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Subaru Forester (up to 2005)
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wish list..how about that convenience handle above the driver's side door blocking the visor to the side action...hmmm...and better visors all around i'd say...
also...moonroofs available for manual pleez!
won't the vinyl trim reduce wear on the edges? i thought that was a good feature for us poor folk..
the plate on the hatch has to go back to the bumper to avoid that tinny sound when closing (i put the other two screws on the bottom, but still-
all i got time for now
best to all
j
Ross
Sierra Hotel!
I don't believe the service advisor knows what he's talking about. As mentioned already, our Subarus come with regular oil from the factory -- no special break-in oil. This fact has been verified through our contacts with SoA.
There's nothing wrong with changing your oil at the 1500 mile mark either. Any service advisor that tells you that you shouldn't change oil until XXXX miles is clearly misinformed. Oil changes should be determined by the level of contaminants and breakdown of the oil. Since most of us don't send oil samples for analysis, the next best "indicator" would be your driving conditions and milage. The service advisor, who probably knows nothing about your driving conditions, is really in no position to tell you to change oil at a certain milage.
Going to synthetic is not going to cause any problems either. In fact, if you check the Town Hall Chat transcripts, you'll see that we had the opportunity to talk to a maintenance specialist from Subaru of America. The specialist stated that there is no problem with using synthetic. He stated that if you do make the switch, switch early and "don't look back".
Bottom line -- changing your oil early isn't a bad thing. Subaru is not for or against using synthetics as long as you change your oil regularly.
Ken
Synthia: you should sell the rights to that story to the Twilight Zone. Watch, it'll be the most reliable vehicle you've ever owned from now on.
ace: you got a leaf in there or something? Put it on full blast and use a strong vacuum to see if you can suck whatever blockage out.
subiedaddy: if the vinyl is a lot more durable, I say make the entire seat from fabric that is more durable.
We had a chat with two senior Subie mechanics, and they said something that surprised me a little. I've always heard that you should wait until after break-in to go synthetic, but they said DO NOT wait. They said change over early on in the engine's life, else the seals may develop a leak with synthetic oil because of its flow characteristics.
So let it break in (1000 miles, maybe 3000 to be sure), then go synthetic right away. Do not change to it if you already have 60k miles, though, was what they said.
-juice
I don't understand that. It would seem that if synthetic oil will cause leaks then changing over sooner will just cause leaks sooner. Can you elaborate?
Thanks!
tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
Edmunds.com says that TMV is $20,524(Automatic), and True cost to own is $22,501(including destination charge $525 plus tax & fees $1,452).
Can I buy it under this price?
How much did you pay for buying it?
Please give me some advice!!!
Greg's cost analysis: dino oil every 3000 miles + labour = synthetic oil every 6-7K miles
Greg
www.vanbortelsubaru.com
Hope this helps.
Today I drove the car about 15 min to an appt...it was parked in the sun for 5 hours. When I started it, it AGAIN idled rough and then stalled (don;t know why it does it with me and not the dealer.) After that, I had absolutely no problems.
In response to a question: I have a little less than one-half of the first tank of gas to go.
Overall, there is MUCH less stalling than before and I am thinking / hoping it's a gas problem. Hopefully all this will change when I fill up with a new tank of gas.
If not, it's back to the dealer...
FYI, I am keeping a detailed driving log in case this problem continues.
What dealers have the best service departments? What dealers have provided poor service, failed repeatedly to fix a problem, or just been down right rude?
Thanks in advance
JMS
Steve
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It was very helpful!!!
Duckguni
(For a couple of days after my wife washes her Mustang, I have to drive her to work if rain threatens -- when it rains in southern NM it rains mud and she does not want to washing to be in vain.)
Oh, by the way, Prez. W is in town today. I ran into (or very near, actually) the motorcade.
It looked like they evaluated the solid color premium. No raves but they liked the exterior a little better than last year,the interior decor and space. They also liked the engine though it was not necessarily new. The reviewer said regardless of the construction it was definitely a truck because of the height.
My last fillup of the 03 Forester Manual X showed 31 MPG from a mix of Highway and town driving. I didn't think a truck would get that kind of mileage but a rose by any other name......
The new problem is: the glove box that is the cover for the air filtration filter is very crooked. 3 weeks ago after noticing it I took it to the dealer (Carr in Beaverton Oregon) where the dealer said it was warped and said he would order a new one. Today I went in to have the the new one installed and after two hours I feared the worse. The Sat service adivisor said the new one looks worse than the first one and the tech was trying some adjustments to see if he could get it right. Well, it "ain't" right. as I sat in the car and discussed the problem the service guy basically said " that's just the way these new Foresters are. Funny, when I look through the window of ones in the parking lot I see gloves boxes that aren't crooked.
