Best Friend

Traveling with kids? Here are 5 great tips for using a booster seat!

 

Five good booster seat habits:

• Use a booster seat correctly in a back seat every time your child rides in a car.
• A booster seat uses no harness. It uses the vehicle's lap and shoulder belts only. Be sure the safety belt is properly buckled.
• Booster seats are not installed tightly. They sit on the vehicle seat; the child buckles the lap and shoulder belt and wears the safety belt like you do. Never use only the lap belt.
• Use the vehicle's lap and shoulder belts on every booster seat. Never place the shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind the child's back.
• Be sure all occupants wear safety belts correctly every time. Children learn from watching you.

Source: She Knows

Subaru Adds All-New XV Crosstrek to Lineup

 

Looking for an affordable, highly capable all-wheel-drive vehicle that is fun to drive, offers loads of versatility and delivers the greatest fuel efficiency in its category (up to 33 mpg), with 8.7-inch ground clearance?

 

With the arrival of Subaru's all-new 2013 XV Crosstrek, slated to go on sale early this fall, your search may well be over. The XV Crosstrek is really like no other CUV in the Subaru stable, though some will likely compare it to their popular Impreza.

 

The XV Crosstrek will be available in two trim levels: the 2.0i Premium (there is no base model) and a more upscale 2.0i Limited. Both models will be powered by Subaru's 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve inline, flat-opposed (Boxer) four-cylinder engine with Dual Active Valve Control System, sequential multi-port fuel injection and electronic throttle control. The engine cranks out 148 hp at 6,200 rpm, along with 145 lb ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The driving force is delivered to all four wheels through Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive systems via either a five-speed manual gearbox with incline start assist or a Lineartronic CVT automatic with a driver-selectable, six-speed manu al shift mode and steering wheel mounted shift paddles that also features incline start assist.

 

The manual's AWD system is a continuous type, with a viscous-coupling locking center differential. The AWD system in CVT-equipped models is an active torque split system with an electronically managed, continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch.

 

Standard features for both trim levels include: 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels in a dark gray painted surface and machined edges; raised suspension; roof rails with available cross rails; fog lights; power moonroof; cargo-area tray; touch-screen GPS navigation system with SMS text messaging capability, XM satellite radio and XM NavTraffic; seven airbags, including driver-side knee airbag; and whiplash-protection front seats.

 

Subaru chose the North Shore of Oahu to showcase the capabilities of the XV Crosstrek, with an extensive off-roading experience through lush rain, with a lunch break atop a rugged mountain peak. My driving partner and I piloted a 2.0i XV Crosstrek in Premium trim in virtually every possible driving scenario, from crawling in commute traffic into Honolulu, to open freeway driving to journeying off-road back to the North Shore.

 

SUMMARY: The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek should prove to be a welcome addition to the company's CUV lineup. I found it to be extremely attractive and sporty in its appearance, displaying a low shoulder line and blacked out "B" and "C" pillars, giving it an almost coupe-like persona with a low 0.35 drag coefficient. It is also highly functional and fun to drive. Exterior mirrors have been moved from the "A" pillar to the door, improving outward visibility.

 

Ride quality was comfortable and compliant, even over rough terrain, and the handling characteristics served up an athletic and sporty feel, with good steering response and vehicle stability. The symmetrical all-wheel drive system performed flawlessly on both wet and dry surfaces.

 

Safety features are abundant and effective, especially the incline start assist. Versatility is key, with plentiful storage nooks and crannies, the 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold flat for a level load surface, and the roof rail system with a 150-lb load limit. Towing capacity is 1,500 lbs.

 

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is sized to serve as the ideal mode of transport for individuals and families with an active lifestyle, who seek adventure without compromise. Perhaps the XV Crosstrek is not a vehicle suited for traversing the legendary Rubicon Trail, but it's certainly up to fording small streams and tackling snow-covered roads and muddy trails with gusto.

Source: SF Gate

10 Quick Fuel Efficiency Tips to Beat the Gas Crunch

 

Three or four days after buying my first car, I came to a disturbing revelation: Paying for your own gasoline is expensive! You don't realize just how much of a pain in the butt it can be--and how much junk advice is out there on the Web--until the entire financial burden rests solely on your shoulders. So I decided to geek out, learning everything I could about how to squeeze more miles per gallon into every fill-up--and share it with the rest of the pump-fearing masses.

