep Cherokee and need a new daily driver (for when I'm not on my bikes), grocery getter, ski trip vehicle, and occassional light duty (1500 lbs boat) tow vehicle. I'm TOYING with the new Jeep Compass, and very, very, very distantly looking at some RAV4s, but the Baja has really got my attention. What's the Good, the Bad and the Ugly? Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev M Posted September 29, 2006 Author Share Posted September 29, 2006 Hey all, Nice to meet you. I'm soliciting opinions here. Any Baja owners out there want to help try to convince me to buy one? My ex has a 1998 Forrester with 158k miles on it that has treated her QUITE well. I've always been a fan of Scoobie-Doos and seriously considered one when the WRX came out. I'm not looking for a Turbo anymore, getting older and more boring, but I just got rid of a Jeep Cherokee and need a new daily driver (for when I'm not on my bikes), grocery getter, ski trip vehicle, and occassional light duty (1500 lbs boat) tow vehicle. I'm TOYING with the new Jeep Compass, and very, very, very distantly looking at some RAV4s, but the Baja has really got my attention. What's the Good, the Bad and the Ugly? Kev Bump for some feedback from Baja owners.... PLEASE... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceyWV Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 http://www.scoobytruck.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahag1978 Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 There's only good, no bad, and certainly no ugly. I love mine. I wil say... the 5 speed turbo needs to be a major consideration... it delivers the power when you need it! It has saved my butt on Boston area highways more times than I can remember, and it has me hooked! Best car I ever had! I understand the Sport model is a bit sluggish and you may regret it... I hope others can chime in with the differences. I find the mileage is not prohibitive, but it is more than I like to spend for gas, however, the comfort and the "get-where-you-need-to-go-safely" factor is well worth it. My other cars are BRATs and they sip cheapo gas like a fine wine. The versatility of the Baja is awesome. Rain or shine, big dog, 2 little kids in car seats...it's all there. The tailgate is integral to the bed, holds 666 lbs. making it quite long, add in the switchback... a full sheet of plywood, no go... anything else, no issue. Trust me, get one... you'll love it. If you don't, sell it and buy a Ford, there are tons of people looking for used Bajas, that's how I got mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev M Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 There's only good, no bad, and certainly no ugly. I love mine. I wil say... the 5 speed turbo needs to be a major consideration... it delivers the power when you need it! It has saved my butt on Boston area highways more times than I can remember, and it has me hooked! Best car I ever had! I understand the Sport model is a bit sluggish and you may regret it... I hope others can chime in with the differences. I find the mileage is not prohibitive, but it is more than I like to spend for gas, however, the comfort and the "get-where-you-need-to-go-safely" factor is well worth it. My other cars are BRATs and they sip cheapo gas like a fine wine. The versatility of the Baja is awesome. Rain or shine, big dog, 2 little kids in car seats...it's all there. The tailgate is integral to the bed, holds 666 lbs. making it quite long, add in the switchback... a full sheet of plywood, no go... anything else, no issue. Trust me, get one... you'll love it. If you don't, sell it and buy a Ford, there are tons of people looking for used Bajas, that's how I got mine Thanks for the reply. Turbo - not even a consideration. I want an overbuilt and understressed motor for long term use (and I suspect the naturally aspirated one will tow better when we do use it to move the boat). Besides, we've got a supercharged Mini Cooper and a couple of motorcycles for speed/handling. The cargo capacity of 666 lbs? That's total bed capacity? That's encouraging, because a couple hundred pounds of tongue weight shouldn't make a difference then. I do wish they had heated leather seats available from the factory (on the Sport) that would make the decision even easier. But now I have to face whether or not to upgrade that myself. Honestly, I'm leaning heavily towards it right now. FOUND AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY online, but damnit, it's 200 miles away, I can't just "drop by" and see it tomorrow. We'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev M Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 http://www.scoobytruck.com Great site - thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahag1978 Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 The cargo capacity of 666 lbs? That's total bed capacity? That's encouraging, because a couple hundred pounds of tongue weight shouldn't make a difference then. When the tailgate is down, it will support 666 lbs. I think the total is 900 lbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev M Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 When the tailgate is down, it will support 666 lbs. I think the total is 900 lbs. Those are great numbers. Anyone have a tape measure or a specs book to tell me the total distance from the front edge of the bed to the edge of the tailgate when it is down? With a steel loading ramp/channel assembly, I almost wonder if I couldn't get the Harley or the Guzzi in there in an emergency??? They're certainly light enough! Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medtec Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 My wife and I have a 2000 Outback, we live in southern Maine, alot of winding coastal roads. I enjoyed driving her car so much I dumped my Sorento for a 06 Baja Sport (no Turbo) I'm older too, and no regrets. The Baja handles better than the Outback...lol...Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev M Posted October 1, 2006 Author Share Posted October 1, 2006 Here's the post I put on the Jeep board, as they helped me examine the Compass quite a lot (did I put in my original post that I was mostly considering the Baja vs. the Compass), well here it is OK, well, I have to report on the second test drive of the Compass AND the final decision. First off the test drive. We were heading out to test drive a Baja, but my wife suggested that we drive a Compass AGAIN first, so that we'd experience them back-to-back. I got into the Compass with a VERY critical eye. And I banged and tweaked and poked and proded again before we ever moved. I scrolled through the driver information center, through the driver programmable features (something I think is truly brilliantly simple and smart for an auto manufacturer to do). I even went station-by-station through Sirius until I found Air Margarritaville and slowly played with all the settings. Here are my impressions. YES, the plastic exudes, uhh, not "cheap" but "frugal". At the same time, banging it around and looking very critically I decided that it seems quite strong and smart. Actually, I grew to like it very much during the test drive. The Stereo, that I'd formally felt was sub-par balanced out nicely and, if you're careful not to over-set the treble, but lean towards power in the mid-range and bass comes across as both powerful and crisp. I was quite satisfied with it. I took the opportunity to put it through its paces, both on backroads and down the highway. With all 4 windows rolled down, there was little or no buffeting (something I very much liked about my XJ too). And with the windows down OR up, the sunroof too was both quiet and lacked buffeting. The attention to detail in the aerodynamics and ergonomics instilled a confidence I had not previously felt in the platform. Close all the windows and roll along the highway in the rain at 80 mph and the chassis was both quiet and comfortable. PA roads are regularly voted amongst the worst in the country so to find the chassis comfortable over such irregular surfaces is to say something. NO, it's not GC quiet. No, it's not GC comfortable, but it struck me as both quiet and capable. I even started to get used to the CVT, almost to the point of considering one. By the time I exited the vehicle I was in complete turmoil, as I'd basically decided in my mind last night that the Scoobie-Doo Baja would be my next purchase. We returned the vehicle and told them we'd have a decision by closing time. Then if was off to "Car Sense" to drive a lightly used Baja (unfortunately it was an automatic Baja Turbo, which we had to consciously remind ourselves was going to give some false impressions, like quite tempting short sprints of 0-100, but perhaps luckily we also noted that it had obviously been owned by a ricky-racer type who had managed to warp the front rotors in less than 15k miles ). Anyway, I LITERALLY didn't get out of the parking lot before I realized the difference that would later lead to my decision. At the first turn the steering was so quick and confident I realized that the difference between the Baja and Compass was simple. The Baja was a CAR which was built as strong and arguably as capable as most compact SUVs, but HANDLED like a Car. The Compass was an SUV which was probably as strong and capable as most compact SUVs, but HANDLED more like an SUV. Sure the Compass turns and CERTAINLY it BRAKES (wow the brakes were great). But it was not as confidence inspiring at 80 mph in the rain. In turns it felt, though not tippy, like it had a higher center of gravity. In contrast the Baja handled more like my wife's Mini Cooper than like a truck. And after driving NOTHING (as a personal vehicle) but a Geo Tracker, a WJ and an XJ since 1994, I wanted a car. (ok, actually I haven't owned a "car" since 1988 and it was a 1970 Oldsmobile Rallye 350)). So truth of the matter, I WANTED something that handled more like a car. SO, I bought a Baja Sport 5-speed (to which the dealer is adding heated leather seats). Don't get me wrong. My wife and I looked LONG and HARD at a Commander in the Jeep Showroom. We talked to the Sales Manager and said that we were going to buy a smaller runabout/grocery getter now, and no matter what our decision we'd likely be back in 3 years or so (when my wife is in residency) to get our 3-row seating, high tow capacity family mover. And by then DC damn-well better have a big diesel in the Commander, cause if so, we're buying one. This was probably the HARDEST vehicle decision I've ever made, and I KNOW that undoubtedly I could have been happy with the Compass. Heck, I told my wife that if she tired of her Mini Cooper S, we could trade it in on a Compass in A HEARTBEAT, but that I KNEW we'd made the right decision for me, for now. Thanks all, I'll be checking back. And ANYONE who thinks they want a Compass, well, I won't second guess their decision, I think it's a great vehicle. Kev So, as you can see I respect the Compass, but I decided that the Baja drove/handled MUCH more like what I wanted. Plus I was definitely impressed by the seeming quality of the Subaru from a fit/finish to engineering standpoint. Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subeman90 Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 I really like my baja. I can honestly say it is the best new subaru I have ever bought. I ran it out to Chicago (708 miles) 2 weeks ago and the 10 or so hours I spent in it were great. I got out in Chicago and wasn't even tired. I wish it had heated seats too....maybe some day it will. If you are still looking for one there was one over in York at a ford dealer that was an 03 silver and automatic (I think) and they wanted somewhere in the 15k range. If you were interested i could look to see if they still have it. Oh and for what its worth....my baja is stick. I love it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BajaGuy68 Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Hey all, Nice to meet you. I'm soliciting opinions here. Any Baja owners out there want to help try to convince me to buy one? My ex has a 1998 Forrester with 158k miles on it that has treated her QUITE well. I've always been a fan of Scoobie-Doos and seriously considered one when the WRX came out. I'm not looking for a Turbo anymore, getting older and more boring, but I just got rid of a Jeep Cherokee and need a new daily driver (for when I'm not on my bikes), grocery getter, ski trip vehicle, and occassional light duty (1500 lbs boat) tow vehicle. I'm TOYING with the new Jeep Compass, and very, very, very distantly looking at some RAV4s, but the Baja has really got my attention. What's the Good, the Bad and the Ugly? Kev I am the proud owner of an 06' Baja Sport that I purchased last October and I love it! I don't even worry about these Buffalo, NY winters 'cause it handles them like a champ. I really was'nt interested in a turbo model because of the premium gas it takes and the little extra maintenence as well. I have the silver, which does'nt show the dirt like the darker colors do. My advice is to buy the Sport(non-turbo) if your not going to do any quick take offs at the red light, you won't be sorry.....Subaru is #1 in my book! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceyWV Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 The compass is based off the dodge caliber (replacement for the dodge neon) how are you getting it felt like an SUV? But yeah, congrats on the decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev M Posted October 2, 2006 Author Share Posted October 2, 2006 Judging from some of the latest replies, I THINK they missed the point where I said that I BOUGHT A NEW BAJA YESTERDAY!!!! But thanks for the advice supporting the decision. The compass is based off the dodge caliber (replacement for the dodge neon) how are you getting it felt like an SUV? But yeah, congrats on the decision. Brucey - I'm well aware of the platform relationship between the Caliber and Compass, and I'm under the impression that there is also some, perhaps more distant relationship between them and either the Mistsubishi Outlander and/or Mitsu Lancer. Also, in my research I didn't bother to check the dimensions (ground clearance, wheelbase, track, etc) of the Caliber vs. the Compass and I haven't driven the Caliber, yet, the fact remains that the Compass is a relatively tall bodied car-based (crossover) cute-ute. Dimensionally it's VERY similar to the Cherokee I just sold. I think the overall length is very similar and the roof height is almost identical. AND that last point (roof height) is likely a large part of the equation. Overall center of gravity is higher, MUCH higher, than the Baja, which makes it feel less stable and more tippy, especially in corners. I.E. more like an SUV than a car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev M Posted October 6, 2006 Author Share Posted October 6, 2006 PICKED IT UP LAST NIGHT!!!! OMG, I realize I'm preaching to the choir here, but what a great little truck. I was only living without a car for a week or so, but I couldn't have picked a better night to pick it up since it's in the low 40s and raining and I have to pick my daughter up at school this afternoon. She loves riding the motorcycles, but is gonna be psyched Daddy has a car again. And honestly, WOW, that's the key. I HAVE A CAR again. I haven't had a CAR since the late 80s, just a series of trucks, some real POSes and others not so POS, but still. I'm so happy with the way this vehicle drives and turns. It was dry last night so I got to toss it into some curves and it handles better than any "truck" I've owned, even the very car-like Jeep GC WJ. I'm also REALLY happy with both the heated leather seats (I'm SO glad I had the dealership add them, we chose a medium-to-dark gray and it goes very well with the rest of the interior), as well as the 7-speaker sound system! Anyway, I was so excited I had to share!!! Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnceggleston Posted October 6, 2006 Share Posted October 6, 2006 PICKED IT UP LAST NIGHT!!!! woohoo!!!!!! now only 250K miles to go!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subeman90 Posted October 6, 2006 Share Posted October 6, 2006 what did the heated seats cost you? I wouldn't mind having some for my baja Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev M Posted October 7, 2006 Author Share Posted October 7, 2006 what did the heated seats cost you? I wouldn't mind having some for my baja About 1500 installed, but I BET the dealeship had some profit buried in that (not that I begrudge em it). They did the front and rear seats in our choice of leather, the seams look like they were specifically meant for the Baja. There is map-pocket netting on the back of each front seat. The back seats and headrests are covered. And the heating elements are da' bomb. The high setting is actually bordering on too hot to leave for any length of time. I might feel different after a cold night ski, but time will tell. Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShawnW Posted October 7, 2006 Share Posted October 7, 2006 We bought one last night too, used 03 black. Too early to comment on how much we like it but its certainly a big step up from the 97 Outback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subeman90 Posted October 7, 2006 Share Posted October 7, 2006 welcome to the "club" shawn There is a section over at nasioc for baja owners. Check us out! Is that OB you got rid of the one you did the 2.2 conversion on? Did you get automatic or stick? If you want a bed cover go over to nasioc and do a search on ozz bros cover....I have one and there is a great post about it over there. Pics dammit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev M Posted October 7, 2006 Author Share Posted October 7, 2006 There is a section over at nasioc for baja owners. Check us out! If you want a bed cover go over to nasioc and do a search on ozz bros cover....I have one and there is a great post about it over there. Pics dammit I didn't realize there was a section for the Baja at NASIOC, I'll have to check it out. Ozzbros tonneau is definitely on the wish list. I took some pics this morning, I'll try to post em next week. Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salb222 Posted October 19, 2006 Share Posted October 19, 2006 Hi Kev, I found my 2003 Yellow Subaru Baja online for a great price. Unfortunately, I'm was in New Jersey and the car was in Kansas. Talked to the dealer who was selling and within a week I was on a plane (for business fortunaltely) to Tulsa, OK (three hours away from the car!). He had the car driven down to me for free (by an retired cop and his wife). I picked up the car at the airport while dropping off my business rental, signed some paperwork, and drove my incredibly new-like Baja home (over 1,300 miles). Drove beautifully. Took a chance, but the pictures, the low mileage (18,000 miles... for 2003???? not a scratch on it!) and the frankness/honesty of the dealer (it's a cream-puff, trust me), made me decide to buy the car. And it was well worth the trip. I got a fairly new car, a great idea for retirement (delivering cars across the country as the retired cop and his wife now do---FOR A LIVING!!!), and great experience on how to buy expensive items on the Internet, carefully and slowly. My only beef is just like you mentioned---it doesn't have heated seats (they're leather but may add the heat to them myself) and the LOCAL gas mileage (19 to 21); highway it pulls about 28mpg. It's an automatic so, locally you must know when to let up on the gas pedal---don't take it over 3,000rpms while driving local and you'll do fine---(let it shift gears itself by letting up on the gas pedal just under 3,000rpm). However, I'm sure a 5-speed will do much better locally. Good luck! Thanks for the reply. Turbo - not even a consideration. I want an overbuilt and understressed motor for long term use (and I suspect the naturally aspirated one will tow better when we do use it to move the boat). Besides, we've got a supercharged Mini Cooper and a couple of motorcycles for speed/handling. The cargo capacity of 666 lbs? That's total bed capacity? That's encouraging, because a couple hundred pounds of tongue weight shouldn't make a difference then. I do wish they had heated leather seats available from the factory (on the Sport) that would make the decision even easier. But now I have to face whether or not to upgrade that myself. Honestly, I'm leaning heavily towards it right now. FOUND AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY online, but damnit, it's 200 miles away, I can't just "drop by" and see it tomorrow. We'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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