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Comments
I contacted SOA and the answer is no, that the hood protector available for 06 X models is not compatible with the XT because it "would interfere with the proper airflow into the hood scoop." That is understandable, but I don't understand why there are hood protectors available for some of Subaru's other turbo varieties (LGT, OBXT, previous XT models).
Regardless, my concerns were not unfounded. During the afternoon on New Years Eve I heard something strike my windshield while driving down the interstate. Four hours later I noticed a 7-inch crack forming mid-windshield, near the bottom, right behind the hood scoop.
Recommendations on whether to have the dealership replace the windshield (more familiar with Subes) or a local glass repair shop (more familiar with replacing windshields)? Stupid question, but is the wiper blade defroster heating element in the windshield or underneath? I'm assuming underneath...
Doug
You can try having the windshield repaired first by a glass shop. If it's not repairable, the replacement will cost about $600 because of the heating elements built into the glass.
As for the heating elements, I need to get a good flashlight and look closely at the bottom of the windshield where the crack starts. It may actually go through the heating elements. My insurance company has covered the cost of windshield replacement in the past, and should do the same this time.
Doug
I know its still there because I've had call to use it a couple of times this winter.
If you look really close around the passenger's side bottom corner you may be able to see the connections to the element.
Larry
Fortunately I have a $0 deductible on windshield replacement. :shades:
I inspected the crack; the rock actually chipped the glass about an inch from the bottom seal (I was doing 80, go figure) and the crack runs directly through the heating element. I'll have to remember not to use that feature until I get it replaced next week. With daytime highs of 65, I don't think I'll need it.
Doug
Has anybody noticed when driving the 2005 Forester XT at highway speed (60-70MPH0 or higher that the steering feels very light. I have heard that people have swapped out the steering with an Impreza STI. I would like to know what STI parts you have have used that have improved the handling and or performance? Does anybody know where you can get Forester sti parts for the USA spec Forester XT? What non subaru part have people used to improve the performance and especially the handling characteristics of the 2005 Forester XT? Does the 2006 Forester XT handle much better that the 2005 forester with the suspension changes made to the 2006 model year?
Thank You
Khyle
First thing I'd suggest is lower profile tires, try a Plus One maybe, that'll tighten up the steering feel by itself.
Perhaps lark6 can comment, since he's lucky enough to have such a set.
-juice
Juice- Plus Ones definitely corner tighter but I can't honestly say that I've noticed a difference in straight-line handling.
-Frank
At 27K I had the dealer do a drain and fill on my Forester. The fluid had turned brown. Still no idea why, other than a light noise when upshifting from 2-3 when the fluid is very hot.
Anyway, dealer did a nice job and when I got the car back the fluid was basically pink again, leading me to think he might have drained and filled it more than once. So yes, I did check that the fluid was pink. Shouldn't have stopped there.
2000 miles later, finally decided to bite the bullet and "learn" how to read the dipstick when the fluid is hot. I say "learn" because the XT has a definite trick to getting the dipstick in and out from behind/under the intercooler without messing up the reading. Not to mention finding the stick by "feel".
Anyway, by the time I got done siphoning out the extra 42oz the dealer put in, I'm thinking I'd like to either do another drain and fill or just get it flushed. (The fluid's turned deep red).
I called two different transmission shops, and neither of them recommend a flush, just another drain and fill. They both expressed concern that the flush could cause more harm than good. Now I'm really confused.
Either way, I'm going to change the spin-on filter.
Any words of wisdom and or general opinions would be appreciated.
TIA
Larry
Would also LOVE to know what kind of MPG you're getting with city driving (no freeways) - if you have any idea? I want to determine just how close the posted values are to the real life experience. Although the auo is supposed to get slightly better MPG than the stick version.
I'm getting the FXT Limited in Steel Grey metallic with the dark leather interior. Which one did you get? And, how does that CD player work - is the sound good? Is it easy to operate?
Do you hear highway noise? There have been complaints about highway noise in the earlier Foresters because of lack of sound insulation in the door panels.
Thanks,
Samantha
It sounds like you're planning on purchasing the same car I drive, right down to the color.
I've got about 5500 miles on my 06 FXT auto, and get about 18 mpg around town, only occasionally kicking in the turbo when entering traffic. On long trips I have gotten up to 26 mpg.
The stereo head unit can be difficult to read in direct light, especially with the roof open, and the instrument panel is susceptible to shadows. Inconvenient, yes, but certainly not the only car with this problem. Something Subaru should have been more attentive too, though.
The stereo's sound is more than adequate for most drivers; if you're particularly sensitive to audio quality, a set of aftermarket speakers is a relatively inexpensive fix.
Highway noise is going to depend on what you're used to, but I'd say it's acceptable. Coming from a compact, it's definitely an improvement, but it's not going to match your typical luxury sedan.
Doug
-juice
I'll have to play with the moonroof. I had one in an '80 Datsun 310 I once owned and ended up keeping the sunshade in place most of the time just to avoid heat build-up in the cabin and sunburns on the top of my head.
