Subaru XT Turbo Forester

15455575960131

Comments

  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Juice- Hey that's right, if the real-world avg for the XT is better than 20 mpg in city driving, then you should have sufficient justification to bend your "nothing under 20 mpg city EPA rating" rule :-)

    -Frank P.
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    "..I've noticed a propensity for the auto gas shut off to trigger prematurely at times at the pump."

    This is happening to me as well.
    It also happened on my wife's 99 OB a few years ago during the winter, and eventually stopped. The dealer had never heard of it and even called dealers in New England since my problem was in the cold.

    I found one or two others (on another board) at the time that were also experiencing it. There is also someone reporting this on the Edmunds Impreza OBS/TS board.

    -Dennis
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    is disappearing in the boy-racer crowd anyway. Twice last week I had lowered Hondas and Mitsus cruise up beside me at 80 mph on the super highway, and then give a quick, disappointed glance over for a "functional hood scoop" absent on my XS.

    Many of these types are running nitrous and can do quarters in the 12's. They are evidently looking for an XT to show their stuff.

    John
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    "I've noticed a propensity for the auto gas shut off to trigger prematurely at times at the pump."

    Two things:

    a. That might explain why you would get noticeably worse mpg for a given tank but wouldn't explain why you'd get better.

    b. Dennis- If it only occasionally happens, I would think it would be more a function of the return vapor system on a particular gas pump being more sensitive. If it was a problem with the car's fuel system, you'd think it would happen all the time.

    -Frank P.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I may have to give up the "nothing under 20" rule, pretty much nothing I'm looking at seriously meets that standard, whether it's small and sporty or big and roomy.

    Let's see how they gear the Legacy GT, we don't know EPA numbers yet. I'd love a GT Ltd wagon if it's more efficient than the XT, and still reasonably priced.

    -juice
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Reading reviews of the Geolander 900's (XT OEM tires) on tirerack reassured me that my mediocre assessment of these tires was not a mistake

    Granted I'm only one data point, but my opinion of the Geolanders is the opposite. I have found that in the worst conditions I've encountered (heavy downpours with standing water on freeways, foot-deep snow with ice on top in hilly terrain), I could not have asked more from the Geolanders than they delivered. Granted there may be even better tires out there (at correspondingly higher prices), but if it weren't for high levels of road noise, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another set of Geolanders when these wear out.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    The 'auto gas shutoff' problem Bob mentioned doesn't have anything to do with a car or its fuel system; he's talking about the large variations in how full (or less than full) service station gas pumps can leave your tank when the nozzles shut off, and the misleading effect that can have on your miles-per-gallon calculations.
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    The complaint with the Geolanders is not that they're bad in inclement weather. They're fine for that. The problem with them is that in dry weather they suck.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    a. That might explain why you would get noticeably worse mpg for a given tank but wouldn't explain why you'd get better.

    Sure it does. If you roll in after 250 miles with your tank near empty and fill it, but you stop when the nozzle shuts off after only 10 gallons (leaving the tank less than full), and you then calculate your MPG as if the tank was full, you'll get 25MPG. If, on the other hand, you continued after the first automatic shutoff and added more until actually full (say, 11.5 gallons), your _true_ MPG for that run was only 21.7. This is what Bob was describing. Unless you are consistent with when you stop adding fuel (i.e. when you consider the tank to be full), your measurements will be all over the map.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    The complaint with the Geolanders is not that they're bad in inclement weather. They're fine for that. The problem with them is that in dry weather they suck.

    Depends on one's expectations. Those who routinely need high breakaway adhesion limits probably do want better tires. I didn't expect anything like a canyon-carving .9-G slalom champion. For ordinary everyday driving in all conditions (dry, wet, snowy, anything but glare ice) - everything but noise levels, in other words - I think the Geos are exemplary. MUCH better than I expected.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Whoops, you're right. I was thinking about it backwards.

