Subaru Forester

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  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    Discuss all the latest Subaru news, dropping gas prices, or just get to know some of your fellow forums fanatatics a bit better! :P

    The Subaru Crew Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You can adjust the rake/angle of the window, since it's new I'd let the dealer do that. One of our members here successfully quieted a window on an Outback himself. It was in the 2005 and earlier Outback thread, if you want to search there.

    Not sure about the fuel pump - I hear mine when I prime the pump before starting it each time, but not after that.

    I say crank up the tunes! :shades:

    -juice
  • jeqqjeqq Member Posts: 221
    Only have 2,000 miles in 7 months and going in for oil change. Should I use synthetic or wait a little longer for more miles to accumulate? If I go synthetic what weight should I use?

    Thanks
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    Weight would be dependent upon where you actually live. In colder climates, with freezing weather, 5-30 would be in order. In Florida, California or South Texas, you could use 20-50. Your owner booklet will tell you what to use. For warranty purposes, always go by their suggestions.

    As for Synthetic, with you driving so few miles, I wouldn't bother.

    Also, oil changes should be done more often, even if you are not driving the usual 3-4,000 miles. Seven months is rather long for it to be sitting there, as the acids in the oil can do damage. A good rule of thumb for someone like you, putting on so few miles, would be to change it every three months. :)
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    It's Thursday, so that means Subaru Crew chat time! Stop in and chat about Subarus (or all the other stuff that comes up)

    I'll also be picking your brains for dicsussion suggestions for the Subaru vehicle groups as we reorganize the forums. Your input and assistance is greatly appreciated!

    The Subaru Crew Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
  • madhat53madhat53 Member Posts: 6
    I received an offer from Chase Bank to take out a Subaru Master card that earns 3% back on purchases up to $500.00 per year. My understanding is Subaru sends you certificates (every $100.00 earned) to purchase accessories or use for service/maintenance issues and each certificate is good for 4 years. This seems like a pretty good way to buy accessories for my 06 Forrester without additional cost (money for nothing since I was going to charge groceries, restaurants etc..)and I want to add a trailer hitch, bra, subwoofer etc..

    Has anyone else done this and does it work as advertised?
  • samiam_68samiam_68 Member Posts: 775
    Yes, works exactly like advertised.
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    Works very well. Sitting on $1200 in Subaru bucks right now. Have already done free tinting and a couple hundred in parts.

    Just pay your bill in full every month. Otherwise you will not benefit as much and may even lose money. This last scenario is statistically what happens with these types of rewards.

    John
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    You'll notice a lot of new discussions here in the Subaru Forester Group.

    Among the discussions you'll find are:

    New Subaru Forester Owners - Give Us Your Report!
    Subaru Forester: MPG-Real World Numbers
    Subaru Forester Tire/Wheel Questions
    Subaru Forester Transmission Questions
    Forester Body Work: Fixing Dents and Dings
    Forester Interior & Passenger Comfort Questions
    Subaru Forester Engine Issues
    Subaru Forester Brake Questions
    Subaru Forester Electrical/Lighting Issues
    How Much Can The Forester Carry?

    Please be sure to check the discussion list for an appropriate discussion whenyou are ready to post. If you have a question or issue that doesn't appear to fit one of the existing discussions on the list, please feel free to start up a new discussion.

    Thanks for your understanding and assistance as we move through this reorganization of the forums.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It's absolutely brilliant and I kick myself for not having gotten in sooner.

    I've spent $300 already, and have another $700 accumulated.

    Best part is even if in the future a Subaru does not meet your need (e.g. you need a big pickup or a minivan), you can still use the Subaru Bucks to accessorize your current vehicle and even to service it.

    Heck, the body shop even accepted them at my dealer.

