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Comments
Juice: Sorry. I can't belive I said V-6. I did mean to write H-6. Freudian slip!
EPS
Sorry to hear that you have to retire earlier. How come? Budget cuts at the Univ?
--kate
Bob
Bob
I may still have 3 steel 15" rims left over, though that won't help anyone here. I could put 4 snows and just keep one as the spare, since they only get used for short distances.
-juice
Bob
-juice
Mike
Really, I don't see that many. What's your list?
Here's what I see:
1. Lit ignition key ring (XS only)
2. Lit window switches
3. "Slightly" increased towing (5-speed only)
4. Auto open/close moonroof
5. Cruise light (not what I wanted, but better than before)
6. Better cupholders
7. "Slightly" roomier rear seating
8. Better looking, inside and out
That's about it for me.
Bob
Bob
I think the "beige color" in 2003 is nice, just like any other cars' interiors in that beige/sand color. Exterior in deep color (red, black, dark green)in fact matches well with the interior with beige/sand. Imagine....it's so boring to have dark green + grey.
For the new cloth design, I think it is a newer design in Japanese cars. Again, taste varies. Maybe the design is a bit too far-out for americans. But I can't use the word "cheap" to describe the cloth. In fact the arrangement looks much more refined than the traditional cloth. To learn the word "cheap", you have to see the interior of RAV4.
At first I insisted on having leather 'coz I don't like traditional cloth. I don't care much about the "cold in winter, hot in summer" issue. What I care about is good looking. After seeing the 2003 cloth and the leather, I no longer insist on having leather at all 'coz the leather is not soft enough for me. We also don't like much the stitch job. In fact $700 costs less than 3% of the car value. Go for leather if you really like the look. Cost is not an important consideration, I think.
-cat
* 16" wheels standard (a biggie)
* quicker steering ratio (16:1 vs. 19:1)
* less weight (alum. hood, roof, bumper frame)
* 0.7" bigger front rotors
Hmm, plus your list of 8 that's 12. Sounds about right. These were all things we were asking for in one way or another. Maybe not the steering, but the rest definitely.
-juice
-juice
Ed
Mike
-juice
I now have my freedom, fair health, enough money (pension) to never work again unless I want luxuries like a nice car, and a budding romance with a marvelous woman of my own age. What is the loss of a car (even such a great one as Rufus) in the face of all that? Besides, I've been told that I can still visit the Crew from time to time.
:-)
Ross
Now that they've officially announced the pricing, does this mean the invoice prices will soon be available for Edmunds and KBB?
Also, another question. Which would you all do, get the security system as an option from the dealer, or get an upgraded security system aftermarket?
The same question for the upgraded sound system -- Would you get the optional subwoofer plus tweeter plus speaker upgrade from the dealer, or pass on it and get a possibly better system from someplace like Car Toys?
The manual says that the tranny takes 9.8qts and the front AT diffy is another 1.8qt GL5 gear oil. 9.8qts?? That's a lot of fluid to pump!
Just got a call from Carlsen Subaru, they will have the second allocation of '03s coming on Friday.
-bear
All of our other cars are leather. We know the goods and bads. We really do not like the conventional fuzzy, soft, velvet like cloth surface. It gets worn out and dirty too easily. The neat and tough fabric used in the '03 was a pleasant surprise to us, hence we were willing to try it this time. I can say the whole 03 interior design gives me a bright, clean, modern, and functional feeling.
Talk about cheap... go chek out Highlanders fabric and RAV4's central console. The plastic used on CRV's console is cheap, too.
I am not a big buyer of BMW interior design. I hate the button city. The wood panels are usually overly done. Their leather seats are ok, not the best yet not the worst.
-bear
R
-mike
For starters, there is such a lack of info on the web and on the VanBortel page, not to mention the dealership. There are three references to the cargo options at VanBortel. Can anyone explain them?
1. Rear cargo Bin
2. Rear Cargo Tray
3. Rear cargo utility net package
Thank you, Donna - And my choice will be the XS
I live in Austin, but I ordered my 01 Forester from North Park Subaru in San Antonio. I got a better deal from them, and was able to take care of everything by phone & fax. (I test-drove one in Austin first.) I've been taking it to Austin Subaru for service, though, and have no complaints. Good luck!
Cin
The cargo tray is actually more like a rubber mat that exactly fits the back compartment and protects the floor. The net package is a mesh net that keeps things from falling out when the rear door is opened. The bin--I *think*--is a folding thing with sides that holds stuff and protects the back. The bin is a part not offered before on Foresters, I think. To see what these three parts look like for the Impreza, click this link: http://www.subaruparts.com/catalog/?section=148
You won't really know much about these until you go to a dealer and see these accessories or pick up a new catalog. Sooner or later some dealer will post pictures on the Internet, but the pix will be tiny. Better to see these in person. Hope this helps, and please feel free to call on us anytime.
Steve
First of all, I shouldn't have used the word "cheap." It doesn't look cheap so much as a bit weird. And by that I am referring to the woven cloth lining the armrests on each door. In fact, with a second look, I'd have to say that I do in fact like the cloth on the seats. (I guess I just like the '02 S cloth better.) It's really just the armrests I don't like.
The only thing I can figure is that the first time I saw the new Forester, it was dark and about to rain, and the second time it was sunny out. I dunno, I definitely think they're OK now, but not my favorite. By the way, has anyone noticed in the '03 Forester brochure they only show the seats with leather? No trace of the cloth except for the color swatch in the specs section.