One other thing I may replace is the keyless entry system/alarm system. The aftermarket Viper I had in the Loyale was VASTLY superior in many ways. I find myself fiddling with the stock FXT keyfob alot to get the multiple button press timing right so that it will unlock the non-driver doors and liftgate. I may get used to that or may not. But I sure miss the two-way nature of the Viper alarm where I had a keyfob indication of whether the car was locked, whether anybody was messing with it, etc. Although it can't (legally, or truely safely) be done with a manual, an automatic transmission car can be remote-started with an aftermarket alarm like the Viper and from quite a distance away. I saw new Viper units at CES that now claim 1-2 mile range between the keyfob and the car.
Thank you, xtsfo, for your impressions of the sound system and the sunroof. It sounds like you are REALLY into the sound and very knowledgeable as well. Now, I don't feel so paranoid about the 6 CD changer. I, too, thought the way it "ate" the CDs just asking for a major (and expensive to repair) jamb in the future. They would have to pull the entire dash apart just to get to the unit. I just may listen to one CD at a time because of this issue, which is actually fine for me. I primarily only listen to the radio anyway.
I was surprised to hear that you weren't "into" the sunroof. It's one of the main reasons that I'm buying this particular car. I LOVE the size of it. It's like having a convertible SUV!!
I finally googled the "Loyale" because I truly didn't know WHAT kind of car it was and you kept referencing it. Turns out it's a SUBARU!! I had no clue. It lasted 14 years, so that's pretty good in my book. And, the fact that you've bought another one says a lot about this manufacturer.
I also found out that the Forester is one of the models that is constructed entirely in Japan by Japanese workers (and therefore better quality control) and then the cars are shipped to the U.S. already assembled.
Now, I'm just waiting to sell my car - I was told by someone in the used car business that trying to sell an older car in December or January is difficult - he told me that people who are the target market for my car will be more open to purchasing it after they have received their tax refund checks in March or April. Since I really don't want to have to deal with two cars, I'm gonna wait. Besides, Subaru prices can only go down as the year progresses and the 2007 come closer to market. And, as it turns out, I may have to haul some things for my mother that would never have fit in the smaller Subaru SUV, I need my big one.
Thanks again guys,
Samantha
A Blacksone analysis of the fluid I siphoned out showed copper and lead both 2.5 times higher than their admittedly smalll sample size. And that oil had a drain and fill done just 2k miles beforehand.
Think I'll just keep an eye on it for now.
I recently purchased the steel grey Forester XT Limited A/T. Dark grey leather and the power etc. I have always owned a 4x4 pickup until a couple of years ago when I purchased a Honda Accord Coupe. I traded it against the Forester.
I have 2K KMs on the car now and there are a few things I believe Subaru overlooked.
1. Telescoping steering wheel. For taller guys/gals who have to put the seat back it causes arm fatigue.
2. Seat memory. If driven occasionally it can be a hassle to reposition the seat to that just so nice spot.
3. Height to shift stick. Just a hair too low for me and I would have liked a semi-manual option (shift-tronic).
4. When the armrest is extended it cuts off access to the second cup holder. I like a car with a cup holder coming out of the dash like older Toyota makes.
5. I believe the auto transmission should have been a 5 speed. I find the rpm too high for highway cruising and believe having another gear would greatly increase fuel economy.
6. Rearview mirror should have been auto darkening with compass from factory.
On the plus side.
1. Incredible performance engine.
2. Turbo is fun with a big F.
3. AWD is excellent.
4. Great rear storage.
5. Very versatile vehicle.
6. Seating height and windows provide excellent viewing.
7. HID lights are great for night driving.
8. Mirror turning signal lights are a great safety feature.
9. Not too big.
10. Great sunroof.
11. I like the sound system but it should have been MP3 and Satellite ready with a remote.
12. Seats are really comfortable and supportive.
Canadians get HID headlights???? :confuse:
For 2006, the turbocharged Forester 2.5XT becomes the first model in the Subaru lineup to feature Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, which help improve nighttime visibility for added safety
http://www.subaru.ca/interface/Subaru02/WebPage.asp?range=Forester&ModelYear=200- 6&WebPageID=5698&OwnerID=&WebSiteID=282
You thinking of retrofitting to your '04?
-Brian
I'm buying almost the exact same car as you have. Same color. Only w/o the special rearview mirror. I'm 5'6" tall and the steering wheel must have been extended all the way out because I thought it didn't give me a lot of room. The salesman didn't even mention that I could adjust it. I found that the middle armrest was functionally unuseable for me as my elbow could barely reach it with where I had the seat adjusted - even with it pushed all the way forward to cover the second cupholder!
I appreciate your impressions,
Samantha
Given that the Forester XT is a turbo there is a lot of punch anywhere on the band. Having closer gears would enhance the performance of this SUV.
I wish there were more depth for a tall persons' legs/feet under the dash. Another 4-6 inches would have been great and of course having adjustable pedals would have accommodated all drivers.
Good luck.
Samantha,
I believe what he was saying is that the steering wheel does NOT telescope on the FXT and he wished it did, because he is tall and it's quite a stretch when he's got the seat all the way back to accomodate his long legs.
If you felt like you were sitting on top of the steering wheel at 5'6", you probably were because your legs require the seat to be so far forward and there is no way for you to push the wheel any closer to the dash, giving you more room.
