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Comments
When I first started checking it, I was getting 19 and 20 city. I got 22 on a February trip to Pittsburgh (using reformulated gas).
-Dennis
-Frank P
Oh, that's also true! Perhaps we should take all mileage claims with the proverbial grain of salt.
tidester, host
Funny thing happened to me after my first oil change that I thought would be worth mentioning.
It seems that the dealer tightened the oil plug nut a bit too tight and as a result cracked the washer. Because of that overtightening, I had a slow drip oil leak. Since I only drive on the weekends, I really didn't notice it that much until the car started to smell (oil dripping started to burn and I could then smell it). I pulled over, found the oil level dangerously low, and dropped in two quarts before making it to the dealer's service department which was about two hours away. I figured out that as long as the engine was going the oil would circulate and therefore not leak so I was fine.
The dealer was pretty open about the mistake and made it up to me with a lot of free stuff that really made me happy--and, look, car dealer or not, we all make mistakes--it's how we deal with mistakes that make us better or worse than others. Before we get into arguments about the dealer's mistake, rest assured, I have been taken care of in a more than satisfactory manner.
I have been told by more the one source that the oil plug on the XT is non-standard and potentially finicky, so, anyone out there getting an oil change soon, it is worth reminding your service department to be careful...
Did you mean that you've never averaged 22 mpg for a tank or were you referring to the lifetime cumulative average?
Cumulative average. Currently around 21.5 through 7K miles.
Ken:
Are you comfortably past the break-in period yet? If yes, it might be an interesting experiment to measure your gas milage driving at higher average RPMs.
Yes on the break-in, but...some engines make nice sounds that encourage higher revs - mainly inline sixes and V-12s. Unlike most Sube-ophiles, I can't honestly say I like the XT's engine note under part throttle at much above 3,000 RPM. The sound is coarse, and it's partly to avoid it that I usually upshift below 3K. It's a whole different situation under wide-open throttle at higher revs; then, the engine note is terrific. However, the XT has so much performance that there are few occasions in "normal" everyday driving when WOT-to-the-redline is appropriate (IMO).
-Frank P
-Frank P
I was really pleased.
I called the dealer and said I was having the problem and they told me to rush right over (granted, not how I wanted to spend a Saturday morning, but what can you do?).
After looking at the car for about 15 minutes they immediately apologized, admitted the mistake was entirely their fault, told me they were incredibly sorry, understood that I was peeved, and asked me to give them a chance to make it up to me.
Long story short, they changed the oil, washed the car, degreased the engine, gave me free oil changes for a year, threw in a bunch of Subaru accessories (about $100 plus worth)...and covered the cash outlay for gas getting to the dealer and the oil I bought on the side of the road. I probably should have held out for lunch, at least, but I do want to go back there, you know.
Others may feel differently on this message board but I felt that was fair recompense for what in the end was an honest mistake. Plus, I have to say, I really love this car.
Given the XT's disappointingly mediocre 18-23 EPA ratings, my 21.5 overall average is 20% above the city rating and only 7% below the highway number. I've owned cars that did worse in comparison to their EPA ratings. However, as one who cares about reducing our dependence on mideast oil, there's just something psychologically off-putting about being in the low 20s instead of the mid-20s.
Most of my cars over the years have been comparable to the Forester in MPG:
85 Supra 2.8L - 23 MPG - same weight, RWD, good power
88 Supra Turbo 3.0L - 21 MPG - heavier, RWD, great power
ex-wife's 87 LeBaron Turbo 2.2L - 23 MPG - lighter, FWD, good power
ex-wife's 96 Integra 1.8L - 27 MPG - much lighter, FWD, good power
96 Legacy Wagon 2.2L - 25 MPG - a bit lighter, AWD, very underpowered
00 GS 400 4.0L - 21 MPG - heavier, RWD, great power
All were 5-speed manuals except the Lexus. All cars had electronic fuel injection, and were within 6 MPG of each other.
If you consider the XT's awesome power, AWD, average weight, and worse than average aerodynamics, then 21-22 MPG is right in the ballpark. I'm not sure how it could be made that much more efficient without sacrificing one of those attributes unless Subaru starts making hybrid powertrains.
Ken
-Dave
Now all that remains is to get an electric impact wrench (for quicker changeovers) and then decide between Winterforce and Hankook HPW401 studded snows. Given how outstanding the XT was on all-season Geolanders up and down major hills in over a foot of ice-crusted snow last winter, it ought to be without peer on real winter tires.
Is there a good lift point under the side sill where a floor jack can safely lift an entire side at once, to enable rotating front-to-back more easily?
Regarding all the comments about xt gas mileage, I'm trading a toyota landcruiser, so I guess it's all relative. 20mpg or thereabouts sounds pretty good right now.
Anyway, is the automatic trans worth considering and can you get leather with 5sp (don't need a sunroof)? thanks for the help.
