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Comments
dgieras - I am a large 6'3" and find my Forester seat comfortable if I crank the front almost all the way up then lower the back of the seat bottom until I get enough of an angle to support my thighs. I then set the seatback itself to give a comfortable reach to the wheel. With the headroom in the Forester there is plenty of seat adjustment options for us tall folks.
ijsoobfan - No manufacturer uses break-in oil nowadays, however I always do my first oil change at ~300 miles, and the second ~1300. I then use 3000 mile changes for dino oil until I get something over 7000 miles at which I change over to Mobil 1. The reason for the quick changes is not for the oil but for the filter. Freshly built engines have a lot of metal filings and core sand left over from the manufacturing process. I want to get this stuff out as soon as is reasonable. I remember when engines were not aluminum and I cut open a factory filter after 300 miles and stuck a magnet into it. There was so many filings that it looked like a chia stick-man!
Frank
2002 will bring few changes, so if you want a 2001 there is no big reason to wait. 2003 will be a redesign but that's a long way off.
If the seats seem low, try what I do - use the seat angle adjustments so the front is all the way up and the rear all the way down.
You could even take the seat of the track and try to put spacers in there. Miata owners do this regularly, since it's a tight fit even for 6 footers (like me).
pak6: I've tested towing a 700 lb trailer, and the Forester pulled well. 1500 lbs is a lot more, but I think the engine would do fine. Braking would be a bigger concern - does your trailer have brakes? If not I'd consider retrofitting them, in which case it would be fine.
A check engine light being on is no big deal - it's usually something with emissions. A blinking light means a tru engine problem, so don't drive it if it blinks.
-juice
I shut off the "honk" acknowledgment for a while but found myself peering in through the window to see if the dash light was blinking. Easier to let it honk. I just look around like it was someone else.
I miss the doors locking when starting the vehicle (and unlocking when shut off) as my truck alarm does, but I don't think that happens with the Soob alarm anyway. I keep trying to get out of the vehicle with the doors locked.
Frank
on the way home from the dealer! So far the mileage is still poor as well (<19mpg) in the city.
How many Subaru owners out there have NOT had the
cel go off in the 1st year or so?
The dealer wasn't completely useless though -
They fixed the interior rattle. It was a loose piece of plastic inside the B pillar apparently.
According to my father,(who once owned a subaru 15 years ago) he said these engines have two head gaskets and require much more maintanence than typical engines. Of course, he is talking about the car that he had 15 years ago.
Does anyone know how things have changed with the engine since then?
I believe that subaru has come a LONG WAY since then, but I need the evidence to prove this!
thanx for any/all input
~Laurie
Ken
The major performance advantage of the Forester, in my opinion, is its rock solid handling -- there are undoubtedly SUVs that will get you to 65 mph quicker than a Forester, but there aren't a lot that you will feel more confident in than a Forester while driving on a tight, twisty mountain road at 65 mph.
I was going 55mph on Interstate 5 in Oregon when I hit black ice and spun in front of a semi I was passing. My car first smashed against a cement shoulder on the right side of the highway. It then bounced back in front of the semi (still sliding on ice) and now backwards as the semi's wheels rode along the left side of my vehicle. I finally ended up smashed in the Left cement center divider facing the other side of the highway.
Damage: The drivers side window was gone, the drivers side of the windshield was smashed but not broken in. The left side of car was pushed in from front to end (This is where the truck tires road along side). There was a hard dent in the drivers side front window frame. Both sides of the back were smashed in slightly and the front of the car was completely mangled.
Both front airbags deployed as well as the side airbags.
Damage to me: Thankfully I was the only one in the vehicle although most of the damage was closest to the drivers seat anyway. I was able to walk out of the vehicle. (Actually I had to jump out of the (now open) drivers side window. I had a puffy left eye from the airbag. My left shoulder hurt as well as my body from the impact. I am recovering fine though and was quite impressed with the way the car protected me. (Although I'm sure I had some help from above).
Anyway, thought you guys might be interested. By the way anyone recently purchased a Forester 'S' premium model? I would like to know what you paid if possible. I am planning on buying another one.