Over the past couple years, I've tried every gimmick--acetone, fuel-line magnets, intake air swirlers, you name it. Needless to say, these gimmicks didn't get me anywhere--as Popular Mechanics' own Mike Allen has proved so many times, and he's debunking them once again. So I jumped on the fuel-economy bandwagon with the next generation of Mike Allens. Some call us hypermilers, but at my MPG forum and blog, we go by ecomodder--someone who combines car tweaks, behind-the-wheel techniques and some basic skills to cut back on trips to the gas station.

My new lifestyle has taken me from an average (but very unsatisfying) 30 mpg to an efficient 55 mpg in the last year, and the 70 mpg mark is looming on the horizon. With gas prices hovering around $4/gallon and forecasts scouting even worse news, getting even more out of every gallon of go juice has become even more important to me--and you can get in on the action, too.

1. Track Your Mileage in Real Time

Knowing what your consumption looks like from tank-to-tank is important, but that's really not enough. Knowing what mileage you're getting in real time--being able to compare it to what you got yesterday or even 10 minutes ago--is the new way to drive these days.

Luckily, ecomodding combines the love of saving money and adding gadgets to my car. People with cars made after 1995 have it relatively easy: All you need to do is throw some money at a fuel-economy computer like the Scangauge, and you're instantly instrumented. For older cars, you may need to get your knuckles dirty by installing a vacuum gauge, which measures how hard the engine is working, or explore the growing world of DIY fuel-economy electronics, like the arduino-based MPGuino. Either way, a conscious mind combined with instant feedback should get you that instant 10 percent.

2. Only Brake When You Have to

I recently found myself fighting against a 20-mile backup passing through Hartford, Conn. The traffic wasn't exactly stop-and-go, but the pack was constantly speeding up and abruptly slowing down. So I did something a little different.

When everyone started taking off, I gave myself a 10- or 15-second buffer before hitting the gas and accelerating. By accelerating slowly and leaving space ahead, I could see the brake lights ahead before I expended a significant amount of gas, coasting right back up to the car in front of me. If I timed it just right, my Honda would meet the car just as it started up again, without using the brakes at all. My gas mileage actually went up to over 70 mpg while sitting in traffic!

3. Always Stay Alert on the Road

To drive without brakes or coast toward stops effectively, you have to know what's going on around you and be able to anticipate how traffic will play out. That means paying attention to the lights on your daily commute--heck, memorizing them--and trying to anticipate whether they will, say, turn green by the time you get there. And, again, always look several cars ahead to see if the brake lights are starting to come on in anticipation of a coast.

4. Drive Like You're on a Bike

OK, don't necessarily go 20 mpg out there, but try to imagine biking over the same route that you're driving on: When you're headed uphill, it takes a lot more effort to maintain speed than it does going down, so give the car a break and let yourself lose a few mph on the way up. Relax, you'll easily get it back on the other side. Your car burns the most gas when it's forced into high-load situations, so try to remember what makes biking difficult (like going really fast, accelerating really hard and speeding up hills), and make those situations as painless as possible by laying off the gas.

5. Make Your Car Your Own

Every mainstream passenger car is a compromise built with many different drivers in mind. Because there are all too few vehicles built specifically with gas mileage as the primary design element, there's a lot of improvement to be had in modifying your existing ride. Some people will do little things to improve aerodynamics, like adding a grill block, smooth wheel covers or rear-wheel skirts. Others will remove alternators, swap engines or convert their car to run all-electric. Either way, optimizing the design of your car is one of the most effective ways to improve fuel economy. After all, it was my automatic-to-manual conversion that really boosted me from the high 30s and low 40s to that 55-mpg territory.

6. Pump Up Your Tires--Really

One of the biggest areas in which manufacturers compromise fuel economy for comfort is in tire pressure. That 32-psi rating is mainly there to make the ride smooth as silk, even as you run over potholes and pedestrians. It can be controversial, but believe it: To get the best mileage out of your car, up the pressure to the maximum listed on the sidewall. The ride will get a bit rougher, but your rolling resistance will be reduced and you'll get better gas mileage. But don't just do it once and forget about it! Make sure to check your tire pressure every other time you fill up, or you could be leaking air and losing MPGs.

