Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

lexoman

saw some pix of the forester with clear lense in the front and back. (back with red). ANyone know where I can get some? They look awesome

mrsgreenthumbs

Okay... now that you've all convinced me... what's the best deal I should shoot for on a 2001 Forester (they are almost a year old after all). I'm ready to buy now, before the end of the month.
How low do you think they'll negotiate for a bare-bones "L" or "S"?
Is it worthwhile to spend the extra bucks for the "S"?
Sorry about my is-spelling of "VW"...spell check changed it. :~\
Thanks for all of the advice.

lark6

That was the hardest part of the installation and the reason why I had to trim the filter. Otherwise the filter stuck out on one side of the plenum box and prevented me from getting the two halves close enough to engage.

Thanks,
Ed

p0926

Len- Thanks for keeping us posted on the sub-woofer install. Just so you know, the engine computer will store that CEL code until the next time you take it to the dealer for service. (I can't believe that you refueled with the engine running... shame shame).

Cynthia- If it's poor reception, then follow the above advice. If it's poor sound, then a speaker upgrade should be your first priority.

Angie- You should be able to get a 01 L for invoice +/- a couple of hundred. Also, Subaru has a low financing offer currently available on 01 models.

Bill- Upgrading to 16" wheels will make a big difference in handling/cornering.

Congrats to all the new owners!

-Frank P.

ateixeira

lexoman: try iSR. Pam can get a lot of stuff, even from Japan:

http://autocaresubaru.com/

Greenthumb: aim for $200 below invoice on the 2001s. I've heard of people paying that, and it's eating up about half of the dealer's holdback.

L or S? I say S Premium. Love that moonroof!

-juice

ateixeira

Thanks to Ken Suzuki, I now have the premium sound speakers installed on my Forester. He upgrade to some really nice ones, and had his lying around, so he offered them to me! :-)

So I just installed these, and you can see photos comparing the speakers side by side and detailing the installation here.

So, are they different? Yes. The base front speakers are 30 watt dual-cones. The premium sound gives you 40 watt two-ways, with a separate tweeter. They had a Panasonic label, FWIW.

The base rears are tiny 15 watt dual-cones. The premiums handle 30 watts, but the are still dual-cones.

So how does it sound? Better, definitely. Good enough for any non-audiophile. I tried the same music on both, and the base speakers distorted with the volume at 28. The premiums could handle 30 or more, and sounded better all the while. Particularly in front, you could hear much better treble. That to me was the biggest change, though they handle bass better and without buzzing so early.

So do I think the premium sound would be worth it? Well, if you like to keep things stock, or it's a lease, and you just want decent sound, then yes. But if you are an audiophile and really want the very best, I'd go aftermarket, like Ken and Hutch did.

-juice

PS The head unit is a Clarion rated at 75 watts on my Forester.

cellmates

Still enjoying our Forester L MT (MY01) after 960 miles. It is scheduled to have it's 1000 mile service this week (oil & filter & touch-up paint for 23 bucks). I have been thinking about using synthetic oil in the Forester (have never used it before) and have a couple of questions:

What is Subaru's position on Synthetic oil for the engine? What about the differentials & transmission?

Does anyone know how to drain the manual transmission/differential? Tools required?

So far the only problem that I am having with the car is that my wife is always driving it.

-cellmates

ateixeira

I believe they'll tell you it's not necessary. They don't recommend any additives, either.

Someone tried to change the diffy fluid but the 1/2" nut was just about sealed. A dealer managed with power tools, and they found some type of epoxy sealing it (no wonder it would not come off). You can try, but this may be a shop-only service.

I'm curious about the tranny myself. I've done my Miata's, but not the Subie.

