Subaru XT Turbo Forester

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Comments

  • krccrkkrccrk Member Posts: 36
    When I took my FXT 5sp in to get options installed they gave me an old automatic Forester as a loaner. I was amazed at how much more nimble it felt, though the steering effort didn't seem higher. Could be other things like weight, suspension, etc. but for whatever reason the handling is not as fun, but I knew that when I bought it.

    Ken
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I've got to disagree. I owned the previous version of the Forester for almost four years and there's no discernable difference between the way it handled and how the FXT handles. There is of course a world of difference in acceleration :-)

    -Frank P.
  • lbhaleylbhaley Member Posts: 91
    I have to agree with Frank P. My previous car was a 98 Forester S. When I bought my XT there was about a week when I actually had both cars at the same time. I drove them back to back several times. The XT was smoother, quieter, and much more powerful but the handling felt about the same. There wasn't enough difference for me to notice. Loved the 98, love the XT even more.

    -les
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Perhaps the speeds are higher, so you're asking more from the suspension?

    You could say the base model is better balanced, i.e. the stock setup can more easily handle 165hp vs. 210hp (of course).

    -juice
  • krccrkkrccrk Member Posts: 36
    Okay, well there is probably something wrong with my XT or its driver. :^)

    juice: I don't think the speeds are higher but maybe I'm trying to steer under stonger acceleration.

    Anyway it's still a great vehicle and it doesn't bug near as much as the climate control system.

    Ken
  • oregonboyoregonboy Member Posts: 1,650
    Check your tire pressures.

    Other than that, just two words: rear swaybar. If upgrading the rear bar on a Forester makes even half the difference that it made on my Tacoma, it will pay big dividends in driving pleasure.

    Understeer = unresponsive handing. SLIGHT oversteer = responsive handling. All things in moderation though. Excess oversteer = exiting the asphalt tail-lights first.

    james
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    if the sway bar is a weakling, why would SOA not standardize everything to the bigger bar? What does the bigger bar detract from?

    John
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    To keep the non-enthusiast types out of trouble and avoid legal issues resulting from excess oversteer, IMO.

    -Dennis
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    All cars sold in the US have a tendancy to push (understeer) as a safety feature/liability feature. It's much safer for inexperienced/non-enthusiastic drivers to have a car push rather than have the back kick out.

    -mike
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    the weak swaybar choice is to reduce first generation corvair type issues. Is that a fair conclusion?

    John
  • pon1pon1 Member Posts: 196
    Is it reasonable to expect my dealer to switch out the standard FXT swaybar for a 20mm Sti swaybar, bushings and clamps during the pre delivery inspection on a brand new car, and could I expect any credit for the standard unused parts? Are Sube dealers generally OK with doing this kind of mod - it is not "factory approved" but seems so widespread. Will they ensure there is enough clearance between the bar and the evap canister (as has been noted elsewhere)?

    I will of course check that the 05 Forester does not already come standard with this mod :)

    Also can anyone explain what an "adjustable" sway bar is - I thought the 20mm referred to the diameter of the bar.

    James
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    I've heard of one instance of a dealer refusing to install suspension parts. You can thank the lawyers. If I were a dealer, no way I'd offer to make a change like that. You get in an accident and point the finger at the dealer. Another reason to keep John Edwards as far away from the Whitehouse as possible.
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    It really depends on the dealer. I've seen where people request that, and the dealer said no. Same thing for any of the SPT parts. Some will, some won't.

    I read on another forum that someone installed their swaybar and it wasn't close enough to the evap. cannister to cause a concern.

    An adjustable swaybar is "adjustable". :-)
    You will usually have 3 settings to choose from (i.e. 20, 22, 24). 22 or 24 might be overkill for some people depending on your needs.

    -Dennis
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I can't recommend this upgrade for anyone who hasn't had at least a little real-world driver training. Maybe going up one size is fine, but after that the car is going to be very biased toward oversteer, and 99.99% of American drivers have no idea what that feels like until they've stuffed one into a Jersey wall.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    What's the stock swaybar size? IIRC someone said it was only a 13 and that an 18 would get you the closest to neutral handling.