7. Use the Right Ride for the Job

It may seem like a no-brainer, but it may be the ultimate fuel-saver: Why take a gas-guzzling SUV to work when a smaller, more efficient fuel-sipper will do? And if public transportation or carpooling is an option, you'll not only save on gas, but also wear-and-tear on your vehicle.

8. Multi-Task With Your Daily Routine

Are you going out to run weekly errands, or are you just dropping one letter off at the post office and coming right home? You will essentially cut distance traveled and fuel usage in half by making all your stops at once, instead of taking lots of short roundtrips.

9. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time

Take the path of least resistance. That's one with fewer stoplights, not as much traffic and, yes, lower speed limits. Even if you save 0.1 gallons of gas each day, you'll save more than $130 per year.

10. Avoid Rush Hour at All Costs

These days, many offices are offering flexible hours, so errands can be run at any time. Try to avoid being stuck in traffic if all you have to do is leave 30 minutes earlier or come in 30 minutes later. And, yeah, set those alarms and take off for the beach early this summer. With those prices at the pump, you deserve it.

Source: Popular Mechanics

We just got some great new reviews on Yelp! We love to hear your feedback! Keep the reviews coming!

 

"We just picked up my wife's new Outback this morning. This is my 2nd Outback and 3rd Subaru. They are awesome vehicles. This is the first time I've done business with St. Cloud Subaru. I worked with Bobby and Jacob. They are as awesome as the cars they sell. I usually keep my cars over 10 years because I hate dealing with typical car sales people. You know like when the sales manager or closer comes in with Neanderthal sales techniques and tries to paint you into a corner and feel pressured to take whatever deal they have on the table before it is too late. The last place told me "you better take this now because we are shipping the car to a different lot tonight." I walked out and a week later it was still on their lot. Absolutely none of these games with Bobby and Jacob. I had to drive 90 minutes past local dealers to buy this car and it was worth it.

I knew what I wanted, search Google for Subaru dealers, called St Cloud Subaru, and asked for the sales manager. Made a great deal over the phone with Bobby in record time and explained that I needed to pick the car up by the end of the week, early in the morning, so I could get to work on time. It is amazing how fast, simple and painless buying a car can be when there is no game playing / Neanderthal sales techniques involved. My wife and I had to get up at 4 AM to drive out of the metro area (that has at least 3 Subaru dealers) to meet Bobby and Steve. They opened the dealership early to accommodate our schedule. Bobby had all the paperwork ready. Everything was exactly as we agreed. Jacob did a terrific job of showing my wife everything she needed to know about her new care including pairing her phone to the car's blue tooth. We had all of this done and were on our way before the dealers posted opening time.

One other thought. I knew what the going price was for the vehicle I wanted. In record time, over the phone, with no head games, we made a deal I feel good about. Four days later we closed the deal, again in record time... no games. Everything was absolutely hassle free."

 

Read more reviews HERE!

Subaru Life: Tarp Surfing Innovators

Does your car need a good cleaning? We can help with that! Come into our service department for a FREE car wash when you bring in this coupon!

 

 

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Everything you want to know about the 2013 Subaru Outback

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Joke all you want about “Crocodile Dundee 3” but the Subaru Outback has consistently earned high marks among drivers. The new Outback is no exception.

The design is unmistakably Subaru. The bulkier look from 2010 is still there, and while it’s not an eyesore it is definitely different. The jacked-up wagon sits perfectly between a car-based wagon and a SUV, providing the feel and handling of the former and the room and comfort of the latter.

While already spacious inside, you can flip down the seats for an impressive amount of space and greatly increasing the utility of this vehicle. As is typical with Subaru, the control panel is a no-fuss cluster of instruments that are large and self-explanatory. It will disappoint a tech geek but there’s no doubting its simplicty.

The greatest changes come in the safety features, thanks in part to their partnership with Toyota. The full-time all-wheel-drive system combines with stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes and a hill holding system to provide remarkable stability and security while on the road. Six airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners provide excellent safety inside the cabin.

The EyeSight system is the biggest change to the Subaru. The driver-assistance system detects potential obstacles in the road, and works hand-in-hand with other safety systems such as lane departure warning and pre-collision braking.

Source: The Celebrity Cafe

Happy Monday! Our car tip this week is to always be prepared. Here are the things you should keep in your car at all times. Safe driving!

