Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

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Comments

  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Don't know about Lexol, but Armor All gives your plastic surfaces a tacky looking shine. That's enough for me to avoid it. When I need to, I use Meguiar's Vinyl Protectant. Shines a tad, but far less than Armor All.

    I think you can use any gear sequence you like as long as you're at the right RPMs when you hit the next gear. You probably need to rev a little higher with a 1-3-5 shift. Being able to choose how you go through the gears is all about driving a manual.

    Ken
  • maverick1017maverick1017 Member Posts: 212
    Has anyone done a coolant flush on their forester yet?? If you have, what tool did you use to loosen the drain plug?? I can't seem to find anything in my tool chest to do the job.

    Much appreciated

    Mike
  • jackleungjackleung Member Posts: 79
    I installed the Clarion PSW160M(PSW160 is out of stock and I was told this is exactly the same unit) by myself in an hour. I can't find harness to the head unit and I don't want to cut any wire. So, what I did is modify the original harness from the car (use a needle and some skill to pull out the needed pin from the socket, then connect the wire and push it back in). Beside the wires for speakers (4 in totals). Both yellow & the blue one need to connect to the 12V+ and the black one to the groud.

    Rgds,
    Jack
  • leo2633leo2633 Member Posts: 589
    Jack,

    Did you have any problems with the install other than what you described about the wiring? How do you like the sound?

    Len
  • secretariatsecretariat Member Posts: 7
    I just want to thank everyone for taking the time to give me advice on extended warranties, rustproofing, fabric protection, etc. regarding the new Subaru I am purchasing.

    I decided to go with the Gold Plus Extended Warranty and passed on the other products. I figure if I decide later I want rustproofing I could always go to Ziebart and pay less than half the price.

    I will get my car next Thursday night. I am very excited to be getting my very own Subaru.

    Again, thanks for all your help. I appreciate it more than I can say.

    Trish
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    and welcome to the club. I hope you hang around.

    Ross
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    Congratulations and welcome. If you look at CUs recent car guide you can see that rust has been largely "eliminated" as a problem. Adding rustproofing can actually cause rust to form by trapping moisture. Good choice to stay away from it. How 'bout some pics when you get the "car"?

    Greg
  • kbradley29kbradley29 Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking for a center armrest extension for my '98 Forester. I found one for the newer models on the Subaru website, but I don't know whether it will work on the '98 and was hoping to find an aftermarket one anyway. Any suggestions? I'm in Atlanta, if that matters.
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    Husco makes one but I know nothing about it other than what is on their web site:

    http://www.husco.com/subaru.html


    bit

  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Check out Husco's website. They make an aftermarket armrest extension w/cupholders for the Forester:


    http://www.husco.com/subaru.html


    Ken

  • logtraillogtrail Member Posts: 74
    I have had 2 Yokahama Geolander tires (215/60r/16) develop very slow leaks. One was eventually taken care of with some sealant along rim, but another one persists even after my local tire dealer spend about an hour trying to find bubbles. . Has anyone had this problem. Also, in my area, Baltimore, I find it is virtually impossible to find a tire store that stocks this tire. One dealer told me that these were on "backorder" and would not be available for a couple of weeks. Hard to believe. Any insights? And as long as we are on the topic, how do the
    Aquatreds rate for snow compared to the Geolanders, which seem ok, but nothing special?
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    I haven't had any trouble with my Geolanders in the 14 months I've had them - zero air loss in fact. Seems to me it's more likely a rim problem than a tire one. I think the Geolanders are sub-par on snow. I've read and heard that the Aquatreds are excellent on snow. You might want to check the review at Tirerack. I'm thinking of making that switch myself.


    http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp


    Ross

  • joseph50joseph50 Member Posts: 235
    A recent post in this group avered that the current "expert" opinion is that Aquatreds can't be beat -- for the first few thousand miles. After that, once worn, they are just ordinary.
    What I request here is some input of people who have run on the Aquatreds for a couple years or so. Anyone out there?
    Thanks,
    Joe
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I had great luck ordering from them, and drop shipping to a local shop on their list of "suggested installers" it was an order monday afternoon, installed by 6pm wed night.

