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Subaru XT Turbo Forester

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  • crexcrex Member Posts: 5
    I will be upgrading the paper speakers once I have figured out what is a bolt in replacement.

    Alas, Subaru Australia do not sell the upgrade kit, or the subwoofer, or the mirror trims to put the tweeters behind, so I will have to go with another brand, hopefully using the factory placements.

    BTW, does the subwoofer have it's own amplifier? If it does, where is it placed? (if the wiring is already there, I may as well use it.)

    This break in period is going to break me. My foot is getting sore holding it up all the time, trying not to press the throttle too hard. :-)

    I did manage to drag off an unmarked police car the other day (46 hours after I picked up the car), and while he flashed his lights at me, he must have been really impressed, as he just cruised on past me and did not stop. :-)

    Rob.
  • sloanesqsloanesq Member Posts: 60
    I wish police here in NYC were as fun loving as their Australian Brethren :-)
  • outasightoutasight Member Posts: 2
    The rattle sound someone asked about is the actual wastegate rattling in the exhaust due to the "pulsed" or "duty cycle" action of the boost control bleed solenoid during turbo spool up.
    Before this sound you can hear the turbine spin up and after the engine is making too much noise of it's own to hear the turbo!

    Les.
  • outasightoutasight Member Posts: 2
    Have read at least two questions here on the car's ability to "learn" your driving habits.
    The engine management ECU certainly does store & "learn" signal input patterns and adjust it's outputs accordingly. Not so sure about the Auto transmission TCM(Transmission Control Module) though, don't remember ever hearing these one's can.

    Les.
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    What's the tire pressure for the Geolanders? Does 32 pounds sound right? Same pressure for front and rear?
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    The Subaru security system can be set to arm passively by making a connection inside the drivers left kick pabel. Takes about 5 minutes, and from then on the car arms itself after about a minute.

    It does not lock the doors however.

    HTH

    Larry
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Rob- You can use a site like Crutchfield to determine what replacement speakers will bolt in. IIRC, there are several options for the front but limited choices for the rear.

    Not sure what the shipping costs would be but you can order the tweeter from a US Subaru parts supplier (there are several that have a web presence).

    The subwoofer has an integrated amp and I'd be surprised if the wiring wasn't already there in your wheel well.

    Good luck maintaining your sanity during the break in period :-)

    -Frank P.
  • atlgaxtatlgaxt Member Posts: 501
    My dilemma. We have a mountain cabin. We have to drag our own garbage back. Fine with a pick-up. Not as much fun in a car. Choices - Roof carrier or hitch mounted cargo tray.

    Roof: Pro - Racks and carriers look cool.

    Con: Wind noise, blocking the sunroof, and reaching up there to load. Plus it makes the car top heavy.

    Hitch mount: Pro: Easy to load.

    Con: Constantly getting the thing in and out of the hitch, or driving around with an extension that can be hit or can make parking hard. I also understand that these can upset the balance of the car.

    I believe the cargo trays weigh 40 - 50 pounds. With garbage or other stuff, I doubt I would ever add more than another 40-50 pounds carrying garbage or anything else. Typically it would just be me, my wife, my 60 lb dog and other typical random stuff we carry for the weekend.

    Any thoughts? How much additional wind noise can I expect with additional roof racks and a roof carrier? Note that I have already chosen to move my bar back behind the sunroof for the view and to lessen the noise just the standard bars make on the highway.

    Thanks,

    George
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd use a cargo tray for that. Tongue weight limit is 200 lbs, so you have plenty of capacity.

    The catch? Most are made for 2" receivers. I've never even seen one for 1.25" class I receivers, but you might be able to find an adaptor.

    Do you want trash-water dribbling onto your roof? Or behind you? Easy answer.

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    George- 40-50 pounds on the roof isn't going to significantly effect your handling. But as Juice said, do you really want to be hauling garbage up there?

