Subaru XT Turbo Forester

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Comments

  • lbhaleylbhaley Member Posts: 91
    Thanks to all that answered my question about lug nut torque. I think I'll go with 65. I have a Sears torque wrench that I bought years ago. That should work fine. I'll let you know how I like the WS-50s on the XT after I have used them for a while.
  • deadeye5deadeye5 Member Posts: 93
    In a past Post - I saw one of you give the dia. in inches of the filter. Plan to go get an endcap
    tool and they are about three that are close in size (viewing thru the plastic container) What is the size ?????

                         Tks. Deadeye
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    atlgaxt- You definitely don't need snow tires in Ga. It would probably be a good idea to keep a set of chains in the Forester just in case but I doubt they'll get much (if any) use. Snow in the Ga Mtns isn't that frequent of an occurrence and when it does snow, it disappears off the roadways fairly quickly (the exception being roads with a northern exposure).

    -Frank P.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Does anyone use a torque wrench when installing wheels?

    Every wrench I own has an automatic torque-limiting feature...the 59-year-old arms applying the force.
  • atlgaxtatlgaxt Member Posts: 501
    Thanks Frank. I know snow is rare around here and that is why I want to get up to the mountains when it does snow. But I am a little nervous about the steep roads around my place if it does get slick and that is why I am leaning towards going ahead and getting some chains, especially considering the fact that no one will do anything to those roads if they do get slick.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    5.5 months with no door dings and no rock chips. Then, bound for work at 5:15 on the freeway, bang! Major rock-on-glass impact. I don't know where it hit, and it was so dark and rainy that I couldn't see any damage. I just now went out for a better look and still can't. I ran my fingers all over the wet windshield, and felt nothing. Maybe I lucked out, but it was a helluva hit.

    With everything I've been reading about chipped and cracked Forester windshields, I'll be amazed if this impact didn't do anything.
  • bsumpterbsumpter Member Posts: 35
    I spend a lot of time on the freeway running at 75+ mph, just figure it's inevitable to get a few - so far (9,500 miles) I've got a couple scratches on the front of the hood, have had a few rocks bounce off the glass but no chips yet. But it'll happen...since I posted this, probably on the way home from work!
    Just about every vehicle I've owned has needed a new windshield at some point, just from pitting up so bad you can't see if nothing else.
  • subarusaleshousubarusaleshou Member Posts: 161
    I've had rock hits that sounded like a gunshot and didn't do a thing. I've also had hits that were very small and lightweight but had just the right shape and angle to get the glass. There isn't a direct relationship between the two I don't think. It's a matter of if it's your time or not.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think the windshield cracks have more to do with the upright position of the windshield than anything.

    Still on the original on mine, knock on wood.

    My wife's 626 went through 2 of them, in her case I blame her following distances being shorter than mine, generally.

    -juice
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
    saw another XT being driven by a single dude who was on a cell phone in a parking lot. even though he was watching out for other cars in the full lot and talking on the cell phone, his eyes lit up when he saw my black XT. we exchanged huge grins and he gave me the big thumbs up as i waved.
  • ugly1ugly1 Member Posts: 52
    Ballistic - Thanks for the tip on the adjustment. It'll be gone this weekend. Funny, I had the water bottle out a week ago. The rear washer took a dump so I switched hoses 'till come up with something else to take it in for.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    I sent a link to your e-mail address; you'll find everything you want to know about adjusting the hill holder there. I truly hated mine for the first few month or two. However, I've learned a few things about it that makes it more liveable even without fiddling with the adjustment.

    1. The amount of braking force that the hill holder applies (and which, if excessive, can require way too much throttle and clutch slip to get underway again) is directly proportional to how hard you were applying the brakes at the instant your wheels stopped turning - or at any time after that, before your next start. I've always been in the habit of feathering my brakes very lightly as I come to a stop, just to drive more smoothly, and that's fine. However, once stopped and with feet still on clutch and brakes, I might shift in my seat to a new position, pushing hard on the pedals in the process. That results in applying a lot more brake force, and the HH's check valve faithfully holds that much harder. I now avoid applying additional brake pressure, and the hill holder releases much more unobtrusively.

