B9 Tribeca - no frameless windows :-(

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

Andy Leszczynski wrote:

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.