Subaru XT Turbo Forester

rsholland

My '06 WRX 5-speed is getting around 22–23 in stop and go driving, and 25–26 on trips. Different vehicle, I know, but it has the exact same engine.

Bob

kdshapiro

Your commute is similiar to my commute, except I'm 10/8 local/highway. In these same conditions, there aren't many cars that would get exemplary gas mileage. A smaller 4 cylinder might do better. My ex-ultra-big SUV managed 14 on the same commute. I stopped tallying my gas mileage as with my current gas mileage I get between 20-24. I can live with that given how much fun the car is to drive.

nibs

I guess I will have to accept fuel economy now unless I decide to rid myself of the vehicle. Too bad it doesn't take regular gas as that would lessen the bite.

I have joined a number of forums WRT the Forrester. It seems that the higher the Octane the better the performance and fuel economy. I wonder if adding a Octane would help or would it be a noticable improvement?

I wonder if there is a bigger gas tank available for it.

kdshapiro

"Too bad it doesn't take regular gas as that would lessen the bite."

I believe the engine has knock sensors, you could put in plus or regular unleaded, but you know the performance would be reduced. The type of stop and go driving you are in is the absolute worst for fuel economy. This is probably the one area where an all electric car would be great. But I'd still want my Forester for the weekends.

kumari

Thanks Doug, but you didn't mention whether you have the auto or manual trans.

Samantha

nibs

Hi Samantha,

Though there are a few negatives re the fuel economy, it remains that the FXT puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it. I often wonder how people see it.. I mean to them it is an AWD wagon/suv. They have no clue as to the sportiness of the FXT. The more I drive it the more I like it.

Last evening we were out in some nasty weather. Cars and 4x4 trucks were in the ditches and folks were driving at a snails pace. The FXT handled it with ease, even with the Yokohama snow tires I got from the dealer (which I don't believe are quite up to par for our northern climate).

To all you Forester owners, has anyone replace the double din stereo for a DVD/Satellite/CDRW/MP3 player yet... if so what brand and model? :shades:

dstew1

Mine's an auto.

ateixeira

I replaced the single-DIN stereo with a double-DIN out of a WRX. It's not hard at all on the Forester.

I did the same thing on my wife's car, and it's a bit harder to do on an 02 Legacy, but still not too bad.

Check out Crutchfield.com.

-juice

dstew1

Replacing the XT stereo head unit will likely be my next project. I got an iPod for Christmas, and while the FM modulator works decently in my area, it's still not the ideal set-up. I want something with an aux in port. A few other gizmos wouldn't hurt, either...

Doug

ateixeira

Funny thing is Reuters surveyed iPod owners and Subaru was the brand mentioned 3rd most often. When you consider they have about 1.2% overall market share, that is pretty amazing.

VW was first, Audi 2nd.

Then you consider how far behind Subaru is with iPod integreation, what gives? C'mon Subaru!

-juice

xtsfo

I've posted this in a couple of other places, but for completeness:

Look at the just-introduced Pioneer AVIC-Z1. The -Z1 variant is the new one. It does hard drive-based Nav, DVD, CD, MP3, hard drive storage for mp3, bluetooth for cellphones, XM radio, XM NavTraffic, and iPOD control. It's a double-DIN unit.

When Blaupunkt releases their new Bremen MPx6 within the next 60 days or so, look at that. I don't know what the "x" in the model number will be yet. This unit is going to replace the now-discontinued Bremen MP74. The non-obvious encoding of Blaupunkt model numbers is that the rightmost digit is the year of first introduction. That's why they killed off the MP74. It was getting long in the tooth. This is a single-DIN unit. You can put a standard Subaru single-DIN "pocket" trim piece below it. I bought one for $20 or so just in case I go the single DIN head unit route. I'm most likely going to do the AVIC-Z1 unless there's something annoying/broken about it. That's a LOT of functionality in a single piece of equipment.

Finally, for non-USA-market equipment, take a look at www.audiocubes.com. It has some interesting equipment. Pay close attention to the differences between U.S. and foreign FM frequency spectrum. Even with a converter, you're going to lose access to the very top or bottom of the USA FM frequency range.

nibs

Wow, thanks for the info... I have an IPOD now that I listen to via the radio. It is OK. I really want to get Satellite capability.