    2. I've long been in the habit, once stopped at a light, of setting the handbrake and shifting to neutral until the light's about to change. Mainly, this was to avoid having to hold the clutch down the whole time, and maybe it saves a little wear on the clutch throwout bearing. It also releases the hill holder. Then, when the light changes, I shift back into gear, release the handbrake, and go - with no interference from the hill holder at all.

    You might try one or both of these techniques; they might save the bother of disabling the HH.
  • troop2shostroop2shos Member Posts: 235
    FWIW, I've never had the need for a Hill Holder. If you already know how to "heel & toe" read no further.
    All you need to do is hold the vehicle with your right heel (or toe depending on pedal placement) with your toe on the accelerator pedal at the same time - same right foot. Just prior to releasing the clutch you apply throttle with your toe as you release heel pressure on the brake by sliding your heel off & maintain pressure with your toe / foot on the throttle (clutch is being engaged during this process). This can be done quickly & effortlessly as a fluid motion with practice while prevent any roll-back (i.e. on a hill) & save clutch wear while being in neutral. To stop tranny laygear / input shaft movement & engage 1st or reverse easily from neutral, just lightly bump 2nd gear syncro (not fully engage 2nd).
    Even driving an AT, I still angle right foot out of habit occasionally to touch the brake & throttle pedals at the same time.

    '04 FXT AT
    '00 Troop
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    I've done that on cars with inconvenient step-on emergency brakes, but with pull-up handbrakes, I just use that to prevent rollback, releasing it as I engage the clutch.
  • subarusaleshousubarusaleshou Member Posts: 161
    The handbrake is the easiest method of all. Doesn't matter about pedal placement or anything else. Just lower it as you apply throttle and release clutch.
  • troop2shostroop2shos Member Posts: 235
    The use of the handbrake may be easier for some but there may be issues with its use & proper release in very cold icing conditions.
  • subarusaleshousubarusaleshou Member Posts: 161
    Yes, that was from a south Texas perspective
  • samiam_68samiam_68 Member Posts: 775
    Had mine adjusted by the dealer where it is no longer a pain in the neck - actually, now, it's just right. But I don't really need it. I also never heel-n-toe, never use the parking brake, just coordinate letting up the clutch and quickly switching from brake to gas. Never had any problem with even the steepest hills in any stickshift car. I actually have more problems rolling back in an automatic on some of these hills than with a stickshift. Also, never had a clutch last less than 125,000 miles...go figure :)
  • crexcrex Member Posts: 5
    What the hell is this 'snow' stuff you guys keep going on about?

    ObXT: I'm sure glad the XT comes with climate air-conditioning. It sure has been getting a workout these last few days. :-)

    rob. (it's been around 10 years since I experienced that white stuff)
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    I actually have more problems rolling back in an automatic on some of these hills than with a stickshift.

    Given that automatic-equipped cars have only two pedals, you can hold the car with your left foot on the brake as you apply throttle with the right, releasing the brake only when enough power is being applied to move the car forward. I don't understand how unwanted rollback could ever occur in an automatic-equipped vehicle, on even the steepest inclines. Granted, I right-foot-brake most of the time, but there's no reason why one can't left-foot brake in these situations.

    Also, never had a clutch last less than 125,000 miles...go figure :)

    I had a few fry in a lot less than that as a teenager, but that was a long time ago. Things have changed since then; mainly, I quit abusing cars. The clutch in the RX-7 I bought new in '79 was still in perfect working order (along with everything else on that wonderful car) when I reluctantly sold it at 200,000 miles - despite ten years of very spirited driving.
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    Ah, the beauty of no torque down low, extended clutch life! :)

    Drove a CR-V in an uplowed parking lot yesterday. Reactive systems stink! Rough to keep a smooth steady line turning when the real wheels kick in and out of providing power. Give me the 50/50 split of a Soobie manual anyday!
  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    handbrakes all have their place....

