Subaru Forester

ateixeira

Good point, Frank, in fact we did this on our 02 Legacy. Here's proof, and it only cost about $70 for the tire (see pic) since I had a spare steel wheel.

It supposedly does not fit on an Outback, but on our Legacy it does, and the 06 Forester should since it did for the 05 and the spare tire well does not look any different.

So if you really want a full size spare, just add $150 or so to the price. Steelies are $38 IIRC from Tire Rack, plus the tire, so that should be enough.

-juice

growler5

Is this spare tire included in the tire rotation regime on your Legacy? I'm thinking that it must be, if you need to ensure that all tires have roughly the same diameter.

Seems to me that if you have a full-size spare and it's not included as part of the tire rotation scheme, then you'd have to plan on using the spare only for limited distance driving. So the full-size spare is a must-have only if you routinely encounter driving conditions that a space-saver spare would have trouble handling.

'twould be interesting to take a Subie off-road with space-savers all around and see how it handles the rough stuff on the skinny donuts as compared to the stuffed donuts.

ateixeira

We don't, mainly because that's a black steelie so it doesn't even match the set of alloys we put on it.

However, I took a photo of that same tire next to a donut, look at the difference. The full-size spare is a lot closer to any donut, even in circumference, check it out:

-juice

bayview6

About 20 lbs lighter than regular tire. Tire pressure is 60 psi so check it often.

leo2633

Hey, juice,

I resemble that remark!

Len

ateixeira

Just teasing.

I have a few friends that work in law enforcement.

His plate reads NCIC NEG, I bet you know what that means.

-juice

leo2633

No offense taken!

Yup, I know exactly what that means, and believe me, that's what we like to hear!

Len

andrelaplume

coming for 07 on the Forester.....anything major that is?

ateixeira

Probably not...they might add an aux input jack and some other little stuff like that. 08 is the next generation that will get most of the changes.

-juice

rsholland

New wheels (perhaps 17" like those found in other markets?), and no more steel wheels for base model. Satellite radio and I-pod ready option too.

Bob

dstew1

Wouldn't 17" wheels compromise the stock Forester's offroad ability? Not that it's a rock crawler or anything but some owners still choose to use it for rougher terrain and the current 16" wheels seem to offer the best compromise of ride comfort, handling, and offroad use.

I don't mean to be argumentative - actually I'm throwing this out there because I've been toying with the idea of putting 17s on my FXT but still want the OPTION (2-3x/year) of going offroad without completely thrashing a lower profile tire.

With the goal of improving road handling while maintaining the most of this compromise, my other options are:

1)replacing the Geos with a different 16" tire (e.g. BF Goodrich Traction T/A or Michelin Pilot)
OR
2)replacing the Geos with a different 16" tire AND installing thicker swaybars (which could compromise offroad driving as much or more than the bigger wheels)

Makes me wonder WWSD - will they try to maintain a compromise, or will they make another step toward "premium" status by using the bigger wheel in an effort to appeal to a more refined, civilized customer?

Doug

ateixeira

They could put the 17" on the XT model, and simply give the X model alloys. That'll do fine.

The LL Bean model in particular, with self-leveling shocks, should have the extra sidewall with the 16" rims.

-juice

rsholland

Which is what they do with the Euro-Foresters; the turbos get 17" wheels.

http://www.subaru-global.com/lineup/forester/data_sheet/index.html

Bob

p0926

Doug- A logical 4th option would be to do the plus one upgrade to 17" wheels but keep the 16s and mount some decent knobby tires for offroading.

-Frank

dstew1

Doug- A logical 4th option would be to do the plus one upgrade to 17" wheels but keep the 16s and mount some decent knobby tires for offroading.

Don't think I haven't considered that!

I guess it's time to break the news to my girlfriend that her Protege will be parked in the driveway from now on to make room for my spare wheels!

(and my that I mean that I'll either need to look to rent a storage closet, or look to rent a new place to sleep)

Doug

ateixeira

My snow tires are in the shed. You gotta get a shed! I don't even allow the wife in there.

Of course the basement, attic, kitchen, bedroom, master bath, and pretty much every other room in the house it hers!

-juice

leo2633

My snow tires (5 full sets...don't ask!) are currently taking up a lot of room in the garage. They are finally being moved to the shed this spring, to allow room for the wife's Outback to be parked inside. Isn't it ironic, that the snow tires are going "out back"?

Len

pretzelb

Anyone care to share why they did or did not get a premium package with their Forester? Living in Texas the idea of a sun roof is really not appealing. We spend most of the year trying to hide from the sun - we get very few days that are comfortable for driving with the windows open let alone the sun roof open (it's just too hot). The improved brakes do appeal to me somewhat, but I still think I'd end up wanting more even out of the upgraded stereo. Looking at the sun roof, heated seats, brakes and de-icer I begin to wonder if this package is more suited to someone in a cold climate.

