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Subaru Forester (up to 2005)
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Comments
Thanks, Bill
To give my opinion on your recent question regarding the initial oil change: I have always changed the oil on a new car at 1000 miles, then again at 3000, and at 3000 mile intervals thereafter. I know most manufacturers say they no longer use a special "break-in" oil, but I feel there are likely some small pieces of metal from engine assembly, initial start up and break-in, and that a change at 1000 miles sure can't hurt. I also feel much better changing every 3000, even though factory intervals are much longer these days. My vehicle is used primarily for commuting to work, 100 miles roundtrip, mostly highway driving, so it definitely doesn't fit the definition of "severe usage". I wind up doing an oil change about every 6 weeks. It isn't too inconvenient since I do it myself. I changed the oil on my '01 Forester at 1000 miles, and am planning the second oil change this weekend, when it hits 3000.
I have a '92 Nissan Sentra that has 203,000 miles and it is still really clean inside the valve cover: no sludge or even stains are visible. I feel the frequent oil changes (almost 70 since it was new) have definitely contributed to this. Now it is being saved for my son, who gets his license later this year (horrors!). For what it's worth (probably not much), I've always used Castrol GTX 5W30 and Purolator or Nissan filters.
An update on fuel economy with my '01 5 speed after 8 full tanks:
Best MPG: 32.72
Worst MPG: 24.41
Average: 29.34
Len
I am surprised that your hood deflector is noisy. We have been using one for 12,000 miles and it totally quite inside the car. I wonder if yours is(was) installed correctly.
Ray
I'm sure mine was installed correctly -- it's kind of hard not to given that it's only held in place by two clips and two mounting brackets.
I guess "noisy" can be subjective. Does the hood deflector cause more noise than without? Yes. Is it an unbearable noise? No, but it has bothered others in the past.
I found that just around 80mph, the noise really begins to get noticeable. Also, my side mirrors began to vibrate from the changed airflow. I guess if you don't regularly drive at these speeds, it would be less of an issue.
Ken
Sylvia "New Software! Your Questions Answered..." Apr 16, 2001 1:09pm
I'll ask around and see if there was any resolution.
Steve
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My last Outback had a Yakima roof rack which was a Subaru accessory. Held two bikes and worked well.
I now have another Yakima on my new wagon. This one requires the front wheel to be removed and the fork is held by a clamp.
I have been very satisfied with the product. Without question, when possible to use, roof racks hold bicycles more securely. Nothing, however, beats putting the bike(s) into the back of a wagon!
Don
I have a soft carrier, which are cheaper and easier to store, but not totally water proof (resistant, yes). Mine is a Samsonite, and some outlets sell them for $40. Target stores have a similar model for $35, IIRC.
Sears sells the new, sleeker black ones for a bit over $100, I believe. Worth checking out.
Matt: sweet. $12k is a steal. Stop thief! ;-)
Bill: stay away from Ethanol blends. They're designed for good ol' gasoline.
Want more power? You could do simple under $100 mods like a K&N or Amsoil air filter, or a whole intake for $120-180. Unorthodox Racing makes a lightened undrive accessory pulley for about $180. You'll get 3-5hp from these simple mods.
Up the price ladder would be an exhaust ($400), cams (???), or forced induction kit. I know JC Sports sells a turbo kit for a few grand, and the RS I rode along in was mega-quick, if a little rough around the edges.
I suggest you hop over to Subaru Crew - Modifications for more detailed info. That's all we talk about!
You won't get 33mpg like Len, though. WOW!
-juice
-Frank P.
For those of you with bug problems, I would fore-go the bugshield and maybe install the full front end protector. The cost is just over $100.00, installation only takes about 5-minutes. I purchased one before heading off on our trip and it sure has saved some elbow grease on the bugs. Just take to a car wash, and pressure wash all the gunk off. Plus, you can remove as often as you like, or when bug season is gone. Although, the protector does look good on the car.
I also seen a post somewhere back on the use of a ZAINO product for the glass...well I would also HIGHLY recommend the rest of the product line for keeping your vehicle looking good. I recently purchased the products needed for waxing a car including the clay bar. The cost is a bit more than what you would pay for some over the counter waxes, but this stuff is GOOD. The process is somewhat involved in the begining, but gets easier as time goes on. Just by using the clay-bar there was a MAJOR difference in quality of shine on the paint. Give it a try, you wont be disappointed...
