Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

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Comments

  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    I use both my hydraulic jack (same as yours Juice) and the subie scissor jack. More stable with two, I get excersize with the scissor jack, and I know it works if I ever get a flat on the road. :)

    Greg
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good idea. Just takes longer than slipping jack stands underneath.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I use the frame rails as a jack-point. It's a bit smooshed already and will need to get a piece of steel welded in there this winter, so I'm not worried about it. I need to put a little sticker on my car so I know where to put the jack though.

    -mike
  • scirocco22scirocco22 Member Posts: 721
    Sorry to interupt the discussion again with my obsession with what they're saying in the Forester commercial but I did see it again and sure enough she is saying "A smarter way to build an SUV." It's quite clear now that I know what is being said. And the Dundee dummy's retort to the female dummy driving the Escape when she says "nice car" is "what do I look like? a dummy?" I'm embarrassed to have even brought it up but it was really bothering me that I couldn't quite figure out what was being said in the voice over.

    juice-- I remember you said that you once hauled a washer or a dryer in the back of your Forester. Do you think either would fit in the back of an S premium (reduced cargo area height because of the moonroof)? How much clearance did you have height wise? I haven't taken any measurements yet but doing an eyeball measurement, it doesn't appear that a washer would fit in the back of my S+. TIA

    --'rocco
  • pal086pal086 Member Posts: 33
    scirocco22 -- Where did you see the commercial -- I mean which network ? I have been looking out for the commercial since your post yesterday -- no luck yet. Saw the real Dundee Outback wedding commercial (groom drives with Dundee in an Outback, while bride gets stuck in the mud in an Acura).
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    A-ha, gotcha. I use scrap wood to prevent damage, just make sure it's not in a place where it might slip.

    Indeed, I hauled an oversized clothes washer still in the box. Lean it over into the cargo bay and lay it on its side. I actually had an inch or two to spare in height and width, and lots of extra length. The Yamaha keyboard/organ I hauled was actually a lot longer - I had to move the front seats up a coulpe of notches for that.

    Subaru has been pretty courageous with their ads. They always seem to put a strong contender up for comparison.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    My favorite Subaru ad is still the one with the Forester and CR-V in a spy chase scene in a parking garage. Love the closing line: Faster than a CR-V. Still makes me crack up!

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You know, I'm not sure I've seen that one!

    -juice
  • beatfarmerbeatfarmer Member Posts: 244
    ran for a short time in '98. They stopped using it because Honda upped the HP in '99 and the ad used the HP figure for the '98. I guess it wasn't cost effective to redo the ad.
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    You haven't seen that one!? Boy, you missed a great one.

    If I recall correctly, the scene starts with a female spy running into a parking garage with a bunch of thugs chasing her. She hops into a Forester and heads to the exit. The thugs pile into a CR-V and begin chasing her. Meanwhile, in the background, a narrator is rattling down the benefits/features of the Forester over the CR-V. After a few car chase scenes, the Forester darts out of the parking garage, a gate comes sliding down and the CR-V slams on it's brakes to avoid ramming into it. That's when the narrator mentioned "...faster than the CR-V". In the next shot, they close up on the spy who smiles and peels off her face revealing Paul Hogan himself.

    I think that's how it went...

    They should have kept airing it even after the HP increase in the CR-V. The increase was more for specmanship than anything. The Forester can still smoke the 97-01 CR-V. :)

    Ken
  • scirocco22scirocco22 Member Posts: 721
    Pal-- It's been running quite frequently here in the PNW on all major networks. I have the hunch that it's because our dealers have a brimming inventory of Foresters right now that they are itching to move. The Outback one that you mentioned is also running as frequently so I suppose we just have a glut of both models here. Maybe where you are, Foresters aren't in as plentiful supply (?).

    --'rocco
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    Aw, see? They cheated. They put a lot more people in the CR-V. Figure, what, at least 450 extra pounds?
    Call that 'courageous'?
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Hmmm. 126HP vs. 165HP. Put the bad guys in the Forester and it would still have been quicker. ;-)

    Ken
  • scirocco22scirocco22 Member Posts: 721
    Just out of curiosity, what's the new CR-V rated at? ...2.4 with 160HP? I thought that's what I read. I'm just too lazy to go look it up. :P btw, IMO, it has nice lines ...mini MDX?