Oh, I loved this comment Juice:

Of course the basement, attic, kitchen, bedroom, master bath, and pretty much every other room in the house it hers!
LOL. You gave up the basement?! Shame on you!! That's supposed to be your hiding spot!!

dirtbag

Pretzelb, I think you're right, most of the premium upgrade is for a cooler climate. Even the improved rear differential would most likely be useful in snowy conditions. I live in the mountains so decided on the premium package for its winter benefits.

growler5

You make a good point about the moonroof (or sunroof) not being (pardon the pun) that hot to have down South as opposed to, say, Pennsylvania. Like the fine print says with regard to gas mileage, your pleasure gained from the moonroof depends on your driving conditions.

During the week I use my XS primarily for commuting to/from work, where I park in the underground areas of the parking garage. Since I'm on the road early in the morning and in the early evening, I don't contend with direct sun that much. With the underground parking, at the end of a summer workday I hop into a car that may be as much as 8-10 degrees cooler than the outside ambient temperature. Thus the sunshade stays unused all week.

Weekends or days off are a different story since I'm more likely to be out in the middle of the day. On sunny days I "pull the shade down" a lot. When I retire in a year or two, that sunshade will get a lot more use than it does now.

X vs XS? I picked XS because there were several nice-to-have extras on the XS in addition to those suited to cold climates. The driver-side power seat and the 6CD player come to mind. If I had gone for the X, I'd be kicking myself now (18 months later) for not spending a bit extra for options that make the daily driving experience more pleasurable.

You're doing the smart thing by taking a critical look at the features that give you the most value for the buck. (And if I were in Texas, I'd definitely be checking out color combinations with light-colored exterior/interiors and cloth seats.)

pretzelb

Thanks for the replies. The differential is tempting but heated seats and sun roof just don't seem to fit where I live right now. The only good thing about excessive heat and a sun roof is that it will "vent" the hot air quickly but in the end you still end up closing it quickly to let the AC do it's thing. I've debated moving back to the Northeast for a long time to get back to regular seasons but I don't think I should buy a car to encourage the process.

The 6 disc cd player would be great to have but I'm mostly interested in an aux mp3 input. The dealer can install one for me for about $150 with the factory unit, but I may go aftermarket to some place like CarToys or BestBuy and upgrade all the speakers along with getting a receiver that has aux input for mp3 players. I don't like the idea of anyone messing with the car besides a dealer but I do think the only way to get a really good sound system is to go outside the dealer.

In the end, I think the icing on the cake is that the base has $2000 cash back right now but the premium only has $1000. So it ends up being a big price swing for something I'm not so sure about. If my climate was different I think I'd have a totally different opinion.

Thanks again.

ateixeira

I'd pass, then. Maybe wait to see if they offer an SE package for the base model in 07. Nah. The X model is hardly stripped, ABS, AWD, power stuff all standard.

The 07 X model is supposed to have alloy wheels. I wonder if they'll make rear brake discs standard?

-juice

pretzelb

The 07 X model is supposed to have alloy wheels. I wonder if they'll make rear brake discs standard?

Heh, that's the last thing I need to hear! I'm trying to force myself to make a decision this week or next and not drag my feet anymore. If I start looking at 07 models I'll never pull the trigger!! I might be willing to put it off longer if my current ride wasn't driving me crazy.

ateixeira

Well, if I had to take an educated guess, I'd say no. Drums have been on there since 1998, and every year it's something I have hoped for and not seen.

I'm sure Murphy's Law will prevail.

-juice

pretzelb

Anyone ever switch from Forester to Outback or vice versa? I saw what I think was an Outback in black and it dawned on me that the so called "wagon" is actually sportier looking (opinion of course) than the Forester. I know the longer wheelbase is going to give it a smoother ride over bumps, and somewhat less agility, but my guess is that they drive very similarily. The target markets that Subaru is trying to hit with some of it's models has confused me in the past so I'd be interested to know who switched between these two models and why.

ateixeira

Not quite the same, but we own a Forester and a Legacy.

The Forester is more fun. Top it off, the shape is more useful. It's easier to get in and out, fits a bigger box, and we just prefer it.

Even though the new Legacy is nicer than the old one, I think I'd still pick a Forester.

-juice

lmn908

Not exactly a switch, but we own both – 2005 LL Bean Forester and 2006 2.5i Outback SE Wagon.

I concur with Juice that the Forester is more fun – it is nimble and quick (even with just the regular 2.5 non-turbo.) It is also very versatile. The roof rack which can hold 150 lbs is very useful – we can put both our kayaks up there without worrying that we are pushing the rack’s capacity. It is also a very safe car for its size.

