Yes we are running stock tyres. Most things are bigger down under but I have been happy to go with the factory fitted option. My gut feel from having driven the xt is that it should be pretty impressive off road given our experience with the GT. For some reason dealers don't like you taking one for a blast up the beach so I haven't been able to find out.
The short review on the GC is that it feels as heavy as it looks. It's like a Buick ride compared to my dw's sporty MPV.
I rented an '04 Grand Caravan in Indianapolis for 3+ days two weeks ago. I thought it was terrific - very quiet and refined (in sharp contrast to my F-XT), rattle-free (again unlike the XT), smooth, well-behaved transmission, solid, well-controlled ride, fine visibility, and its 3.8 V-6 had noticeably more power than our 3.3-liter '91 Grand Caravan. If I were in the market for a van, the GC would be a very solid contender.
Obviously it had nowhere near the XT's power and couldn't match the feeling of lightweight nimbleness. Still, the Grand Caravan I drove was an excellent vehicle for a different set of priorities.
Tire noise is definitely a factor, although it's not the speed-proportional howl that winter tires often create. It's more of an all-spectrum white noise that simply gets louder with rising speed. I also can't escape the conclusion that a lot of the din is coming from the driveline. It would be interesting to take a reading on a decibel meter in an XT and then in the '05 Legacy GT at the same speed and on the same road surface to see whether and how much better the latter is.
I think that my new XT is quieter than my '00 Outback with quieter touring tires on it than OEM. It's comfy as well, with additional 2nd row space, as my child car seats went in no problem and even allow me to move the driver seat back more.
I went from a Cherokee to an 01 Forester and then an 04 Forester. The 01 was of course far quieter than the Cherokee and the 04 is noticeably quieter than the 01. Still, there are plenty of quieter vehicles on the road. Of course I've driven other vehicles where you literally had to shout to be heard over the engine, drivetrain and road noises :-)
I know the 20mm rear sway bar has been mentioned here before... does anyone know if that's an official authorized SOA addition?
I was getting ready to go looking online for one last night, and decided to e-mail SOA regarding its installation and after-effects on the warranty - i.e. would it be covered if I did it, or would I be better off paying the dealer to mis-install it so I could fix it afterwards. :<). Just kidding.
SOA got back to me this morning and said they are aware of no authorized Subaru part that is considered an upgrade for the rear sway bar on the XT. Can anyone point me to something that will help me run it past them again with more information. I would like a written blessing from them before I proceed.
I doubt you'll get a written blessing from SOA but I'm curious to learn why you feel you need one since I can't think of how a sway bar could have any effect on the warranty.
Frank - I'll see if I can cut and paste the exact wording when I get home tonight. I don't really care if the sway bar's warrantied, other than by the sway bar mfg. What I would care about is if it would give SOA too much warranty wiggle room if I ran into suspension problems down the road (er... no pun intended). That seemed to be the SOA reply, but I need to double check.
It probably means there is no accepted suspension upgrade for the XT. THere are some for the WRX in Canada. The only thing that may help is if you specify you want to put the STi rear sway bar on. You'll never get them to commit in advance to honouring the warranty post mod if it's not "official". It will end up being a "case by case" basis. Still, if your dealer does the install, I would expect it to hold you in good stead if a problem arises, since they are typically the first to go to bat for you to request warranty service. Keep in mind that most warranty work is done simply on the word of your dealer. Still, if you want to guarantee your warranty stays intact, keep the stock car intact.
My point Is that I'm having a difficult time envisioning how the sway bar could have ANY effect on the rest of the suspension system. Coils, shocks, springs, those things maybe but all the sway bar does is provide a little more torsional rigidity. Therefore to me it's a non-issue as far as your vehicle warranty is concerned.
I agree, it "should" be a non-issue. Let's see: "Well sir, the dynamics of the different sway bar altered the handling of the car such that an unnatural load was placed on (pick one - bearings, struts, transmission support, windshield washers, etc), therefore we're not responsible for the collateral premature failure". Then I'm in the middle of a mess I'd rather not be in. I'm not saying the dealer would, but I am saying they could. I'd rather have it blessed up front, or just leave it the way it is.