    -mike
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    image
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    I had to replace a Geolandar at 22.5K miles - ran over a nail on the way home from Philadelphia airport on I-95. Disappointing in that I wanted to be able to do all 4 at once and will now be "stuck" with one low mileage tire. They still have plenty tread at 5/32" but I would prefer better all-round handling, especially in the dry, and a stiffer sidewall. I am considering Yokohama's AVS db and Dunlop's SP5000 Sport, but don't know of anyone who has installed these on a Forester. We don't have tons of snow here but I think we get between 2-3 feet a winter. We got 6" 48 hours after I bought the car and 12" a week after that. I think I may be able to get away with SP5000s given that climate(?).

    Ed
  • crashton6crashton6 Member Posts: 245
    I used a pair of needle nose pliers. They have the pointy end bent at a 45 degree angle. You can get yourself a pair at Sears hardware. It was still a bit of a bugger to loosen.

    Chuck
  • jackleungjackleung Member Posts: 79
    Len,

    Except the harness, the installation is very easy. (I found Forester is very easy for DIY) Bass is much better now.

    Rgds,
    Jack
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    The Geolandars for the Forester are hard to find since they were orignally designed just for the Forester. You can order them on Tire Rack.

    Try looking at other tires as well. There's no reason why you need to stick with the Geo's for the Forester.

    I'm also curious about the SP5000s. Anyone tried them on their Forester before?

    Ken
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Ken, the SP5000s are high-po all-seasons, and apparently don't do as well in the snow, but are great in the dry/wet/snow. FWIW, the facelifted M-class has an all new light truck version of the SP5000s. I'm curious to see how they will perform in the snow compared to my more off-road biased open tread Dunlop Grandtreks TG35s. For more information about tires, check out the Tires, tires, tires discussion topic in the Aftemarket & Accessories message board. There has been some mentions of the Dunlops, and also the Aquatreads in there.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Congrats on your purchase, and I hope that you can participate in the weekly Subaru chats every Thursday at 6-7pm Pacific. Look out for the link to the chat in this topic just before the chat starts, or you can access it via the banner at the top of this page, just under the topic title.


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • cmujahidcmujahid Member Posts: 2
    Just bought a new Forester L. I have no regrets. Still best decision. Spent over a week comparing on the net...but it was the "drive" that convinced me. Was thoroughly set on the Ford Explorer.....but drove by a Subaru lot and decided to take a look. We bought the Forester. I have back problems in a major way, and the thought of going for a long trip in the Forester certainly outweighed the Ford. Sorry...I need comfort. Still made the best decision...and I look forward to a long relationship with Subaru. My husband owned a Subaru when he was in Cyprus. Just one of those "fishing cars" as I call them. Actually I called this one the SuperGlue Car....cause it was....superglue was holding many things on! But that little car just ran and ran. I told him then..."I would buy one of these cars...just because of what I have seen this little thing do." And I did. All cars have troubles. I don't expect miracles. I know what I got...and I got the best for my money in what I needed. End of that discussion. A happy Subaru owner.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats, Cindy! I have an L model also. 3 years and 40k miles, and I still just the way you do now!

    For the coolant, I removed the engine cover, and then used pliers to get it loose. I only hand tightened it later, though. You're supposed to be able to use your hands to do the job.

    I have a photo here.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Drew,

    Thanks for the link. I've seen customer ratings on the SP5000s on Tire Rack and they usually seem to do very well in the snow (relative to high-performance tires). I'm curious as to the tires you mentioned for the ML. Wonder if they'll come in a variety of sizes.

    One question I've always had is how to correlate the results in one category to another. For example, how does the snow traction of the SP5000 compare against the best all-season category tire? Will it always be the case that a high-performance tire will perform poorly compared to a standard all-season tire in the snow?