The Outback is more “refined” – mainly smoother ride and quieter (less engine, road and wind noise) – all important virtues as far as my DW was concerned.

We struggled whether to get a second Forester as opposed to the Outback. Two other things pushed us to the Outback. First, our 2005 Forester is a replacement for a 2002 Forester that was totaled in a rather ugly head-on collision. My wife and I both feel that the car saved our lives, but she did break her leg and spent almost 2 weeks in the hospital. Although she has completely recovered, she has not quite felt comfortable in the passenger seat of the Forester since. Also, with the passenger seat set all the way back, there is an extra inch or so from the base of the dashboard to the passenger seat in the Outback.

Second, the availability of a Nav system was also a plus for the Outback. My wife bought me a Garmin Quest for Christmas in 2004. She thought it would be fun and occasionally useful. We have both been very pleasantly surprised by how useful and helpful it has been (she is constantly borrowing it), such that we thought a built-in Nav system on our next car would be a good idea. The SE package for the Outback is a great deal, particularly as the CD changer and auto transmission were also desirable options for us.

Good luck in choosing.

Larry

pretzelb

I can see the Outback being more "refined". The added length should help there plus you just need a quick look at the dash to tell that Subaru was trying to make you feel like it was more refined. I suppose I should do a test drive but it still confuses me that the models are so close because, while I'm sure the rides are different as you say (nimble, quiet ...), I can't see it being a huge difference. Just more strange marketing from Subaru I guess (my opinion).

ateixeira

You're right, though, they need to do more to distinguish their lineup.

Their smallest engine is 2.5l, their biggest engine just 3.0l. The longest wheelbase is less than 9" longer than their shortest one!

Most manufacturers have a single model that varies more than that.

-juice

richyoung

Greetings good people!

I have come here for assistance on various occasions, and have been grateful for all the help - so here goes another shot...

I seem to have diminished air capacity coming from the center air vents. What could be the problem. Now, I did go to Best Buy and got an after market head unit w/ Sirius...am I up a creek?

Thanks in advance,
Rich

ateixeira

I'm surprised they would have messed with the HVAC, but it's right in that area.

I went from the center console and worked up, so I never touched my vents. But they may have worked top down.

Ask your installer if he fiddled with the tubes.

-juice

richyoung

Thanks, Juice - will do!

bkaiser1

Just a thought, but I once had a wad of napkins get sucked up into the air intake from the glove box...I had no idea why the airflow would nearly shut off when I switched to "recirc"...then the mechanic brought out the offending napkins to show me. This was not on a Forester, so I don't know if that's even possible with your car, but it's worth noting. By the way, I never put napkins in my glove box anymore!

B

ateixeira

Maybe your HVAC system had to sneeze. Did you say, "Bless you"?

-juice

leo2633

I concur with juice and Larry. I have a 2001 Forester S and my wife has a 2003 Outback base wagon, both with the 2.5 engine and 5 speed manual transmission. The Forester feels more nimble than the Outback, and, for me at least, feels more spacious in the driver's seat. You also sit a little higher in the Forester. The cargo area in the Forester has carried everything I've ever needed to carry, and I prefer its greater height to the Outback's greater length. It has been able to fit items that wouldn't quite squeeze into the Outback.

The Outback does ride more smoothly and quietly, however, and it seems downright serene after driving the Forester, which seems to have more road and wind noise. Bottom line: I like her Outback, but I prefer my Forester.

Len

richyoung

thanks - I am taking it back to Best Buy tonight so that can check it out and fix it (I hope)....I am thinking there was a bit of a nudge somewhere. If that course of action comes to nought, I will call my dealer and see what the service people have to say when I bring it in.

Rich

richyoung

Well, Juice, et al, within 2 minutes at Best Buy, things were back to normal. Kid was honest enough to admit that he forgot to reconnect a couple of cables/lines. I was out with the wind blowing in my face (sorta)!

Have a good Earth Day!

Rich

lotboy

Hey,just wondering if any of you have a pic of a 2007 Forester perhaps?
Does anyone know of any minor changes to the 2007 model?
We are going to buy a 2006 and I understand the 07's will be landing on lots in 2 months so just wanted to verify any differences.

thankyou,

DD

rsholland

They will have new wheels (no more steelies on base X model), and will have satellite radio capability. Most likely the will also have slightly lower power rating thanks to the new more conservative SAE rating system. Maybe they will have some other detail upgrades too?