Thanks for everything.. :shades:

girlwhogolfs

This is back to the headlights. I have 05 XT LTD Auto, Gray. Imagine that! When I did my research, I didn't think it had the Xenon type headlights. But they are so bright, I am always getting flashed from people thinking my high beams are on. Do you think it's because of how the headlight housing is designed? I almost looks like it's mirrored. And for the gas mileage, yeah it stinks, but I love being able to romp it and blow people away. :P Every time I do, I say well there goes 5 bucks worth of gas!

nibs

I really like the brightness of the headlights. It sure helps driving in the country where there are few street lights. There is a leveling switch on the dash, left side of the steering wheel. Check it to make sure your lights are not raised too high.

I am slowly getting used to or not caring what my fuel economy is as I am really enjoying the vehicle. I love it and having the ability to "blow people away" is a slice. My FXT is no doubt an exact match to yours.. lol.

I have one question regarding synthetic oil.. at what milage did you make the change?

samiam_68

I just had the 30K mile service done yesterday on my 04 FXT-5MT. Other than the tech spilling antifreeze all over the engine and the turbo (it's still burning off :mad: ), I noticed that the shifter is somewhat notchy. Used to be much smoother before the service. I have not noticed this kind of shifter behavior on my previous MT cars after changing the transmission oil.

Has anyone else experienced this? Does it take some time for the new gear oil to "wear in"? Or should I bring it back to the dealer? :confuse:

Also, the brakes were pulsating recently, and the dealer had the rotors resurfaced under warranty. Rotors seem to be a weak spot in a lot of Subarus.

Thanks for any info,
Sam

once_for_all

better check the gear oil level ASAP. Sounds like they were generally not very careful with your car.

Also find out what grade of gear oil they used.

Pulsating brakes are possible from over-torquing the lug nuts. If you re-torque them to the lower end of the recommendation, the pulsation sometimes goes away.

John

samiam_68

I checked the gear oil level - looks normal, just a hair above the F mark when warm. The invoice says Gear Oil P/N SOA635001, total qty of 7 (pints / quarts??) at $1.95 each. I'm assuming this is for both the transmission and the differential. Would a Subaru dealer stock the wrong kind of gear oil in the first place?

p0926

Rotors seem to be a weak spot in a lot of Subarus

I don't think Subaru has a monopoly on warped brake rotors I've driven cars from other manufacturers that had the same problem. As John pointed out, over-tightening the lug nuts is frequently the culprit.

-Frank

once_for_all

I don't know the grade associated with that SOA part number. IIRC there are different grades that should be used depending on the outside temperatures. I can't remember now if I used a straight 90 or an 85-140 on my change.

They say that memory is the second thing to go... I can't remember the first thing.

John

deadeye5

Have not had a prob. with my 04 XT BUT when you brake
hard and rotor glows beet red AND you go thru a puddle
of water it WILL warp a rotor..

Deadeye

atlgaxt

That does not describe how we (my wife is the primary driver) drive our XT, and we have had rotor problems anyway.

girlwhogolfs

I will have to see if I have that leveling switch. Don't laugh but I only have 6300 miles on my car and it will be a year old March 11th.(driving my old car until it DIES!) The first time I had the oil changed I had old fashioned oil put in it. I have been curious about synthetic though. Yes, our FXT's are beautiful! lol!

bluesubie

No rush on the synthetic, IMHO. Our engines take well over 10k miles to break in nicely. You won't have maximum protection because the wear metals cause most of the popular synthetic 30 weights to shear down to a 20 weight depending on your location and driving conditions.

-Dennis

nibs

I live in an geographical area that has cold Winters and hot Summers. I believe synthetic oil is the answer for our conditions.

Has anyone changed the axel oils to synthetic? I never have in any of the vehicles I have owned but I am thinking about this one. Another thing I might do is install a transmission cooler as I tow a boat quite frequently in the Summer.

jindi

I have an '05 FXT and I just crossed 10K. I don't know if I'm trippin' or what, but the gas needle seems to be sinking alot faster than before. I am not gunning it or anything like that. I do alot of hwy miles and some limited city driving.

I just filled her up and drove 95 miles. The gauge now reads just under 3/4. Does that sound right?

jindi

I was installing an after market stereo in my FXT and noticed 2 loose wires under the driver-side dash. 2 wires with green male and female plugs which plug into each other. They were loose and unplugged. I plugged them in and started her up. The 'Check Engine Light" flashes on and off but that is all that seems to happen. Kind of odd.

Anyone know anything about this?

Thanks,

dstew1

Those are your Test Mode connectors and are part of your car's diagnostic (ODB-II) system (notice their close proximity to the diagnostic port below your steering wheel). From my understanding, they should only be connected prior to accessing the ODB-II system via the diagnostic port, and should be disconnected before you drive the car again.