    -Frank P.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Just think of it as payback for brutally and mercilessly (and mirthfully) exposing my ignorance about 16" OEM wheels on 1st-gen Foresters.
  • akasrpakasrp Member Posts: 170
    OK. Your thoughts on the good, bad & ugly accessories?

    Splash guards. I assume easy screw on install. Lock-tite or any other tips? IIRC, I just screwed the flaps on my Camry with no special care and no probs 7 years later...

    Bug deflector. How does it co-exist with the scoop? May look OK on White. Bra essentially sanded the nose off my last white car. Desert and all that.

    Bumper cover. Just self-stick?

    Have to decide whether to go RoofRack or HitchMount for Bikes.

    Making appt for Tint (20% back/35% front?) asap. Any special considerations?

    Appreciate any/all input on the above and anything else to make the White Rabbit (Was seriously reminded of my 77 VW Rabbit (on 'roids) as I took the long way home from the dealer yesterday) more functional.

    -srp
  • ace1000ace1000 Member Posts: 151
    I installed these tires on my Volvo 850 wagon, and they appear to be a big improvement over the high-rated Dunlops I had. Steering is more responsive and the car rides better. And they were on sale. Even the 50 series is rated M+S. I believe the 60 series come with a better warranty.

    The dealer had stacks of them waiting to be installed on customers' cars. The dealer knew about the CR report before it came out, and said he recommended them to a customer who insisted that Continental was a better tire. After the CR report was published, the customer came back and wanted to see if he could get a full refund in exchange for the Falkens.

    If the Falkens fit the XT, I would recommend them.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They do. I actually got some for my Miata. So far so good.

    Dry traction is so good that I get a little tramlining, i.e. follows the grooves in the road. It's better now after a few miles, but traction is awesome.

    -juice
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Splash guards.

    Mine came already installed from the port-of-entry, but I highly recommend them. These last weeks of heavily-sanded roads were probably murder on my rocker panels, but would have been even worse without the guards.

    Bug deflector. How does it co-exist with the scoop?

    I don't believe you can/should use the bug deflector from a standard Forester; it would disrupt and spoil laminar airflow to the scoop. One owner on another forum meticulously modified one by cutting it down an inch or so in the middle 10", then polishing the cut edge with compound and a Dremel tool. Looked quite nice when he got done. Don't know whether Subaru offers a different XT-specific deflector yet.

    Bumper cover. Just self-stick?

    Yup, after cleaning the paint with alcohol to get good adhesion. Same goes for the nifty bumper-corner rub strips. I wanted those on mine, but none were available. Meanwhile, I had to push my wife in the Concorde once, and scuffed my front bumper. <sob>

    Have to decide whether to go RoofRack or HitchMount for Bikes.

    Neither is good for Harleys.

    Making appt for Tint

    Ash blonde, or platinum?

    What about the nifty column-mount boost gauge? Mine was $200 installed, and the fun factor has already paid that back.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Bug deflector. How does it co-exist with the scoop?

    Defininte no-no. I suggest you go the clear-bra route. That's what I'm going to do (hope to get installed Friday).

    -Frank P.
  • akasrpakasrp Member Posts: 170
    Man, JB, I feel like I'm in the Poconos! <gr>

    OK - BugShield out (until/if an XT version appears)
    SplashGuards, BumperStep and CornerGuards in

    Who do y'all like for online sube-parts shopping?

    s(avvy)rp
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    I had the stone guard installed when I got my XT because my other Forester's bumper was really taking a beating. So far after all the rotten weather we've had, road salt, dirt, gravel, sand, etc that have hit the bumper, its holding up great.

    The kit for my XT had a lot of pieces for the bumper, I'm not sure I'd attack that myself without some practice. The outfit that did mine warranted it for 3 yrs, including a guarantee it wouldn't leave any traces / discoloration if it was ever removed.