As it was, when I straightened out my own steering column (remember that one?) I went down and offered them the choice of ripping out the entire dash and fixing it with a new beam, or blessing my non-factory authorized repair. Believe me I keep that piece of paper with the service manager's signature validating my work carefully filed away.
FWIW, I put touring tires on my 1998 Forester, took off the all terrain tires, and it was *substantially* quieter, in fact that was the biggest change.
Larry: save the stock bar and switch back if you ever have a claim. The rear bar is a cinch - 4 bolts, takes just minutes.
Larry: save the stock bar and switch back if you ever have a claim. The rear bar is a cinch - 4 bolts, takes just minutes.
No one will notice a slightly larger bar that looks stock. Just be smart and don't got one of those bright blue or red ones (Perrin?Cobb? etc) Otherwise, every mechanic in the shop will know you're the XT with the big sway bar just from your regular maintenance visits.
If you are so worried about your warranty, then you should not be modifying your car IMHO. That's the risk you take when you start to mod your car. Chances are it won't effect your warranty but as Juice said, keep the stocker in case of an issue.
I've taken my XT to Fraser Island last year (with less than 10K on the odometer). And I took the hard route (Moon Point). I have to admit I was a bit scared when I saw the "road" there I didn't quite know what I was getting into :-) We were by far the smallest 4WD on the ferry, I felt I could drive under one of the ex army 4WD buses there ! But XT just shrugged it off and never let down. To all fairness, I did get bogged down on a last day. On the way out of Dilli Village I encounter an uphill section that caught me off guard (didn't have enough momentum), so I had to reverse slowly straight into a patch of very deep soft sand. I had to dig it out, revese a bit further to some harder ground, and with a good run no problem, Subie just flew over that crest. Mind you, I don't think I did get all the sand out of it yet :-)
There are places I've driven in a Land Cruiser where I wouldn't even dream of taking the XT, but if there are no really big rocks to be climbed, it will go surprisingly well. Put it this way - I don't think any compact 4WD will do better off road (and most will do much worse). And back on the bitumen there's absolutely none that will be as much fun. It trully has no peers in its class.
the Owner of the Subaru Dealer who sold me my XT said there will always be Rattles in a small SUV like the Forester. Funny thing though, my Honda CRV had none? The good news, my new Subaru Dealer just went out of Business after less than a Year, the bad news, I have lost a Coin from the Coin Holder, and now I have another new Rattle!
Put it this way - I don't think any compact 4WD will do better off road (and most will do much worse). And back on the bitumen there's absolutely none that will be as much fun. It trully has no peers in its class.
There is a 2.0XT sold overseas. I think you're right, however, in terms of it being sold in Australia. Now that I think about it, I believe it was called either the Forester turbo, or Forester GT for the earlier Oz turbo.
We have taken the GT to Straddie a few times and to Moreton last year. The only problem we ever had was when the factory fitted plastic sump guard came loose and turned into a plower. A you beaut alloy one was fitted the next week and since then it has been fine. Is your xt auto or manaul?
XT in Oz in 2.5 L. 2.0 was called GT. I almost bought the base model (2.5 non-turbo, called X), when the news about XT spread. I bought form the first lot ever to get to Melbourne, after only one test drive !
I'm reading the posts on noise and can't tell if others are having the same annoyance as me. I am bothered by what is clearly the side view mirrors and their wind resistence. When I flip them in the noise is quieter and changes pitch. My test drive vehicle did not display the same noise, but my purchase vehicle clearly is noisy in this respect. Ugh. Anyone have fixes/suggestions? I do try the 'turn the radio way up' trick and that does fix it, but sometimes I want to hear the road. :-) Elissa
I haven't noticed any noise from the mirrors, and I've had the car up to about 90. Then again, the Forester is just generally a noisy car, maybe I'm not noticing the mirrors due to the general cacophony in the cabin at highway speeds.
