Steve, like I posted earlier, Lithia Subaru had to call Subaru of America, because of the cost, but they approved my replacement. The "Limousine" tint film was still on it.
The AAA didn't balk or say they didn't cover the tint film, however they did tell me it was a manufacturing defect, not an outside object, that caused the problem. This would lead most of us to know the insurance companies data base must have already picked up on replacements of the sunroof glass, thus them labeling it a "defect".
They use the same type of mylar film on windows in my home near Palm Springs, and if heat, which there is plenty of there, caused windows to crack, it would have already been excluded from coverage by the insurers, I assume.
BTW, the crack appeared in the Winter, after it had already gotten to below freezing every night. At the time it happened, to judge if I should remove the film (all it takes is a spray bottle of water) before taking it into the insurance company, I did a WEB search of broken windows due to tinted film, and found only the same "Urban Legends" and speculation in enthusiasts forums, from self-appointed "experts".
I missed your earlier post - the sunroof post of Kavoom's happened to catch my eye because a friend of mine was quoted ~$700 to replace his tiny SUV sunroof glass a few years back. He was worried until he talked to his insurance agent and found out it was covered.
His sunroof wasn't tinted though - he had actually removed the glass in a spurt of detailing and forgot to screw it back in place when the fishing bug bit him. The glass flew off at 70 mph landing neatly in the middle of the highway behind him. :shades:
No, haven't solved it. I just avoid very long trips in this car, as I have another car. I will probably be replacing the Forester next year with something more civilized and comfortable.
Well I guess I got lucky. The sales manager accepted the Forester back, rescinded the deal and refunded all of my money. He and the salesman will each be getting personal checks from me to say THANK YOU!
Did you write or e-mail Subaru headquarters in NJ about this problem? I think they need to know.
Good luck on finding your next vehicle. I probably don't need to tell you this but, take it for a lo-o-ong test drive. You should be able to get a good resale on the Forester.
Okay, I was happy to find this used 2006 Forester on the lot. It only has about 10,600 miles on it. I drove it and I liked it and I bought it. Now that I have been driving it more I'm beginning to wonder if the previous owner was a bit overweight and maybe sunk the front seat cushion? Is this possible in 10,600 miles? I hope not BUT I am really uncomfortable when just sitting in the driver's seat. I can feel this hard band sort of circulating around my lower back. It appears to me that if my entire rear was raised up a bit things would be better. Has anyone else out there heard of this? Of course my previous car was an Olds 88 and was as about as comfortable as could be. I've looked on line for cushions and there are a multitude to pick from. I really don't think I need more lumbar, massages, and heat treatments............ help!!
Which model do you have? I have an 06 Premium with the power seat, and I have a bad disc in my back (L4, L5). I find my seat very comfortable and find that I just needed to play with all the adjustments to find what works best.
As I remember, even the manual seat adjusts the seat bottom tilt as it is raised and lowered. You may want to raise the seat a bit with that adjustment as I believe it picks up the back of the seat bottom.
There is also an adjustable lumbar support on the right side of the seat back that may be providing too much "support" for your taste and comfort.
Forester seats are known for being uncomfortable on extended drives. The power/leather seats are a little better, but the base cloth ones are poorly designed.
Hmmmm..... these are not very extended drives.. as I bought this car used I doubt if they'll take it back and I'm not sure I really want to have it taken back. I like the car a lot except for this. But it is a large item. Do you think it would be possible to ask a Subaru dealer what it would cost to replace the front seats with the leather/powered type? Is this even possible?
Have 2001 Forester S. Need to replace cup holder and clock compass. Local dealer says $89 for holder and $100+ for clock and this does not include service charges. Would it make sense to buy from a non Subaru parts dealer on the net and install myself? Is it easy to do?
I installed lots of accessories on my 98 Forester when I had it.
Generally it's never too hard, but the instructions are terrible.
Try 1stsubaruparts.com to see what their cost is compared to the dealer, but I think your prices are fairly low already so you may only save $20-30 or so.
Comments
The AAA didn't balk or say they didn't cover the tint film, however they did tell me it was a manufacturing defect, not an outside object, that caused the problem. This would lead most of us to know the insurance companies data base must have already picked up on replacements of the sunroof glass, thus them labeling it a "defect".
They use the same type of mylar film on windows in my home near Palm Springs, and if heat, which there is plenty of there, caused windows to crack, it would have already been excluded from coverage by the insurers, I assume.
BTW, the crack appeared in the Winter, after it had already gotten to below freezing every night. At the time it happened, to judge if I should remove the film (all it takes is a spray bottle of water) before taking it into the insurance company, I did a WEB search of broken windows due to tinted film, and found only the same "Urban Legends" and speculation in enthusiasts forums, from self-appointed "experts".
His sunroof wasn't tinted though - he had actually removed the glass in a spurt of detailing and forgot to screw it back in place when the fishing bug bit him. The glass flew off at 70 mph landing neatly in the middle of the highway behind him. :shades:
-juice
Did you write or e-mail Subaru headquarters in NJ about this problem? I think they need to know.
Good luck on finding your next vehicle. I probably don't need to tell you this but, take it for a lo-o-ong test drive. You should be able to get a good resale on the Forester.
Thanks,
Jim
If you want to add padding to the seat, I'd look in your local yellow pages under Auto - Upholstery. I'm sure they can do that for you.
As I remember, even the manual seat adjusts the seat bottom tilt as it is raised and lowered. You may want to raise the seat a bit with that adjustment as I believe it picks up the back of the seat bottom.
There is also an adjustable lumbar support on the right side of the seat back that may be providing too much "support" for your taste and comfort.
Thanks
Frank put Katskins on his Forester. I've seen another Forester with that leather and some say it's actually better than the OE stuff.
The trick is to also ask them to add some foam/padding.
I'm thinking an upholsterer might not want that liability.
Thanks, Juice.
Have 2001 Forester S. Need to replace cup holder and clock compass. Local dealer
says $89 for holder and $100+ for clock and this does not include service charges.
Would it make sense to buy from a non Subaru parts dealer on the net and install myself? Is it easy to do?
TIA
don
Generally it's never too hard, but the instructions are terrible.
Try 1stsubaruparts.com to see what their cost is compared to the dealer, but I think your prices are fairly low already so you may only save $20-30 or so.