Well, it is off to get the oil chaned in the "Sube", tires rotated, and some touch up paint for the rock chip....
Also I get a clicking noise when I shift as if something is engaging hard. Is this the differential or the transmission?
Thanks.
Also, holding the controller up to your chin makes you a portable antennae, and can increase range (which I agree is not very good).
-juice
Patti
TOPIC: Tues., May 29th "Cell phones: are hand-held bans enough?"
What content? 2 speed rear wiper, DRLs, cargo cover now standard, and new colors.
Definitely go drive one. Good on paper is one thing - it has to feel right to the driver, too. IMO this is where the Forester excels, so I doubt you'll be dissapointed.
-juice
Thanks
I bought my '01 there from Gus Wollmar. Tell him Tony Lima sent you.
Happy shopping,
-Tony
Note: I gain nothing (zero, zippo, nada) from this endorsement...just trying to make your Subaru experience a pleasant one.
Regards,
Frank
It could move to the Legacy chassis, according to one rumor. But I'm guessing it'll remain a stretched Impreza, perhaps with the rear suspension from the Legacy.
We're hoping it'll appear early next year, but it may be until summer. Check back every once in a while, because we expect the spy photos to start appearing pretty soon. It'll be launched in Japan this fall, most likely.
-juice
I ended up buying a 2001 (because of color and MT) and have been happy with it. But, I would add that the clutch action on the MT is not as forgiving as on other vehicles I have driven.
I also mail ordered WeatherTech floor mats for the front and ended up sending them back. They did not fit as well as a set that I found at Sears.
1200 miles and climbing,
Cellmates
I would just use a professional paintless dent removal service like Dentpro or Dent Wizard. They use special tools to get inside the panels and massage out the dent. I had a quarter size dent removed from the side of my Forester -- the results were very impressive. You can't tell that it was ever there.
Ken
Leo
In fact, point out that Acura, BMW, and Mercedes also employ the design on some of their highest priced coupes.
If she's concerned about side impacts, take a peek at the S Premium, one of the few sport/cutes to offer the option.
-juice
Ross
The only negative thing I can say about the windows is people leaving greasy fingerprints when they close the doors. I've trained all my close friends to close the door with the handles, but people are more used to pushing on windoframes.
Ken
To see what I mean, sit in a Forester, then sit in a Volvo XC. It's like putting on a blind fold.
-juice
-Frank P.
Another question is regarding tires between the L and S models. Can you put 16" tires on the L model without changing the rims?
Leo
on frameless window: I own Subaru since 1992, never had any problems. Love that "sporty" feel that you get from the door when window is down (see armac13's post above on this). By now, I'm so used to it that normal window w/frame feels too heavy, non-sporty, and pillars feel too thick and obstructive.
Once again. thanks
Chris - you won't have a problem with $500 over for an S+ at Metro. They will cut you that deal.
Regards,
Frank
I did just that - bought 16"x7" aftermarket rims for $75 a pop from discount tire direct on special. The tires were extra, but I needed new tires anyway. That plus you can either mount snows on the original steel rims or sell them.
I sold mine for $100, so after paying $300 for the alloys, the net cost to me was $200. A bargain by any measure.
-juice
-Frank P.
Still it was a rip-off, the only good thing was that I paid for it with coupons, so it was less out-of-pocket cost.
My dealer tried to justify the "extras" as being necessary due to the 'extreme driving conditions' of motoring in Chicago. I was a bit skeptical but had OK'd the charges in advance so, shame on me.
...at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/subaruchat.html
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Given that I would like to crack a window without getting dripped on, how can I get this item?
Unable to find an E-mail address and am not up to calling long distance.
-Frank P.
http://www.macneilauto.com/store/Notape.html
I concur that the Forester is an excellent vehicle..not the issue. If an aftermarket can fill any shortfalls..I want it. Not getting dripped on would be my choce given the option. My .02
Hypov... yep- that's what it does. For some reason they call it a "roof visor" even though it mounts above the windows,
soon2bsubee...sorry ... they offer nothing for the Forester. I have checked out all the popular stateside options..no luck.
I will continue to keep my eyes open for options because as good as this machine is...it can be made better ....:)
Actually, looks like you could contact Subaru UK from their site via "enquiries".
I noticed Subaru Italy has that visor too (I think).