-juice

texbean

Anyone hear anything about '02 Foresters being slow coming in from Japan lately? I'm waiting on a Silver S+ with leather that my local dealer (in Texas) has in the pipeline that I want to see and make a decision on buying. It was supposed to come in last Tuesday, and he hasn't seen anything on it yet. He says he won't know anything until he sees the truck pull in (which I don't believe). He has no 2002's but a lot of 2001's. He keeps trying to sell me on a '01 S+, with of course, no leather. Not what I want, but I offered him a price of $750 under invoice, but no go (which I knew, but wanted him to lay off). Just wondered if anyone else had encountered this delay in '02's.

juice - please accept my condolences on the injury to Sandy. Wrong place, wrong time.

Larry

ateixeira

Larry: I heard they cut Forester production in Gunma, Japan, to meet demand for the WRX. So yeah, it may take a little longer than normal.

-juice

joseph50

Forester S, bought in January. 3.7 K miles, two oil changes. All has become smooth, tight and quiet. Close to 25 mpg in mixed driving, 30 turnpike. Buying in the winter leaves me wondering if my initial concerns - jittery idle at start-up, pinging at high speeds - was break-in or weather related, or both. I'll have to wait to next winter to find out. Looking forward to a great summer of toolin' around.
I read that the Yoko's are classified as a "small truck" tire. If it is the same size at a passanger tire, is the difference in thickness or construction or something? Thanks. This is a terrific group.

ateixeira

It probably has a tougher construction, made to handle gravel and rocks and such without going flat. Surely it'll be better on such trails than passenger car tires.

Though it probably won't have the tread life of a basic touring tire, nor would it be as quiet.

-juice

riskman11

Hi All!

Been reading a lot but not posting much. Juice, sorry to hear of your unfortunate meeting with a Saturn.

Our 2001 S+ Forester now has over 8,000 miles on her since we bought in January. Not one problem! Runs like a top, just wish gas mileage was a little bit better. Getting 21 in mostly city driving. Took her on a 2500 mile round trip to St. Louis in April, averaged 27 mpg for the trip, plenty of room for the three of us. Very comfortable and secure on the road!

Need to plug into the group's knowledge base. Last Sunday, while on her way back from watching my son autocross (I was on a plane on the way back from Tucson!), a rather large rock came flying across the road and got lodged right between the wiper arm and the air foil on the arm. It was raining lightly and the wipers were on. The wipers made a couple of passes while she was trying to figure out what happened, and the lodged rock left a light arc as it scraped across the windshield. Finally, my question: anyone know of a way to rub/buff out the arc? Really do not want to replace the windshield. Anyone aware of any products that can reduce/remove light glass scratches? TIA for any and all help!

Larry

ateixeira

Larry: that sucks. Hard to believe the rock stuck there like that.

I doubt Rain X would fill in big scratches, so I'd go to a windshield repair place. They probably have some type of filler/polish for that.

You have the heating element at the base of that windshield, so it's expensive and worth fixing.

-juice

texbean

I've had pretty good luck using Zaino Z-12 Glass Cleaner for real fine scratches in my windshield. It also works great for water stains. Here's the website:

www.zainobros.com

Larry

mbeards

My wife and I just bought a 1998 Subaru Forester L, with auto, cruise and CD for 11999. It is dark green and has 49k on it. We needed a family type four door for our 1 yr old daughter and this seemed like a good suv alternative. We like the AWD, mileage, rugged style and the towing capability. I financed it for 4.5 years and I'm concerned that by the time its paid for, it may be falling apart. How long can the high-tech 2.5 liter and AWD system last?

ateixeira

$12k?! You mean you stole it! Most go for closer to $15k! Stop thief! ;-)

1998 was the first year, but Legacys have been made since the early 90's and have been known to hold up well. Just make sure you do all the required maintenance.

It should still be under warranty, until 60k miles. Then I'd make sure you do the 60k service, and oil changes at least every 7500 miles.

If you take care of it, it should last you beyond your payments. At least if you're not driving 20k miles per year (maybe even then).