    -Frank P.
  • pon1pon1 Member Posts: 196
    17mm and hollow, STi is 20mm and solid.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    (I cross-posted here assuming that folks likely run more crossover type meats on their Foresters than will most WRX drivers) Any sage advice out there for a tire with more aggressive tread for a WRX?
    I really don't need an optimum road performance tire, as I don't/won't be pushing any handling limits on pavement. I will be doing a good deal of dirt road driving come the thaw, and I'd rather gain improved handling in those conditions.
    Most of my driving is still going to be the daily commute, so nothing that's going to drive me too insane with its buzzing on pavement. I don't care about it's snow performance. We drive on ice for most of our winter, so I'll be running ice radials in winter.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Honestly? If I were the dealer, no way would I install it for free. I'd charge, sure. They have to pay their mechanics.

    And the credit for the 17mm sway bar? Who's gonna buy it from them? It'll be in the dumpster in 5 minutes. They gotta pay the guy to throw it away. ;-)

    So I think you might be expecting a bit too much. Maybe if you walked in and agreed to pay MSRP, sure, they'd roll out the red carpet and absord little losses in labor and parts.

    Consider yourself lucky if you find a mod-friendly dealer that will even do it at all, for a fee.

    -juice
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    opinions vary greatly on these. I have stock Dunlop SP 4000 on our Mazda MPV, they are quiet and very sticky. They wear fast though.

    I may look at these when I need to replace my Geolanders. The Geos are a good all around tire, but they are fingered for noisiness.

    John
  • rpm1234rpm1234 Member Posts: 3
    OK, I think I am very close to purchasing a red FXT A/T. I have been reading this board for a while and the only issue I have seen other than the minor complaints is the problem with the A/T going out of gear and revving the engine. Is this something I should be concerned about.

    I am really excited about all the safety aspects of the car and the turbo.

    Any other positive or negative comments would be appreciated.

    Thanks
  • deadeye5deadeye5 Member Posts: 93
    1234---MY comments are ALL positive..Have a Gold
    XT with about 5K mi. on it. NO probs. at all. I do recall a Poster on here did have a Trans prob. but, Subaru did it all right for him..Either a new tranny OR a new Subie. He will see this and enlighten you I feel sure..

                                 Deadeye
  • atlgaxtatlgaxt Member Posts: 501
    My wife has a gold XT w/ AT (PP) & 6k. No problems. We love it. Actually, only problem is now I want a Subaru of my own. Hopefully I can swing a new Outback XT sometime soon. Pull the trigger. You won't regret it.
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    In the 8 Months that my black XT has been on the Road, I have never seen another Forester, and hardly any Subaru's too. If you can put up with some noises & rattles, and yes some possible A/T Transmission issues, do it, you will love it. Oh, don't overlook HAL 2004, the Forester's On board Environmental Computer, he's another story!
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    I have the exact same car you want to buy and after 7,000 miles and 7 months I have had NO problems. The A/T is a very good match for the engine. I like it more every day. It served me well during the winter snow, and the combination of power, handling and comfort is unbeatable at this price.
  • bobshere1bobshere1 Member Posts: 59
    Another vote for the AT FXT! I love mine.

             Bob
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    Anyone check their transmission fluid for the manual? Mine read just at the "L". Is this unusual? Reading the fluids on this car is a problem. It seems like every time I check the oil it says it's too low or too full. I'm curious to see if everybody's manual transmission fluid reads low or should I add some more?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    However is it an AT or MT?

    -mike
  • dcm61dcm61 Member Posts: 1,567
    He mentions manual 3 times.

    The level should be on F or at least between L and F.

    DaveM
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I'm on my third manual Sube (from 2 different dealers) and all three were on or just above "L" when I first checked them. My current dealer told me they allow room for expansion.

    -Dennis
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    The manufacturer sent a revised CG-Lock seatbelt adjuster. This one does a better job of clamping to the seatbelt latch tongue. I've now been using it for several days, and it's working fine. Recommended for those who want their belts to hold tightly across the hips.

    40 bucks including shipping from http://www.chasecam.com/cg-lock.htm
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Glad you finally found something that works for you.

    -Frank P.
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Jack-
    that's great, I'm glad too that it's working for you :)

    -Dave
  • stuhallstuhall Member Posts: 59
    I had the bad transmission which would fall out of gear at coasting speeds on the highway. There was another poster on here a few weeks ago who had the same problem. I never heard what resolution he came to with Subaru.

    I got a replacement XT but only after I very vocally complained about them trying to replace the transmission on a new car.