Any owners with this similar problem? Thanks, Bob
Steve
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As to fit and finish, I haven't noticed a problem with the glove compartment, but I have had a problem with the change compartment to the left of the driver where the fuses are. It looked crooked, and every time I pulled on it to put change inside, it would fall out. The service department fiddled with the inside of it (not the box itself), and now it fits much better. I did get the comment, "It's just plastic."
As an aside, when the service technician got inside my car to drive it off, his mouth fell open. "This is beautiful," he exclaimed. "I really like the way these colors go together."
(Red X with beige/black interior)
http://makeashorterlink.com/?H36B25A91
$4,585 seems quite high for four years (e.g. it's more than an Outback, VW Passat 1.8T, or Volvo V40). Is this simply an inaccurate number? Or does the Forester require a lot of work in its recommended maintenance schedule?
Thank you.
My impressions so far: tires seem quieter than the Yoks on the highway, look larger than the Yoks too (although they're the exact same size), and I seem to have more lateral grip in the turns.
I ordered my tires from tirerack.com and save a bunch, compared with what a local tire shop was charging for the A2s. I had them installed at a local repair shop and the owner stated that she really liked the Forester (it was the first time she had ever driven one).
jms338: I get my service performed at Russel Subaru in Catonsville. So far, so good--no problems. They offer an oil-service package that is really cheap!
Michael
Lakepop: What do you mean by "add a can of dry gas?" And thanks in advance!
Any recommendations on the best kinda gas to feed my new baby?
I have almost 150 miles now...runs great. My friend that had a Honda CRV is green with envy.
Syntia
"What are you waiting for.....ADD a can of dry gas to your tank and FILL UP with some fresh gas......yikes."
I have these tires on my Forester and my Miata.
Given that you suspected that the gas might be causing the problem....putting dry gas in would help IF it was a water thing. Filling up with fresh gas would help you IF the gas itself was the problem.
Injectors also clog up if the fuel is contaminated....but I'm guessing this is not the problem given all the checks by the dealer. Which makes me wonder why the dealer did not suggest trying fresh gas especially since they apparently tried everything else.
OK....just my .02 trying to help you solve the problem.
-Frank P.
David - Glad you like the tires. I love them. Now if they are good in the snow I would be really impressed. BTW, I heard that the farmers almanac is calling for a snowy winter here.
Greg
Had them rebalanced at a DIFFERENT installer and VOILA....problem gone.
Snow....good for me I work winters as a ski instructor. A shortage of snow down here in the "snowbelt" is seldom a problem. OK enough talk of snow....there is a lot more summer to be had and I am an avid golfer/sailer so hang in there with our great weather.....the white stuff just happens....a LOT....: )
True, the Forester has the lowest TCO of the vehicles stated, but I'm more curious as to why the maintenance cost is $4k+. Does the AWD nature of the Forester require frequent maintenance? Or is Subaru maintenance just expensive?
If you drill down in those vehicles, the Subaru has the 2nd-highest maintenance costs (above the Passat 4motion, BMW, and Audi). Of course, the BMW and Audi come with some scheduled maintenance so it's not a fair comparison -- though I think the comparison in TCO is rather suspect given that we're talking significantly higher price classes, period.
A better comparison would be to a CR-V or RAV4. The RAV4's number is very similar, slightly lower. The CR-V comes out about 15% cheaper.
I'm not knocking the vehicles, just curious whether the Edmunds number is accurate or not. Are people really paying over $4k for maintenance over a five year period? If they are, what about the maintenance makes it cost that much?
I am impressed because my old '99 Forester never got more than 25 MPG, usually 24, highway driving. I think the lighter weight and improved aerodynamics of the new Forester does make a difference, not to mention I do not have a bug deflector on my new one -- much less drag.
I found that my odometer reads 1-2% high. The trip has always been exactly 300 miles in the 5-6 cars I've ever made the trip in, but each way I logged about 305 miles. Oh well. I don't think that's out of spec enough to raise a stink to my dealer.
The ride was smooth and quiet, and even my wife was impressed with the long-term comfort despite her high standards from her cushy VW Passat.
While cruising down the highway with my auto-dimming mirror, auto-changing 6 disc CD, and automatic climate control, I put on my automatic cruise control and in a moment of delusion thought the car could drive itself and I let go of the steering wheel. ;-) LOL.
Dare I call this a near-luxury mini-SUV?
Elliot
Anyone with an older Forester who keeps TCO kind of records who can comment?
Steve
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I realize it may seem silly to cross-shop a Forester with, say, a Passat non-4motion, but you've seen everyone cross-shop everything here! (A lot of cross-shopping is done by price limit!)
