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Subaru Forester (up to 2005)
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Comments
CR asks buyers if they'd buy the same vehicle again, and the Forester gets their top rating in that category, too, so the Polk Award should not come as a surprise.
Go Subaru! :-)
-juice
Ross
Actually, I want a professional opinion. Oops, just got one!
-juice
Is it a steady light or a blinking one? Obviously a blinking one causes more concern and would cause me to shut down and get to a mechanic. If its a steady one I think I would try a reset on my own. If that clears it...press on. If it comes back on...You are back to the original problem...arrgghh! You do know that a reset is possible by pulling a neg battery cable?
Just a small input and something to ponder...if you haven't done this already. I think you may also consider escalating this thing up the Subaru chain.....
TEMP SENSOR, I have seen where people want to know where the sensor for the Dashboard thermometer is, well its right in front of the radiator.
2003 Forester, Maybe go to Subaru.com and look at the Baja, it's a 4 door "Brat" built on the Impreza wheel base. Was told this is what the "new" Forester would look like. About the same size as current, maybe with wishbone rear suspension to eliminate rear strut towers, and Outback type Front end.
My 2 cents..
-Brian
Oh, those were the days.
John
She has always been successfull getting the higher MPG out of her previous vehicles and she only gets 20/20mpg in her 2002 Forester.
She really likes Forester (Automatic) but is very concerned about the MPG. Rightfully so, I can get that kind of mileage in my Jeep Cherokee or S10 4x4.
One previous posting suggested she slow down to 60mph on the highway for better mileage or keep the RPM's low. She will try to "slow down" to see what happens but she wants to know if there is an engine difference with the 2002 or something that she needs to consider that is keeping her from getting the 23-27 advertised.
How long was the "break in" period for your Forester before mileage improved?
I will send on your comments to her. Thanks.
60mph is about where you'll get the best milage, don't forget that they aren't exactly aerodynamic and higher speeds will adversely effect milage a lot.
Break-in on the Forester has been mentioned to be about 3-8K miles before optimal milage is attained. Also don't forget about winter fuel mixtures, longer warm-ups and lots of starts and stops. Everytime you gun it to start out from a light you need to overcome the friction of the AWD system and this can kill milage.
-mike
-mike
Mo
For over 14 years now, I've driven a Toyota, the same Toyota, in fact. In test driving the RAV-4 and the Forester, I was more comfortable with the handling of the Forester and therefore eliminated the RAV-4 from consideration. However, I really want the reliability of a Toyota and also think that parts would be easier to find in the future for the Toyota.
My heart is with the Forester, but alas, I may have to consider the Camry even though I'd rather have the versatility of a hatchback/wagon/SUV.
I would be interested in the Honda CR-V if it improves in the crash test ratings and if the dealers start discounting them. I'm not willing to pay a premium price just because they're new and in demand when I could get around a $1400 discount on a Forester L.
I thought about waiting for the 2003 model Forester. With all the talk about the possibility of it being more SUV-like, though, I might rather have the current model. I would like having a cross between a car and an SUV.
The Matrix, Protege5, and Impreza Wagon would be possibilities, but the slightly heavier vehicles such as the Forester, RAV-4, CR-V, Accord, and Camry would be safer.
Decisions!
The Forester has proven to be a very safe and reliable vehicle. It's a great balance between those who want a wagon with some SUV styling and light offroad capabilities.
Ken
As a last resort..do a reset to clear a "non blinking " light.
Just a little more input.....:)
There are currently over 125 reasons for a CEL. The scan tool can pinpoint the code, but for a fix, you have to be able to research the code.
As I said, I know it is a pain, but it's a regulated issue from the Gov't.
Thanks,
Patti
Glad you like your Subes. My gas mileage has gone dramatically down.....I suspect because of the very cold weather/oxygenated fuel. I plan to do a "reset" today to give the ECU a new start point. I know that it would gradually adjust, but this should shorten the learning curve.
Hope you resolve the CEL...I hate them!