    --'rocco
  • canadatwocanadatwo Member Posts: 198
    2002 CR-V is 2.4L with 160HP
    The increase is quite noticeable over the 2001 CRV

    My biggest complaint about the new CRV is that the diameter of the tires is on the short size.

    It gives the CRV an "econo-box" look.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    a mini-mdx is a mini-van! haaaa :)

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hey beat, you've been kinda quiet lately. You seen the new CR-V in person yet?

    What are they saying? Nov. 12? Something like that.

    I gotta say - they seemed to have used the Forester as the target vehicle, because the specifications are now almost identical (engine size, power, torque, mileage, curb weight, price, higher equipment levels, built-in roof rails).

    That's a good thing actually, but the Forester is due for an update next year. Also, Honda's warranty is about the shortest in the industry. Only Honda, Nissan, and Toyota still don't offer roadside assistance, and Honda's B2B warranty is the shortest of those 3. They would be wise to beef it up a bit.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Way back when they had someone from Honda be an active Town Hall participant, I recall someone asking them to compare the CR-V to the Forester. The one thing that stuck to me was their reply that the "Forester is a excellent vehicle".

    Maybe they had set their sights way back then?

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I remember that vividly, that was Team CR-V. The hilarious thing is that I hopped in to that thread and suggested using a 2.4l engine.

    I got flamed left and right, screamed at, kicked out. They said it would push the price way too high, it didn't need it, etc.

    And now they put a 2.4l in the new CR-V.

    HA HA HA! Last laugh is a good one. :-)

    -juice
  • beatfarmerbeatfarmer Member Posts: 244
    Been too busy to reply much.

    At the end of the ad, it's Paul Hogan who peels off his face to reveal the Forester spokeswomen (name, anyone?)in disguise.

    I think the "dummy" ad is pretty funny.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, here is my post #72 in the "Talk To Honda About the CR-V" thread, from way back on 7/22/99:

    "I have a few constructive comments for the next generation CR-V:

    - keep the price around $20k, there are already too many $30k choices
    - use the 2.3l engine from the cheaper Accord LX
    - widen the track slightly for better stability
    - make ABS standard across the board
    - make AWD standard (FWD may sell but it sends the wrong message)
    - retrain dealers to be more customer friendly
    - retune the suspension for better on-road handling
    - stay car-based since even truck-based SUV owners rarely take them off road
    - conduct more of these "Talk to Honda" sessions to gather direct feedback, offer some "tiny" secrets to keep people interested, and keep improving the product

    -juice

    PS Thanks for being here"

    Not bad, not bad. They did follow most of my suggestions (ok, I said 2.3l, close enough), except making ABS/AWD standard. Also, they have not been back for other feedback sessions as far as I know.

    Reading my post again, I'm sure all will agree I never used a hostile tone. Yet if you read on, here is their sarcastic response:

    "Let's see, add the Accord 2.3-liter and make ABS and AWD standard. Let's see, that makes the price about $24,000 now. The 2.3 is also a much larger engine physically, which has an impact on either overall vehicle size, or reduced interior space. Still interested in that vehicle at that price?

    Team CR-V"

    -juice (still laughing)
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I remember Team CRV. I had a number of posts there too. In fact, after the Edmunds/Team CRV disbanded, I remember having some direct e-mail contact with that guy about the next CRV, and other future Hondas. I remember that I was advocating AWD for more Hondas and Acuras. Nothing ever came of it however.

    Bob
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    2002 Models: Which are your favorites?

    image
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Forester S Premium, Impreza WRX, and Outback VDC! ;-)

    Actually, Forester GT turbo, WRX STi, and Blitzen, but those are non-US models!

    -juice
  • cschaafcschaaf Member Posts: 16
    Any idea where I can locate one? I'm looking for a Chilton or Haynes type manual.

    Thanks
    Chris
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I have yet to see either one. Subaru has a tiny 0.5% market share, so we may not see them for anything but the most common Legacys.

    -juice
  • beachfishbeachfish Member Posts: 97
    They made one for my '86 GL, so maybe if we give them a little time - like 3 years/36,000 miles :)

    John
  • cschaafcschaaf Member Posts: 16
    The manual for my 02 Forester recommends 87 octane or higher. What octane should I use? I am usually just a 'standard' guy but if there are benefits to using higher octanes, I'll do it. I know I've owned other vehicles that said to not use anything higher than 88.

