Subaru Tribeca Problems

Car experts say women often opt for a 4WD because it makes them feel safer and fashion also plays a part.So how do the cars compare? We took a selection for a road test to find the mum mobile which best suits you. FOR THE MUM WHO LIKES TO BLEND IN FORD TERRITORY TS RWD REVIEWER: RUTH LAMPERD STYLE QUOTA: The mainstream face of the big car range. It seems about 150 families at the children's school drive them already. So, if fashion is defined as “what everyone else is wearing/eating/driving”, this one is right up there.SCHOOL RUN FACTOR: A minor problem is waiting children can't work out which Territory they should get into.KIDDIE-PROOF LEVEL: For three young boys (9, 7 and 4), this vehicle stood the week-long test and emerged easily intact. The littlest chap, squeezing into his booster seat, did tip out and on to the footpath at one point while wrestling with a seatbelt. There was nothing to hold him in. They struggled to get in and out of the third-row seats, but enjoyed the distance between them and mum.FEATURES: Mounds of shopping bags can be easily stacked into the back door through a window, instead of having to open the entire door and balance them precariously before shutting it (as you do with a van). But don't forget which part of the back door you should open to unload — you will end up with your groceries on your driveway.PRICE: $46,190, including extras of prestige colour ($400) and third-row bench seat ($1800).SAFETY: A standard reverse sensing system gives you a series of beeps in increasing urgency if you're about to back into something. Has driver, front passenger and side curtain airbags. The Territory's Acutrac system (with ABS,) dynamic stability control and traction control were not put to the test. But nice to know they're there.PRACTICALITY: A car with the capacity to treat unforgiving speed humps like blips. You don't have to slow down (much) and still the children's heads don't hit the roof.TERRAIN COVERED: Freeways, highways, suburban streets.MUM MOST LIKELY: Those who like their cars big but not landmark fashion statements.AND NATIONAL MOTORING EDITOR PAUL GOVER SAYS: The homegrown hero is only let down by its fuel economy, although that has just had a tweak together with a restyle job that is so minor even the experts will be pushed to pick it. Lots of space inside and a thumpy Falcon six means it goes well, but don't waste time or money on the all-wheel drive package.Ford Territory for sale FOR THE MUM WITH ATTITUDE MITSUBISHI PAJERO REVIEWER: KATE JONES STYLE QUOTA: As a confessed four-wheel-drive hater, I was surprised to find myself feeling quite trendy in this beast. It's not as square-cut as the Jeep, but it's still big and strong looking enough to mean business. After just one glance at it, my husband had christened it Hercules.SCHOOL RUN FACTOR: With an extra three fold-up seats in the back, this school bus can carry eight. Just don't tell the other mums. Parking is easier than you'd expect and it's a dream in traffic. The reversing camera, displayed on the in-dash satellite navigation screen, is essential in this car size — especially where there are children.KIDDIE-PROOF LEVEL: This car can take anything that's thrown at it, literally. My daughter tried many food types, soil, sand and other unidentified objects. The beauty of leather seats is that anything can be wiped right off. The exterior is tough, too. The bumper bars are in the right spot to cop unruly prams and trolleys. And just a tip — kids love the outside step and hanging off the car. This is best tried while the car is stationary.FEATURES: Wow, where do I start. The in-dash navigation system, audio controls on the steering wheel, reversing camera, diesel engine, roof racks, rear tinted windows etc. My favourite was perhaps the most simple — rear airconditioning. In our station wagon, the airconditioning is fabulous but only for front passengers. In the Pajero, my child didn't swelter.PRICE: The base price of the Pajero VRX diesel auto is $66,490 (excluding taxes). Sat-nav and reversing camera cost an extra $2500. Accessories such as the luggage area cargo net, rubber mats and rear camera and screen in interior mirror range from $51 to $1035.SAFETY: Being an ultra-cautious mum, a nagging thought was the safety of reversing around small children. But the reversing camera option eased my mind. Other paranoid mums and dads will also like the SRS driver and passenger airbags as well as the curtain airbags.PRACTICALITY: Size-wise, it's a beast. At first, I doubted my ability to manoeuvre this thing. Also, the luggage area is huge — pop in the pram, portacot, nappy bag and whatever else you can think of and you'll probably still have room.TERRAIN