    -Frank P.
  • atlgaxtatlgaxt Member Posts: 501
    I have seen 2" adaptors that will fit the standard Subaru receiver. They don't cost much. Plus with an additional piece that is also pretty cheap, you can carry bikes on a cargo carrier.

    George
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Couldn't you just dump the garbage in the woods? :)
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    I don't understand the difficulty. I've put about 4,000 miles on my XT, and even now I probably don't feel any need to exceed 3,000 RPMs more than once or twice a week. During my 2K breakin, I never exceeded 3,000.
  • deadeye5deadeye5 Member Posts: 93
    Picked up my XT W/PP Gold color- yesterday.Drove about 50 mi. home from the dealer.Seems to be all I had hoped for.Slight gas pedal pressure and the power is scary.Tho, do plan to take it easy till 500mi anyhow.Am taking it on a 1,350 mi trip in a week or so (Canada) Plan to get off I=65 * I-69 a few times and travel the 2 lane roads so as to not hold it at a steady 65-70 MPH for to long a time. LOVE it so far. Will fill you in later.
       
      Tks. for all your educational Posts. Deadeye
  • jaquinojaquino Member Posts: 90
    Just wanted to say Hi.

    I am a soon to be 350Z owner (getting my car this month), and I saw one of you guys post on the 350Z forum.

    I must say, I have to give kudos to Subaru for producing such a quick SUV. I am really impressed. The only time I will eventually overtake the Forester in the Z is at 100MPH or greater, however its a moot point because the maximum legal freeway speed in most states is 60-65 MPH :)

    That was a clever ad of Subaru in the WSJ, Nissan will definitely have to step up to the plate and increase the HP to remain competitive. Yeah the Z is faster overall ... but who really drives at 100MPH? They really need to boost power at the low-end.

    I also happen to own a 1999 Subaru Legacy, so as a fellow Subaru owner I come here with no animosity, and extend my hand in peace. :)
  • atlgaxtatlgaxt Member Posts: 501
    Jack, you are a better man then me. The only reason our XT has had a halfway reasonable break-in is that it is primarily my wife's car.

    Of course, if it was my daily driver perhaps I would not have as big a need to wind it out everytime I drive it.
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    I would like to admit I keep my Automatic XT in the the 3000 range, but when I glance over at the Tach, and it reads 5000 + in the Red, what does that mean? Next time I'll need to slow down a little and figure it out! About the upgraded Alarm, be careful, some like mine are programmed to activate and Lock after about 20 Minutes, a "feature" of the system!
  • joyridea4joyridea4 Member Posts: 48
    Welcome to a well informed board. Sounds like you are ready to slip a XT under that 99 Legacy:) Then think of the bases you would have covered!!
    Live Long and Prosper,
    Deadeye, congrats on your new arrival. I know you have been waiting for it to arrive. Enjoy your trip up North. Snow is starting to settle in around here, so you will have the right ride for this area.
    Don
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
    subaru made a killer car/suv/wagon thingee with the xt. practical but fun.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    What's your upgraded alarm? Is it aftermarket, or a more elaborate one offered by Subaru? What additional features does it offer?
  • jaquinojaquino Member Posts: 90
    Thanks for the welcome guys.

    I agree, practicality and fun all wrapped into one, the XT is definitely all of that. Who would have thought a Mini-SUV could be so fast. Gotta hand it to Subaru for breaking the mold.

    I wonder how Honda, Toyota and Nissan will respond to the XT? The CR-V, RAV-4, XTerra ... err nothing holds a candle to the XT. These manufacturers don't have a single turbo-charged vehicle in their current line-up. Toyota and Nissan have had some experience in the past with turbos, but Honda refuses to add turbos to any of their cars.

    The way I see it, the XT is going stay on top performance wise in the car-based/Mini SUV category for quite a long time.
  • bbthomasbbthomas Member Posts: 24
    Ballistic-
    Although I have not yet purchased a Forester, I was browsing one of the parts sites Juice gave.
    Liberty Subaru lists "w/LEV 2.5 XS Model Strut" for $372.87, and "w/o LEV 2.5 XS Model Strut" for
    $129.95 under rear suspension. So maybe it is available.

