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Comments
Really? I thought Honda's built-in reclined seats would offer the edge in that regard. Maybe not?
-juice
oh no! the forester IS so much more comfortable as a bed than the cr-v! any thing about reclining seats and such from honda is marketing-speak! :-) when i shopped I actually climbed in the backs of both to test it out! :-)
the cr-v (i cross-shopped both cars in 2001 and 2004 MYs) has seats that fold down once creating a bi-level cargo area (impossible to sleep in) or if you fold them once more forward you create a big, square, tall cargo area with the back seats as barriers to your front passenger area. when i lie down in the back, with my arms outstretched under my head (like i like to sleep - is that tmi???) i am all cramped up and cannot extend my arms out since the bump into the folded over rear seat. it's difficult to access the front from the back and the back from the front with the seats like that too. it's uncomfortable for me.
the forester on the other hand, has rear seats that fold forward once and flat creating a long flat cargo area. if i get in the back of my Forester to sleep (oh the joy!) i can lie outstretched back-to-front (could even fit two people in the back) with my arm under my head, hanging over the space between the back seat and the front seat (I push the front seat way forward). With a pillow, some more cushioning and a blanky, I sleep better in there then I do in my own bed! (I keep the alarm triggered and the panic button and remote key nearby)
Thus, because of the easier pass-through in the Forester (relative to the CR-V) it's easier to haul long-flat things in my opinion.
-juice
"(&%$#@!!!! Okay, I'll just go sleep in the car! So there!!!"
Bob
Len
Leo2633: I will check out the Conti's. Any downsides to be aware of?
Edunnett and Bhanna: How are you liking your replacements?
(I am looking to switch from the Geolanders - From the get-go I was never confident with them in rain or slush.)
Len
Greg
Subaru Forester vs Honda CR-V
thanks,
Steve, Host
I replaced mine early since I feel that any tire's grip degrades significantly not just with milage, but also through heat-cycling and just exposure to the elements.
For a replacement, I went to Dunlop SP5000s. They are rated quite favorably, are reasonably priced and easy to find. I thought they were a great improvement over the Geos and treadwear was equally good.
Last point -- the treadwear rating on a tire is subjective. Each company has a reference tire that they base the rating on. Since there really is no standard reference tire, one needs to take the treadwear rating with a grain of salt.
Ken
1. is the upgraded model worth it (the middle of the road)?
2. I've always driven a 5 spd, but can't get a 5 spd Forester with leather, not sure which I want more. Comments?
3. Does the trunk pop from the console? From the keys?
4. How's the stereo?
5. I was shooting for a gentley used 2001, but am now considering a new 2004. Any thoughts?
I appreciate all responses!
LCG
1. Is the XS worth the extra cost over the X? I have a base model and I'm happy. But if you live in the snow belt, the heated seats and mirrors, wiper de-icers, and rear LSD would be handy. I don't like the two-tone, but you might.
2. You can add leather from the aftermarket, usually for about $900. You can't change the tranny, though. Get a 5 speed and you can decide later if you can't live without leather.
3. Keys unlock the trunk. Nice and simple.
4. Good enough unless you are an audiophile, and then again you'd probably swap it out if you were, anyway.
5. 2005s are here, so I think a new 2004 is a potential bargain and a good compromise between a 2001 and a brand-new 2005.
2005s do get 23/30 mpg with new throttle tuning, so if mileage is high on your priorities it may be worth getting a 2005 X model and sacrificing a couple of features. Or look at a 2004 XS for close to the same price.
Good luck.
-juice
Bob
So no popping the trunk from the inside/keys? That's a bummer, it's one feature I was really hoping for in a new car b/c believe it or not I encounter times when I want to open the trunk and have the car running at the same time.....
I appreciate your response!
~Aly E
Thanks for the help!
Here's some stuff that'll help reinforce your decision:
* 3 years free roadside assistance (nice bonus)
* IIHS Best Pick in front offset crash tests
* IIHS Best Pick (#1 in class) side impact
* NHTSA quadruple 5 star safety ratings
* IIHS bumper basher - Best in class
* #1 in Polk Owner Loyalty (repeat buyers)
-juice
Bob
Are you talking about the dog guard/cargo compartment divider?
They are popular, and nice because in a crash they'd keep cargo from becoming flying debris. But you can also use a cargo cover or use the 4 sturdy tie-downs.
-juice
You can decide if you want it later.
Here's one thing I'd suggest - consider the Chase Subaru credit card. You get 3% credit in "Subaru Bucks" and can use those to pay for accessories (like the dog guard) or even your 15k or 30k service.