    Ken
  • thecatthecat Member Posts: 535
    Ken - I think the answer is yes. All tires represent some kind of compromise. The very characteristics that provide good performance on wet roads, for instance, preclude a tire from doing well in snow. Watch the boys on the race tracks. If it's raining they use one type of tire, dry weather something else. The trick, IMHO, is to find a compromise that you can live with. I did a lot of research before buying the Aquatred 3's. Although I had some initial problems, they have been resolved and now I'm quite pleased with this tire on the Forester. I don't think I'd be happy with them on the WRX though. My $0.02
    - hutch
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It's funny, because snow tires are designed to do the opposite of what rain tires do. While rain tires evacuate the water, snow tires try to pack the snow down.

    So, yes, it's hard to be good at both. My Desert Duelers were good at digging in the snow, but they'd hydroplaned like Katarina Witt.

    My current Nittos are excellent in wet braking, like night and day. But in the snow they slide around like I would trying to keep up with Katarina!

    -juice
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    Juice, I thought KW retired, like, centuries ago? did not she use to compete for what was East Germany back then?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    She may still skate for certain shows, I'm not sure.

    Maybe I should have used a more contemporary skater? Nah, I love her powerful style. She makes the others look like little girls.

    The US offered her a green card in a snap. It's a little harder than that for the rest of us immigrants.

    -juice
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    dunno about skaters these days but through my teenage daughter I know that Josh Hartnett is IN, and Leonardo (DiCaprio) is OUT! Now, how does this relate to the Forester topic? She told me this when riding in it :-)
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    Have you found a name for your Forester yet? We never seem to connect on the chats any more. I have a couple of ideas. If you would like to hear them, drop me an email.

    Ross
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    alas, every Thu I'm planning to go on a chat, and then something happens, work or family related: can you spell g-r-r-r ?

    I'll try to email you but I don't mind if you share your ideas on forum. My baby Forester has already > 18K miles on it, so it's time for him to get a name.
    Thanks!
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    I have a weakness for puns, hidden meanings (I’m a psychologist after all) and double entendres (of a non-sexual nature). I also hate to think of the trauma your Forester may be suffering due to his lack of naming (possible identity crisis - may start thinking he’s a GM product for example). To prevent such a fate and the resulting collapse in reliability I would humbly suggest a name to you at this time, or rather a name set.

    What do we know about your friend? You have repeatedly used the term “he” thus the gender is established. His colour is silver. He is a Forester. The obvious name has to be some variant of “silva” which is Latin for “forest”. Eliminating feminine variants such as Silvia, we are left with: Silvanus (Roman god of forests), Silvester (Latin), Silvestre (Spanish), Silvestro (Italian), Silvio (Italian), Silvius (Latin), Sylvain (French), Sylwester (Polish), Sylvestre (French). If none of these grab the two of you, let me know and I’ll either go back to the drawing board or mind my own business (difficult for me - see the first sentence).

    Ross
  • subasuba Member Posts: 12
    I'm getting many relatively small chips on my 01 Forester from road construction. What success have people had with a shield, called a "bra" by one auto-body man I talked with? Difficult to install? Who sells them?
    Thanks.
    Walter Creedon
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Ross,

    My Forester, after 60K miles, also is nameless. Given your skill for words, would you be so kind as to suggest some names for my vehicle?

    It's a 98 Forester S, Black Diamond Pearl & Slate two-tone color. Gender: male.

    Thanks!

    Ken
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    Maybe we should start a new topic - "Nameless in California". Since yours is a '98, the first name that popped into my head was Shem (renowned in Hebrew) - *eldest* son of Noah. I'll try working on it Ken, but no promises. The muse is often not amused with me and departs for extended periods. BTW is there a trend here? Yours, Kate's and my Rufus are all male. Only Juice's Sandy seems to be female. What gender (if any) is your Forester? Oh Kate, I realized that I left out one point - your Forester has the agility of a cat - Silvester? I also left out one of my favorites, Sylvan.