Nobody wants to breakdown and be left stranded on the side of the road somewhere due to car trouble. Some people, never really give the idea a thought; they get in their cars, start the engine and go. For some others, the possibility of breaking down while driving, is a real; ever present fear that could happen at any moment, on every journey, usually due to some known, unattended mechanical problem with their car. Whatever the case may be, breakdowns are commonly a random event, so drivers should try to be prepared if one should find themselves in such a predicament.

There are 5 essential items that every car should have stored in them at all times…… in case you find yourself stranded on the side of the road due to car trouble.

Spare Tire, Tire iron & Jack

Chances are, at some point, you’re going to get a flat tire. Changing a flat car tire may seem difficult at first, but it's quite easy and straight forward when you have the proper tools, mainly the tire iron (wheel stud remover) and car jack for that particular type of car. Every new car comes with a spare tire and car jack kit, therefore every car should have a set, usually hidden somewhere in the truck area. In some early model foreign cars, you might find the tire iron or jack under the back passenger seat somewhere. Know where your spare tire, tire iron and jack are located in your automobile. This will save you the frustration of trying to find them in the darkness or at the side of the highway with traffic whizzing by.

Jumper Cables or a Portable Battery Booster Pack

Battery failure can happen anywhere, at any time, and to anyone, sometimes twice or more in one day. Next to a flat tire, a dead battery is one of the most common things that will leave you stuck. A weak or failing battery, forgetting to turn off your headlights, leaving your dome/map lights on overnight, or even a loose battery wire connection can cost you big in inconvenience and money- if you're not prepared. Keeping a pair of jumper cables in your car is a smart move. But even better, is a mobile battery power pack.

A 12 volt portable battery booster pack enables you to start your car without the assistance of another car. Two large alligator clip connectors - one red for positive, one black for negative, attach to your car battery as a set of jumper cables from another car would. Turn the booster pack on, and then start your car. It's that easy and that quick. They come in various power ratings for different size cars. Anything above 400A (cold cranking amps) will start most small to midsize vehicles. They can cost anywhere from 55 to 100 dollars. Having a charged portable battery booster pack in your car can be priceless. Trying to find someone to help you boost your car is not always easy, especially if it's cold, rainy, and late at night or early in the morning.

Flashlight

Having a flashlight handy is always a good thing. In a car break down situation, it makes the whole process of changing a tire or jump starting your car, go smoother. When you can see what you're doing you'll feel more confident about 'what' you're doing and you're more likely to finish faster. Rather than fumbling around in the dark. Also, when you stand beside your car holding a flashlight that is on, it acts like a beacon showing other drivers that you are there….so they don't run you over. This goes the same for if you run out of gas and decide to walk to the next gas station…you should bring a flashlight …so other drivers can see you well in advance.

Emergency Road Kit

You can get a readymade mobile safety kit from most of the major big box stores in the automotive department. Usually a good kit will include all the frill and sprinkles such as: booster cables, air compressor, muti-tools, flashlight, emergency blanket, gloves, rain poncho, first aid kit, collapsible metal shovel, reflective triangles, road flares, and disposable camera.

One could make their own emergency road kit to best suit their climate conditions and or personal needs for considerably less than it would cost to buy one. Other items one might want to add to their mobile emergency road kit could include: food/water, clothing, winter weather tools or gear, engine fluids, the list could go on. The idea is for your kit to be compact and functional. It's up to the individual to decide what would be the best for their situation.

You can't pick where and when you're going to have engine trouble. The only thing you can do is control how you're ready to deal with the scenario if it should arise. Having the items mentioned earlier will aid in keeping you safe and give you a peace of mind if you're ever stuck on the side of the road.

Source: Infobarrel

Folks, check out our new safety innovation, EyeSight™, with pro driver Emile Bouret. Available now on 2013 Subaru Outback

Subaru XV Crosstrek Surfing Day

With our manufacturer offers, you could lease a 2013 Subaru Forester for as low as $229/month!

Check out our website for more details and to view more offers!

http://www.stcloudsubaru.com/global-incentives/index.htm

CONGRATULATIONS to Barb Hedstrom, our winner of the $100 Gas Card!

Fans, remember to be on the look out for our next contest coming soon!

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Check out this month's Pre Owned Vehicle Specials!