    Any one in PA, OH, MD, or VA have experience with Sheetz gas? Sheetz is a gas station/convenience store here that has gas for .05 - .10 cents lower than the competition. My dad has a mini van (don't remember which one right now) and the manual specifically says NOT to use Sheetz gas. Weird! Unless they 'water' it down somehow?.?. They must buy there gas from someone else, right?

    Chris
  • beachfishbeachfish Member Posts: 97
    I'm using regular unleaded in my 2-month-old '02 Forester and it runs just fine. If it runs right and doesn't ping or knock, then the gas is good enough. This is what the "experts" have said for years. In the old days, higher octane gas was required for engines with high compression ratios to prevent premature ignition on the compression stroke.

    I don't live near a Sheetz station, but most of my coworkers do. They use it regularly(and brag about the price) and haven't said anything at all bad about the gas.

    John
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Could it be an ethanol blend? Seems like my old Voyager wasn't supposed to like blends like that, but it didn't specify by brand.

    I'll email them and ask - www.sheetz.com.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Allow me to correct my self. Subaru has about a 2.2% of the car market, or about a 1.1% of the overall car/truck market.

    I use 87 octane only, and never had a problem. Plus I average over 25mpg, so I'm not changing that habit!

    I've used Sheetz a few times. There is one on I-270 on the way up to Hagerstown. Never a problem with that or any other gas I've used.

    -juice
  • shelleysawshelleysaw Member Posts: 5
    I've been leasing my Subaru Forester L (99) for almost 3 years and even though now I realize I should have bought it at the beginning, I'm buying it now. I had a state inspection yesterday and at 31,150 miles, they found the right rear wheel bearing worn out. Is that usual? it was covered on warranty but makes me question keeping the SUV longer and do other parts break down at certain intervals. I drive just under 1000 miles a month and most of it is within 3-5 mile radius of my home on the eastern shore of MD. Because of the bearing problem, I'm considering buying the 6 yr/80K mileage extended warranty for around $750. I usually don't buy these thinking they're not worth it and just profitable for the manufacturer, but I'd like to hear from others as to if it's worth buying it, what about the bearing going at such a low mileage and anything else you can offer.
    thanks!
    shelley
  • speedydspeedyd Member Posts: 1
    I live in genuine Sheetz country (Central PA. Sheetz has their corp offices here) i have used their gas all of my driving life. i have never had a problem. they do have $.99 gas now 87 oct. they are trying to undercut all of the competition in their region.

    I do have a question though. does anyone have hard starts w/ their forester? i have a 01 L auto.
    thanks
    speedyd
  • mckeownmckeown Member Posts: 165
    After owning a '90 legacy with basically the same engine as the 2002 Forester, there are a few "that's the way it is's" about this engine. If you start it on the first cranking, Great All Worked as it should. If you Did Not get it to Start, Crank Away. Then they start as if slightly flooded. Both vehicles behave the same way so this must be how they are designed. Both are 5sp manuals and I do notice the '02 Forester DOES require a higher RPM to start out otherwise you stall or buck. Maybe they run these leaner at idle(???). I have never had this occur on the '90 legacy. There I can let the clutch out gently Without any gas, and No bucking or stalling.
  • thecatthecat Member Posts: 535
    Shelly - Some of the 99' (and maybe 00')Foresters had a problem with the wheel bearings. It was a result of misaligned installation not the part itself. My 99' has never had this problem but it is not unfamiliar. As regards the extended warranty, I wouldn't get it because of the bearing problem but,I would give it consideration. Soobs have a very good rep. for quality, but for $750 ($250 a yr)it might be worth it to know that you won't have any out of pocket expenses. Stuff Happens ! Make your decision and don't look back either way.
    - Hutch
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The Forester in 02 uses a 2.5l Phase II engine, not the 2.2l engine of the legacy from '90.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yes, Shelley, it is a common problem. When they are installed they were some times over-torqued, and those fail early. If they over-torque the replacement, that will also fail early, so make sure they use the proper torque specs. I would even ask them to visually inspect the other side.

    No hard starts, Speedy, that's first I've heard about that complaint.