    If you haven't already, for about $30 I'd add a cabin air filter. I've got them in both my Subie's and after about 7500 miles of the polluted northeast, they're filthy.

    HTH
    Larry
  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    ..to cluster around 30 for X/XS. XT looking at 24-25. This a fair call? I'm certainly impressed..ez
  • deadeye5deadeye5 Member Posts: 93
    Went by the Detroit Auto show. The Subaru display was Super. One thing I noticed on one of the models was a screen (About 1/4" squares) over the cooler -to catch bugs & leaves i guess.. Have any of you installed such a device ?? It was not attached to the hood scoop, just bent around the edges of the cooler.

                                Curious Deadeye sends
  • pgillpgill Member Posts: 84
    Thanks everyone for their input on XT MT vs AT. I ended up choosing the AT. Factors that swayed me to AT were lack of significant performance or gas mileage difference and my wife can't drive a MT. There were times when it would have been convenient for us to swap cars but we couldn't since my current car is a MT.

    My dealer doesn't have the color I want in stock so he is willing to locate one from nearby dealers. However, he is not using a flat bed but will have someone drive it over. He estimated the car may have as much as 200 miles on the odometer this way. The alternative is to factory order it and wait about 6 weeks. What are the break-in procedures for XT? Since it has a turbo motor, should break-in procedure be followed a little more carefully? Any opinions?

    TIA
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    "The 'auto gas shutoff' problem Bob mentioned doesn't have anything to do with a car or its fuel system;..."

    Ok, I've got it now. I'm referring to a specific problem. Last night during fueling, the pump initially stopped at $6.50. After about a dozen fill/clicks cycles, I squeezed another $5.25 into the tank.

    Frank, I've only added 4 tanks since I got the car and it's happened 3 times using 3 different stations.

    -Dennis
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I used window screen on my WRX. It's very effective and makes cleaning up bugs easy. You can make it more elaborate and stronger with something like gutter guard.

    -Dennis
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Dennis- Then perhaps you've got a plugged gas vapor return vent hose (or whatever they call the gizmo that equalizes the pressure in the tank).

    -Frank P.
  • lfdallfdal Member Posts: 679
    TIA - Unless he's willing to cut you a deal for a car with 200 miles on it, I'd wait if possible.

    Whoever's transporting that car probably isn't worried too much about proper break-in...on the other hand, they'll probably get a chance to really put it through its paces for you.

    Call me cynical :<)

    Larry
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    the extra gas after shut off doesn't sound good. It isn't a plugged line, because the gas station hose has a return vent on it that vaccuums away excess pressure that could be developing in your fuel tank.

    There should be no way to squeeze an extra 2-3 gallons in a tank. Admittedly, when I fill up on the empty line, I only get 13.8 gallons to go in, so in theory I could be short 2-3 gallons when I drive away. But I always get 330-400 miles per tank, so I don't worry about it. Second click, I am out of the tank.

    The danger of overfilling is permanent damage to your vapor system, a check engine light, and major non-warranty costs. Don't sweat it, just quit filling when it clicks the first or second time.

    John
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Thanks for the info. I did the math and I was able to get 3.28 additional gallons in after the first click. The needle was under the full mark on two other fill-ups as well.

    I'll make a trip to the dealer if it continues.

    -Dennis
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    I've never come even close to 25. My best-ever tank was mid-23, and I haven't come close to that since.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Several people have purchased a piece of 'hardware cloth' (galvanized woven wire mesh) at Home Depot-type stores and cut it to cover the IC. If you cut it slightly larger in one dimension and then curve it, it will have just enough "spring" to hold itself in place without any attachment.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    not using a flat bed but will have someone drive it over. He estimated the car may have as much as 200 miles on the odometer this way.