-juice

PS Oh, I should also mention the 90k service, at which point I'd do the timing belt

kate5000

note how many old Subaru wagons are still on the road. I myself still drive an old Loyale'92 wagon. Runs great, everything (even A/C) works. Big difference from my Escort'84 that literally fell apart aroun 66K mi.

mbeards

Thanks for the comments. We plan to drive about 15k miles per year so after 4.5 years, the subaru will have 117k on it. We bought it at a Nissan dealer who must have gotten it as a trade. We picked out several vehicles to look at this past sunday(to avoid sales people) but this dealer was open and we jumped on it! The more I read and talk to owners, the more confident I'am about buying a Subaru. I was thinking of doing an oil change, air filter and getting new platinum plugs, what do you think?

ateixeira

49k is a lot, but for the price you paid, wow!

Also, there's still the tail end of the warranty, so you've got almost a year just in case anything creeps up.

Go for the tune-up you're talking about. Make sure to check the owner's manual to get the right plugs. Plugs in the wrong heat range will foul, so be sure to double-check.

-juice

raybear

I'm driving an '89 Loyale wagon. Had to reseal the engine and replace the timing belt. Nothing unusual, but I don't expect you'll need to reseal. The timing belt is good for 105,000 miles. You got a great deal.

kpedersen1

Susan-Concerning your 2 questions-the 'dog-barrier'I mentioned is a metal grid-like device which people put either behind the rear seats, or if you want your dogs to have more room, and be closer to you, as I do, you can fold the rear seats FLAT (thus protecting the LEATHER, also!), and place the dog-barrier behind the FRONT seats. This device keeps the dogs from jumping up into the front seats, etc. It is not as safe for the dogs, as (optimiumly) riding in a dog crate.... but certainly better than having them totally loose in the vehicle!! I would also keep my doors locked at all times when Penny is riding with you, in CASE of accident! If she is behind the barrier, and you're involved in an accident, at least the doors won't pop open, allowing a frightened and possibly injured dog to escape out of the vehicle onto the road! (We must think of these things when traveling with our beloved pets!) :-) The dog barriers are available through any of the pet supply catalogs (www.DrsFosterSmith.com comes immediately to mind) or through larger local pet supply stores. Concerning the 'Hatch-Bag'....it is a heavy-duty vinyl liner 'thingy', for the cargo' area of your Forester (either small', for the area behind the REAR seat, Or full-sized', for the area made avail. when the rear seats are laid flat.) They even go up the sides under the rear windows, and protect virtually EVERYTHING.... from dog hair, spills, toes nails, dirt, etc You can check THEM out at www.HatchBag.com. A little expensive (like $100-plus) but worth it, IMHO! It'll keep the back of your Forester in show room condition'!!!!Good luck and let us know how you make out!!And take that Penny-girl for a spin! You know she'll love it!!!!Kris in NJ

stever

kpedersen1

Okay gang, I'm having a funny little noise in my Forester! It goes like this....... you know the stalk' which sticks out of the right hand side of the steering wheel? The one which controls the windshield wiper speeds? Well, when I have this control stalk' in the first position (for intermittent wipers... used in drizzle-rain), and if I turn the ignition off with the stalk in this position.... hear a soft buzzing noise. (This noise is NOT present if the wiper control stalk is in ANY other position.) It sounds as if it SHOULD be a warning' noise of some sort: only it's quite soft and faint. If I turn the ignition back on, the buzz' goes away. I don't think this is a big deal. And it certainly has NOTHING to do with my or the Forester's SAFETY. And I certainly can LIVE with it! It's just odd! And I wonder if any of you guys can try YOUR wiper control in the 'intermittent'position, then turn YOUR ignition off, and see if this is just MY silly Forester playing tricks, OR WHAT??? Let me know what you think it is please. THANKS! Kris in NJ

rochcom

If you really like gold wheels, you might try to find a set of alloys from the '98 Impreza RS. Many people thought they were TOO gold and replaced them with something else. I bet you could find a set for very little if you look. I believe that the offset is a little bit different, but within usable range.

vtwoman

Kris: Thanks for all the great info on dogs riding in cars we're trying to keep new looking (the cars, not the dogs :-)) . I can't wait to check these items out.