    -juice
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I use it too and love it. My Forester is always being sericed at the best Subaru service dept in the area, and it's not hard on the budget, because I pay for the service with Subaru Bucks.
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    Be sure to check the Subaru Forester Group main page for the appropriate discussion when youare ready to post. If you have a question or issue that needs a new discussion, feel free to start one.
  • complex0complex0 Member Posts: 2
    I bought an '07 Forester a few weeks ago and am also annoyed by my knee hitting the cruise control (cc) lever during turns. Sometimes, the cc is activated. Since I never plan to use the cc, I wonder if the lever can be removed by the dealer? This design flaw is more than an annoyance; it could be a safety issue.
  • dirtbagdirtbag Member Posts: 57
    Wow, I would never buy a car that didn't have cruise, and you never plan to use yours. :confuse:

    Without meaning to be critical, you must have very long legs. Have you tried moving your seat back a bit so your knees aren't so high? I'm almost certain a dealer could remove the cruise lever if it becomes necessary.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Your comments surprise me, too. The knob is behind the steering wheel, pretty tucked in, I'd think you'd hit the windshield wipers before you hit the cruise.

    Or did they change the location of the switch? :confuse:

    -juice
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    Most likely has passengers in the back, and of course no room in the rear for passengers, and has to move the seat up. ;)
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Never been a problem with me. I say lower your seat.

    Bob
  • complex0complex0 Member Posts: 2
    The wipers and turn signal are fixed horizontally and high enough up on the steering column -- no problem. The cruise control rotates with the steering wheel as you turn the wheel. So, for some turns, the cc points directly down toward your knee -- especially a problem if braking or clutching while turning. I don't know if the location of the switch has been like this in previous years.

    I am somewhat tall (6'), but have the seat all the way back and lowered all the way down, and the steering wheel tilted all the way up.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It's not a safety issue as it will be disabled.

    -mike
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    In order to activate and set the cruise control with your legs. You would have had to turn the wheel sharply to the right so the lever brushed your right leg and your right leg first pressed the button in. Then when the wheel is returning counter clockwise to straight the lever would have to have brushed against the inner thigh of your right leg forcing the lever "down". In addition, you would have to be going over 30 mph.

    I have an '05. If the lever is the same in the '07. You could not do that maneuver at highway speed maybe above 40. So that leaves between 30 and 40 mph. I tried turning the wheel that far at 30 mph in a parking lot and essentially almost lost control of the car. I think activating and setting the control during normal driving is almost impossible, although anything is possible.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm also 6', though my inseam is only about 30" (or perhaps I wear my pants too low). :D

    No problems here, but my seats are different. I will check that out next time I drive a newer Forester.

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Well I'm 6'2 and keep my steering wheel adjusted to a lower position but have never had an issue with hitting the cruise control. I think they may have moved the stalk since the 04 but I didn't have an issue with the 07 I test drove the other day (and if anything would cause the knee to hit the stalk you think it’d happen while doing donuts) :shades:

    -Frank
  • ihammerihammer Member Posts: 75
    I have that same problem on my 2006 V6 Toyota RAV4 and have had both the fuel pump and fuel pump housing/assembly replaced and it still makes the humming noise. Has your problem with the humming noise been fixed yet? I was thinking of getting a Subaru Forester, but it worries me to hear that I may get into a car that has the same problem as I have in the Toyota. Thanks for any input!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Go for a test drive, and when you do, turn the key to the On position but don't start it right away. You'll hear a faint "whirr" from the fuel pump. Right then and there you can determine if it's too loud for you.

    -juice
  • growler5growler5 Member Posts: 67
    Oh no, not dear Mr. Thatcher again, from a year ago complaining about the cruise control engaging when his leg bumps the stalk.

    All - Whatever happened to him? Last thing I recall, one or more of us told him to get the dealer to check out the cruise control because just bumping the stalk should not be sufficient to engage the cruise control.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    "Oh no, not dear Mr. Thatcher again, from a year ago complaining about the cruise control engaging when his leg bumps the stalk. "

    Is that the guy, he complained the cruise would activate when the car was in neutral or something like that.
  • dstew1dstew1 Member Posts: 275
    With 18,100 miles on the stock Geos, I replaced them three days ago with Bridgestone Potenza G009 in stock 215/60/16 size. So far so good - I'm still going easy on them though for the next few hundred miles. Already have noticed my turning speeds increasing with ZERO squealing from the tires. A welcome improvement! Tracking feels much more precise as well.