    BT
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    While I do have the Factory Upgraded Alarm, I can't tell you the difference. I will say some previous posts are describing how their Alarm functions, which leads me to think there are different models being used. For example my Alarm WILL lock the Doors and activate after about 20 Minutes, found that out the hard way!
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    Another Subaru ad. It doesn't lead to another forum, so I think Edmunds should allow this.

    http://www.tmcclient.com/subaru/turbo1/
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    So maybe it is available.

    I'll grant that the parts for many of the really nifty Forester features that overseas buyers get can probably be bought (or imported, at even greater expense) and installed on our North American versions, but why should we have to jump through those hoops? I wouldn't throw away the new struts that are already on my XT and pay upwards of $400 plus labor to install the self-leveling units. But I certainly would have opted for them if they'd been offered as an extra-cost option for maybe $100 extra, or whatever add-on price would be appropriate.

    Same goes for the dual-range transmission, the HID headlamps, headlight washers, and so forth. All are either standard or available on Foresters elsewhere. It makes zero sense (IMO) to deny these desirable items to customers in your largest and most profitable market.
  • hayduke01hayduke01 Member Posts: 128
    Ballistic, I agree with you.

    I bought my '02 S, after lots of research and investigation (thanks, Edmunds!). The other finalist was the Honda CR-V. A big factor in going with the Forester over the CR-V was that Honda had a nice package available in the Candian market, but not the US market.

    There were many other reasons, of course.

    I'm hoping that by the time I'm ready for my next Subaru (the only thing that would keep me from seeing 100,000 + miles in my '02 is the tought of an XT) that the dual-range transmission, self-levelling shocks, and more will at least be option here in the US. Leather with the MT would be nice, too.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hi and welcome, jaquino.

    I know Nissan has a small SUV but they haven't brought it here yet, not sure why! X-Trail IIRC?

    JB: we'll be bringing up the availability of more JDM options in Detroit at the show.

    -juice
  • jaquinojaquino Member Posts: 90
    Thanks for the welcome ateixeira!

    Yeah Nissan does have the X-trail, but they refuse to bring it over here. It uses the QR25DE engine, the same one used in the Nissan Sentra SE-R, good for about 180HP.

    Even if they did bring it over, we all know it will get smoked by the XT :) It is a good competitor against the regular Forester though.

    With all these high performance vehicles, I am curious why Subaru does not have a 2 door sports car in their line-up! They should revive the SVX!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, the X-Trail was available a long, long time ago. They missed an opportunity, I think. At the time it would have led the segment in power at least.

    -juice
  • bratislav3162bratislav3162 Member Posts: 9
    Ballistic wrote :

    "Same goes for the dual-range transmission, the HID headlamps, headlight washers, and so forth. All are either standard or available on Foresters elsewhere. It makes zero sense (IMO) to deny these desirable items to customers in your largest and most profitable market."

    As far as I'm aware, dual range transmission is not available on 2.5 XT anywhere in the world. At least not in Australia, South Africa or Canada. And I think that's pretty much a complete list of countries that get the 2.5l XT. The reason must be wider/stronger gears used, again to cope with 50% increase in torque.
    Self leveling rear suspension is standard on Australian XT, but we miss on a better sound system, heated seats, heated mirrors and other niceties.

    Bratislav
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    As far as I'm aware, dual range transmission is not available on 2.5 XT anywhere in the world.

    I never said it was. The dual-range manual transmission comes (standard!) on the naturally-aspirated base Forester versions elsewhere, but it's not even an extra-cost option here.

    In case I didn't make it clear enough, I was writing in a broader sense to describe important features that are either standard or available on Foresters (I never said 'XT') in nearly all markets outside North America. I find that sort of discriminatory marketing objectionable.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Ballistic, I agree with you.

    Something strange is going on. Two or three people have agreed with me about one thing or another in just this past week.