Thanks,
Marc
Steve
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Thanks, it's reassuring to know I'm not alone! It certainly has got a lot better with time; I'm going into the dealer for a couple of things next week, so I'll ask them about the "click."
Another question occurred to me about the "hill holding setup" in the AT. In order to take advantage of engine braking, I find myself having to downshift myself when coming down from the mountains. My impression had been that the AT would downshift automatically if I brake frequently--is this wrong? (My Forester stays in 4th gear sometimes even when I brake pretty frequently, on windy roads in which I feel much more in control in 2nd gear--perhaps I'm more conservative here than normal). Just wondering.
thanks again.
I paid a hair over $23k for my S+ at Metro Subaru in Somerset, MA. The only extras I got were the alarm and cargo cover (both of which I feel should be standard on the S+).
Then 7500 miles for the 2nd, and then every 4500 miles after that. Says that the way engines are made and treated it is not necessary to drain oil so quickly anymore. However, changing the oil is the most effective way to take care of your engine. Im not sure what I will do yet, as I have under 300 miles on mine so far.
Sounds like if your engine light doesnt come on, your wheel bearings stay in, and you have no alignment problems, you should have a problem-free forester.
Ive read that Consumer Reports put the 2001 RAV4 ahead of the Forester. However since I just finished test driving both, I have to disagree. If any potential Rav4 buyers are looking here, make sure you go test drive a Subaru before you buy something. Listen to the interior noise levels and make sure you can live with that every day you drive it for the life of the car. That noise is NEVER going away.
Bill - haven't driven a RAV4 but did drive a CR-V. I agree, noise was a BIG issue! One of the things I love most about the Forester is the quiet and feeling of solidity that it imparts.
You all may be interested in this little tidbit I learned from the service manager at the dealership where I bought my Forester as well as all my VW's: 20% of the work they do on Subaru's is warranty, 80% is maintenance. On the VW side, 60% is warranty work, 40% maintenance. As much as I love my VW's, I do recognize that they are a little more high maintenance and the potential for problems is a little higher.
As for the Consumer Reports/RAV-4 thing, I used to be an avid CR believer, but over time I find that their ratings are often to be taken with a grain of salt, especially when it comes to electronics, computers, and cars. I agree totally with mrbill808 and tincup47 -- I can guarantee you that they didn't purchase a '01 Forester to compare with the new RAV-4 they tested; if they did they would have come to the same conclusion they did years ago. In fact, although I do read CR for their car reports, the only thing I have faith in is their reliability ratings.
Yes, the Subaru AT should downshift on long grades when applying the brakes. There are, however, a specific set of conditions that will make this occur. Some owners of older Subarus complained about this as it was occurring abruptly and very often. Subaru then went ahead and "detuned" it on newer models. Maybe someone here can provide technical details.
I wouldn't be suprised that you can't make it happen. I've put over 6k miles on mine and never encountered the automatic downshift.
This is one of the reasons why I prefer a manual transmission, but manuals and traffic do not mix. Crawling in traffic (almost everyday), however, reminds me that I made the right decision with an auto.
-Tony
Tom: yes, I use Darlene, and usually call her at 800-287-1281.
CEL: none for me. Are there really FOUR O2 sensors?
Marc: first and foremost, glad you're OK. Being pushed around by a semi ain't fun, and neither is losing your beloved Soob, which gaves its life to save yours. A moment of silence...
I'd look at new ones, but I'd also take a peek at WRX wagons (oops, did I say that in a Forester topic?).
-juice
I have seen a couple in the classified ads around here for about 2grand under the blue book value. Most have very low miles (about 15-16K). I just wondered if anyone heard of any problems with the 1999. I am thinking seriously about checking one of these out. I am in grad school now and I don't want to have a new car car payment if I can help it. I also need something reliable-I drive 40 miles to work. Any info. would be appreciated.
thanks!
The '99 got the Phase II engine, with better low-end torque and more peak torque, but a lower redline. It also went to a SOHC head.
There is a particularly good or bad year for the Forester, so a few grand under book should be a good find.
