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Comments
Greg
I think this will be a very popular vehicle. Will be interesting to read reviews and road tests in the various car mags.
Craig
Ken
Thanks
Mike W.
Ken: imagine hooking up a front LSD and DCCD to that? Or a 6 speed? Mmmm...
I'm telling you, it'll dominate the segment in terms of performance.
Mike: bearings. Take it in soon, you still under the powertrain warranty? They usually cover it.
-juice
Stop! You're making it painful for me to drive Raven! ;-)
Ken
J0elboy
-juice
-mike
There's much, much to really like with the WRX/SW..and it looks so good in silver. I can live with it!
j0elboy
[burnsmr4 turns and barfs after seeing the photo again.]
Later,
burnsmr4
If you haven't seen it, there is also a press release at http://media.subaru.com/
- D
I skipped over the Monte Carlo SS because that setup has been around in clones of that car for ages anyway, it's nothing new.
Nothing new in the press release, that PDF has much more info.
-juice
Not sure I like the black upholstery for hot and sunny climates – would have to see it in person. I like sunroofs better than moonroofs, so nothing has changed there: looks like I will need after-market leather and sunroof (for the manual transmission). I also could have done without the body-colored side cladding.
- D
-juice
What do you mean by base model?
If I understand correctly, the pemium package (leather and moonroof) is only available with auto transmission. So again, the manual doesn't get leather.
- D
Does anyone have any idea about when you will be able to buy one of these. I saw the subaru press release said this summer.....but when do you supposed that is...June, July, August?
100% pure Australian Merino wool sheepskin seat covers, custom made to fit the Forester, side airbag safe and available in eight colors: http://sheepskinexpress.com/subaru.htm. Merino wool is amazing, keeps you warm in the winter, yet natural breathability keeps you cool in the summer.
But, if you've got the heated seats, I wonder if you could feel the heat through all that sheep fur?
-tom
It was nice of Subaru to make side airbags standard for all the 03 Forester trims.
Sheepskins are nice. Had ‘em in a Karmen Ghia years ago. The wife was thinking more along the lines of fabric, but they could be a possibility. Thanks.
Anyway, in all it's glory, Lou's Review of a Review.
- Lou
I think it's best for you to try spelling it offline - or is it off-line? That's one of those borderline words I'd rather not have to contend with.
tidester, host
It would seem that if you did buy seat covers that did not provide for the airbags, that you could simply cut out the area over the airbag opening. BUT, I would be concerned about a compromise to safety.
I hope June but it's probably not even determined yet. It's a new engine so I wouldn't want them to rush, either.
Lou: remind me to never get on your bad side.
-juice
http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/89290/page011.html
Regarding Lou's review of Heraud's review: I vowed to quit reading Heraud sum time back due to his obvious errors, pretentious writing style, and misuse of the language. I found his articles to be more aggravating than informative.
-james
Maybe they could add the load-leveling suspension and beef up the tow ratings, if only so Bob stops asking for that stuff. ;-)
But seriously, I do see the Forester turbo going in two distinct directions. How 'bout a Forester Sport, a la Baja Sport, slightly decontented but at a lower price.
I doubt it, though, I bet the turbo sells quite well at the more profitable prices they'll offer now.
-juice
Check fuse#9 behind the coin tray.
If all fuses are fine, then I guess the fuse within the unit is blown.
-Dave
I have a new XS 5-speed, and don't do this. Should I? Can somebody explain the benefits?
Thank you
site's got a couple of interior pictures of the 2.5 XT. The automatic
shifter is similar to the 03 Foresters'. Stereo is different The
black leather looks really nice!
taft: that's the SUW that was originally going to share a GM chassis. Now it looks like it'll be pure Subaru, thank goodness. I may need the space so it might be my next car.
As for the redline thing, it's something that is recommended by the folks at Miata.net, though it applies to any car. Supposedly the revs keep carbon deposits from forming, which in theory would increase effective compression and cause pinging.
That is a cool looking stereo, but it looks like the cassette is gone? I agree about the leather looking nice.
-juice
I think I saw on another site that the 2003 models were released in May 2002....so I wonder if we could be seeing 2004 models in late May.
When the engine on one of my former cars was torn apart at 125,000 miles because of a timing chain failure, there was no sign of any carbon. The engine had been run on regular 10W30 oil and regular gas throughout its life. I would think that more engine damage would be caused by redlining than by carbon. Driving at highway speeds periodically for 15 minutes or more, depending on temperature, should do just as well.
I really like that new radio in the XT......
