Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid - Autoweek

[fuzzybabybunny]

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20131111/carreviews/131119992#ixzz2kOuFn28E

"You do have to deal with a couple of drawbacks that go with the Hybrid when compared with the standard XV; first, the hybrid system's batteries take the space once reserved for the spare wheel, which means you get a "tire repair kit" (essentially, a can of fix-a-flat) instead of a spare. Second, the higher engine compression ratio mandates the use of midgrade fuel."

If the tire goes flat on the highway and you drive on the flat for just 15 seconds you'll already have a shredded tire. No fix-a-flat will be able to fix that.

And any cost savings you get from the small small 3mpg increase from the hybrid is further diminished by the requirement for midgrade fuel.

Plus I think midgrade fuel could be hard to find in foreign countries.

So I think that seals the deal for me. I'm just gonna for the regular non-hybrid.

 

[LTC8K6]

Well, cars have been going without spare tires for a long time now. It's pretty common and has been for a long time for cars to come with a repair kit instead of a spare tire.

In many cases, a spare tire is an extra cost option you can order when you buy the car.

 

[Harrod]

I didn't really see the difference in the hybrid and non-hybrid until comparing the city mileage, I have to admit the looks of it are growing on me.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Midgrade? As in 89? Never seen that as a requirement before usually 87 or 91+

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Well, cars have been going without spare tires for a long time now. It's pretty common and has been for a long time for cars to come with a repair kit instead of a spare tire.

In many cases, a spare tire is an extra cost option you can order when you buy the car.

Really? Not the cars that I've driven, which are all just your typical consumer-grade midsize to compacts.

I like the idea of having an actual spare tire, as I've actually had my tires shred on me on the highway (I didn't know they shredded until I took it to the shop and they showed me, so fix-a-flat would have been pointless anyway).

 

[Zorba]

Really? Not the cars that I've driven, which are all just your typical consumer-grade midsize to compacts.

I like the idea of having an actual spare tire, as I've actually had my tires shred on me on the highway (I didn't know they shredded until I took it to the shop and they showed me, so fix-a-flat would have been pointless anyway).

I think Toyota started this on their low end models, just another way to nickel and dime everyone. Want floor mats? $400 Want a spare tire? $600

I've used the spare tire many times in my life, I would never buy a car without one, much less a car that didn't even have a space for one.

I don't really get why you would want to mess with the extra complexity, more expensive fuel and more expensive car to save just a couple mpg. I could understand if it gave you ~40 in the city, but 29? Just to say you have a hybrid? Subaru needs to stop messing around and bring the diesel to the states.

 

[LTC8K6]

Really? Not the cars that I've driven, which are all just your typical consumer-grade midsize to compacts.

I like the idea of having an actual spare tire, as I've actually had my tires shred on me on the highway (I didn't know they shredded until I took it to the shop and they showed me, so fix-a-flat would have been pointless anyway).

Yes, really.

Plus, we all have mandatory low pressure warning systems now, which can give you a warning before you shred a tire.

http://autos.aol.com/article/eliminating-spare-tire/

http://autos.aol.com/article/spare-tires-not-standard-new-cars/

 

[LTC8K6]

Midgrade? As in 89? Never seen that as a requirement before usually 87 or 91+

Chrysler 5.7L Hemi specifies 89 for best performance. Specifically says 87 is okay, but not to use premium.

 

[PricklyPete]

This looks like a hybrid option just for people who must have a hybrid. I would just go with the underpowered regular model if I had to have the car.

If they would just stick the diesel they have in Europe in this thing.,. I would be much more interested. As it stands, it is woefully underpowered in standard form and too much of a compromise in hybrid form.

 

[Zorba]

Yes, really.

Plus, we all have mandatory low pressure warning systems now, which can give you a warning before you shred a tire.

http://autos.aol.com/article/eliminating-spare-tire/

http://autos.aol.com/article/spare-tires-not-standard-new-cars/

Those low pressure warning systems really help out when you have a blow-out.

 

[Kaido]

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20131111/carreviews/131119992#ixzz2kOuFn28E

"You do have to deal with a couple of drawbacks that go with the Hybrid when compared with the standard XV; first, the hybrid system's batteries take the space once reserved for the spare wheel, which means you get a "tire repair kit" (essentially, a can of fix-a-flat) instead of a spare. Second, the higher engine compression ratio mandates the use of midgrade fuel."

If the tire goes flat on the highway and you drive on the flat for just 15 seconds you'll already have a shredded tire. No fix-a-flat will be able to fix that.

And any cost savings you get from the small small 3mpg increase from the hybrid is further diminished by the requirement for midgrade fuel.

Plus I think midgrade fuel could be hard to find in foreign countries.

So I think that seals the deal for me. I'm just gonna for the regular non-hybrid.

First drive on Autoblog:

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/11/2014-subaru-xv-crosstrek-hybrid-review-first-drive/

You can always add your own spare tire if you want, it will just cut down on cargo space. So more expensive pricetag, more expensive gas, small efficiency returns, and tire patch kit instead of a spare. Nope, not for me. Having a spare tire has saved my rear several times in the past few years.

