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Comments
dcmom, then what was yr experience at Stevens Creek coz I was planning to go there to do my first oil change.
Jack
I bought the complete package from Crutchfield for about $300. Kenwood single CD, 6.5" speakers for up front, and 5" Polk 501As for the rear. Installation was simple - took about an hour or so. Crutchfield provides the wiring harness and disassembly instructions.
Base cassette stereo/speakers produce ok sound, but the switch to aftermarket makes a noticeable improvement - IMO.
-Tony
Avoid Stevens Creek like the plague. They are having major problems within their service department and you're almost guaranteed a frustrating visit there.
I recently brought my vehicle there to have something checked out. I had an appointment all set up and dropped off my vehicle only to find out that they never got to it.
For just an oil change, go to any shop -- it's pretty straightforward for the Forester. For warranty related items, I highly recommend Santa Cruz Subaru.
Ken
Thanks for yr advice and I think I will do my service at either S. SF(the one I got my Forester) or Santa Cruz coz I got the 3750 miles service plan. (Any comment on Redwood Subaru?)
Yes Diane, I love my Forester a lot especially the HUGE moonroof (I move one of the crossbar backward to keep it out of my sight thru the moonroof), the excellent visibility that make it like a mobile greenhouse (need to do window tinting when weather getting better), the great handling that always tempt me to make sharp turn (I always heard my poor little dogs sliding at the back
Rgds,
Jack
Carlsen Subaru (Redwood City) is okay. Much better than Stevens Creek, but then again, you can't get much worse than they.
Ken
hotwag: have you tried the S Premium model? I mention that because the fabric is a bit softer than the others, so you may find the back seat more comfy. Also, that moonroof is so huge is also serves back seat passengers - nice touch. It's cozy but it doesn't feel that way with all the glass around you.
Suba: if you want to test a pressure guage, use two of them and see how different the readings are. If they are similar, odds are they are both accurate. If not, have fun determining which is bad (you may want to sample others).
I don't expect the 2002 Forester sooner than the fall. The 2001 was a freshened design, so it came out early, but the 2002 is just a continuation.
I'd love to see that turbo, though.
-juice
I noticed that you said you live in Central TX. Have you had any experience with service from either of the dealers in Austin? I'm leaning toward taking mine to Gillman, because they have Saturday hours, but I don't know anyone who has dealt with either them or Austin Subaru. I bought it in San Antonio, but can't see myself making that trip for service. Thanks,
Cin
I'm curious, does anyone have insurance cost comparison for these cars. I wonder if the lack of rear bumper causes the insurance claims to be higher for the CRV and RAV4 and hence the insurance costs.
Plus, if you're hit from behind, it's the other guy's insurance that pays (and his rate goes up).
-juice
Diane
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
You should definitely give the Austin Subaru guys a try. I bought my '99 Green Forester L model there, and as they are (were?) in a cooperative relationship with the Infiniti dealer, the service and dedication to satisfaction were both excellent. I would definitely take it in for service, if nothing but to try them on for size.
best, epp
Thanks for the input. It's good to know that someone does good work. I'll keep your recommendation in mind. Sure do wish they had Satruday hours, though........
Cin
John
Tom
russ
russ
I am talking about cars in general, not just the Forester.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
It's compounded by the finicky dipstick in the H4.
She started backfiring and hesitating something awful last night, and when at dead stop
started idling VERY roughly, making
a WHa-WHUH-WHa--WHUUUUUH-WHA wheezing sound like it was about to cough to death.
On the gas the engine seemed to refuse to go above 3000RPM and when deccelerating threatened to die completely
The service guy at Carr Subaru in Hillsboro thought it might be a bad fuel injector or loose air hose. While they are trying to figure it out, they gave me a rental car gratis which I upgraded to a Grand Cherokee. For a V12 or whatever this thing has, it's sluggish compared to the H4 Subie off the block! Going up steep grades the Cherokee doesn't seem to have any advantage over the Forester either. But I was surprised how smooth & quiet it runs, and it handles quite well for such a large car. So far I find the Forester compares favorably with the Grand Cherokee, considering the price difference, in terms of performance.
I just wish my Forester didn't have to spend the week at the shop
after just 2500 miles!
The needle was a hair before the "E" on mine before I went to fill up and it did not come on yet.
~L
Hope this helps,
Ed
cheers
gus
The Grand Cherokee offers an in-line 6 or a V8. A V12 would be fun, though! The Forester will outrun the 6 off the line fairly easily, because it's a lot lighter.
Russ: so big surprise for the 2002, then. That's more or less what I predicted. 2003 will bring the big changes.
