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2011 Subaru Forester

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Comments

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,789
    Depending on how the seat's rails are fastened to the floor, you may be able to replace the bolts with longer units and install bushings between the rail and floor. This is a non-adjustable modification, but even an inch should make a noticeable difference to your comfort.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • armandarmand Member Posts: 178
    I added a cushion and it solved the problem. I checked with Subaru and a cushion does not effect the air bag system - also the air bag light shows the paasenger's air bag as on.
  • pip3pip3 Member Posts: 7
    armand, what type of cushion did you use? I'm thinking this is what we'll have to do...kind of a bummer on a new car. Good to hear it won't affect the airbags though, thanks for responding.
  • pip3pip3 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks, xwesx, but this kind of option is above my pay grade....not at all mechanically inclined, dang it. I would also be afraid that any structural changes could cause problems in the future. I appreciate the suggestion though.
  • pip3pip3 Member Posts: 7
    Hi,
    We just bought our 11 forester a couple of weeks ago and I was wondering if anyone can let me know what this stuff is I found in the cargo area.

    Under the floor cover and in the cargo tray there was a small plastic subaru snapped pouch in there. But it was empty and I'm wondering if there was supposed to be something in there?

    There are also 2 hard plastic, interior colored, looks-like-they-belong-somewhere, corner type pieces, just thrown in and not attached to anything. They really look like they should be part of the interior but are just hanging out there, loose, and I can't figure out what they might be. Anyone know what these are??
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,789
    The snapped pouch is a bag for accessory tools, such as the hex tool for the screws on the roof rack's cross bars. However, if you did not purchase any accessories that require tools, you won't need to use the bag for anything.

    I'm not sure about the plastic pieces... how big are they? I don't recall my car having any loose pieces like that in it, but then mine is a model-year older....
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    Both my wife's and my 2010 Foresters have those plastic pieces too. I believe they are to snap into the slots where the tonneau cover mounts should you chose to remove it. I haven't tried this but that has always been my assumption after I found them, as you did.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,789
    Interesting; I guess that makes sense (though I have no idea why someone would actually take the time to insert them). Where did you find them? Just under the cargo floor? I use that area extensively and I've never noticed them. :blush:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    I didn't have to dig for them, they were just tossed in there under the cover, loosely, on both vehicles, very obvious.
  • pip3pip3 Member Posts: 7
    Hmmm, wonder why the plastic pouch is even in there if I don't need the tools it should contain. Just strange.

    The pieces are 2 different sizes..one maybe a smallish fist size, the other kind of L shaped is a little bigger....don't have them in front of me now.
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    Happened to be in the back of my Forester yesterday so I tried out those pieces. They are exactly what I guessed they were. They are different sizes because the ends of the tonneau are not the same, there is a button/latching mechanism on the passenger side.

    I had a slightly difficult time getting them out once I put them in, had to use a small screwdriver to pop them. I am guessing that if the tonneau is port installed they just remove them and keep them with the vehicle. The only benefit I can see of reusing them with the tonneau removed would be to protect the area where the tonneau needs to sit and lock into.

    Probably something I will never use so I wouldn't sweat it if you don't have them.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,789
    edited April 2011
    Heck, for all I know, they are attached to the points where the cover would go. I honestly have never noted it since I don't have the cover. I did note that the under-storage area is molded to store the cover when it is not used above. I lamented that a bit when I first bought the car - I would have preferred the molding to accept the aero crossbars when not in use!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited April 2011
    you may be able to replace the bolts with longer units and install bushings between the rail and floor

    I checked where the seat is fastened to the rail, and the bad news is they are not bolted on, there appears to be very strong rivets there instead. Bummer.

    Maybe the tracks are bolted to the floor, but you'd have to remove carpeting and hope the angle is flat to put a spacer there, also. My 1998's seat track was not flat at the front, so not an option.

    Cushion may be the way to go...

    If anyone is more adventurous than me, please take photos.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,789
    My 1998's seat track was not flat at the front, so not an option.

    That's my fear as well. I haven't looked at the Forester's mount points, though.

    I know that my Escort's rail is fastened at about a 45-degree angle on the front mounts, so one would have to fashion some sort of bracket to move it up without moving it forward. I would be leery to do so, as I am not confident enough in my fabricating skills to get it right without compromising the strength of the assembly (in the event of a crash).
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    98 Forester was also 45 degree angle. And I didn't mess with it for the same reason.

    My 93 Miata had flat seat tracks and I managed to raise the seat about 3/8" or so.

    I'd love to do the same on the 09 Forester, but I didn't see bolts, just heavy duty rivets. There may be bolts under the carpet, but I didn't venture that far.
  • expwymanexpwyman Member Posts: 25
    edited October 2011
    I had to buy a new car recently due to an accident where a guy rear-ended my car and totaled it. I was thinking of AWD for my region (western PA) so I eventually decided on a 2011 Subaru Forester Limited. Overall, I'm happy with the vehicle. A few pet peeves:

    The Forester has no automatic door locks when your car is in motion. I'm seen people online say they hate them and want to lock the doors themselves. That's fine, but when you FORGET, it would be nice for the car to do it for you when you go over 10 mph. (I read one person online claim that they drive with doors unlocked in case they end up in a fiery crash. Do me a favor... let me know when you're on the road so I can stay off...)