I hit 100MPH on my trip to Tampa, and no wonder the Speedometer goes to 160. Sam, your Post is absolutely true, same with Jack about XT Noise. I had filled the Coin Holder up to the Brim with Coins ( the only way they wont Rattle) and thought I had lost a Coin in the Dash, it wound up being in the XT's Side Pocket. Another major source of my XT Rattle is that enormous Sun Roof, the flap that flips down rattles all the time and vibrates with Road Noise. My Subaru Mechanic will probably replace it, there have been similar Service Bullitens with other Subaru Models. And the Storage area on the top part of the Dash can get quite bothersome, just bought some Rubber protectors for the Doors, and put two on the Storage bottom, instantly working!
Yup, I've had the same problem, in fact I've lost all the loose plastic bits underneath! They were cheap to replace, but I'm seriously considering a metal plate from SubaXtreme. Where did you get yours from ? My XT is manual. I'm suffering sometimes as I'm now always a designated non-booze driver when we visit friends in the XT (my wife doesn't like manual), but so be it. I've never driven an auto XT, I've been reading raving reviews from other people about it so maybe it's better I didn't :-) Just kidding, after almost 10 years day in - day out in an auto Commodore, I'm not even contemplating looking back. Although, if someone gave me a paddle changer together with a Modena 360 or 911 Turbo ...
If it really bugs you, replace your mirrors. The mirrors from the 99 Outback are probably tiniest mirrors that Subaru has ever used outside of Japan. They don't fold though.
I've never before paid $30 to fill a gas tank, but that's what the XT just took - and that was for less than 13 gallons of 89-octane midgrade at 2.359. Ouch.
I'm headed to Sweden Tuesday for a week. I expect you guys to have forced these fuel prices down by the time I get back!
Did you hear about the new Lincoln Intimidator XXL? It can tow 30,000 lbs, has four rows of seats, and comes with an electric Zero Emissions golf cart that can be stored behind the 4th seat. The golf cart is easily converted to a tug-n-tow-cart to help maneuver the Intimidator in and out of garages and parking spots.
I pay $800 every 6 Months, Miami has the second highest Rates in the Country, and I am saving quite a bit over other Companies, and with a Spotless record. I will say State Farm has save me Thousands of Dollars so far, although each new Statement comes with more Exclusions, like if a Terrorist Blows up the XT, it's not covered anymore, go figure? Just had my Black XT Waxed today, all I can say is MY GOD! And it Rained in Miami this morning, does so every Morning for about 5 Months!
I had a chance to play a little bit in the sand. With the turbo and AT I did not miss having a low range. Spinning all four tires and drifting is quite a blast.
Disclaimer: Ok, so it was an amateur driver, but it was on a closed course. Having my wife as a passenger also keeps me from getting too wacky.
just checking in. Not too much activity here, Jack should be back soon. Wonder how StuHall is doing with the replacement XT, and SamIam as you know is currently busy, adding more Modifications to the XT's Auto Climate System (aka HAL) we salute you Sam!
Hi ALL Just a brief note on my trip from Fla. to Canada. XT ran like a top (now about 6200 miles on it) Got about 23.2 for five tanks of gas. Was running 70-73 MPH when able.
Comments
I rented an '04 Grand Caravan in Indianapolis for 3+ days two weeks ago. I thought it was terrific - very quiet and refined (in sharp contrast to my F-XT), rattle-free (again unlike the XT), smooth, well-behaved transmission, solid, well-controlled ride, fine visibility, and its 3.8 V-6 had noticeably more power than our 3.3-liter '91 Grand Caravan. If I were in the market for a van, the GC would be a very solid contender.
Obviously it had nowhere near the XT's power and couldn't match the feeling of lightweight nimbleness. Still, the Grand Caravan I drove was an excellent vehicle for a different set of priorities.
-Frank P
-Dennis
AWD and a more upright windshield also contribute to the higher noise level, no doubt.