    My Supra had 126,500 on the orig. clutch when we parted.

    Ballistic: your brake force insight on hh sure appreciated...

    Again, these Forester threads are extremely informative......

    Saving my Naval Reserve pay for an X/XS/XT later this year........ez
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Ah, the beauty of no torque down low, extended clutch life! :)

    If that was in reference to my RX-7 comment, media reports about the rotary engine's alleged lack of torque down low were greatly exaggerated. Mine pulled like a tractor right from idle. I used to drive the RX-7 in a lot of rush-hour traffic jams. When moderate acceleration was all that was needed, the rotary engine could be taken all the way down to idle speed in 3rd gear and pull away with no protest whatsoever - and carry on to the smoothest 7,000 RPM redline ever achieved. Truly remarkable car in every single respect. Wish I still had it.

    No, the "secret" to long clutch life is to get a car underway with the smallest amount of throttle and slip necessary, and to then apply major power (when needed) only after the clutch is fully engaged. Same goes for upshifts. This technique won't win any drag races, but that hasn't been important to me since maybe 30 years ago.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Remember the long pro/con discussion about expensive extended warranties?

    I just ran across the following:
    http://www.quakerstate.com/pages/promotions/warranty.asp

    Granted, it's not as all-inclusive as a full-blown extended warranty, but quite possibly it might be at least slightly better than nothing. And it doesn't even require using the much-more-expensive synthetics - just use their brand. For those who intend to change oil at shorter intervals than the required 7,500 miles anyway, there wouldn't seem to be much to lose by registering for this and conforming to the few reasonable requirements.

    As for staying power, this company has been around and well known for at least 60 years that I know of, and no doubt much longer. I wouldn't think they'd make commitments and then not respect them.

    Comments?
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Interesting find. The deal does sound attractive especially as it allows one to do their own oil changes. Is there a registration cost involved? Do you know any more details?

    Ken
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    I've got both my Subie's signed up for their warranty - it costs nothing and all you have to do is save your slips. Don't know that I'll ever need it, but for free its hard to argue with.

    You can register on line. All they want is VIN and mileage. I think the car has to have less than 36K miles on it.

    Larry
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Not yet. I would like to see the fine print, specifically what they cover if/when an engine breakdown occurs, and what sort of hoops one must jump through to obtain a payment. I plan to explore it further this evening.

    I've typically (but not religiously) used Pennzoil, but Quaker State is a fine brand that I'd have no qualms about switching to if the fine print on their warranty appears to make it worth anything at all.

    The only downside for me is that 4K change intervals are a bit shorter than I'd have used. The demands imposed on my cars can only be termed "light" compared to typical owners, and I probably would have changed at about 6K intervals. But that difference is no big deal unless I decide to go with the expensive synthetics.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    You've known about this for how long? And didn't share it with your fellow travelers?

    And here I thought you were a bud. (-;
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    If it's at no cost and you don't mind the shorter change intervals, then it sounds like a good deal. I just wonder how difficult it would be to process a claim in the event something did happen.

    Does QS make a synthetic and if so, is it still a 4K change interval?

    Ken
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    They make two syn-blends plus a full synthetic.

    http://www.quakerstate.com/pages/products/motoroil.asp

    If the exact same 4K change-interval requirement (to qualify for their warranty) applies to both their regular dino oils and to the costlier synthetics, that might make me wonder whether they really do believe that the synthetics are measurably better at prolonging engine life than the standard stuff...

