B9 Tribeca - no frameless windows :-(

Just come back from Chicago auto show. Noted that B9 does not have the
frameless windows. Quite disappointing. One of the last things which
keeps me with Subaru (among: boxer engine, AWD) .

2002 Legacy Outback
2002 Impreza 2.5TS

 

What is it about frameless windows that you like so much? I've never even
thought about it.

 

I'm also curious why it's an issue with you. I like the look of
frameless windows, but they're a security weakness and also create a
structural issue on a larger vehicle like the B9.

BTW, I saw the B9s at the Chicago Show this week, too. Aside from the
odd front headlamp cover and gimmickee curved array of buttons on the
center console, I liked it.

-LK

 

Personally, the frameless windows are one thing I don't like about my
OBW. With both my OBWs I've had to had the glass readjusted several
times to keep the seal between the glass and the weatherstripping tight
(wind noise). Having a frame on the door would eliminate the issue.

I saw the Tribeca at the Philly Auto Show last week. I'm ambivalent
about it. I think the grill is kind of ugly (reminscient of the 1970s
Subarus), but the inside was nice. I don't really see it fitting into
the Subaru product line all that well.

As an aside, the local Subaru dealers offered a nice owner-loyalty
reward. We got two free tickets to the show (normally $12 each), a free
dinner buffet with sandwiches, soda, etc., and a free Subaru keychain.
A nice touch. Subaru does a good job of providing nice little perks
like this to members (at least in the Philly area, which is where
Subaru USA HQ is based).

 

Interesting . . . The frameless windows are one of the least-liked things about
my 2005 Forester. During (or after) a rain or even after a heavy overnight dew,
I have to remember to wipe the water drops from the projecting roof trim over
the tops of the windows before opening the doors to prevent water from running
down the inside of the windows.

And frameless glass is always harder to slign properly in order to minimize wind
noise.

 

I saw that the estimated price for the B9 will start in the mid $30,000
range.
WOW! I can get a Honda Pilot with a Navigation system or DVD system for that
price.

 

True. But from what I've read, the B9 is supposed to compete with the Acura
MDX and BMW X5. I haven't seen the vehicle in person to judge how it
compares to those two.

-Matt

 

Frameless windows do look nicer, but they are a bit old-fashioned. My
driver's side window has always had a glass alignment issue, but it doesn't
bother me that much. The B9 is supposed to compete with much higher priced
vehicles, vehicles that are going to have low levels of interior noise, and
the frameless windows can be noiser, especially if the glass is misaligned.

I do agree though, it's another appealing Subaru quirk that I'll miss. Like
jumpseats in the Brat.

-Matt

 

I just saw the TriBeCa at Pittsburgh auto show. The Subaru people I
spoke with at the Pittsburgh show were clear that the TriBeCa on display
was a pre-production model and that there would be some differences with
the production model. I didn't press for details, and I don't remember
if the model had window frames.

As was posted by someone in Philly, Subaru also had a customer loyalty
event in Pittsburgh, with a hospitality suite (sandwiches, veggies,
cheese, cookies etc.) and admission to the show + keychain at the Subaru
display. Very nice.

kl
2002 Outback Sedan VDC

 

<snip>

well good luck then...
;-)
I sure hope they redesign the entire car. From what I've seen of the car it's
even uglier than a Murano

florian

 

Honda Pilot? Go buy one then.


TBerk
not _meaning_ to be harsh, but damn.

 

I wouldn't pay $30,000 for any sort of vehicle.

 

I sure am not happy with the looks (front end) of the Tribeca and some
of the other show cars that Subaru has shown in the past. I hope this
look is not passed on to the entire lineup. I am also concerned with
the upcale pricing that will scare a lot of the loyal owners away.

 

I don't think telling him to go buy the Pilot is harsh at all. Honda's
SUV platform has done *so well* (what with the CRVs bursting into
flames and the Element eating it's timing belt). The comparable Subaru
is always going to be more money because of Honda's volume. I traded in
a 2002 Accord, my third Honda, for a 2004 WRX -- the Accord has a
production run of about 150,000 a year, where Subaru sold about 15,000
WRX sedans and wagons in 2004. After driving an AWD vehicle I don't
think I'd ever go back.

But I'd trade my frameless windows in for a second -- what a total
PITA. The only complaint I have about my WRX is the frameless windows
and the cupholders (Honda has those perfect in the Accord). If the 6
disc changer were an MP3 changer I think I'd trade my 2004 in now for a
new one just for that (truth be told I think my next will be an Outback
turbo).

While the B9 Tribeca isn't really my cup of tea, I look forward to see
it parked next to the new VW Microbus at my local dealer (which sells
both Subaru and VW) -- very similar look and feel.