    Obviously, I've lost my touch.
  • subkidsubkid Member Posts: 94
    I might even be able to agree with balistic, but I'll never be able to understand why in the world would heated seats be offered in Australia. But hey, when I think about it, they do offer AC in Canada :):)

    K
  • atlgaxtatlgaxt Member Posts: 501
    While I agree that I would love to see some of these features, it may be that Subarus are already somewhat relatively expensive as compared to the competition because of their already higher level of content. I think this is why the company is trying to push the vehicles up market a little bit, so that consumers will realize the value.
  • dinnerdogdinnerdog Member Posts: 6
    "How's the driveability and what's the reliability prognosis of the turbo? I've heard this thing is tuned to crank out closer to an actual 240hp. Does that affect around-town driveability and is it ready to detonate? "

    If you put the pedal down too quick it will LURCH forward, but it handles fine. I seem to have a knack for buying novel cars just before they become popular (except for my first )
    All were bought new:

    1986 Ford Escort
    1992 Saturn SC2 Coupe
    1998 Volkswagen Passat (my first turbo)
    2004 Subaru Forester XT.
  • bobshere1bobshere1 Member Posts: 59
    I put the Yakima BASKET CASE (~$100) on the OEM roof rack on my XT PP. It fit nicely BEHIND the Moonroof opening (I definitely did NOT want to block that view!). I would not have considered using the much more robust MEGA WARRIOR because I already had the Basket Case (from my sold Explorer) and the weight limit for the OEM carrier would have been totally eaten up by the Mega Warrier itself (unless I'm mistaken it weighs MUCH MORE than the basket case).
  • bratislav3162bratislav3162 Member Posts: 9
    "In case I didn't make it clear enough, I was writing in a broader sense to describe important features that are either standard or available on Foresters (I never said 'XT')"

    Sorry, I didn't get it first time. I'm amazed that in US even base Foresters don't get dual range! Granted, it's almost academic (only 19% reduction, previous model had more than 40% reduction) but I do agree, it is at least very strange to omit it in the US.
    I wish it was available on XT ! Also I wish we could get a moonroof without getting a leather interior ... Another marketing idiosyncrasy I suppose.
  • stuhallstuhall Member Posts: 59
    OK, I am officially fed up with my dealer. In addition to the letter I was planning regarding my poor dealer prep (scratch on dash, dirty razor blade on top of the car from scraping stickers off car, sticker still on the roof rails, small paint scratch on pass. door and an overall dirty car) I am livid about the followup acessories.

    The sales manager gave me a due bill for additional parts (arm rest, rear diff protector, air filter) and told me I'd be called this week to arrange an appt. I called (after five business days) and they were clueless, then she said she'd leave a note for thh girl who writes the parts orders. No responsibility taken, no ownership of this issue taken by the sales manager.

    And to top it off, I realized today that my sunroof rattles when it's open. Sounds like a loose wire above the rear passenger headliner. Anyone else have this problem?

    I love my car, and feel I got a good deal, but this dealer's service sucks and the roof deal is just flat out annoying.

    Are there any addresses at Subaru where a complaint can be filed that won't fall into a void? Thanks so much for your advice/opinions/knowledge.
  • forestirforestir Member Posts: 8
    If you have a complaint, try posting to the "Official SOA Presence" board here. Patti appears responsive and caring.

    You might also drop some hints as to which dealer so we don't have the same nasty experience--or just name 'em outright.
  • stuhallstuhall Member Posts: 59
    I spilled the details here:

    stuhall "Subaru Crew: Official SOA Presence (aka Patti)" Dec 5, 2003 10:58pm
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Just make sure you whack'em on the survey!
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Before I bought my XT in June, I asked my State Farm agent for a quote on what it would cost to insure a new '03 XS. They said $430 or thereabouts for six months. Then, when I got the first actual '04 XT bill, I was surprised to find that it hardly changed: $451. This led me to suspect that they didn't really know what an XT was, and were applying the rates from an XS. This, in turn, left me somewhat apprehensive about what the next renewal bill would show.