    And under those circumstances, I'd be much less interested in the synthetics...changing every 4K in a gently-driven car would be massive overkill. I won't pay synthetic prices unless they let me stretch the change interval to at least 6 or 7K.
  • subarusaleshousubarusaleshou Member Posts: 161
    When you go to this webpage:
    http://www.quakerstate.com/pages/promotions/warranty.asp

    it tells about the 10/250k warranty. If you look on the left side of that page there is a link to roadside assistance. You can get 120 days of free roadside assistance after every qualifying oil change at one of their centers. There is also a link to Shell gift card. When you buy a case of oil at participating locations you get a $5 or $10 gas card for Shell. So not only will you get the extra engine warranty but other goodies as well.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Because the 4k interval is shorter than most manufacturer’s recommended 7,5k, a cynical individual could suspect Quaker State of creating this program in order to sell more motor oil ;-)

    -Frank P.
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    IIRC that promo-program has been around since 2001.

    -Dave
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Because the 4k interval is shorter than most manufacturer’s recommended 7,5k, a cynical individual could suspect Quaker State of creating this program in order to sell more motor oil ;-)

    One needn't be cynical to reach that conclusion; that exact same suspicion is applicable (validly so) to each and every promotion that's ever been made by any company. Their reason for being, after all, is to sell more products, gain more market share, and earn more profit. Nothing sinister in that.

    Informed consumers weigh the benefits of the promotion against the costs (including, in this case, changing oil oftener than one might otherwise - which is not necessarily a bad thing) and assess whether or not it makes sense in their circumstances.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    changing oil oftener than one might otherwise - which is not necessarily a bad thing

    From a preventative maintenance point of view, a shorter interval certainly won't hurt. The question is whether you gain any measurable benefit in contrast to the very measurable additional cost involved.

    -Frank P.
  • subkidsubkid Member Posts: 94
    >>>
    Because the 4k interval is shorter than most manufacturer’s recommended 7,5k, a cynical individual could suspect Quaker State of creating this program in order to sell more motor oil ;-)
    >>>

    Well, this is interesting. In Canada, owner's manual calls for the oil/filter change every 6000 Km which is very close to 4K miles. And this 5000-6000 Km interval is what I have followed with all my vehicles before I even knew there was a Forester. From that prospective QS's isn't unreasonable.
    Other question is why do SOA and SOC differ on this. After all, SOA and SOC are getting vehicles from the same source, use same oil and driving conditions are pretty much comparable.

    K
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    My guess would be that it's due to the harsher winters further north.

    -Frank P.
  • deadeye5deadeye5 Member Posts: 93
    I recall a few of you are invited/will be attending the show..When/where is it-and what is the admission charge..??

                       Interested Deadeye
  • subawoohoosubawoohoo Member Posts: 5
    Appears to be a pretty sweet deal, but I would be leery of filling out all the info they request on a web page that is not secure.

    Either it's a pretty elaborate information harvesting site(not unknown), or Quaker State uses very amateur web designers.

    Just one man's opinion.....

    BTW, mysubaru.com is not secure,either :(
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    FYI: You can call the 800 number and provide all of the requested information by phone, if you'd rather.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    As long as you stay away from a certain comparison topic anyway :-)

    Don't forget the Subaru chat tonight. Starts in about 3 hours. Link's on the left. And no stealth keystroke grabber program will be installed on your computer while you're chatting either!

    Steve, Host
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    Wynn Oil company also offered a Guarantee if you purchased one of their Contracts, where you add the Blue stuff to your oil, and the Red colored stuff to your A/T Fluid, and the Green stuff to your Radiator, and the Brown Fluid to your Brake fluid, and then your "automagically" covered, that is if you paid them $1000 plus for the "kit". I think Z-Max got this idea from them? In any case, Wynn's Warranty division just folded & Z-Max was sued by the FTC. The only true protection available is the "Added Security" policy offered by Subaru. If you drive your XT hard, and who isn't planning too?, you are bound to have it break before the "Limited" Warranty expires. Keep this in mind, while you are waiting for the "Experts" at Quaker State to deny your Claim, your Rental Car expense alone would be worth the cost of the Subaru "Gold" Contract plus it covers almost everything. If you don't plan on following your Local area's servicing requirements, there is no need to worry because you won't be covered! I received a "free" 7500 Mile interval, 22,500 Mile Subaru Maintainence Contract which I will need to use up twice as quickly, as I must make an appearance at my Dealer every 3750 Miles, or every 6 Months , and for the extra $9 on top of my "free" Service comes the Synthetic Oil (Saab 5W/30) I like the fact that the Dealer even lists the Oil on "my.Subaru.com", nothing like being accused of using the wrong Oil, or Oil Filter, or the wrong amount of Oil, etc.. When it comes to Warranty work or Service Contract Work, the key word is to DENY the Claim. And in case you are considering another Company to back up your repairs, 7 out of 10 have gone out of Business in the last 10 years, just look at SubaruWarranty.com, and the ever popular Subaru-Warranty.com. And just a final word about Synthetic Oil, I know very little about the pro's and con's, my Mechanic insisted on using it, and the Engine actually Sounds better after my first Oil Change, heard some noises right before the Turbo would engage, now it is smoother with less Noise!
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    Jack - actually I posted the info when I first signed up for it, back with my 03 Forester. Or was it the wife's 03 OBW?