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Shelly- As Hutch said, a number of earlier model Forester owners have experienced premature wheel bearing failures. This is a known problem with the bearings being installed improperly at the factory (It apparently is a delicate procedure). In fact, it's not uncommon for the new set of bearings to fail due to incorrect installation by the dealer's service tech (although I haven't heard of this happening lately). The good news is, it doesn't cost you a thing and when installed correctly, you should never have to worry about them again.

    -Frank P.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
  • maverick1017maverick1017 Member Posts: 212
    Okay guys, I really need some help here, a couple of days ago night temp here in Buffalo diped below the freezing mark, well in the morning after the engine has warmed up I was on my way to class when I heard a strange noise comming from the back section of the car. It sounded like metal grinding against metal, but lasted only a second or two at most. I have noticed it several times since then, usually when the car is in second and accelerating. My worst fear is it might be the rear diffy. Any help in diagnosing this thing would be greatly appreciated as I have to go home (about a 500 mile drive) for turkey day soon.

    btw, I am open to all considerations, even if you don't think its the rear diff.

    Many thanks in advance.
    Mike
  • vtwomanvtwoman Member Posts: 14
    Hello all: I need your help and advice. I love my new Platinum 2002 S+, acquired in May. Now my husband suddenly finds he needs to buy a new car quickly. Since his Maxima bit the dust last spring, he's been driving my old Voyager van. This van has now been promised to my son for a cross-country trip. My husband's been admiring my new Forester all along, and now I'm trying to convince him to get one too. Great car, AWD, etc. Well, several people have told him Foresters are only driven by women. Obviously, this has caused him some second thoughts. Can you please help me dispel this ridiculous notion?:-) Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Susan
  • scirocco22scirocco22 Member Posts: 721
    C and D images from Bob:

    http://makeashorterlink.com/?X1526366

    http://makeashorterlink.com/?J2D22266

    http://makeashorterlink.com/?K1E23466

    Thanks again, Bob.

    --'rocco
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Subaru has indeed targeted the female market with the Forester. Remember the TV commercials with Martina Navratilova and other female athletes? Now having said that, my wife allows me to drive her Forester from time-to-time, if I'm nice...

    Now if you really want to impress your husband, get him down to your local Subie store, and stick him behind the wheel of a 5-speed Impreza WRX wagon (or sedan). It's guaranteed to bring a smile to his face. :)

    Bob
  • subearusubearu Member Posts: 3,613
    check the subaru crew owners club discussions (link at top of this page) - there's quite a few men driving foresters. they'll be quite glad to help steer your hubby towards a forester.

    maybe an alternative to the forester would be the WRX wagon. and then there's the outback, the legacy, etc. put him in a subaru lot and let him pick. at the very least, he'd have fun test driving them all!

    -Brian
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    The last time I checked I was a male and I am very happy with my Forester. Any man who is comfortable about his masculinity should not worry about the image or what his "friends" will say. That's about $0.02 worth.

    Ross
  • goose14goose14 Member Posts: 11
    do the 2001 foressters have the wheel bearing problems?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I haven't heard many in 00->02 I believe that Subaru has got the proper torque settings on initial installation now. Just be careful if you ever get them replaced that your dealer doesn't over torque them.

    -mike
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    FYI - if you go to a dealer about a wheel bearing concern, make sure you ask them if they have the "special" installation instructions SOA provided them. If they appear to not know what you are talking about, please call us.

    When we did see some failures, then repeat situations, we found a problem with the installation. It is a "delicate" process that can't be rushed. We supplied dealers with some VERY detailed installation instructions to address the issue.

    Make sure you call, Shelly, if you have ANY problem.

    Patti
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Driving around here in CA, I do notice that there are slightly more women on Foresters than men.

    However, between myself and some of my friends there are five Foresters. Four of them are owned by guys, including myself, and one by a woman.

    While mini-SUVs in general attract more women than men, by no means are they exlusively driven by women.

    Ken
  • 73soob0173soob01 Member Posts: 14
    A couple months ago, I had the tires rotated (15,000 mile service, I believe) on my '01 forester. I was scolded by the service writer for having about 29 psi in my rear tires. "Keep the rear tires at no higher than 26 psi" he told me, to "prevent damage to the wheel bearings."

    I wonder if that is just old guidance based on the earlier problems.... Is anyone else hearing that as current advice?

    Scott
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