Larry: When I bought my 2002 Silver I+ /Leather about two weeks ago, there were several around here (CT/New England) to choose from. I was able to get a price at Invoice or $100 above from two separate dealers for cars they had on the lot or firmly coming in. In any case, I love this car, as you will, so it's worth the wait!

Juice: also wanted to say sorry about the accident.

Also, everyone, I wanted to ask these once more, although I know it's been answered before, first oil change at 1000 or 3000 or 3500 miles IYO?
Also, to add to the discussion, my own trustworthy local mechanic who will be servicing my Forester on its minor services/oil changes checked my new tires' pressure yesterday. They're all set at 38. He says this is a good pressure if I don't mind the harsh ride which I don't. He recommends keeping it there. Is this in line with your experiences?
Susan

kens

Susan,

I'd do the first oil change at 1000 miles just to be on the safe side.

38psi is on the high side but not out of the question. You're okay as long as you don't exceed the manufacturer's maximum pressure (usually around 44psi). Experiment with a few settings to see what works best with you.

Ken

jackleung

Susan,

  I have the stock pet barrier which is expensive but fit perfectly. The down side is I can not use the cargo cover. Before I tinted the windows, it was like a dog show room and attracted too many attention on both driving and parking. I really appreaicate the plastic tray so I am worry free to place the water dish for them. Take a look at them (& the barrier) here:

http://members.nbci.com/jack/Forester8.htm

Rgds,

  Jack

jackleung

should be this one:

http://members.nbci.com/jackl/Forester8.htm

pat88

We finally installed the hood deflector and took it for a long ride this past week-end. It created alot of wind noise! I was surprised by this. Is this normal or is there something we can do to minimize the noise?

Pat

ateixeira

I agree with Kris about the dogs. Our small dog wears a harness all the time, so I slip it around the seat belt to secure him. I'm glad, too - I was just hit pretty hard by a Saturn and it held him pretty well. There are tie downs in the cargo area if you keep them there.

The buzz? A short circuit maybe? Bad electrical connection? I'd let a dealer have a look-see.

Jack: cute doggies. Hadji has some Pomeranian in him, just a little. His face is shaped the same way, though he's bigger.

-juice

rsholland

If the dog barrier and the cargo cover don't work together, then the barrier is poorly designed. They both should be able to be used at the same time. It shouldn't be an "either/or" situation.

To me, this is inexcusable—really DUMB on Subaru's part!

Bob

kens

Pat,

Unfortunately, that's normal for the hood deflector. The very nature of it's design causes the airflow to become more turbulent. That's why I got rid of mine after a month.

If you're just wanting to protect the leading edge of your hood, then you might want to consider some of those clear tapes you place directly onto the hood.

I've given up and accepted stone chips as a symbol of how much I drive my Forester.

Ken

ateixeira

Bob: even dumber now that the cargo cover is standard. They need to go back to the drawing board. They managed to find a fix for the rear center shoulder belt, so I'm surprised they didn't address this as well.

-juice

drew_

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joseph50

I'm not very handy with tools and mechanics. I purchased some wood trim for the driver's compartment of my Forester S. The area around the window switches is right there, but to do the console area I need to take off the leather auto trans shift knob. Two screws at the base of the knob is all I see. I {shudder}picture a bunch of springs and wires coming out of the shifter tube if I remove that knob. Can someone give me directions, confidence or advice?
Thanks,
Joe

ateixeira

Use these photos as a partial guide. I removed some of the trim to install my STi shifter.

Go to the main album, and look at my dual-cup holder install, and there is a little bit more that might help, but not the complete dash.

-juice

lutero

We purchased a 2000 Forester S in 2/00 and noticed from the start that the engine knocks when driving up an incline. We have taken it to the dealership twice, and both times we have been informed that this is standard engine noise. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I love the Forester but feel that this is unacceptable for a brand new vehicle.

joseph50

Thanks, Juice. But you're working with a stick shift. So I still feel moved to ask, if I remove those two screws at the base of the automatic shifter knob, what can I expect?
Appreciatively,
Joe

ateixeira

Honestly? I have no idea. Never looked down into an auto tranny shifter like that. I imagine the surround comes off in a similar fashion, given all you're changing is the trim.