COVERED: Local streets and a run to the beach. A full tank of diesel will last about 500km.MUM MOST LIKELY: Mums on the go, especially those in outer urban or country areas who need a 4WD. Mums with more than three children will appreciate the extra leg room.PAUL GOVER SAYS: One of the oldest four-wheel drive names in the business still stands for quality, reliability and off-road ability. Also a good tow vehicle for mid-range work. Not as sexy as the surburban SUVs, but a lighter drive than a Toyota LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol.Mitsubishi Pajero for sale FOR THE ALPHA MUM BMW X5 REVIEWER: KAMAHL COGDON STYLE QUOTA: The supermodel of the road, this not-so-little number brings new meaning to bitumen fashion.SCHOOL RUN FACTOR: For those who like to make a statement. Small car parks posed no problems. The rear camera and electronic distance and direction guide ruled out unwanted surprises while reversing.KIDDIE PROOF LEVEL: Nothing risky or annoying within reach of my four-year-old's booster seat in the centre spot but let him loose and he had a field day pushing buttons. Thankfully he waited until we parked to open the sunroof and stick his head out.FEATURES: Most of the gadgets were lost on me. I'm sure the six-CD changer and the ability to switch channels on the dashboard TV are great but Channel 7 isn't that bad. I mastered the radio, eventually. Built-in navigation system could be a marriage saver for mums who don't do maps.PRICE: As a working mum of two, safety, fuel efficiency and affordability are the three things I seek in a new car. Two out of three ain't bad. This BMW X5 is more than $109,000.SAFETY: ABS brakes, corner brake control, airbags in every nook, dynamic stability and traction control, hill descent control, rollover sensor, all-wheel drive. I'm not sure what most of these do but I've never felt safer at the wheel.PRACTICALITY: There's ample room for prams, bags, sports gear etc. One boot door opens upward for quick access and a lower door opens down flat to let you slide in cumbersome loads. Passengers have plenty of leg room.TERRAIN COVERED: Mostly city driving but also the open roads of the Mornington Peninsula and Princes Highway.MUM MOST LIKELY: The mum for whom a big bank balance and big sunglasses are standard, and the kids are an optional extra, thanks to a nanny.PAUL GOVER SAYS: The benchmark for suburban SUVs drives more like a car than a four-wheel drive, and has great engines including a frugal turbodiesel and an enjoyable 3-litre petrol motor. Not cheap from $86,635 before options but definitely the first choice for driving enjoyment.BMW X5 for sale FOR THE THINKING MUM VOLVO XC90 REVIEWER: MICHELLE POUNTNEY STYLE QUOTA: It's solid, looks good and works well for the mum who likes safety and function in a car that still says style at the shopping centre.SCHOOL RUN FACTOR: Instant street cred with the teen family members. The XC90 also has a third row of seats, making it a seven-seater — handy when extra kids need a ride.KIDDIE-PROOF LEVEL: The kids appreciated their own air vents in the back. And with a DVD entertainment system in the back, the toddler was happy with her new ride.FEATURES: The navigation system made finding new destinations a breeze. The reverse parking sensors were a help in tight spaces but living in a court where children often play outside, I felt a little vulnerable backing the big Volvo from the driveway without a rear camera.PRICE: $81,450.SAFETY: The family felt safe in the embracing cocoon of the Volvo with its checklist of safety features such as roll stability, whiplash protection and six airbags including front, curtain and side impact. Visibility in traffic was good except when there were other four-wheel-drives around.PRACTICALITY: It was hard getting the toddler in and out of her centre seat. I had to climb on board. The leather seats are easy to wipe and the middle seat with toddler car seat on it can be moved forward. While we didn't try it out, parents can listen to the radio in the front while the teens listen to a CD in the back and the toddler watches a DVD. The in-built iPod dock won votes from the teens. As a five-seater, the boot space is huge. The tailgate folds flat for easy loading and its height makes for a great mobile change table for the toddler. As a seven-seater the boot space is compromised but a stroller and the weekly shop still fits easily.TERRAIN COVERED: One week of school holiday driving including a visit to family across town.MUM MOST LIKELY: Likes her car safe and her family cocooned and has the cash to do it.PAUL GOVER SAYS: One of the biggest SUVs with plenty of room for seven, and good fun with the V8 engine choice. But heavy to drive and very