Craig
But I wouldn't swap the interior for my 2001S that sports a butter-smooth steering wheel leather that a car mag reviewer likened to the quality found on a Rolls Royse.
I never needed more than 165 hp. (Cheers to those who think they do.)
The newer front grill is still upsidedown, IMHO, stylewise.
On redlining: I never did it on cars I drove for many years, and so feel no need to do it now.
Today's Chicago Tribune had a large special section devoted to the auto show which is in town. As part of that report they listed the MSRP of all the new cars which really covered a broad list. What surprised me as I looked, out of curiousity, for Subaru was that it was placed under the general heading of GM cars, rather then standing by itself. I know that GM has about a 20% interest in Subaru, but I didn't consider them part of GM as I would Volvo which is an integral part of Ford.
One of the main stories was about a new small Chevrolet (at about $10,000) being introduced to the U.S. by GM which is to be made by the old Daewoo company in Korea.
I have a 2000 Forester S. I recently purchased it at the end of a lease. The one thing I don't have in it that I think is a good idea, is the cabin air filter. The only problem is, none of the dealers in my area has ever installed one. The repair shop manager at my dealer had no idea how to install one. He found out that a section under the dash has to be cut out in order to install the filter. But he also said that if it isn't cut out perfectly, it will mean replacing the whole underside of the dash?? He did not instill me with confidence.
From anyone who has done this installation, or had it done, how difficult is it to do a good job? Looking for advice here. Unfortunately I am unable to do the job myself.
Thanks!
photo2002
I only disagree with you on one point - I don't think he is negative about the boxer engine. He calls it simple, efficient, reliable - not exciting, but not bad.
I liked the look of the Turbo Forester when I was in Hong Kong in November.. can't wait to drive one.. though the US one is more potent that those in SE Asia..
tidester, host
Yes, the boxer is simple, efficient and reliable. But what image does an original VW Beetle conjure in your mind? I have an image of a small, noisy car with a heater slightly less powerful than an old asthmatic woman breathing on your ankles.
Thanks for reading the web page.
- Lou
http://www.subaru-parts.com/_instructions/ForesterAirFiltration.p- df
Craig
I will state here what I stated on the NASIOC board to wit:
"I understand all the excitement re the Forester turbo. I have had several turbo cars and one supercharged car and all required premium gas. They also required a new way of thinking about turbo motor longevity. Especially the coking problem. I still remain enamoured with forced induction systems but I relish the simplicity of the normally aspirated boxer engine and the regular gas prices that go along with it."
Gene
Those instructions are easy IF you have the system installed. I'll have to check mine ...but I didn't think those clips/cover were there unless they were installed.
I also thought the installation required some CUTTING to install that cover and allow the actual filters to be installed.
This is just a comment because I am NOT versed in this system and didn't think I had the cover/mounting area in my Forester...I did not order it!
Looking for some transmission advice.
I just had the transmission recall done on my 03 last night. Got it home, only a 6 mile drive and about 20 degrees out, so I doubt the fluid was really warmed up, but the fluid was up to the low hot mark. I also noticed the fluid was bubbly. Usually you don't want to see air bubbles in your transmission fluid. Was wondering if this is normal for this transmission? Also, they must have used a gallon of gasket goop - there must be an inch (and I'm not exagerating) of overhang around the front lip of the pan. Can't wait to get under there this weekend and see what the rest of it looks like. Hope it warms up to at least 20. I'm too old to be crawling around under cars in the wintertime.
Regarding red lines my own personal opinion is don't go there unless you have to. However I assume this engine has a rev limiter to prevent anything too catastrophic from happening. I prefer good gas, an occasional bottle of injector/fuel system cleaner, good oil changed often and highway time (at least a half hour continuous) once a week if I can get it.
Also, thanks to whoever posted info on the Fujimoto pan drain valve. I ordered one Monday and hope to put it on this weekend, weather permitting.
Guess I'll be getting one for my wife's Outback, just so I can drain the extra dealer oil. I'll stand by 30+ years of driving/maintenance/repair experience that has shown there's a reason for those marks they put on dipsticks.
As much as I'd like a turbo, thay can be a lot of headaches. I'll wait for the 2nd or 3rd model year before I leap on one.
One last thing - Quaker State is willing to provide a 10yr/250000 mile warranty on internally lubricated parts. I checked into it, registered for the plan and received a warranty certificate. It seems on the level. Their oils meet all the specs, and they do make a full syntheic as well. The only requirement is to save all your slips if you do your own changes. I've used Quaker State for years and years and never had a problem. Another 0.02.
Talk about long winded......
Larry
-mike