Even then, it's easier than chaning engine oil. Remove two 1/2" drive bolts from the back of the pumpkin, drain, replace lower bolt, pour in 75w90 until it begins to spillout, replace upper bolt. About 20 minutes of labor. If your shop charges more than $100, find a more honest mechanic.
I've had Sandy for 4 years, and she hasn't cost me $200 in maintenance. I've done 8 oil changes and the 30k service all myself. Plus tire rotations, fluids, stuff like that. It's not different from FWD until you get to the differential fluids at 60k.
I have been to Fitzgerald for a recall, and my wife took her car there for a free oil change offer. Their service was good, and they are in Rockville, FWIW.
Our 2002 Legacy L is also named Lucky, BTW.
-juice
I believe the bolt pattern is the same, but the offset may have changed.
Thanks for any help.
The only timing belt-related cost that should be included is for inspection at 30,000 and 60,000 miles. Keep in mind that Maintenance cost in the Maintenance tool is scheduled maintenance only. Maintenance cost in the TCO tool includes both scheduled and unscheduled (wear items) maintenance.
Steve
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They seem to have better pricing that tirerack.com and w/ free shipping to boot! Looking to put Yokos on the 01 Forester.
Also what a diff. a few months makes... checked out fitzmall.com pricing and they actually have some 03 Foresters for below invoice (and more WRX wagons below inv).
Am waiting 1 year for a turbo Forester. If it does not show up.. WRX wagon (blue).
the way there was mainly 101, nice drive; 5th at 4000rpm was smooth and sweet. the way back we cut through the road that goes by cachuma lake, tight handling despite the lack of LSD, i was drooling the whole time.
at grover beach there were mainly ford 250 4x4's and such, but i did see an impreza wagon rubbing shoulders with the big boys.
ok, i didn't take the forester into the dunes, (used the rented atv's there) but i wonder...could i have? anyone know the place i'm talking about? i was tempted to but besides the dirt bikes, atv's and a few dune buggys i only saw two street vehicles on the dunes, both were huge trucks and one was having a hard time
anyway it was a blast to drive the forester!
got 26.8 mpg for that tank, filled on way back in santa paula
BTW, my oldest kid brought some modern music along and the sound system really impressed me, guess the classical music cd's that i listen to are extremely weak, but the base SS + tweeters did a super job with the modern stuff, must be getting old...
regards,
j
Renato, that's cool, but in public you should say: " If it doesn't show up, I'll go with the A4 or Jetta Wagon." That's what I do
Seriously, if a large fraction of potential Forester Turbo buyers can easily be redirected towards the WRX wagon, we'll never see the Turbo Forester in the US. I do believe that there are sufficient differences between these two cars for me to consider other makes, as well.
- D
That does explain a lot though. Good to know Edmunds is interested in accuracy.
Renato: yes, I bought my rims and tires from them. Thumbs up. In fact, Tire Rack said 225mm tires would not fit, and Discount Tire said they would. 20k miles later, Tire Rack was dead wrong - it has not rubbed once.
j: air down and you're fine on sand, but keep pushing to find its limits and you'll get stuck. In fact, that's the only way to find the limit on any vehicle - getting stuck.
I jokingly called for a total boycott of Subaru until we get the Forester turbo. ;-)
But what I'd really like to see are MANY vehicles that are performance leaders in their class, so that my next Subaru becomes a difficult choice. Hmm, WRX STi, Forester 2.0XT, Blitzen, or Baja H6? Now you're talking...
-juice
-Frank P.
I haven't posted in a while so I thought this would be a good time. On our vacation to Pennsylvania last week our '02 L model got 27.8 MPG hiway driving with the a/c on the whole time. On the trip home to Long Island I did find the seating to be a bit uncomfortable. But that is probably because the wife and I had just spent the last week backpacking in the Cumberland Valley, on the Appalachian Trail. I guess my muscles just weren't used to being in one position so long. It sure was nice to ride with the cruise control set, the a/c on high, and our favorite music in the c/d player. The car handled the hiway just fine as well as the smaller PA roads.
Paul
For instance, I'd like to see the mud flaps brought back, Foresters look naked without them. And I mean standard. The cargo liner, too. Mine has been used so much I'm almost ready for another one!
Then give me 200+hp and it'll be a front runner.
I'd also look at the Baja (IF a more powerful engine appears), Pilot, Outlander EVO (again IF it gets 200+hp), and maybe a Matrix or Element if the budget is tight.
-juice
Sedans go for about $22,800 and up, and remember you should use premium fuel for that high-psi turbo.
The Forester can hold a lot more cargo, but you already have a vehicle that meets that need, just plan ahead and carefully.
-juice
Thanks for the heads up. I just thought it was me .
Gene
The local dealer says to get rid of it....it's in the way of oil and filter changes.
Thanks.
And no, we do not name our vehicles here Downeast.