hard to park, which counts against it in the suburbs. Plenty of people will like the safety gear, but the smaller XC60 is the best Volvo choice.Volvo XC90 for sale  FOR THE SEMI-URBAN MUM LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2 REVIEWER: KYLIE HANSEN STYLE QUOTA: I had an image of this car belonging in the English countryside, driven by a woman sporting pearls, a twinset and a serious pair of gumboots. I was pleasantly surprised at how urban it looked.A nice looking machine that could hold its head high at any school pickup. With its diesel engine, it still has a slightly manly feel and any family man will also feel right at home behind the wheel. But it's also a stylish car for the outdoorsy mum — or at the very least the mum who stands on the sidelines at soccer practice.However, in terms of popularity, I can't see it embraced by urban Melbourne mummies as universally as say, the Ford Territory or at the other end of the scale, the BMW X5. But perhaps, for some mums, that would be the appeal.SCHOOL RUN FACTOR: Easy to manoeuvre and, while a big car, it's very easy to reverse and park. It is well designed so lifting small children in and out of seats is easy. There's great space in the back for all the family accessories. I almost felt obliged to do a garden centre run to make use of all my portable carry space.KIDDIE-PROOF LEVEL: Easy wipe-down seats. Great space means small children aren't cramped in together, making family road trips more peaceful, genteel affairs.FEATURES: The children were enthralled by the rear-vision windows, which automatically close when the car is turned off. Loved the airconditioning — nice and strong on a hot Melbourne day and keeps the kids cool in the back as well. It has a good music system for when you've dropped off the kids and want to crank up the stereo. It has all the accessories for a stylish, modern family — tents, ski gear and boating accessories will fit quite nicely in the back.PRICE: $58,790.SAFETY: The best thing about this car is how high the driver's seat is. You can see everything and everyone clearly.PRACTICALITY: Easy wipe-down seats, so it's great to keep clean. Not too difficult for small children to climb in and out of.TERRAIN COVERED: Shopping centre dashes, kindergarten pickups, city driving. This car moved effortlessly between them all.MUM MOST LIKELY: The mum who likes a mix of city and coastal cool. Would suit the commuter mum who's made a sea change but still likes her city fix and needs a car for all terrains without sacrificing style.PAUL GOVER SAYS: Has the right badge but lags behind the latest Volvo XC60 and Audi Q7 as a fashion statement and suburban runabout. It's really best in the bush, which makes it the choice for serious weekend escapes.Land Rover Freelander 2 for sale FOR THE MUM WITH NO TIME TO SPARE SUBARU TRIBECA REVIEWER: TRUDY MICKELBUROUGH STYLE QUOTA: I loved being seen in this vehicle. It looks great, is not overly big and with a sunroof, stereo and DVD system, is a very nice way to cruise.SCHOOL RUN FACTOR: Easy to manoeuvre and parallel park thanks to the reversing camera and guiding lines that appear on screen. The vehicle is a seven-seater, so ideal for a larger family and in my case, given the leg room in the back seats, ideal for teenagers. I loved the amount of room in the back for all the shopping, the bike, bags etc.KIDDIE-PROOF LEVEL: As my children are teenagers we didn't have to put the kiddy-proof locks into action. However, they are easy to use.FEATURES: The seat heaters were great. We couldn't believe how quickly they heat up and the air ventilation was really good. DVD player with wireless headphones is great for a long trip. Large mirrors. Satellite navigation and air control in the back seat area.PRICE: $61,490 upwards.SAFETY: Backing out was no problem. The camera is so clear you can even see cracks in the road. The car feels safe and has a large number of airbags.PRACTICALITY: The car is ideal for running teens to their different activities — a full-sized bike can fit into the back easily once rear seats are lowered.TERRAIN COVERED: City and suburban streets.MUM MOST LIKELY: Mums on the run who have a lot of kids, lots of stuff and not enough time.PAUL GOVER SAYS: Not the sexiest family wagon in showrooms, but it gets the job done. Much better since a facelift which improved the ugly nose and made performance - a weakness at first - much sharper with slightly improved fuel economy. A hidden treasure in this field.Subaru Tribeca for sale

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

After decades of building small and mid-sized crossover all-wheel-drives, Subaru introduced the Tribeca SUV to compete at the big end of town in the 4WD market.