Bob

lecor

Just bought a brand new 2006 Forester XT last Monday. Today (Sunday), the moon roof has decided not to work. The inside panel will not move independently and the moon roof won't close all the way. Any suggestions? We bought the car through AAA (car had 85 miles on it) and everything should be covered under warranty but I'm a little irritated at only have the car less than a week and possibly having to make a trip into a dealer. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

dstew1

The inside panel only moves independently when the moonroof is fully closed - from that position, you can open the inside panel all the way back. Note though that if you open the glass to a point where it crosses paths with the independent cover, the two will automatically re-sync.

As for the moonroof not closing all the way, I'd ask the dealer or you could be in for bigger problems than a faulty mechanism the next time it rains.

Keep in mind that if you only push the "close" button once, the moonroof automatically stops about 8 inches short of closing (to give you time to get your head back in the cabin, I guess). You have to press it again to get it to close fully. I'm not sure if that's what's happening in your case, but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway, especially if you didn't pick it up from a dealer who would have been able to give you a good overview of the vehicle.

Doug

ateixeira

Glad to hear they were honest and resolved the issue quickly for you.

-juice

jsr

I had an '04 Forester XT that was terrific. After our daughter graduated from college, removing our need (we thought) to haul lots of stuff back and forth, we replaced it with an '05 Legacy GT Ltd. More refined, more power (at least on paper), smoother ride -- love that car too. But, somewhat to my wife's and my surprise, we found we really missed the ability to haul lots of stuff, the need for which kept arising. So, just now, Subaru's generous end-of-model year cash rebates sent me looking again. I was very interested in the Outback XT, at first, but my wife simply doesn't like its "station wagon" looks. Also, my seat of the pants impression, confirmed on some of the online boards, is that the Forester XT is a bit quicker off the line and in generally more "fun" to drive. It's also gotten both a bit more powerful and a bit smoother and upgraded since the '04. As you can see, I think I'm about to head back to the Forester XT.

au1994

I've been lurking and learning around here for several weeks now as I look to replace my 4Runner. Today at lunch I test drove an X Premium Automatic and thought I'd share my opinions.

1) Power was more than adequate. Never felt like there was not enough on hand and was especially good off the line.

2) Noise level was fine for a car of this class.

3) Comfort was just ok. I found the seats in the X Premium to be a little firm on the 10 min test drive. Probably would be ok for my commute, but would give me pause before I took it on a road trip. Wouldn't be a problem as this would not be our road trip vehicle. I did sit in an LL Bean Edition and it was much more comfortable.

4) Had no problem finding a comfortable driving position and did not even notice the headrests that others have complained about. Chalk it up to my preferred driving position.

There was one little wrinkle. When we got back to the dealership, the car was smoking from under the hood. Was the unmistakeable smell of burning oil. Probably just a little oil on the manifold from a loose fitting, the car only had 2 miles on it.

Overall, I walked away impressed. I have to decide if it is a big enough vehicle for cargo or if I need to look at the Outback. The other decision point is Premium vs LL Bean. Trying to be value conscious with this purchase, but I really think I like the look and comfort of the Bean over the Premium. I've got time, I'm at least a month or better away from making my decision.

ateixeira

How long do you tend to keep your vehicles?

If it's a long time, a difference of $2000 or so over 8 years works out to just $250 per year, so go for it.

The headrests work exactly as designed - buy anything else in this class and they will turn out to be a pain in the neck (literally) if you suffer whiplash:

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=58

-juice

au1994

Hey Juice,

I tend to lease my vehicles so I usually change 'em out every 3 years or so.

The dealer I'm speaking with is pretty competitive, been quoted 23450 for a Bean Edition with the rebate. From what I've read on the boards, thats a screamin' deal. I guess Subies are not real hot in the Atlanta area.

ateixeira

How much more of a lease payment?

Spring for the Bean, sounds like that's what you want. 1 years from now you won't miss the extra $30 per month, or whatever. A dollar a day for your happiness? Go for it.

-juice

au1994

Convinced me!!

Now here's my wife's number, work on her!!!

ateixeira

Talk about the nifty self-leveling rear shocks. It is the only Subaru sold here that gets them.

-juice

driver56

I am still throwing the idea around of replacing my aging Toyota van for an 07 Frontier, Tacoma, or a new Forester. Since I've been a fan of Subies for some time, my gut instinct (as well as my heart), seems to be directing me towards the Forester. I test drove an 06 last week and was quite impressed. I've always desired a 4x4, but I think the Subie All-Wheel Drive will suit me better over-all.
I'm down-sizing my work load as a painting contractor so I don't need a lot of room to haul the gear I need.
My wife and I like to drive down to the Southwest Desert every Winter and hang out in the back country, so the Subie should easily be able to get us where we want to go.
What do you guys think?
By the way, the head rests are closer to the head than average, but I see that as a good thing, and with the various seat adjustments, I found the driving position to be comfortable.