    Now I wish I would have talked them into trading me into a Legacy. :-)
  • bobshere1bobshere1 Member Posts: 59
    I just put on the 20mm STi rear swaybar. I could feel the improvement immediately in the twisty's. The handling of my FXT with 17inch Falken Ziex and the 20mm bar is amazing!!!!

            Bob
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Tried installing mine last weekend and broke the bolt on the bracket. :-( I'm getting a new one shipped express.
    I'm really looking forward to it. Next, I'll need new rubber.

    -Dennis
  • deadeye5deadeye5 Member Posts: 93
    Is it my PC or ??? I have not seen one Post since 4/02/04 ?????

                                       Deadeye
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    guess everyone is out driving their XT's! Me, I'm still waiting for mine, looks like end of the month for my order to come in. Can't wait!

    -Brian
  • samiam_68samiam_68 Member Posts: 775
    ...everyone is waiting for the '05 Legacy/Outbck XT....
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Not me. I'm perfectly satisfied with my FXT. I guess I could depress the masses with how good my gas mileage has been... Nah :-)

    -Frank P.
  • atlgaxtatlgaxt Member Posts: 501
    I have found another advantage to my puke green a/k/a Sierra Gold Forester. Besides the first one (not having to worry about those pesky vomit stains if someone pukes on it), the color really hides the pine pollen. Maybe in 2005 Forester XTs will add another color or two to their limited selection.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    That was my instant reaction when I first saw Sierra Gold. But hey, choose the colour that works for you. Just got an interesting fact from a dealer, that the #1 new car colour in Vancouver is white, but in the interior (northern part of the province - aka the shooting gallery) silver is #1 by far. I like my other choice Champagne Pewter Metallic I think it's called that we have on our Yukon XT. I like to call it "road spray", and it's perfect. You can have 1/8 of road spray on that vehicle and it blends like it was airbrushed.
    Our pine pollen will be starting soon - everything gets that yellow coating. Maybe that's why Sandra chose yellow for the Beetle!

    Nicholas
  • atlgaxtatlgaxt Member Posts: 501
    of our XT, but my wife (the primary driver) wanted AT, Leather and sunroof. There were three vehicles meeting that description when we were buying within 300 miles of Atlanta, only one of which (the one we bought) was in Atlanta. Of the other colors we thought -

    White - Makes the Forester look like a household appliance.
    Silver - Wife does not like, don't ask me why.
    Black - Normally our color of choice for cars, but we did not like the Brown spots.
    Red - If I could have got it with the tan interior, we would have waited or special ordered.

    Basically, none of the choices floated our boat enough to turn down the one sitting right their in front of us. Besides that, as the McDonald's commercial says, we're lovin it.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If anyone is not happy with their color and wants to trade even for a '98 in wonderful beautiful spectacular Acadia Green Metallic, please let me know. ;-)

    -juice
  • deadeye5deadeye5 Member Posts: 93
    Living here in NW Fla. the color is ideal ...
    We have weeks a HEAVY pollen and it barely shows on the Gold color..Those short (I call em mop on a stick) dusters are a needed item here -it gets the pollen off super easy..

                                   Deadeye
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    No takers? Rats.

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Wait til Sandy finds out you've been shopping her around! :(o)

    -Frank P.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I gotta give her the 60k service to appease her, she's overdue.

    -juice
  • miamixtmiamixt Member Posts: 600
    we must admit the Colors are limited, however I was told those Spots you speak about are actual Gold, I think the Sales Guy said so? What a strange Black!
  • ugly2ugly2 Member Posts: 22
    I'm appraoching 7k on my MT FXT and have finally appraoched 23mpg,(yeah)70hwy/30city. Not that care about my gas mileage,it's just I've been waiting to break 23. Sway-bar question. Haven't looked under it yet but but does anyone know if a bolt on trailer hitch will interfer with the installation of an aftermarket 20mm sway bar? Also, has anyone done the STi spring and sway bar combo w/o changing to 17 in. rims and performance tires? Feedback appreciated.

    Thanks Ugly2. Used to be Ugly1 but couldn't figure out how to keep Ugly1 when they changed the entry system to this message board.
  • samiam_68samiam_68 Member Posts: 775
    Got 24.8 MPG - 90/10 hwy/city, AC off, avg 70 MPH, no cruise. 306 miles, 12.3 gallons. This is the highest ever for my MT XT. I think NJ just switched to summer gas as of Apr. 1, which yields 5-10% higher MPG than winter gas.
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