    My other pet peeve is that the Bluetooth speed dial feature (using pre-programmed numbers for the 1-6 buttons on your radio) does not work if your car is in motion. You can press the same buttons to change radio stations while the car is in motion, but when you want to use them for speed dialing preset numbers, the system says it's a "safety concern" and refuses. The manual says you should pull over and stop. So to press a radio button to dial a number, I need to stop on the shoulder of a busy highway. Okay...that's "safe".

    Well, overall, the vehicle drives fine and I'll have to get used to these "features". The buying experience was very pleasant. In the dealership, I got sort of a "Saturn-like" vibe with the fireplace and lounge, popcorn maker, and low pressure. Waiting for the snow to see how the AWD holds up.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,789
    I agree with you regarding the Bluetooth "feature." That seems rather pointless to me. I thought the rationale behind the hands-free Bluetooth was to address and mitigate safety concerns related to telephone use while driving. Pulling to the side of the road for the purpose of taking or making a call is rarely a "safe" alternative, unless one is entirely leaving (such as a rest area, parking lot, etc) the roadway.

    As for the auto locks, I guess I just don't get why someone would want their doors locked while in motion... or even care for that matter. To me, that is just a nanny feature much like the above (which makes the presence of one and not the other even more perplexing). If one wants their doors locked, then lock them. If not, don't.

    The AWD is fantastic. If you decide to leave your stock tires mounted, you may disagree initially, but try those same tires on a different car and you'll soon change your tune.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • djaecksdjaecks Member Posts: 2
    I currently own a 2002 Forester (purchased Dec, 2001), and am thinking about buying a new 2012. Does anyone have an opinion on the clutch and/or manual transmission? In 2002 Subaru had a lot of problems with clutch "chatter" (aka shudder, shutter etc.) to the extent that my dealer replaced my clutch for free. (They also said the new clutch would only be better, not great, and they were right, it still chatters on occasion, but doesn't shake the car as bad.)

    So how is the new clutch? Does it engage smoothly in all weather conditions etc.?
    Is the transmission as "notchy" as the old ones? (I also own a 96 OBS and 2000 2.5RS which my kids drive, the trannys are all about the same, but the 96 has a good clutch.)
    Finally, how are the new ones for rattles? Especially after driving on dirt roads.

    Any opinions about the new cars would be appreciated as those things are hard to judge on a test drive.
    Thanks,
    Dan Jaecks
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,789
    edited November 2011
    The clutch is fine on the 2010, so I think 2012 would be a safe bet, too. The transmission is probably similar to what you're used to, if not exactly the same. It's not buttery, yet it works just fine.

    Rattles. Oh, dear. Let's just say that you should expect them to develop within the first couple thousand miles, but one visit to a competent dealership will do the trick. Every 2009+ I have been in has front door rattles (driver and passenger) but, once addressed, they have not come back. I will say that my 2010 is far less rattle-prone than the 2007 and 2008 Outbacks I briefly owned. The 2007, especially, nearly drove me insane - and that was after coming out of a 200,000+ mile 1996 Outback!

    I think you'll enjoy it. Compared to the 2002, the steering is going to feel lighter and it will have more body roll, but with copious improvements in every other department.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • djaecksdjaecks Member Posts: 2
    Sounds good, thanks for your help!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My brother's 2011 does not chatter like the gen 1 model did (98-01). Nothing like it at all.
  • robert142robert142 Member Posts: 18
    I notice that the 2012 has 17 inch wheels and slightly slimmer tires. Has anybody driven one of these and do you notice any change in the ride. I would think that the lower profile tires might bring a choppier ride. Also worry that lower profiles might be less resilient on potholes, etc and could lead to rim damage. Thoughts anyone??
  • tomasdelsoltomasdelsol Member Posts: 2
    My 2011 Forester is 10 months old or so with 12k miles. I've noticed the transmission "slipping" when I slow down to take turns. I slow down, make the turn, put my foot on the gas and the transmission will hesitate and suddenly engage and the car will lurch forward.

    Is this a common issue with this car?
  • aathertonaatherton Member Posts: 617
    edited November 2011
    Yes, it is normal behavior for the 4EAT automatic transmission. You caught it downshifting between gears and rushed it. It is one of several annoying behaviors of this transmission.
  • searlaitsearlait Member Posts: 5
    What's the average mileage y'all are getting for city driving in your Foresters? I just bought a 2012 and am hoping it will get more than the 19 or so the gas calculator in the dash is saying...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Mixed around town driving we tend to get about 24 mpg or so.

    Let it break in, the numbers should improve.
  • dcm61dcm61 Member Posts: 1,567
    To add a footnote ... your 2009 has the "less efficient" EJ25 vs. 2011/12 FB25.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Correct, though I prefer to call the new one the Convenient Oil Filter Locale engine. ;)
  • lovethedealslovethedeals Member Posts: 6
    I need to have length, width, and height measurements from ground to top of roof rack, side mirror to side mirror, and bumper to trailer hitch so that I can buy my ferry ticket to go to Alaska. Unfortunately, I don't have my forester yet because I am buying it enroute across the US and there aren't any that are within an hour of my city. Anyone willing to help me out?

    Note: I already have the information from wikipedia (hopefully it's accurate) so I am looking for actual measurements. Thank you!
  • dcm61dcm61 Member Posts: 1,567
    I need to have length, width, and height measurements from ground to top of roof rack, side mirror to side mirror, and bumper to trailer hitch ...

    http://www.cars101.com/subaru/forester/forester2012.html#dimensions
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,789
    That site's measurements should do it. I haven't heard of the AK Ferry System being more stringent about vehicle measurements.

    If you're on the adventurous side, I recommend you skip the ferry and drive it up. :shades:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
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