I ordered a 5-speed XT, then test-drove the XT automatic and loved it. I went ahead and bought the 5-speed, but I think the XT with automatic is a better car.
Bob
Thanks
John
lbhaley Dec 10, 2003 12:23pm
Looks like 65# was the target.
Steve, Host
In searching this thread, I saw one comment that the 05 FXT would have an option of the premium package with the manual transmission. Does anyone have any knowledge about whether this is the case or not?
BTW, what do people think about the 05 outbacks with 250 hp? There are so so many outbacks here in VT, I like the FXT because they are a lot less common.
This is a great way of sharing info..thanks!
Yes I think there will be a 05 FXT premium MT with both leather and moonroof (and power drivers seat). If you want an 04 with leather but without the moonroof you can always go the after-market route.
-Frank P
I've been awaiting the '05 Outbacks to compare to the FXT, but the deals are so good on the '04 FXT that I'm wavering.
The '05 FXT PP is slated to come with the MT, so I'm probably going to hold out.
Zman
Wheel offset on my 03 Forester was the same as the 04 XT's. Also I believe some very helpful person posted a list of different wheel offsets quite a while back. I seem to recall the later model Outbacks are the same as the Foresters - 48mm?
Parigi - email me (use the one in my profile) and I'll let you know how I made out.
HTH
Larry
Also, I believe its been posted you can lift the entire front by lifting under the front cross member. I think Mike (paisan) says he's done this with no problems. But better check to be sure. I think I asked this of SOA and if so I'll check my archived e-mails and post again.
Also - major caution - the side rails underneath are not very robust - nowhere near as solid as on the wife's OBW - the dealer already had to replace one of mine by putting it on a lift about 2 inches back from where it should have gone. Even when its placed on a 4 point lift properly, have some touch up paint ready when it comes down. They're plastic, so they won't rot, but when you're approaching the car from the side, they're plenty visible.
I can't remember - does your XT have the monotone paint, or do you have the different color lower cladding? I think the non-monotone cladding is still more like the OBW and somewhat stronger.
The dealer told me he has no idea why they're not as well reinforced as on the OBW. I can attest to that personally as its a heck of a lot easier to jack / lift my wife's OBW.
HTH
Larry
The Geolanders are stealthy by comparison.
HTH
Larry
It's safe. Just don't mistake the oil pan as the jack point.
-Dave
Now that would be painful..
-Frank P
My kind of formula! :-)
At the moment, I pick it up in the front, jack stand it, then pick it up in the rear with the floor jack. Bit ackward.
John
Yes, my highly modern lift technique (old piece of wood, slotted) works quite well. I can rotate the tires F<->R in just minutes.
-juice
My Dad used to say that all cars will have power output and fuel efficiency sweet spots which are mostly a combo of fuel/air mix,rpm, and afterload. Fun part is finding those sweet spots. XT must be running leaner in around 3k range.
Nicholas
in driveway just inside R.F tire. Oil all over the axle,boot & suspension. Went by a dealer today--found the shock was leaking at the top. Seems a O ring and or gasket is bad. They ordered me a new shock (all under warranty..}Car was not sagging or did not have any other noticeable ailments.
Deadeye
Bob
-mike
-juice
I just brought home my 2004 Forester XT, manual, in Java Black Pearl, yesterday.
Got my first head turn/stare this morning dropping my daughter off at school. I don't think many people have seen these, because I'm looking for them on the road, and they're hard to find. Makes me feel like part of an exclusive club!
It's hard trying to be "good" during the break-in, but you can still feel the turbo acceleration under 4K rpm.
It's also nice to have such a lethal vehicle with such a low police profile. No "turbo" written on the vehicle or anything. Most people probably don't even know what the "T" in "XT" is for!
I went to the dealership expecting to buy a WRX, but when the salesman said "you know, there's a turbo in the Forester, too", I was very surprised. I think the Forester interior is much nicer than the WRX, and has better visibility and is more practical. That mix of practicality and VRRRRROOOOM sold me on the FXT!
Also, I got a great deal using the VIP program. (My son's baseball coach is some sort of regional manager...) If you're reading, "Thanks, Scott!"
Walt
I've only seen a couple silver ones and a red one on the road around here.
What options did you get?
-Brian
Mine came with Packages 1D, 3B, and 7 (from memory, I think that's right)
that included: auto-dimming mirror/compass
cargo net
mud guards
cargo tray
bumper cover
armrest extension
interior air filtration system
security system
It was $24378 invoice, including ad fee and freight. I added the Subaru extended warranty, taking it to 6 yrs/80K miles. Usually, I don't do this, but since it's Subaru and not some fly-by-night insurance company, I bucked for the no-deductible plan. I got it at a discount as part of the VIP program.
The lines on this vehicle are incredible! I stand there staring at it from all angles, like I do my '65 Mustang FB. They are both works of art!
Walt