    They do send you a certificate in the mail, along with a discount coupon for their synthetic oil.

    Since I'm doing most of my own maintenance anyway, keeping the slips isn't a problem.

    Their warranty also says it will pay the deductible portion of an extended warranty for a covered component. It seems gimmick free and Quaker State's been around for a long time. For free what can it hurt? The warranter is actually SOPUS products which I'm assuming is Quaker State's parent company.

    Larry
  • dnestrdnestr Member Posts: 188
    I saw your 'battle' in the FX/VW/Cay/X5 topic. You didn't look like a person who was gonna purchase the XT, just looked like the owner of one! My respects.

    BTW, the climb is a part of desolate military road and the rail in the middle was used as a support for long-range missile-plants. Thanks God, those times have gone away and we can drive vehicles on the road and test them in off-road ability free of charge.

    Get silver or red. They're the most sportive and attractive, IMHO.
  • bobshere1bobshere1 Member Posts: 59
    I always got waived thru on 80 with the Explorer (which I sold to buy my XT AT) I owned (which had Michelein X tires --" the Michelin® X-Radial DT a superb all-weather, wet-traction performer. Ultra-long tread life. Fantastic all-season, all-weather performance
    Speed Rating: S -- Warranty:
    80,000 mile limited treadwear warranty"
    [from Costco] when other vehicles had to stop to install chains.

    What will happen with my XT with Geolanders on 80 in the snow ??
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Every 4k would be too frequent for me. I had my Mobil1 analyzed (WRX) at 5,400 miles, and the oil still had life left in it.

    Had the OB's oil (driven by my wife) analyzed at 3,800 (GTX) and the results were very good as well.

    IIRC, QS's synthetic is a Group III (like Syntec). Although after reading numerous used oil analysis' on bobistheoilguy, Subaru's do well on most any oil.

    -Dennis
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    If you drive your XT hard, and who isn't planning too?, you are bound to have it break before the "Limited" Warranty expires.

    I certainly don't drive mine hard. I bought it to last at least 10 to 12 years, and I drive it accordingly.

    Keep this in mind, while you are waiting for the "Experts" at Quaker State to deny your Claim, your Rental Car expense alone would be worth the cost of the Subaru "Gold" Contract

    The pros and cons of expensive, ultra-high-profit extended warranties have been debated to death. They're right for some folks, not for others. I have zero interest in spending one to two thousand dollars on any extended warranty.
  • subarusaleshousubarusaleshou Member Posts: 161
    would work for me since I choose to go with 3750. For me, splitting the suggested 7500 interval is a modest investment in long term durability. If I go with the dino at 3750 I've gotten most of the useful life out of the oil, satisfied the QS requirements, and bought extra peace of mind. All that costs me about an extra 16 cents per day since that adds 3 extra changes per year for my annual mileage.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    That's how I look at it, too. It costs essentially nothing. If it pays later, fine. If it doesn't, there was no investment to lose, as with costly extended warranties.

    Although I'd rather Q.S. offered the alternative of using synthetic at maybe a 6,000 mile interval instead.
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