    I would accept this approach only if I can arrange to be the driver from there to here. Nobody else is going to put even 10 miles on my brand-new car until after I've broken it in according to my rules, which are twice as restrictive as Subaru's.

    footnote: Knowing that the 5-speed XT I ordered would likely be the first one to arrive in Portland, I required my dealer to agree in writing that no one would drive it any farther than the absolute minimum necessary to get it off the truck and prepare it for delivery. No way was anybody (whether customer or dealer employee) going to 'try it out'. I was there when the truck arrived; it had about 2.2 miles. When delivered to me several days later, it had 2.6.
  • akasrpakasrp Member Posts: 170
    fyi:
    These guys show a Genuine Subaru XT-specific deflector ($55)

    http://www.allsubaru.com/catalog.html
  • stuhallstuhall Member Posts: 59
    Odd that this was a topic today as I was going to post on it.

    Today I'm driving on the highway and all of a sudden there is a blizzard of styrofoam pieces on the highway. (when has anyone ever seen this, am I cursed?)

    As I'm dodging pieces of styrofoam I'm thinking this can't be good if it goes in the scoop. I assumed there was some type of screen in there.....Do people usually add something later? Are debris in there a legit concern?

    TIA,
    Stuart (first time Turbo Scoop owner)
  • stuhallstuhall Member Posts: 59
    Anyone heard of True Grey window tint? It's a high end option I've seen at the local tint place and I'm looking for anyone's experiences.

    Interested to know what tints people have selected and their level of satisfaction (especially on a Black XT)

    Thoughts/opinions? Thanks!
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Although the intercooler fins are very easily bent, I don't think styrofoam bits (or leaves, etc) entering the scoop are apt to bend them. They certainly might block it, but shouldn't damage it. The bent-fin damage is more likely to occur from hamfisted mechanics working carelessly. An owner-added screen of hardware cloth or something similar would (IMO) be a very good idea. I just haven't got a round tuit just yet.
  • akasrpakasrp Member Posts: 170
    same link as above, find:

    Grillcraft Hood Scoop Insert - 02/03 WRX '04 Forester XT (BLACK/SILVER)
     BLACK
    Grillcraft Hood Scoop Insert
    Fits: 2002 - 2003 WRX, 2004 Forester XT
    $84.95

    Seems a tad steep. Would appreciate any DIY info if anybody has made a screen they're particulary happy with...
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    For under 5 bucks you could cut one out of hardware cloth. It won't fit inside the scoop, it'll fit over the I/C - but I'd prefer that because the screen is more accessible and easier to clean. Who am I kidding - I never clean anything. You should see my poor XT right now, after two weeks of driving on snowy, then sanded, then slushy, then dry-and-dusty roads. Filthy. Can't even tell what color it is.
  • subiegalsubiegal Member Posts: 3
    Grillcraft Hood Scoop Insert - 02/03 WRX '04 Forester XT (BLACK/SILVER) BLACK
    Grillcraft Hood Scoop Insert
    Fits: 2002 - 2003 WRX, 2004 Forester XT
    $84.95

    price may be 'steep' but it's worth it.
    this is not some flimsy mesh :)

    it's powdercoated STEEL. doesnt bend. doesnt rust. doesnt need painting....
    and i have all 3 pieces on my wrx ;)

    jamie
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Jamie's first post! Welcome aboard SubieGal!

    Bob
  • fastfreezerfastfreezer Member Posts: 2
    Anyone know the specific pros and cons of
    California emissions vs federal emissions
    on an xt with a/t? Any difference in actual
    hp, tq, mpg, or driveability? The local service
    manager only knew that the timing belts are
    different and ca foresters list replacing at
    105k vs 60k for fed.

    Ken
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Good to see you here!

    Ed
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Actually 105k is standard for all models.