Doug

dstew1

Just under 3/4 full? If so that sounds about right to me. I've got 6600 miles on my 06 FXT Auto and normally hit the 3/4 mark with anywhere from 80 to 90 miles on the trip odometer.

lfdal

I can depend on seeing the 3/4 mark @ about 70-75 miles. On a trip its usually @ 110 miles. Highly repeatable. My 04 XT just went over 31k.

deadeye5

ifdal I see you just went over 31K. Did you have the 30K checkup by a dealer ?? How much and do you think it worth the $$$$ ? I have a 04 XT Auto and just passed the 30K mark ..

Deadeye

p0926

My avg mpg took a noticeable drop right after the 30k service. However, I also changed wheels and tires brands at the same time so I haven't pinpointd the cause.

-Frank

lfdal

I did most of the work myself, especially since the plugs don't have to be changed until 60k.

I went overboard as usual, and changed the front and rear diff fluids. I also had a drain and fill on the tranny, since my fluid turned brown at 27k. The dealer couldn't give me a hard time since the "inspection" of the fluid isn't due until 30K, so I was actually 3k early. In fact to better flush the fluid I did my own drain and flush 3 more times over the next month. Interestingly, it was a couple of transmission shops that talked me out of having a full power flush. :confuse:

The fuel and air filter are a snap to do yourself, if your so inclined. Caveat - if you break a rubber hose, be sure to use hi-pressure fuel line as a replacement.

So basically, I only paid the dealer to do a cooling system flush, a brake fluid flush, and the tranny drain and fill. Those 3 things were about $200. The fuel, air, and cabin air filters were about another $100.

Oh yeah, I also did an oil change.

The diff fluids were about $24, and the oil change was about $20. The tranny fluid, 4 gallons was about $20

So my out of pocket expenses were approx 200+100+64 = 264.
Note the brake fluid flush is not a regualr maintenance item @ 30K.

I think the dealer was in the $450-$500 range, w/o the brake fluid flush, and with just inspecting the diff and tranny fluids.

HTH

Larry

atlgaxt

Frank did I see you on Lawrenceville HWY again this morning? I was walking the dogs by the horse farm. If that was you, I noticed your hitch and was curious what you have been towing.

p0926

George- I don't think that was me. I live behind the N. Dekalb mall and I take Scott Blvd right to the fwy. However, I do have a hitch and use it to tow the occasional Uhaul trailer or for mounting my bike rack when I need to transport two or more bikes.

-Frank

dstew1

Has anyone found a tire for their FXT that is as versatile as the car is? One of the major factors in my buying the FXT was its all-around versatility. Call me greedy, unreasonable, crazy, whatever, but I love the idea of having a performance car and a soft-roader all welded and bolted together in the same boxy package.

The Geolanders are a decent compromise, but is there a better one out there? I'd really like something more performance oriented that will still step up to the task when faced with mud, dirt, gravel, etc (throw light snow into the mix as well, since I won't be buying a dedicated winter tire where I live).

What about Goodyear Triple Treads? Other recommendations?

I'm considering making some suspension mods in the future but the Geos are probably the weakest link in terms of overall handling at this point.

Doug

dstew1

Reading through older posts on this thread it seems as though the Falken Ziex 512s and the BF Goodrich T/As are the favorites among XT owners. Any updates from people using these tires? How are you using them? Pros/cons?

Judging by tread pattern alone the BFGs look more suitable for a variety of terrain. I don't venture too far off pavement very often, usually 3 or 4 times a year, but don't want to embarass myself and the Subie in front of my pick-up/suv driving friends. But I definitely need improved handling, so compromises are in order.

ll1

Much to my surprise, I've seen only negative feedback on replacing OEM with K&N air filters (decreased mileage, noisier engine). Curious to see if other people have had better experiences with an aftermarket performance air filter/intake mod? Does it really kill your mileage and damage your engine?

In theory, increased airflow and dirt trapping can't be that bad!

ll1

1. Any thoughts on which head unit matches the interior color the best? I'm looking at some Alpine units that are mostly silver to match the grayish silver interior. Not sold on being left with an empty pocket after install though, nor am I ready to part with the weatherband

2. Also, does anyone know where the subwoofer amplifier is located? Is there one?

3. Anybody installed an aftermarket sub in the OEM pocket (left cargo side wall)?

ll1

that sounds about right. My 2005 FXT AT gets 19-20 city driving (winter-summer) and 24-26mpg with pure freeway. I've got 9000 miles on it now.