    The Geos I replaced had 7/32 tread left, so definitely not yet completely worn. I just didn't feel that comfortable going through another winter with them though. Last winter, on anything other than soft, powdery snow, they were kinda scary. Also got tired of those soft sidewalls! :shades:

    Merry Christmas to me!

    Doug
  • dstew1dstew1 Member Posts: 275
    Ok, clearly that should have been titled "New shoes for the XT."
  • timo43timo43 Member Posts: 23
    Hi, I am wondering if anyone knows what might be the cause of this strange, very high-pitched tone that started about a week ago. It is almost ultra-sonic, like a cheap 'silent' dog whistle. It's coming from the front end, and last for several minutes after turning the engine off (it might be there with the engine on, but you would not be able to hear it over the engine noise). It is a steady tone~ quite annoying. Ideas? Thank you. Tim ('03 Forester)
  • sebemismnusasebemismnusa Member Posts: 23
    Question: What are peoples driving experiences, especially in emergency situations with a 2007 Forester X, with the manual or auto trans? I am looking for experiences Forester models with EBD, but no VTD/VDC and other Subaru models with VTD/VDC. In sudden and unexpected emergency maneuvers, how well does the Forester handle, especially in relation to Subarus that have the VDT/VDC?
    I would not normally ask for most auto models.
    Subarus with the EBD and symmetric AWD may handle differently.

    As I had one of the rollover accidents recently and survived (unlike the 10,000 people who die each year in the USA) I am in the market for another SUV and more sensitive to safety features. The Subaru Forester rates quite well in this area. I also like numerous other features on the Forester (size, engine HP, AWD and on and on).
    I also realize the recently introduced Forester XT Sport with the auto trans has VDT/VDC, Subaru's version of electronic stability control.
    I do not prefer all the other frills of the Sport XT nor the price (sorry, I need the Sport XT optional roof rails; I do *not* want a turbo; black is the *last* color I would choose and I really do not care about color).

    What I am looking at: 2007 Forester with manual transmission
    While I would like the limited slip differential - LSD and four disc brakes, I have to go up to the Premium model with all the unnecessary frills (I do *not* want a moonroof; .

    Or do I need others' fine advice here? I have read numerous postings about the LSD, auto & manual trans. etc.
    Scott
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    I wouldn't let moon roof phobia stop me from getting the X Preimum model, with all the added features, winter gear and safety. ;)
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    you may want to look for a good used XS. You described my '03 perfectly (MT, no moon roof, LSD, four discs, some nice features like heated seats and 6 cd changer).

    IIRC the '04 had better mileage hwy (30 mpg!). The '05 had the new 173 hp engine, less mpg.

    Unfortunately Subaru has boxed up our choices these days and we can't get rid of the moon roof without loosing other good things. You can go to www.media.subaru.com and access archived brochures and specs from earlier models. And www.carmax.com will get you prescreened quality used cars at no haggle prices.

    The Forester is a superbly handling car for what it is, and even without the safety gizmos, it is (again, in my opinion) a better choice than many other cars having the gizmos.

    My $.02 given your specs.

    John
  • sebemismnusasebemismnusa Member Posts: 23
    Thank you for your informative replies. I had a 1991 Honda Accord wagon with a sunroof/moonroof. These opening roof hatches are nice. I just do not want to pay extra $$ for this feature, that I do not want.

    The Honda Accord was a dealer's demo. I needed a car in my only other auto accident (1991). It cost less; it had a sun/moonroof.