Plus you should have 2-3 years left on the powertrain warranty.
-juice
Glad to hear you're OK! My Forester S Premium also protected my family from a Ford SUV ramming into the back. Both insurance adjusters and a body shop guy told me that the smart location of spare tire saved us all from that truck. Unlike yours, mine was not totalled though, and I'm suffering of waiting for my Forester to be fixed (for > 2 months already).
Take care, and post pix of a new Forester that you bought.
--Kate
Some Foresters had a few problems in their first model year ('98) but have been quite stable since.
I can't think of anything major in the '99 line-up.
Ken
I've been lurking on this board for a while, just reading what you all thought of your Foresters before making a commitment to one. Well, you convinced me.
As of three hours ago, I'm the proud owner of a Sedona Red 2001 Forester S+ with manual transmission, Feature Group III, and a hood deflector. (Got it for $22,891... thanks to Edmunds.com and the wonders of getting bids from dealers via email.)
I'm so excited about my new car-- it's been almost 11 years since I purchased my Honda Civic, and while the Civic is still running dependably at 143k, I started getting worried about how small it was vs the Suburbans, Expeditions, Explorers, and other king-sized SUVs crowding the SF Bay Area freeways these days.
My buying experience was great, too. Very stress-free. Four email messages swapped with the Internet Sales & Fleet Manager at Downtown Subaru in Oakland, and I knew exactly what I was getting and how much I'd have to pay for it.
Then I went in during my lunch hour to sign the papers and pick up my keys.
I'm looking forward to reading my owner's manual tonight and learning how to operate the moon roof. *g*
And I'm totally jazzed about the smooth ride, quiet but powerful engine, and the silky transmission. Oh, and having all of the cool little features-- power mirrors, power windows, compass, the very lovely stereo and CD player, and I even have seat heaters! (Not that it really gets cold enough in Calif. for the heavy-duty defrosters, but, hey.)
cheers,
Karin in California
Bob
Stay in touch
Kate in SF Bay area
Haven't tried the Service Dept. at Downtown Auto Center yet, but I'll let you know when I do, Kate.
The Finance guy pushed the extended warranty pretty hard-- I declined, but I was wondering whether anyone has any opinions about its worth. The three-year included warranty seems pretty comprehensive, and from what I've heard, Subarus are very reliable if maintained properly.
cheers,
Karin in California
I bought my Forester there too. They were very straightforward with no BS. The shop there is not just for Subarus. I believe they also cover Toyota and Saab, if I'm mistaken.
Ken
I'll let you guys know what I end up getting.
Cheers,
Marc
Karin: congrats. And it's not just a CD player, it's a CD changer! :-)
You can always buy the extended warranty later. The main powertrain is covered for 5 years already. Give yourself more time to think about it.
CF: the 2000 and earlier models have different rear seats that do fold flat. They also recline, forward and back.
On the other hand, the 2001's rear seat is more comfortable, has a 3rd head rest and shoulder belt, and has adjustable anchors for the outer seats.
-juice
Thanks
Correction on that price: it was $23.9, not $23.4 (I guess it was wishful thinking on my part) for my S+. Still thought I got a good deal considering all the options and the lack of competition in the area. Good luck!
Norm
Thanks
-juice
Consumer Reports mini-SUV comparo: I read the article twice and still can't figure how they justified rating the RAV-4 higher than the Forester (besides the obvious new model bias). The RAV-4 is still slower, not as safe, has a worse mpg rating etc. I'm very dissappointed in CU.
Rear seats not folding flat- They must come pretty close since I've never noticed that they didn't fold flat (you have to take off the headrests of course).
-Frank P.
Jack -- I have an Amsoil air filter on my 98 Forester S, but I believe it's a different part number. I've read here that the 2001 takes the part# S-1992. I'd check before buying, however.
Ken
If you're thinking about transporting the scooter upright, the height might be a limiting factor. I can get my mountain bike upright in my Forester with the front wheel off, but I need to lower the seat.
I don't have the height handy -- maybe someone else does?
Ken
Ross