 

[nerp]

Those low pressure warning systems really help out when you have a blow-out.

No. The point is they help prevent a blowout from ever happening. Not that hard to grasp. Blowouts can still happen, but if they're not related to low pressure, why would you rely on the light?

 

[LTC8K6]

Those low pressure warning systems really help out when you have a blow-out.

Well, they would clearly help with a blowout due to low pressure. Low pressure causes a tire to overheat.

As for blowouts from damage or defect, what helped with them before? And why would you expect a tire pressure warning system to help with them?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Those low pressure warning systems really help out when you have a blow-out.

I have a low pressure monitor system on my Honda Fit. The thing went on while I was driving on the highway. By the time I had changed lanes and safely pulled over, the inside of the tire was already shredded from the highway speeds, and it probably only took 15 seconds.

 

[NutBucket]

That doesn't sound right. Those warnings usually kick in around 20psi

 

[LTC8K6]

I have a low pressure monitor system on my Honda Fit. The thing went on while I was driving on the highway. By the time I had changed lanes and safely pulled over, the inside of the tire was already shredded from the highway speeds, and it probably only took 15 seconds.

It would be hard to say exactly when the tire was damaged. You didn't see it until after you stopped, so you really can't say what damaged it or exactly when it was damaged. You are assuming that it was damaged by the 15 seconds of driving, but you don't know that.

It sounds more like you had a blowout from damage or defect.

In any case, the sudden total loss of air is still considered a blowout, and TPMS can't warn you of sudden blowouts.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

First drive on Autoblog:

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/11/2014-subaru-xv-crosstrek-hybrid-review-first-drive/

You can always add your own spare tire if you want, it will just cut down on cargo space. So more expensive pricetag, more expensive gas, small efficiency returns, and tire patch kit instead of a spare. Nope, not for me. Having a spare tire has saved my rear several times in the past few years.

Read the entire AutoBlog article.

Wow, definitely not getting this thing.

NOPE.

Big f*cking can of NOPE.

Getting an auto loan for a 2013 gas model today.

 

[Zorba]

Well, they would clearly help with a blowout due to low pressure. Low pressure causes a tire to overheat.

As for blowouts from damage or defect, what helped with them before? And why would you expect a tire pressure warning system to help with them?

What helped before? The spare tire, that is my point. Yes the low pressure warning and fix-a-flat is great if you have a small leak in your tire, but not so much if you damage your tire or just have a sidewall blow out. Between cars and trailers I have had many tires in my life that a can of fix-a-flat would've done me no good.

 

[Zorba]

No. The point is they help prevent a blowout from ever happening. Not that hard to grasp. Blowouts can still happen, but if they're not related to low pressure, why would you rely on the light?

The bolded part is exactly my point, blowouts can still happen, which a can of fix-a-flat will do nothing for, but a spare tire sure can.

 

[LTC8K6]

The bolded part is exactly my point, blowouts can still happen, which a can of fix-a-flat will do nothing for, but a spare tire sure can.

You made no mention of the lack of a spare, though. You criticized TPMS only.

Originally Posted by Zorba
Those low pressure warning systems really help out when you have a blow-out.

That's your entire post. Did you mean "fix-a-flat really helps out when you have a blow-out"

At any rate, I have TPMS with pressure display, and a full size spare with TPMS also, and a matching rim. I will even be alerted if the spare is low.

 

[Zorba]

You made no mention of the lack of a spare, though. You criticized TPMS only.



That's your entire post. Did you mean "fix-a-flat really helps out when you have a blow-out"

At any rate, I have TPMS with pressure display, and a full size spare with TPMS also, and a matching rim. I will even be alerted if the spare is low.

It is the fault of the forums that does not allow nested quotes. I responded to a post you made that was in response to a post about not having a spare tire, so I assumed everyone would follow along.

Originally Posted by Zorba View Post

Originally Posted by LTC8K6 View Post

Originally Posted by fuzzybabybunny View Post
Really? Not the cars that I've driven, which are all just your typical consumer-grade midsize to compacts.

I like the idea of having an actual spare tire, as I've actually had my tires shred on me on the highway (I didn't know they shredded until I took it to the shop and they showed me, so fix-a-flat would have been pointless anyway).

Yes, really.

Plus, we all have mandatory low pressure warning systems now, which can give you a warning before you shred a tire.

http://autos.aol.com/article/eliminating-spare-tire/

http://autos.aol.com/article/spare-t...dard-new-cars/

Those low pressure warning systems really help out when you have a blow-out.

 

[CraigRT]

Low pressure warning systems do not help when you have a blowout. When you have a blowout, you immediately know it... TPMS or not. What helps when you have a blowout is knowing how to stop safely.

TPMS is a total waste of time, I am so glad the Canadian Civic does not have it, else I'd have to waste a bunch of money on stupid sensors for my winter rims.

 

[thefordmccord]

Low pressure warning systems do not help when you have a blowout.

They do help though. A lot of blowouts are caused by retards that drive around for months on a tire with only 10 PSI of air in it.