    Ross
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Kate - maybe you already gave him a name. "Him". Wanna get a little spiritual? Then "Hymh".
    Ken - a name for your Forester. Go with your roots. What's 'Forest' in Japanese? You don't have to call it Forest... you know what I mean.
    :-)
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Silvester seems like the perfect name for Kate's Forester! Good job :-)


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    We will have to wait until Kate and friend discuss it though. I was worried that the yeast fumes (calm down Juice, I've been baking bread) were upsetting my judgment. ;~)

    Ross
  • skeeter41skeeter41 Member Posts: 1
    I have a New 2002 Forester. I love it, but the only thing that irritates me is my low beam headlights. My low beams look like the top half is cut off. There is a black line or shadow right across the top half of the light. It makes it hard to see at times. Its not there on high beams only the low. I just wanted to see if some else has the same trouble , and is there a way to correct it??
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Kate: how about Rocky? Three reasons: he can take a hit and still come back. Because of the types of places you take him too. And Sylvester as in the actor. It's perfect!

    Ken: that's a tougher one. What about Blake?

    Barb: there is a cut off in the pattern so as not to bling on coming motorists. You can adjust the aim slightly, just don't go too high. I'd let a dealer do it to make sure you stay within the legal requirements.

    -juice
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    You might want to consider Raven. The underside of the raven feather is slate gray. The raven in West Coast first nations mythology is the creator and a trickster, is curious and loves to provoke others. Raven is a very powerful name.

    Juice, Rocky is good. Some people used to call me Rocky many years ago - after the flying squirrel, not the fighter however.

    Ross
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, Kate's Forester is frisky like that squirrel, so that would still work.

    I like Raven.

    -juice
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    Ross, you nailed it! Silvius -- sounds serious and masculine. Someone who's not talkative or flashy but gets job done. My 2nd choice would be Silvester -- but I liked Silvius more. Silvius also liked his new name. I swear his grill had that slight hint of grin today!
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    Great - glad to be of service at last.

    Ross
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Silvius sounds very sophisticated. You'd better take him to Napa Valley for a tour of the wine country!

    -juice
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    This is informal unofficial Kate's Guide on How to Figure Out You Car's Gender:

    1. Listen to your car. Often it tells you clearly if it's he or she.
    2. If you're still clueless, this is the algorithm:
    a) if model name ends on "er", "us",or "d","t","n", it's a male; ending with"a", "i", "e","y" or "u" is usually female; examples: Taurus, Escort and Forester are males, Legacy, Loyale and Malibu are female
    b) if model name is genderless (like MDX, for instance), look at the make. The same rules apply: Acura, Honda and Toyota are female, Ford, Volkswagen and Mercedes are male, Subaru is female, GM is genderless.
    c) All BMWs and Volvos are female

    Obvious examples of Female cars and trucks (yes, even a truck can be feminine):

    Toyota Tundra
    Subaru Loayle
    Chevy Corsica

    Obvious Male Cars:

    Ford Taurus
    Chevrolet Blazer (but Chevy Blazer is already a bit ambivalent)
    Volkswagen Passat

    As you can see, like in real life most cars have both feminine and masculine side (for instance, Volkswagen Jetta). It's up to you the owner to bring out the best in your car.
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    ...Mercedes was named after a woman.

    ejp
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I know about Mercedes being a woman's name... I guess it's that Benz part that makes it sound masculine... after all, you can think of it as being DaimlerChrysler product -- definitely a male!
    There are exceptions though. Dodge and Oldsmobile are males although end with "e" (silent e).
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    In Portuguese, we use genders for everything, so these would be male:

    O Subaru
    O Forester
    O WRX
    O Outback Sport
    O Legacy
    O Outback
    O XT
    O SVX
    O Brat
    O Loyale
    O GL

    And female:

    A Impreza

    However, sedans are male (O seda) while wagons are female (A perua).

    But I think the overriding rule is #1 above. If they speak to you, then you know for sure.

    Sandy speaks to me all the time. And my wife is jealous of all the time I spend with her, so it must be female!

    -juice
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