Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

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Comments

  • john284john284 Member Posts: 71
    There is a screw under each fog light assembly (not the ones on corners) that you could adjust, good luck.

    About the power adequency of Forester, mine with Ski gears on top and family filling up the seats, had problem rolling through the mountains at altitude about 2700 feet, XT will take care of that, I am sure.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Even all the way up, they mostly put light on the floor in front of you and a bit to the sides. Good for parking manuevers and in pitch darkness, basically.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    #1 small SUV overall once again.

    #1 small SUV in the CR Safety Assessment.

    Forester also made their "most satisfying" list:

    http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040308/ap- _on_bi_ge/consumer_reports_glance_1

    Reliability was 30% fewer problems than average, 4th place overall, not bad.

    Also note that Subaru as a brand actually improves in the ratings with age. At 5 years they actually have fewer problems than Hondas do, per the survey.

    The 5/60 warranty covers that, so it's about as safe a bet as anything out there.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    got a black mark for reliability though, and is not on recommended list.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Wonder why? If you read the Baja thread it's not particularly problematic. Maybe they're just so rare that the sample they had was very small.

    -juice
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Often with new body styles a drop in reliability is because of squeeks and rattles (camry went down to Average for 2002). A complex body like the Baja would only make things worse. I am sure the engine etc. would be as reliable as a legacy.

    Also remember that new cars are so problem free, that it does not take much of a deviation to be well below average. For example going from an average of 1 problem per hundred cars to 3 problems per 100 cars is 3 times as bad. Going from 10 problems (for an older car) to 12 problems is only 20% worse, even though you have the same deviation.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    First year Accord was just "average", too. So was the v1.0 Altima, Camry, and Civic. Not to mention the 2000 Legacy.

    -juice
  • jbeckrjbeckr Member Posts: 21
    2003 Forester XS

    need to replace my geolanders this summer. Looking for something that will be quiet, with good gas mileage. Any ideas out there? Thanks in advance.
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    If you don't do any offroading, all-season passenger car tires work well with the Forester. I personally like Dunlop for their balance of price and features.

    Dunlop SP5000 or Sport A2 are both very good and affordable choices.

    Michellins are nice, but pricey. Goodyear is not worth the money, IMO.

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    CR ranked the Falken ZE 512s #1 for an H-rated 60 series tire in their last test.

    I have them on the Miata and really like them. I believe rolling resistance was slightly better than average. They're not loud, but not a touring tire either, they're biased for good grip.

    If you look at that CR article they offer an impressive balance of performance, i.e. they were not bad at anything, even in snow.

    Plus they are a great value. I'll definitely use them as my next tire on the Forester.

    Try vulcantire.com for good prices, that's where I got mine.

    -juice
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    My brother has the Falkens on his G-20 and loves them. I will install them shortly (when my snow tires come off) on my Integra.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    with the Faulkens or Kumhos other than their Azenis and Race Tires. The SP5000s on the SVX even now at 35K miles still impress me daily.

    -mike
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I'm looking at new UHP A/S tires as well. Right now it's between the Ziex 512 and SP5000.

    paisan - When those WRX's and RS' did the Pine Barren runs, did anyone have summer tires? I'm thinking of eventually getting a summer 225/55-16, but I'm wondering if a summer UHP (like the Firehawk) can handle sand.

    I might hit some beaches and air down to 12 psi's.

    -Dennis
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Falken Azenis is a summer tire. The ZE512 is an all-season, so it's not nearly as good on the track.

    In snow the ZE512 would run circles around the Azenis, though.

    With sand I think you want the widest tire possible and maybe even a flexing sidewall that will float the best over the sand. I don't think you want a stiff sidewall, that would seem to cut/dig into it.

    -juice
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Yeah, but I want a slightly stiff sidewall for backroad drives. I guess an A/S, makes more sense for 95% of my needs.

    I think I can swap tires/wheels in about 40 minutes, but that would get old a few times per summer. :-) The Forester is just too diverse. :-)

    -Dennis
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If you think about it, for a vehicle like the Forester, the ZE512 is more than enough. It's a well balanced tire for a well balanced vehicle.

    But yeah, a two-set strategy would be ideal, summer tires maybe on 17" rims and then keep the stockers for snows or at least good all seasons.