That said, after seeing the Silver XS Premium with the gray leather interior, I'd have to say hands down, no doubt about it, the leather is much more attractive. I love it! Very classy looking; very clean. And no woven cloth armrests! I know that cloth is arguably more practical and comfortable, but sometimes looks win out. I can live with the hot summer/cold winter gripes. (Heated seats help.)
Incidentally, a few people mentioned not liking the stitching of the leather. I am not an expert in this area. Could you elaborate what you mean? Is it a quality complaint or the pattern distaste?
So now I am very, very close to deciding to buy one, but I am hesitating due to ONE thing.... My wife is nine months pregnant with our first kid, and I just am not sure the Forester is big enough to hold the stroller, portable crib, toys, plus everything else including our luggage if we take a trip.
Does anyone out there have any experience travelling with a newborn/toddler around in a Forester? Have you ever wished you had a larger trunk? Or do you think it is big enough. TIA (Thanks in Advance.)
EPS
Although I own an OB (not Forester) people here are great and we will try to answer your questions with unbiased and truthful information. You can't go wrong.
Good luck and have fun looking.
Greg
Michael
All the talk about Foresters arriving on the west coast last week got me excited. I expected delays seeing Foresters here in Chicago. Then they showed up on the east coast. Here in Chicago they are still selling the 2002s and I can't even get Mid City Subaru on Irving Park Road to call back. Two days ago the sales manager told me: "No, we won't call you when they come in. Why don't you call us in about a week or so?". And now I see a report of a dealer getting its second shipment by Friday.
Where did I go wrong? Which of the following best describes my error:
1. I am wrong in assuming cars arrive by boat from Japan on the west coast, then gradually get shipped to dealers across the country arriving first at the west coast dealers, then gradually show up in dealers in the midwest and finally on the east coast.
OR
2. I am wrong in assuming Japan is still located west of the U.S., across the Pacific ocean.
- recumbentdan
As for the "utility net pkg". accessory: it appears to be a "system" of four nets which surround the cargo area; providing an incredible amount of useful options (useful for those who need 'em). Not cheap: $159 on the sticker (probably about $79 without installation).
YetAnotherDave
Peterson10, I really like the cargo net in my '02. The '03 system sounds much better. Do you know if the '03 system would work in an '02 or earlier?
You're right, depending where you are geographically. In your case, you could go either way.
Here in New York, Japan is east of us.
Looks like the new Foresters will be making their way to you via the east coast. :-)
-Dave
Steve
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-Frank P.
Ron
> He's the Subaru sales mgr.
I have the name at home. I think it was somebody else, and I recall this person's business card said Subaru sales manager. Maybe its an old business card - its from last fall.
I just checked the website. About half a dozen 2002 Foresters are listed, but no 2003s.
- recumbentdan
It happens that I like the arm rests new fabric a lot. It is refreshing to see something different. The fabric is tough and more water resistant. The woven pattern looks trendy, too.
As for the leather... the leather is more on the thick side. Probably this is the reason Subie has to use fatter threads to sew pieces together. The overall finish has a rugged look... does fit into this outdoor life style image better but my wife prefers something more supple.
-bear
For those who are interested in detail specs of 2003 Forester and still haven't seen them. They show the figures. It's from Japan Subaru site. They have 2.0 instead of 2.5 and they call them x and xt.
EPS - yeah, please express you opinion freely. We just meant to speak out our opinion too. For the stroller, you have to decide which type of stroller you will buy first. Those with 3 wheels seem to be longer than those with 4 wheels. I think you have to be sure about the measurements.
Donna - people here are willing to help. They are nice people.
-cat
In regard to the website, I would not be surprised if the inventory listed is out of date. When I was shopping around on the web (when we bought our 2002 Forester) it seemed as if the inventory did not change over a 4 week period. I finally just stopped in to see what they had.
Ron
Bob
What I drove was a XS, and it was everything I was expecting. I loved the interior, had no trouble with the cloth seats and I was surprised at how readily I adapted to the dash and control layout. It was like driving a car I'd owned for half a year. I loved it.
Bob's probably right: manuals aren't going to be easy to find. There was an XS on the lot with "Platinum Silver Metallic" paint over "Steel Gray Metallic" cladding, and it was virtually a monotone car. I'll bet that color choice is hot in the XS. Given all the new content and these prices for the 03 Foresters, I just don't see buying the older Foresters. But that's just me. The salesman said prices would stabilize at 2-3% over invoice late in the summer.
Drove a Legacy L wagon while I was at it. Gee, I liked it better than I expected. I thought it was a bit more refined and quiet than the 03 Forester, even. Where do you find this much car for the money?
Donna: the brochure for the new Foresters shows the accessories you were wondering about, although the pix are small.
Steve
Anyway, Chicago is still real slow getting these vehicles.
Everyone keep up the opinions and reviews of the leather and options. I'm new to Subaru and need all the help I can get.
I think I'll ride my recumbent bike over to the dealer to see if it fits inside the Forester. If not I'll need either the trail hitch or a roof rack.
- recumbentdan
Also, manufacturers tend to "load" early shipments with high content (hence far more automatics than manuals), in order to maximize profit from those who can't wait, and must be the first on the block to own one.
Bob
Bob