-juice

owells

We have also noticed engine knocking (pinging is probably more accurate) on a 2000 Legacy - like lutero, we purchased 2/00. The knocking has recently gotten worse, particularly on slight inclines at half throttle. Moving up to 89 octane has helped on the past tank of gas. I also plan to change the fuel filter soon. Dealer thought changing the O2 sensor during the recall would help, but the knocking has persisted. Knocking does seem unacceptable on a vehicle this new, especially when, as I understand it, the ECU can only retard the timing so much in response to the knock sensor.

joseph50

Juice, sorry, we are not connecting. I'm not trying to take off the surround. Just the knob on top of the shifter stick, the leather bulk you grab with the large button on the side you push in to change from park to drive, neutral or reverse.
Joe

kpedersen1

Jack- Check out the Hatch Bag I mentioned in my earlier post to Susan. I think it could easily solve your water bowl problem!!!And it WILL work in conjunction with your dog-barrier!!!www.www.HatchBag.com. in NJ :-)

hypov

Pat,

You may want to check out this clear application by Stongard. I think it would be worth the investment in protecting your Forester from chips.

http://www.stongard.com

ateixeira

Oh, gotcha now, Joe. I've never removed any of those, on any car.

I'm sure someone on iClub has done it, though. Try iclub.com, go to the Forums, then the Legacy forum. They'll know. In fact, I did see an aftermarket shifter knob on a Legacy auto at an i Club event a while ago.

-juice

laurievrba

when you say it knocks do you mean that it makes a sort of 'clicking' sound as it goes uphill?

If so, than my soob does that too! I just got mine 2000miles ago and was a little worried about it also. I remember my old car used to do that too and it never seemed to effect anything.

Nevertheless, I agree, that it is unexcusable for a new car.
~Laurie

laurievrba

Would like to buy a cartop carrier for my forester and have no clue what to/not to look for in one. Primarily will use it one the rare occasions I go camping, so I wont be spending much money. That probly limits my options somewhat,I guess.

There is a lady who wants to sell her sears cartop carrier model 300, says it straps on to the vehicle. Is this the standard that it straps on- or are there clip-ons??

I'm so ignorant about the whole cartop carrier deal,can someone explain to me how they get put on?

thanks a bunch!
~Laurie

pat88

hygov...Thank you for the information about Stongard! I've never heard of the product before. Have you tried it and what did you think about it (i.e. any problems with it?)?

The other reason I put the deflector on our Forester was to protect the windshield. We have one chip in it. I have read so many notes about problems with the windshields having to be replaced that it made me nervous about our own.

I think I am going to make a compromise--use the deflector on a daily basis but take it off on long distance trips. The wind noise would drive me nuts by the end of the trip!

~~~Pat

mbeards

We bought a 1998 Subaru Forester L last Sunday and it has all the standard power features of the 1998 L series as well as cruise, and CD. My wife drives the car and she really wanted keyless entry to make life easier with our 1 year old daughter. Well even though it didn't have keyless entry, it was the green color we wanted, had 49k miles, and the price was a steal($11999). Anyway, turns out that the car did have keyless entry and we received a remote and extra key in the mail! The Nissan dealer apparently found the transmitter! Next, I sent an email to Subaru regarding getting a replacement manual and 20 minutes later I got a response that it was on its way- no charge! Between actually finding an extra feature and reading posts on this board, I'm becoming more and more glad that I bought this Subaru. I look forward to talking to everyone here.

hypov

Pat - I too installed a hood deflector on my OB before learning of Stongard. No, I did not used them (I'm one lousy 'do-it-yourselfer' - probably screw things up). They are acrylic (I think), cut to conform to the Forester's contours. From what I've heard from other owners who had them on were happy with it. As for windshield destined projectiles, not much help with the deflector as its primary purpose is to deflect projectile away from the hood hence windshield (usually).