    -juice
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Snow tires for snow - only way to go (or actually to stop)!
  • rsay777rsay777 Member Posts: 100
    I agree, no problem getting the 03X MT up to speed. I did notice some floating during braking especially in deep slush. First gear saved me a couple of times. Bob L. 17k and going strong.
  • dnestrdnestr Member Posts: 188
    Replaced OEM Yoko Geo with M+S Nokian Hakka (probably, this is an unknown brand in the US) tires in Nov. There is not much resemblance between them, if we mean a Forester on the snow. But I must admit, the winter tires are good on dry winter roads as well. Two sets are necessary for "cold and snowy" areas, as one set of good all-seasons is quite enough for temperate latitudes. Just my $0,02 worth.
  • gened1gened1 Member Posts: 256
    We have Nokian tires here but I am wondering how you like them in the snow, How well they wear and are they the studed kind? I am thinking of getting the Nokian WR tires next winter but don't know anyone with first hand experience with the Nokian brand. What exactly do you mean by not much resemblance between them. Are they of the same performance?
    Thanks for any info.
    gene
  • sharksoupsharksoup Member Posts: 26
    I've gone back a read some of the posts regarding syn. oil.

    I'm nearing 30,000 mi on my '02 forester and am considering changing over to syn.

    Am I too late? Would changing with this many miles cause me troubles?
  • dnestrdnestr Member Posts: 188
    Their performances differ from each other as a BMW 3-series is unlike a Hummer H2. I compared them to the Geo just the same day, on the same snowy road. I'm really satisfied with the Nokian. BTW, they are not spiked.

    Usually such winter tires contain a soft rubber. It prevents getting them hard at low temperature. This is a reason you should replace them with all-seasons or "summer" tires when air temperature rises. Otherwise the soft rubber is used too much.

    Unfortunately, I have never heard about the Nokian WR. I wonder is it permitted in the US to use spiked tires?
  • dnestrdnestr Member Posts: 188
    I suppose your engine won't get troubles if you fill it with the synthetic oil. But also it will derive no benefit from changing. Speaking about running-in, you should have done this since the engine was green. Anyway, the synthetic oil protects the engine better, especially for cold starting.
  • emtemt Member Posts: 39
    Bought an 04 Forester X on Saturday. Pacifica Blue. Went to a dealer 40 miles from home who beat the Fitzmall price by $100. Dealers close to home were $700 - $1000 higher. Now does anyone wanna buy a 93 Legacy? ;-)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats EMT.

    I would have given the business to Fitz just for being straight up and to reinforce their no-haggle sales model, but that's just me. ;-)

    -juice
  • emtemt Member Posts: 39
    I was ready to go to Fitz, but they are a 3 hour drive away for me. We just walked into this place, said give us your best price and that is what they came out with. No haggle. No running to the manager. I was shocked and delighted at the same time.

    Joe
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cool, saved you time in the car also, in that case.

    -juice
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    congrats. Nice color.

    Everyone I talk to like Nokian. I am thinking of getting a set (or two) next winter. Synthetic at 30K is fine and I think it is worth the change.

    Greg
  • zmanzman Member Posts: 200
    Just posted this on F-XT board, but thought you all might find this fun, too (you probably all read both, but what the heck)

    Just got back (before the big storm hit) from a three-day trip to Rochester. To pass the time I decided to count the number of new-style CRV, Forester, and RAV4 on I-90 from Albany to Rochester. Going out on Sunday afternoon 14,14,and 13 (Honda, Subaru, Toyota). Coming back today 9,8,7. (H,S,T) Many Subies in Rochester area especially (VanBortel influence?)

    I figured this was a pretty good count for the Forester, since the new style Forester is a year or two behind the others--am I right?

    Didn't bother to count the old styles, but it looked to be about the same--pretty even.

    Of the 22 Foresters, I saw only one XT.

    Zman

    p.s. counted only 5 Elements total
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Subie demand is regional and you were in Subaru country. I'm not surprised.

    In Florida you'll see 5 CR-Vs for each Forester. Most of those FWD, too.

    -juice
  • akasrpakasrp Member Posts: 170
    Nice warm day today here in the desert. Decided to fix the paint chip/door ding I got the first week in my Aspen White 2004 XT.
    Gotta say that Langka paint-chip repair system is nothing short of amazing. Lost track of the blob of paint half-way through the langka-ing - on about the 6th pass. Asked my wife to come out and find the repaired ding - couldn't do it!
    A product that surpasses its hype.
    Buy the kit - never sweat another chip!
    Thanks for the tip, Craig!

    srp
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Glad you like it! After years of blobbing touchup paint on, it's nice to have Langka.