    Welcome Jamie, your reputation precedes you :-)

    -Frank P.
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    Stu, you live in California. For a real thrill during the Summer drive up Interstate 5 during Tomato harvest season. My rented Hertz car looked like Ketchup! About Tinting on the Black XT, it was highly suggested to go with the Dark Black Tint, although it is illegal almost everywhere including Florida where we have no Laws! However, I went with no tint to be unique, as I can hardly see out of the Auto Dimming Mirror anyway ( sure I could just turn it off). I thought you were going to get rid of the XT after all the problems you reported?
  • stuhallstuhall Member Posts: 59
    All dark black tint would look good on the black XT...but I'm torn between that and the True Grey, but it's hard to find info on the differences/advantages.

    Regarding my problems with Subaru, they are 95% resolved. If you'll remember, I used to have a RED XT. I'd rather not comment past that until it's completely resolved.

    Now....if someone could help me out with some info on those darn cargo nets.....

    BTW, the auto dimming mirror and the auto climate control are worthless IMHO. They actually detract from the XT as I'd rather have the option of full time manual control because they are so bad. Still....I love this car.

    My neighbor just bought a used 4Motion Passat. What a great interior and the doors are so solid and heavy feeling. Too bad I don't like German cars. Something about the ergonomics just don't feel right and I didn't care for all that wood paneling. Still, the steering wheel leather and interior is a step up from the XT. But, the XT is way more fun to drive/own. They just realized they have a bad oil leak, not sure where it's coming from yet. VW reliability does not impress me.
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    And Black too, best color, good for you Stu! With the dark Black tint you will have more protection against the Sun, more Privacy, and it will cost more. The Con's, those Interceptor CHP Mustangs are more likely to write you a Ticket, and it is harder to see out of dark tinted Windows. I agree with you about the Mirror and the Auto climate System, had to fight with it tonight on my way to work, I mean off means OFF, except in the Subaru XT, where Hal 2004 is controlling the Climate! While I am really happy with my XT, I had some very similar complaints, and a Dealer who just knew how to sell em', not Service them!
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Hmm, Bob and juice must've told you about this place. :-)

    -Dennis
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    BTW, the auto dimming mirror and the auto climate control are worthless IMHO.

    Having prior experience with auto-dimming mirrors, I deliberately excluded that item from my XT. I'm far happier reaching up and flipping a simple toggle if/when some moron's bright lights annoy me. And I have never really understood the need for automatic climate controls. Bi-level, yes (cool above, warm below). Maybe separate left-right controls - maybe. But I'm never so busy in a car that I can't tweak the fan speed or temp dial to my liking.

    For those on a budget (like frugal me) and interested in protecting your intercoolers: Hardware cloth, despite its odd name, is made of steel, is not flimsy, will not rust, and never needs painting. It is galvanized (yielding a dull silver color that looks like it was made for your I/C), can be bought in light or heavy-gauge grades and with a variety of mesh (opening) sizes, is easily trimmed with snips, and (IMO) is perfect for economically shielding your I/C from damage.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Okay, it pains me to admit it :-) but after almost a month of ownership I'm ready to agree that the auto AC sucks. I am 100% satisfied with the manual mode but am tired of "Hal 2004" constantly trying to take over :-)

    If someone figures out how to permanently bypass, disengage or disable the auto mode please send me the instructions. Do you think an owner friendly service dept might be willing to help?

    It's too bad that the auto AC has to be so contrary because other than that, I'm completely satisfied with my XT. Can you believe that I've already racked up almost 1,500 miles?!?!

    -Frank P.
  • overtime1overtime1 Member Posts: 134
    Why do people not like auto-dimming mirrors? They don't bother me at all.

    overtime
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Why do people not like auto-dimming mirrors? They don't bother me at all.

    Different strokes. I don't like the color of the tint on several I've seen; the darkening action is sometimes not as instant as flipping a toggle; and they cost more than standard mirrors that work perfectly well for me. And you've probably seen reports here from people who parked on hot days, maybe with sunroof open, and came back to mirrors that were dripping their liquid crystal - requiring expensive replacement. Nothing has ever failed on any simple manual mirror I've ever owned. I'm a firm believer in the KISS principle.

    Well, you asked...
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