Dunno about you but we charge enough that it'll amount to big savings.
-juice
John
For a long time we've had the Toys R Us card, and basically paid for diapers for the kids.
Now that the kids are growing out of diapers I finally was able to talk the wife into it. So now we get a bigger rebate, since we were only getting 1%.
-juice
-Frank
-Frank
But I have a 35% tint all around, and I can't bear the A/C beyond the "1" fan setting, else I get icycles on my nose.
Actually what I've been doing lately is putting the temp setting more towards the middle, that cycles the compressor on and off as needed.
-jucie
1) I miss the sunroof from my '01 Forester TERRIBLY. If you are the sunroof type, you should get whatever model you need to get the sunroof - it's WONDERFUL!
2) My '01 was manual and personally I much prefer the automatic in my '04. My personal opinion (based on extensive warranty experience) is that the manual transmission is a bit of a weak point for such a heavy and AWD car. Also manual Subarus (and manual trannies in general) are in less demand (unless you are talking about a "performance" car like the XT or WRX) so may hurt you for resale value and demand.
3) ditto
4) I LOVE the upgraded audio package (upgraded speakers, tweeter kit and subwoofer) in the XT! I think it's worth it. As for the 6-disc CD changer - eh, could take it or leave it.
5) I actually prefer the interior controls in the '01 models than the '04 models but the outside styling is MUCH better on the '04s. I always prefer new though since you never know what you are getting used, especially if from a dealer.
-Frank
I also agree the audio in the F-XT is nice. Big improvement over the OEM system in my Outback.
-Brian
Besides, since the 2003 redesign those complaints have pretty much gone away.
-juice
- clutch chatter since day 1
- "reverse aspiration" since day 1 (sounds like a back-fire out the tail pipe when shifting - only on the MT)
- bad first gear and first gear synchro
- leaking front drive joint that was a constant complaint even after the seal was replaced
- rear differential replaced (may not be related to MT issues though)
... hence the AUTO tranny when I got the 2004!
I thought the synchro only affected the very early models, 98-99 or so. That's not common, though.
I don't think the last two are MT5-related.
-juice
The 2003- second generation has been generally reliable.
Can we tempt you into test driving a 2004 Forester XT
- avail 5-speed, and good with auto
- improved clutch/transmission
- great audio
- great interior
- no known reliability issues yet (though it is very new)
- it's a bargain and 2004s are cheap now (someone else in the US will have to say how cheap)
- very fun to drive
JP
JP: that popping issue was the synchro again, like Elissa's. There was a TSB on that and they could fix that, too.
I have seen a 5 speed XT dip as low as $22.8k, BOY am I tempted.
-juice
That was about 4 months ago and not long after that cleaning the sound returned. I took the car into a different dealer last week and they said I had 60% pad remaining on the front and 80% pad left on the rear brakes. They said all they needed was cleaning to remove the brake dust. One week later the brakes are chirping/squeaking again! Any ideas on why this is happening? Any solution to this irritating problem would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Sierratrip
Basically, after a hard stop, try to lift off the brakes. The pads and the rotors cool at different rates. Keeping the pads on the hot rotors after a stop can glaze the surface of the pads, causing that noise.
You can ask the dealer to scuff the pads, i.e scratch the surface, or you can try this. Find an empty lot, with plenty of space. Reverse it quickly, then slam on the brakes. That should shed the glazed layer. Try it a couple of times, just make sure you're safe about it.
-juice
X still there and as it was in 04.
XS now with Monocrome paint scheme like old Prem. No XS Prem model avail. Moonroof now an option at this level, power seat, 8 spoke wheels.
LL Bean......kinda like the old XS-Prem, with leather seat covers, moonroof, Self-leveling rear suspension, rear compass mirror, power seat, Automatic ONLY! Looks like left over Outback wheels & Dual paint colors like the old XS.
XT much the same and now an XT Prem model with leather and Moonroof. 7 Speaker stereo Std...including 'rear' subwoofer..Mounted in left rear of cargo area where storage bin was.
P.S.....my $.02....I don't like 'drive by wire' (ETC). My wifes Highlander has it. When driving with the cruise on, the pedal doesn't move, so a smooth transistion from cruise to manual control is not as smooth. I still like the KISS principle.
Besides, the throttle-by-wire arrived in 2003, they just re-tuned it.
-juice
Craig
Check under the hood, have your spouse pump the accelerator pedal. Is there a cable connection?
Maybe it was the XT that was introduced with throttle-by-wire, I'd swear I read that.
-juice
John
Craig
-juice