My Forester has been very reliable, with only a brake job and cruise control repair in 88K miles so far - even if not quite up to the Toyota Gold Standard. What's kept me so happy has been the Forester's character; handling, comfort, power and practicality. It's fun to drive and a pleasure to live with. Great in upstate NY rain, snow and dry weather. Yes, the rear seat is a little tight and the cupholders less than perfect - minor gripes only.
In 5-10 years when I plan to replace the Forester, I'd look at Toyotas and whatever else is available. If I had to replace my car tomorrow, I'd buy another Forester.
Good luck in your decision making.
John
PermaCap makes a cap you don't remove, but I'm not sure how well it seals or if it'll resolve some of the CELs.
20mpg is not bad - Edmunds just got 12mpg on one tank with their Mazda Tribute. Still, I found that it actually can take a year or so before the engine is running at peak efficiency. I bet a year from now she'll be getting 22-23 mpg.
Wow John, 88k is a lot! I'd buy another Forester today, too! Go ahead a price any alternative with everything the Forester S Premium has (AWD, ABS, moonroof, side air bags, heated seats, CD changer in-dash, cruise, keyless, etc.) - and spend another $5 grand. Not me.
Bottom line: yes CELs are a minor pain in the neck, but what does it tell you if that's the biggest complaint Forester owners have?
-juice
What about the good old diagnostic procedure of checking the spark plugs, fuel filter, fuel pump etc. According to your philosophy my wife is to drive the car until it cuts out going 40mph (it has done this) and maybe causing an accident. When I knew more about cars in the good old days (and I was even a parts man !!) a mechanic would take your word that there was a problem and do a a thorough diagnostic test of each probable element. And how many times should I bring the car in when the problems reoccurs? 5, 50, 500? Human patience has its limits. And I have not gotten an answer about the "fuel system problems" reported in Consumer Reports. Is it just the filler cap folks have reported or are there other problems? Hmmm?
-juice
The CR report is the first Fuel system problem I've heard of at least on this board.
-mike
http://www.subaru.co.jp/forester/desktop/desktop.htm
Ken
I always think the Subaru is a reliable car and didn't want to purchase the extended warranty, but since this happens, it makes to think that I might need it just in case. Please advise both on head gasket problem and investment on the warranty. Thanks
www.subaru.com/mailing/accessory/index.htm
Some really nice prices!
Gotta check out those accessories. I want some tweeters.
-juice
I'd get the illuminated vanity mirrors, too, if it fit the Forester. The sun visors have a different shape (I've checked). I would not mind having the padded, cloth visor from the Legacy to go with the vanity lights, but oh well.
Finally, $64 alloys?! That's a deal. I bet they are 15"x6", though, not 16"x7". Probably the ones optional on the Legacy L.
-juice
Bob
Looks like they have leftovers from the '98-'00 models, and some stuff from the 2001 that they don't think they'll sell by the time the 2003 comes out.
Hmm, maybe that means the 2003 will be different, enough so that none of the stuff will fit?
Let's not get our hopes up again, after Baja, right Bob?
-juice
juice -- are you ready to hear Elmo sing in even higher fidelity? ;-)
Ken
Though I don't think the tweeters will help!
-juice
Good luck,
Ed
air flow sensor and will replace. I hope that does the trick.
Does one need to take off the cover or do you go in from somewhere else?
Thanks in advance
felch: you approach from inside the engine bay. There is a rubber cover you sort of peel back first. Then you'll find a metal clip that you sort of have to pinch together and pull back and down. That locks the bulb in place. Once it's out, the bulb pulls right out, then just unplug it from the harness.
The first time it took me a few minutes, but I can do it in about 15 seconds now.
-juice
Greg
It's an H4 bulb, BTW, and has a 3 prong connector that plugs into the harness.
-juice
Greg -- If you do touch the bulbs, then you must make sure you wipe them down with some rubbing alcohol before finishing the installation. The oil from your fingers will create hot spots on the glass and may cause premature failure.
Ken
Seeing how the mini-SUV market contains many fine vehicles, I can help to think the Forester is hurting. In my opinion, it needs to grow in size and the top of the line needs to get less expensive. Just my opinion. What are your thoughts?
Thats what I think
Stephen