Tom: I use 4.5 quarts or so, but I don't fill the oil filter with oil first. Make sure the old oil is hot before you drain it, so it all comes out.
Richard: the drain plug gasket is a crush washer, so actually it deforms completely. It's probably fine to reuse it, better than having none at all for sure.
-juice
Just to set the record straight. My guess is that the DOHC 2.5L has a higher oil capacity (4.5?). When a dealer overfilled our '00 last year, I don't think they'd made the adjustment to the lower capacity in the SOHC--who knows how many newer Subarus they'd overfilled.
And every time I've used 4.2 quarts, as my manual calls for, the dipstick consistently registers over the full line. (Draining hot oil, etc., etc.) Like I said before, I've had better luck simply using a straight four quarts.
Richard
It would be an interesting design if the gas was always being pumped from the "top" of the tank, where ever the gas is at the moment, but that would be very complicated, would probably suck air a lot, and would have no advantage that I can see.
Ross
Ed
I am not sure exactly why you get a lot of crap in the fuel lines when you do. Possibly a lot o the dust, rust and grass bits which get into fuel somehow (as well as water which does settle to the bottom) is in suspension but concentrates when you run dry.
Whatever the process, it is a pain to sort it out. Far better to fill up when the warning light comes on.
Cheers
Graham
I think it's just a shame one cannot get that great color with the Prem. Pkg option! Are there any plans to increase the color selections with the Prem Pkg. in the future? And, Juice....WHAT 'big changes' in the 2003 models??Thanks to all for listening. Looking forward to any responses you may have. And I let you know how I make out 'making the deal'! :-) Kris in NJ
Thinking about buying a 2001 Forester or cutback. Although I previously had a Subaru (1987)wagon, I haven't kept up on the info on these wagons. I would appreciate all input (good or bad) before I purchase a Forester/or cutback. The car I now own is a "lemon" (not a Subaru) and I don't want to get stuck with another lemon. Much thanks.
Miacasa
I had the same experience w/ U(If U look at my old post). I really want to have a Blue S+ w/ leather seat(how come they don't offer power seat???). But I just couldn't give up the huge moonroof and go for a white S+ without a leather seat. It's really a shame that they don't have much selection on color/model/seat.
Sameldrum,
Front is 6.5 inch and Rear is 5 inch. I install DX6 in the front and Ex501a in the rear by myself in an hour(U need to have a soldier iron to do that). After browser thru quite a lot of site, this is the cheapest I can get (plus free shipping).
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/caraudio/brands.asp?m=27
Stephen
Ross
Jack: I have not heard of bad axles, but overtightened wheel bearings are a common problem. Demand a loaner while they take a look at it.
Kris: colors may change for 2002. You don't like the Silverthorn?
I think Subaru under-estimated the popularity of the Premium package, so expect more colors and perhaps leather seats soon.
MY2003 will bring a new Forester on the revised Impreza platform. I'm hoping for a turbo option, a bigger back seat, and more cargo room, at a minimum. Also expect DRLs, a stiffer structure, more safety features, and revised styling.
Miacassa: I love my '98, and they've only gotten better since.
-juice
PS You guys seen the new CRSA (Consumer Reports Safety Assessment)? They look at both active (crash avoidance) and passive safety, and guess which small SUV was ranked highest? I don't have to say, I'm sure you all know!
Diane
I'm looking for advice of which I've read a few scattered suggestions already but can anyone help with : 1.Small rattling noise from the fan (disappears on High but comes back on Low)
2.Strange "burning rubber/electrical wiring" smell from under the hood after its been driven
3.Loud highway noise between 60 - 70 mph -- roof rack noise ?
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Diane: great deal. $16k and it's almost new, that's sweet. Congrats.
John: congrats. 1998 is the best year. Why? Because that's what I have! ;-)
Don't know about the fan rattles, but the engine smell is probably the salt/chemicals from the winter roads. Wash the underside and maybe even the engine compartment, though the cover should have kept it mostly clean.
Check to make sure the roof rack isn't installed backwards. It's pretty common. The fatter part faces forward, like an air craft wing. You can also try moving it back a bit.
-juice
To help avoid the Check Engine Light (CEL)- I recommend that you tighten your gas cap a minimum of a half dozen clicks after every fill-up.
Low Fuel Light- I usually fill up shortly before or after the light comes on. I once went 20 some miles with it on (trying for 400 miles on one tank) and almost stalled-out when I came to a stop at the top of the exit ramp (even though I still had 1.5 gals left in the tank). My guess is that the intake is at the front of the tank and the remaining fuel sloshed to the back due to the incline.
-Frank P.