    Well, it arrived today. No change...same $451. That's a relief, at least for another six months.

    Anyone else receive an insurance renewal bill yet for an XT?
  • stuhallstuhall Member Posts: 59
    Shhh!!!! You'll blow it for everyone.

    Actually, my insurance stayed pretty reasonable, as well. Hopefully this will be the norm. Let's hope insurance continues to accentuate the many "safety" features of our Subarus over the minimal performance improvements.

    ;-)
  • troop2shostroop2shos Member Posts: 235
    I thought I'd jump in real quick to advise that I'm a new F-XT convert. I traded my WT '98 Gen III SHO for a new AW (Aspen White) F-XT Premium Pkg. yesterday. In my 37 years of buying cars, this was the best buying experience I've ever had with a dealer. Also, the dealer was using / pointing to my SHO as a sales tool to prospective customers. My son traded my former Gen II SHO for his F-XT Silver AT, based on my recommendation, just before Thanksgiving...it's not worth changing my handle to Troop2FXTs - won't part with my '00 Trooper... :) My AWA (audible warning alarm - wife) nixed the 5-speed to limit my ever present urge to run auto-x's competitively again like in the old days & to be able to drive it if necessary. However, I have no performance complaints with the AT in the Forester - especially since its duty will be primarily for business use.

    In a preliminary business rate comparison between my SHO & new F-XT, my agent said that I will only suffer an increase of around $64 / year... :)
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    Miami leads the country in the highest Auto Insurance rates in the Country, actually we are #2. When I bought the XT in August State Farm didn't know how to rate it yet, and my quote was based on the XS. After receiving my Quote from my Agent, the updated policy was about $80 more. I had my Agent work on it, and they honored the lower rate, however what goes down always goes up! Warning, stay away from Progressive!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Forester harvests AJAC award (CBC News)

    Steve, Host
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Great link Steve. I especially like this quote regarding the Forester beating out several "bulkier" SUVs for Best New SUV of the Year Award:

    "It obviously was put to the test against the bigger trucks, which makes me ask, why do we need truck-based SUVs when there are vehicles like the Forester XT to choose from?"

    Just puts a smile on your face don't it?

    -Frank P.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think NJ has the highest rates. Blame the mob? ;-)

    -juice

    PS Didn't mean no disrespect...
  • jimeejimee Member Posts: 9
    Hi, all, We just had our first snow here in Westchester Cty., NY and the Forester was unbelievable in the snow with the Nokian Hakka Qs I am running. Up a 200' windy hill in the middle of the storm with 4 people in the car with absolutely NO PROBLEM.

    My only (fairly major) complaint was a LOT of shimmy after driving through some deep snow and then some slush. This only occurred once throughout the weekend, and cleared up once I cleaned out the inside of the rims. However, I am wondering:

    1.) has anyone else has had this problem? This is my first experience with this type of shimmy in 20 years of snow driving. I am more than a bit disappointed that this is the case, given that much of Subaru's reputation revolves around its winter weather competency; I am trying to get over the feeling that it's a great car for winter unless you actually DRIVE it in the snow. Not many driving situations in the middle of a major winter storm lend themselves to cleaning out the inside of your tire rims on the side of the road!

    2. Tirerack has told me that there are NO 16" steel rims that will fit the Forester XT b/c of the size of the brakes, but Don/joyride4a, you mentioned that you did get a set of 16" steel wheels and some Graspics from tirerack. Would you mind sharing the Manufacturer and make of the steel wheels? Are they "hubcappable"? - ie, will they offer me some protection from what I went through this weekend?

    Any insight provided on this would be greatly appreciated...
    Jim S.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good news is it's a simple fix - wax your rims.

    Seriously, clean them up and wax them. If they are slippery, slush won't stick to them.

    This is not unique to Subaru, slush will stick to any dirty rim much more readily than a clean one. I had that problem with other cars I've owned.

    -juice
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