Every pre owned vehicle comes with a 6 month/6,000 miles warranty! We take the doubt out of buying used.

Check out our FB event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/366094353466561/

Visit our website for more details and to view our inventory:

http://www.stcloudsubaru.com/specials/used.htm

Subaru Legacy, 2013: Overlooked Sedan

Many mid-size sedan buyers act like lemmings, continually buying the same make of vehicle year after year. Otherwise, a lot more Subaru Legacy mid-size sedans would be bought.

Rivals to the Legacy — essentially an overlooked gem — include the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Most receive far more advertising and have a considerably larger owner body.

Not that Subaru hasn’t been around for decades. It began to get its feet as a small, cramped front-wheel drive model that nevertheless was rugged. It became a favorite for rough New England winters, and for years was known as a “New England” or “Northeast” car. Few Americans knew it scored well in tough European rallies.

Subaru began switching from inexpensive  economy cars to more upscale models later than rivals. It built a terrific sports car — the SVX — in the early 1990s, but few could identify Subaru with a sports car, so the SVX eventually was dropped. However, hot-car lovers have readily accepted the more modern, very fast Subaru Impreza WRX four-seater, which had done well in tough overseas rallies.(Times change, so Subaru recently introduced a nifty sports car called the BRZ, which is Subaru’s only rear-drive model. It was developed with Toyota’s Scion division, and has gotten good reviews.)

While, not as big as many major competitors, Subaru has moved up in the world since its switch to standard all-wheel-drive for its models. More recently, models such as the Impreza, Outback and Legacy have helped improve sales.

The Legacy got a major redesign in 2010, when it received a roomier, nicer interior.
The handsome, tightly built 2013 Legacy is much the same as the 2012 model, but has minor trim changes and revised styling with new headlights, grille and front bumper.

Legacy base prices range from $20,295 for the base 2.5i to $28,895 for the top-line 3.6R Limited. All trim levels are well-equipped, especially the higher-line ones, and have Subaru’s exceptional all-wheel-drive system.

The 2013 Subaru also has an optional new “Eyesight” option that provides such things as pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. It will stop the car at lower speeds without driver control to avoid hitting an object.The sporty turbocharged 2.5 GT has been dropped. That leaves the Legacy with models that have either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 173 horsepower (up from 170) or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder with 256 horsepower — unchanged from 2012.

Both compact engines have horizontally opposed pistons, as do Porsche sports car engines, to allow a lower center of gravity for better handling.

The four-cylinder comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or CVT automatic transmission. The “six” comes only with a five-speed automatic.

Subaru says the four-cylinder makes the Legacy the most economical mid-size all-wheel-drive vehicle, with preliminary estimated fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on highways.

The six-cylinder provided fast merging and quick 65-80 mph passing on highways. The five-speed automatic transmission performed smoothly and efficiently, and its manual shift feature, via steering wheel paddles, also worked well. Fuel economy is an estimated 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on highways.

The steering is firm, but nicely geared and accurate. A thick steering wheel provides a good grip. The ride is comfortable, with the suspension soaking up bumps, and the brakes work strongly and have good pedal feel. I easily swept through freeway on-and off-ramps at above-average speeds, although that showed that the seats could use more side support.

This is an exceptionally roomy car, especially in the rear, and occupants sit high.

The large trunk has a low, wide opening, with a lid that raises smoothly on twin struts. Split rear seatbacks, which have release handles in the trunk, fold flat to enlarge the cargo area.

My test car’s quiet interior looked upscale. There was a fair amount of plastic in the dashboard area, but it looked like high-grade stuff. Brightly lit backlit gauges could be quickly read in sunlight. Controls were easily reached. But sound system controls and the dashboard screen used with them often can’t be easily utilized when driving. Large outside mirrors assist rear vision.

The air conditioning worked well on 90-plus-degree days..

Sun visors with slide-out extensions to block out more of the sun are a nice touch, especially when driving into the sun during late afternoons. Door pockets are too slim to be of much good, and a thick owner’s manual occupies most of the glove compartment. But the console has a large, covered bin. And front cupholders are conveniently positioned.

The hood raises on twin struts, and fluid-filler areas can be easily reached. As with the trunk lid, the hood is lined.

The 2013 Legacy delivers a lot for the money and deserves more consideration from the generally conservative folks who shop for mid-size sedans.

Source: The Weekly Driver