Interesting: (Goldstein) Subaru vs. (Cortese) Mitsubishi

While I've always known Mitsubishi was not an owner-focused company, I had a still somewhat startling experience this week at a 5K service for my Subaru Legacy before I drive to Chicago next week.

When trying to service or buy parts for my Mitsubishi Eclipse around 2000-2004, in Rochester, when I was doing a lot of work on that car, it was always a huge pain in the ass -- you could only get parts through the dealer, markup was outrageous, labor was outrageous, hours were never estimated long enough, everything always broke or was about to break or wear out, and needed to be replaced.

Forward to Albany, 2011. I had a new set of tires put on my Subaru by the guys down the road I've been going to for years: LaBarge's. They noted I might need new rear brake pads sometime soon, but weren't trying to sell me anything -- they've been great for all three vehicles I've taken them. I'd heard what might have been some scraping while braking in the Subaru, so I was concerned.

I took the Subaru over to Goldstein for its 5K service, paid for as part of a prepaid service package when I bought the car back in October. I mentioned the pads to the gentleman at the desk; part of the 5K service is to check them anyway, but I noted it to be sure, given the amount of driving I have ahead of me. The guy looks at me quizzically, saying, "Shouldn't be the case, but we'll certainly take a look." (I picked the car up with 23k or 24k miles; I've only put 2500 or so on it, no idea if the pads were done by Goldstein before I bought it, perhaps that was the case.)

The promised hour later (despite the crowd) I get the car back, guy tells me I'm all set. No pads needed. No other service needed. No hard sell, no soft sell -- no sell, period. It was refreshing.

Thank you Subaru, and thank you Goldstein Subaru.

Unpaid product endorsement: Sorel "Blizzard" Boots

In the midst of the wet, heavy snow followed by rain, freezing rain and sleet upstate New York has enjoyed this week, I've been appreciating the heck out of my winter boots. I have had these boots since I delivered papers and cleared driveways as a kid, some 16-17 winters now.

The boots in question are Sorel "Blizzard" Boots, rated to -35 or -40. I believe I got them at some sort of outlet or discount store in the Lake George "Million Dollar Half Mile," and they are one of the earliest and also most worthwhile, lasting clothing/gear purchases I ever made. I think I paid $45 or $55, maybe a little more. You can find an example here:



Sierra Trading Post - Sorel Blizzard Boots (sold out)

I'm not sure if mine were made in China or not, as it looks like the most recent generations were. I can't find the Blizzards on the Sorel website, so sadly, it's possible they don't even make them anymore.

These boots have been great for everything from newspaper delivery to dog walking to snowblowing to walking through downtown slop after parking six blocks from the office to being urinated on by cats. The original laces, after a cleaning, are still going strong. The waterproof bottoms are still 100% intact and keeping my feet dry. The nylon uppers are still in like-new condition as well. The liners are in great shape as well -- no real signs of wear on anything, 16 or 17 years later. These are a great utility muck boot for winter and early spring. I wish more products made these days had this kind of value and staying power.

Parting word: I hope Sorel still makes the Blizzard -- I don't see another men's winter boot in their lineup that fits the same niche at the same price point.