-juice
-Brian
-Frank P
I was getting ready to go looking online for one last night, and decided to e-mail SOA regarding its installation and after-effects on the warranty - i.e. would it be covered if I did it, or would I be better off paying the dealer to mis-install it so I could fix it afterwards. :<). Just kidding.
SOA got back to me this morning and said they are aware of no authorized Subaru part that is considered an upgrade for the rear sway bar on the XT. Can anyone point me to something that will help me run it past them again with more information. I would like a written blessing from them before I proceed.
TIA
Larry
-Frank P
Larry
You'll never get them to commit in advance to honouring the warranty post mod if it's not "official". It will end up being a "case by case" basis.
Still, if your dealer does the install, I would expect it to hold you in good stead if a problem arises, since they are typically the first to go to bat for you to request warranty service. Keep in mind that most warranty work is done simply on the word of your dealer.
Still, if you want to guarantee your warranty stays intact, keep the stock car intact.
-Frank P
As it was, when I straightened out my own steering column (remember that one?) I went down and offered them the choice of ripping out the entire dash and fixing it with a new beam, or blessing my non-factory authorized repair. Believe me I keep that piece of paper with the service manager's signature validating my work carefully filed away.
Larry
Larry: save the stock bar and switch back if you ever have a claim. The rear bar is a cinch - 4 bolts, takes just minutes.
-juice
No one will notice a slightly larger bar that looks stock. Just be smart and don't got one of those bright blue or red ones (Perrin?Cobb? etc) Otherwise, every mechanic in the shop will know you're the XT with the big sway bar just from your regular maintenance visits.
Nicholas
-mike
odometer). And I took the hard route (Moon Point). I have to admit I was a bit scared when I saw the "road" there I didn't quite know what I was getting into :-) We were by far the smallest 4WD on the ferry, I felt I could drive under one of the ex army 4WD buses there !
But XT just shrugged it off and never let down. To all fairness, I did
get bogged down on a last day. On the way out of Dilli Village I encounter an uphill section that caught me off guard (didn't have enough momentum), so I had to reverse slowly straight into a patch of very deep soft sand. I had to dig it out, revese a bit further to some harder ground, and with a good run no problem, Subie just flew over that crest.
Mind you, I don't think I did get all the sand out of it yet :-)
There are places I've driven in a Land Cruiser where I wouldn't even dream of taking the XT, but if there are no really big rocks to be climbed, it will go surprisingly well. Put it this way - I don't think any compact 4WD will do better off road (and most will do much worse).
And back on the bitumen there's absolutely none that will be as much fun. It trully has no peers in its class.
Well put!
-Frank P
Bob
-Dennis
-Dennis
Any Oz-folks care to clarify?
Bob
OT
XT in Oz in 2.5 L. 2.0 was called GT.
I almost bought the base model (2.5 non-turbo, called X), when the news about XT spread. I bought form the first lot ever to get to Melbourne, after only one test drive !
Bratislav
Bob
Steve, Host
Elissa
My XT is manual. I'm suffering sometimes as I'm now always a designated non-booze driver when we visit friends in the XT (my wife doesn't like manual), but so be it.
I've never driven an auto XT, I've been reading raving reviews from other people about it so maybe it's better I didn't :-)
Just kidding, after almost 10 years day in - day out in an auto Commodore, I'm not even contemplating looking back.
Although, if someone gave me a paddle changer together with a Modena 360 or 911 Turbo ...
-Dennis
I'm headed to Sweden Tuesday for a week. I expect you guys to have forced these fuel prices down by the time I get back!
-Frank P
Comes with a free tank of gas.
:-)
Zman
First tank yielded 21.3mpg with 50% city, 50% highway driving.
-Brian
Disclaimer: Ok, so it was an amateur driver, but it was on a closed course. Having my wife as a passenger also keeps me from getting too wacky.
Link's on the left. Come observe, or even better, join in!
Steve, Host
gas. Was running 70-73 MPH when able.
Enjoy, Deadeye