The Forester must have been designed for those of us who are 5'8"-5'10", as I have never noticed the wheel distance being a problem.
I can tell you at 80mph the car is revving at around 3000 rpm if not 3200. I agree on the potential economy of a 5 speed AT. If I could change anything about my FXT it would be to add that extra gear. Gross oversight on Subaru's part.
Doug
You have the right of it regarding the steering. It may be that the Forester was designed for the average sized person. A couple of inches outside of those dimensions can cause a fair amount of discomfort. At times I find myself revisiting my decision of buying the Forester because of this.
Bottomline though is that I wanted a vehicle with car like handling and SUV versatility, I did get that in the Forester.
My only other option was to own two vehicles. I just don't have the garage space nor the storage for the extra vehicle.
I find the Grey to be a fitting colour for the Forester. I liked the black too.
I agree with many of your observations of areas where Subaru could improve an already good product. A telscoping steering wheel and seat memory are good suggestions and you can't ever have too many gears :-)
Of course I suppose Subaru had to draw the price-point line somewhere. They already get lots of grief for the Forester being one of the most expensive SUVs in its segment.
Funny what you mentioned about preferring the cupholders in the dash, that's where they used to be and it was a universally hated design! Also, some people dislike the auto-dimming mirror so they obviously would prefer it remain an option.
IRT your desire to have another 4-6 inches leg room under the dash.... you do realize that the Forester already has the most front passenger leg room in its class? ;-) And yes telscoping pedals would be nice but again you're pushing up the overall cost.
-Frank
I agree all of those bell & whistles are personal options/choices but at least they should be available at a price.
Another thing I am discouraged with is the fuel economy, it is very poor for such a small SUV. The premium fuel requirement can sure do damage to your wallet these days.
Also, re the HIDs, are they the low-beams only?
Even attributing for the difference in cost of 87 to 92/93 octane and the difference in mpg in the X/XS and XT, the yearly "premium" for the XT is $100-$200 more per year in fuel costs. Is it really that damaging to your wallet?
The HIDs are Canada only it appears. And looks like lo-beams only.
-Brian
Subaru should have at least put in a gas tank to take the vehicle 600 KMs.
Still, the point about the extra cost is valid. I only drive 12,000 km/yr at the most. If the XT averages 5 mpg less overall, then the additional cost works out to about CDN$400 over a year. Seems like peanuts when you put it that way, but no doubt when you're handing over $70 to have driven 400 km it feels like a lot.
I knew the HIDs were Canada-only, but was curious whether they were bi-xenon or not. I assume not, but the literature doesn't actually say.
That comes out to like $12 US?
The thing about this is that I researched this vehicle to death and unless there is a lot of false information being submitted across the Web, I fully thought the fuel economy would be much better. Travelling @ 100-110 KPH, one can almost see the fuel gauge move. Just like emptying a glass.
I believe it is too high a price to pay for the AWD and sportiness.
Anyone interested in buying this car from me?
The problem is the smallish gas tank. At 60 mph the gas mileage is quite acceptable. It could use a 5th gear.
-Frank
-juice
Heat gun to pop out a dent in his rear (black bumper). I
have double palm size dent below the l.taillight on my XT.
Do any of you think a Heat gun may able me pop it out some
OR is the lower end of a Forrester a diff material than
the XT ??
Tks. Deadeye
Samantha
-Frank
-Frank
Yes, it's important not to get the gun too hot, although it's very easy to do. I tried to get the bumper just hot enough to soften up the plastic. Then I could push it out from underneath with my hand, although it was a very tight squeeze. Then I immediately cooled it off with a cool, wet rag. It's not perfect. There's still a little bit of a ripple, but it looks a lot better than it did. Hope this helps.
Tim3
I agree with Frank here. Last week I got around 18 in town, this week it was closer to 20. This is with an auto. To be honest, a chunk of that is still freeway driving, though. My daily commute is around 8 miles of city street and 14 miles of freeway (going anywhere from stop and go, to 50-80mph, depending on traffic). With minimal revs, I might add.
It's a fun car, but not one you buy with great gas mileage in mind. If you REALLY want to have fun with it, the mileage is going to be even less. If I tried, I'm sure I could get 14mpg (not good on the wallet, but it would be a BLAST in the driver's seat).
Is AWD a must for you? If not, I'd consider looking at a small FWD SUV if you want both excellent power and good gas mileage.
Doug
-juice
will put our enough heat ??? May give it a try in a few
Days..
Tks Again, Deadeye
It is important for you to know all sides of the equation before making this purchase. I have always owned a 4x4 and have used them offroad to get to and from my camp. This Subaru is a relatively small AWD vehicle in comparison to the big 8s I have owned. That said I don't want to have to carry extra fuel with me because I decide to get back into the country on the wkends.
Turbo or no, this car likes the juice and the tank is far too small. Overdrive should have been a must.
I don't think anyone is getting much better than 18 mpg or 400 km per tank with the Turbo, at least not in the Winter. Add 15 % for warmer weather and you manage approx 286 miles per tank or 460 km.
I believe
-Brian