    End
  • samiam_68samiam_68 Member Posts: 775
    Happens to mine every once in a blue moon after driving through heavy rain or deep puddles. After everything dries off, the high pitch stops. Sometimes it stops if I unlock the car, open and close some doors, and lock the car with the remote. My guess is some electrical contact or relay gets wet somewhere and allows some current to go to the chirp thingie or the alarm horn.
  • timo43timo43 Member Posts: 23
    Hi samiam 68 ~ Yes, I think you are right. We have a ton of snow and rain, and I found this on another site in response to someone else who has this problem:

    The 'sonalert' is either going bad, or more common is a wet high resistance connection. I have seen 2 of these so far and only on the 05/06 Foresters. This is the little device that gives you the 'beep beep' sound when you lock or unlock the doors from the remote. Had a difficult time finding the 1st time. Had to use a piece of hose while holding one end to my ear. Sounds like your ears are ringing.
    It is front and center right behind the Subaru Star emblem on the grill. It's mounted to the center upright support.
    Remove the grill (look in your owners manual for replacing a front turn signal bulb. This tells you how to remove the grill) then pull apart the connnector for the sonalert and thoughly dry it out. Reconnect it, then cover it with some grease or other water repelant substance. This is usually a damp high resistance problem which is why you only hear the 'ringing' sound and not the 'beep'
    HINT: before puting the grill back in, remove the 3 lower clips stll in the body. They release with a small tab from the bottom. Then place then in the grill and snap all 5 clips back in together. Failing to do so will result in these 3 clips getting broken. Don't fret though, Dealers stock these. About $2.50 a piece.
    Then listen......to the sounds of silence......(Simon and Garfunkle about 1969).
  • tazerelitazereli Member Posts: 241
    2008 Forester redesign? I can find Impreza but not Forester. I'm hoping against hope the Forester STi makes it across the pond this time around.

    Regards,
    Kyle
  • dirtbagdirtbag Member Posts: 57
    Anyone know exactly where the seat belt beeper is under the driver's side dash so I can disconnect it? I've looked and looked and can't tell by sound where it is. ('06 model)

    I always wear my seatbelt but don't like being pestered by the beep when I'm just sitting there waiting for the car to warm up before scraping ice off the windshield, or whenever. :mad:
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    ... so I can disconnect it?

    If you do find it just watch out for the dreaded interlock! Sometimes systems are linked together so you may end up losing your horn or headlights or something else if you disconnect.

    tidester, host
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    Exactly!
  • driver56driver56 Member Posts: 408
    Apparently, Subaru has decided to redesign the Forester for the year 2009. I, for one, was anxiously waiting for the 08 redesign, and was a tad disappointed when I heard that it wasn't going to happen. What does that mean for the 2008 Forester? A tweak or two? The car just seems to be getting better each year, for the most part.
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    "New" headlights and taillights, like they did for 2006, perhaps a hint of the 2009 design. ;)
  • gmginsfogmginsfo Member Posts: 116
    Yeah, I was hoping for a redesign sooner rather than later, too. My '03 is doing just fine, but I really would like a little more power under the hood and less noise in the cabin. Whatever Subaru does, please don't shrink that sunroof!
  • kavoomkavoom Member Posts: 181
    Go to cars101.com. The guy who runs it is a Subaru Salesman and he has all kinds of stuff there. Look in the tips section. There is a way to do it temporarily or forever it involves pushing the buttons on your remote about 20 times at a certain point in time after it stops or something like that.
  • lservelserve Member Posts: 50
    Did they publish something on this? I thought they were scheduled for a redesign in '08?
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    Thanks for the information! My Forester drives passengers nuts whenever I leave the car running, dashing into the Post Office or wherever, and the beeper keeps beeping for me to buckly up! :mad:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It's planned for '09.

    For 08 they have a new Impreza and a Legacy/Outback refresh, plus a significant update to the Tribeca. It's a busy year already.

    Forester and Impreza got pushed back a year, basically.

    -juice
  • lservelserve Member Posts: 50
    Thanks for the word. I was hoping for a sportshift option, but would think they would wait for a redesign for that.

    -LS
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    Hyundai offers it on the Sonata, I believe. :P
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    So does the Legacy GT. ;)

    -juice
  • dirtbagdirtbag Member Posts: 57
    This seems to silence the beep when you get out of the car after having the seat belt buckled. It doesn't silence the beep on a fresh start before you've buckled it. There are many mornings when I want to sit there for a few minutes and let the car warm up before getting out again to clean ice or snow off the windshield. The beeper really bites!

    Someone suggested using a short piece of hose, with one end on my ear to help search for the beeper. I'm going to try that, then when I find it, I will destroy it!
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