    Craig
  • dnestrdnestr Member Posts: 188
    the Finns produce their last Hakkapelitta IV. You won't be disappointed with it.
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Vat es dis Langka?
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Just add .com and you'll find out. ;-)

    -Dennis
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Thanks.
  • joseph50joseph50 Member Posts: 235
    No need to request being excused. I enjoyed the reading, especially "Issue Two." It touches upon why I like my Forester, best expressed here by someone here some time ago -- the vehicle is like one's favorite pair of comfortable jeans.
    The article is saying that the attempt to transform it into a tuxedo would be a mistake.
  • zmanzman Member Posts: 200
    I hear that the F-XT is about to get the Premium Package available with the MT. Anyone know if this will be the case with the F-XS?

    Zman
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You can get that now, in a 2003. I've seen MT XS models with the premium package.

    For 2004, a little birdie told me the XT would finally get the option with the MT5. I trust the source as very reliable. All I'll say is that he used to work for a Subaru dealer and is now with Saab and his name may or may not be Bill. ;-)

    Actually, if you want the XS with the moonroof, hurry up now, because the list also showed an LL Bean model in the lineup replacing the PP on the non-turbo models, but auto only.

    -juice
  • mnfmnf Member Posts: 405
    With my 1000 mile oil change coming up in a week or so and the first one is free i was going to pay the differance($15.00)and go synthetic .Is this the time to switch it over to synthetic oil.

    Thanks...Matt
  • crashton6crashton6 Member Posts: 245
    Matt- I think I'd wait until the next oil change to do the switch to synthetic oil. You want to be sure that your piston rings are well & truly seated in. That's what I did on my 2000 L & at 84,000 miles it doesn't use any oil.;-)

    Chuck
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    With my 1000 mile oil change coming up in a week or so and the first one is free...

    Assuming you're referring to the first scheduled oil change on a Subaru, it's not due at 1,000 miles. The first (free) oil change is at 3,000 miles. Then 7,500, and each 7,500 thereafter - unless you're on a severe-service schedule.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I say wait 'til 3k and then just go synthetic then. You can go with a 5k interval because synthetic easily lasts that long, in fact what limits your mileage interval is the filter.

    -juice
  • mnfmnf Member Posts: 405
    I called the dealer and asked them also and they said to come in between 1000-1500 for a FREE oil change and the service manager said that they have it done at this time so when changing it takes out all the metal break in pcs in the oil. Should i wait until after the next one or pay the difference on this one and switch. Thanks for all the help... Matt
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Your dealer is full of crap. Sorry, but wait til 3000 for your first oil change.

    -mike
  • miamicrv1miamicrv1 Member Posts: 66
    I'm thinking about getting a Forester XT this fall. And with all the Foresters driving around Oahu these days..I was hoping some owners could share some information about the quality of the dealership and their service. I was thinking about an Acura TSX but with all the rain lately I think the Forester might be a better choice if the dealership is good.
  • ballisticballistic Member Posts: 1,687
    Dealers have an inherent conflict of interest when they tell you to change at much more frequent intervals than the manufacturer recommends. That's what your dealer is doing. They make more money; you spend more. Why would you want to do that?

    Read your Subaru Owners Manual. Subaru says change for the first time at 3,000, then at 7,500, and thereafter at 7,500 intervals.
  • ltjoeltjoe Member Posts: 11
    I picked up my Platinum Silver Forester X on 3/15/04. I Love It!
    Have been reading this board for about a month since I began seriously shopping. I find it very interesting and helpful. I hope to learn more from all of you and maybe add to the discussions.
    I have already purchased some Subaru Accessories for my baby, they are stacked in the garage until it gets a little warmer here in NY. Did the tailpipe cover today, maybe the interior air filter tomorrow.
    Quick question, i would like to tint the windows, but after reading some of the tint posts I'm a little hesitant. How will the tint affect the radio antenna on the rear glass? Anyone with a Forester have windows tinted? if so what kind of tint? I am concerned about AM reception, yes I admit it, I am a talk radio junkie. Thanks.
    Joe
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Joe- Congratulations on your new Forester! I've got tinted windows (metallic) and there was no degradation in signal strength.

    Keep us posted on your mods and how you like your Subaru.

    -Frank P.
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
This discussion has been closed.

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