My 2 cents on improving MPG:
- remove ski rack or bike rack if any when not in use
- remove cross bars (also improves wind noise when windy)
- accelerate gently and ease up early (you can still enjoy the turbo this way)
- I also removed the front license plate (doubt it makes sig aerodynamic difference but I like the look)
- make sure you did not damage anything in the undercarriage via offroading/debris, particularly those airdam things in front of both front wheels).

dstew1

I'm facing the same dilemma; I'm also not sure whether I want to part with the in-dash cd changer or not, since they are few and far between in aftermarket offerings, even with double-din HUs. And you bring up a point I hadn't even considered with the WB.

My primary reason for upgrading is simply the aux input issue for my iPod. If the rumors are true about Subaru adding this feature to their lineup next year, then I may just wait and see if I can order one of their new HUs.

Doug

edunnett

I would also recommend checking the tire pressure. People don't realize what a huge impact under-inflated tires have on their gas mileage! I have a monthly reminder to check all of my cars' tire pressure - it keeps 'em safe and economical. I also removed the roof-racks but that only cut down on the wind noise. It made no impact to my mileage. I usually drive very inefficiently - gunning it out of the gate, taking it out of overdrive (on my AT, taking it out of D and into 3rd gear) for hills and passing, but I keep my tire pressure tip-top and still get 21-23 MPG average city & hwy.
Elissa

once_for_all

Hi Elissa nice to hear from you again. How's the commute (grapevine?).

John

edunnett

I know - I've been AWOL for about a year! Work got insane! We've finally hired someone to help me and I'm re-joining my favorite past-time again! Cars and Edmunds! Thanks for the welcome back! I hope I can sustain it.
Elissa

drnutty

My 2004 FXT AT just turned over 50,000 miles so I thought I would share my thoughts on the first 50,000 miles. I totally love this car and it still puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel. In 50,000 miles of hard driving, there has been no need to go to the dealer except for the 30,000 mile service. The car has used no oil between changes.My daily commute of 80 miles requires me to do alot of passing, so I get to enjoy the full power of the turbo on a regular basis ! I average 23mpg during the summer months and 21mpg during the winter with heavier steel wheels for my snow tires. I almost always use 92 octane gas that contains 20% ethanol, full synthetic oil in the crankcase and have had zero problems of any kind ! My winter driving consists of a lot of icy, snowy roads and I have never felt like the Subaru was ever close to being out of control.Everything in the car still works like day one. My only repairs have been 7 windshield chip fixes from the gravel on the roads during the winter months. I'm going to keep my turbo for the next 50,000 miles , then trade for a new one ! This is definitely the best car I have ever owned !

Steve

ateixeira

Cool Steve, thanks for sharing the feedback.

-juice

nibs

Just turn 4500 KMs on my FXT 06 Auto. It sure is a blast to drive. One issue I have though is the seal around the front pass window lets water in during the car wash. It isn't much but enough to make a person fret over it. I think I may put some of those smoke coloured window vents on.

Other than that little problem I have had a great Winter with this vehicle. :shades:

ateixeira

The dealer can adjust the window angle, and possibly address that issue.

One Subaru Crew member (I forget who) managed to adjust this himself, a year or two ago.

-juice

nibs

Thanks for the info.. I'll do a google search for it as well. I will be getting the 6k service done in April, I'll mention it at that time.

jindi

I just dropped my FXT off at the dealer for service. I just crossed 11K and this is my 2nd service since the initial oil change at 3K. According to the stealer, I need the recommended 9K service:

Replace Oil & Filter
Supply lubrication as required
Check & inspect for fluid leaks
Inspect & top off all fluids
Inspect tire wear & condition
Check & adjust tire pressure
Rotate & balance front tires
Check battery & charging system
Check all fluid supply hoses
Check & adjust rear brakes as needed
Insert fuel injector cleaner/additive
Check all engine settings
Inspect axles and C/V joints
Check all lights

Many of these points seem rather lame & they charge 169.00. I drives me nuts that I cannot verify that all of this work was actually completed. What have all of you done? Do you all go with the recommended service schedule? Is it worth the cash?

Thanks,

jindi

I installed an Alpine HU in my FXT. I removed the bezels around the shifter and climate control, removed the stock CD Changer and installed my Alpine and the Suburau DIN pocket

The most difficult part was powering the HU. I had to run a 10 gauge wire thru the firewall.

Overall, it looks great.