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Comments
-Frnak
Is there any way to get the climate control system to simply pump in the ambient outside air? Here is what's happening: Its about 38 degrees here in Jersey ATM. When I put the temp dial all the way down to 65, I had assumed that meant 'cold'. What I guess is happening is the car compares the 65 w/ the inside and outside temperatures and dishes out a warm mixture; I assume this is so the inside cabin can get to 65.
I assume the only way to actually get the ambient fresh air into the cabin is to open the windows or roof?
Before you ask I was driving in today w/ a thick wool jacket on and I was kinda toasty ...
Jopopsy
I have had no problems so far, and plan to keep the car for years to come.
Would you recommend purchasing an extended warranty package for it? Do different dealers offer different prices?
Thanks.
-Dennis
Would you recommend purchasing an extended warranty package for it?
It's too late to get the Subaru Added Security new car warranty. You must purchase the warranty before the 3 yr / 36,000 mi. warranty expires.
You can get used car warranties, but they are expensive.
DaveM
http://www.geocities.com/samiam_68/SubaruCCS/SSC_Fix.htm
For a vent, I dial temp to 65, press off, then select bi-level (face and floor). From there, you can turn the fan on if you want more flow. All the while, the incoming air will be unheated (it may pick up some engine heat from flowing over the hood into the ventilation intake near the wipers, but that's all).
Anybody else with a newer Forester know if "65" has this same meaning on the Forester? I'm pretty sure it did on our 03 XS...
Craig
Thanks C_Hunter & tap3 for the inputs on my previous post.
Here is the whole story:
I am in the market to buy a Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A).
I've requested some quotes through Edmunds and got back a few responses. The one I am more inclined to pursue is as follows:
Forester XT Premium $24,959 (base price)
-->> Dealer Processing Fee $185 (I'm sure I can negotiate this)
-->> Tag Fees $160 ($72 is for new DC tags, $26 for the title fee, $20 if there is a lien on your Forester, $17 for the VA temporary tag , $10 for DC New Car Inspection Fee , and $15 for a Zone Parking Fee if you need one.) -- what do I really need from this bunch ?
-->> DC Sales Tax 6%, or $1,497.54 (I can get them to lower this because they are selling out from Virginia which charges 3.17% on sales taxes)
-->> Local Gross Receipts License Tax (1/6th of 1%) $42.12 (what the h** is this???)
** Total out the door price: $ 26,843.66 **
Just wanted to make sure I am getting a reasonable price or if I am being taken for a ride...
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated...
Thanks.
after market leather
splash guards
arm rest extension
full set of nets side and back
cargo tray liner
This included the rebate. As to the warranty deductible, it seems to me you need 4 separate claims to make up the difference in price between the 0 and the $100 deductible. That is something of a gamble, isn't it?
CRaig
Steve, Host
I just came across this on the web and am wondering if it's true--if so should I snatch an '05 now? Does anyone know more about what a Forester replacement (if this is true) would look like? Lastly, if a regular '06 model is planned, any idea what changes it would hold? Thanks!
Subaru:
OOX (Forester replacement) 2006 model, mid-2005 debut
Status: Confirmed
The popular Subaru Forester car-based SUV will be replaced by an as-yet-unnamed vehicle for 2006. Saab will likely get a version. The name could be Tribeca or XUV, and the platform is also going to be used for the next Buick Rendezvous.
http://automobiles.allinfoabout.com/news/whatsnext.html
Uses the 6 cylinder, Automatic only, upscale with a starting price of 33-35K. Looks like a Nisson Murano to me. In 2007 Saab is supposed to get a one added to their lineup.
Maybe Steve (HOST) can point you to an Edmunds board with a discussion, but there are other sites who have had pictures and Specs now for a few months.
It is currently called B9 Tribeca and will debut at the North American International Auto Show (Detroit) on January 10.
Edmunds discussion: rsholland, "Subaru B9 Tribeca (B9X)" #1, 5 Nov 2004 4:06 pm
DaveM
Two-tone paint was standard for 03 and 04 on the XS, and you had to get the premium package for monotone paint. This year, I think monotone is standard and the LL Bean gets two-tone.
Since the 05 has gotten numerous interior updates, I would not expect many changes in 06.
Finally, the Forester's current side airbags offer head protection, so the lack of curtains is not as big an issue as it would seem (though full curtains would be an improvement).
Craig
I would expect to see a facelift for the Forester in MY06. Subaru typically does this in year 4 of the 5 year cycle.
In the past, Subaru has added mechanical and interior changes in year 3.
DaveM
John
Congrats to new owners like mpgman, jopopsy, and agateroad.
Piston slap at 40% incidence is comical. He's gotta be kidding!
"They all do that" is a lame excuse from a lazy mechanic or service manager.
I have regular speakers and when Ken upgraded to aftermarket ones he gave me his premium sound speakers.
Well, the rears were still dual cones! Not even 2-ways. The fronts are 2 ways, replacing the stock dual cones. Wattages are higher.
Go aftermarket, you can get 2-way or even 3-way speakers for those prices. Stock tweeters are good, though.
-juice
Happy New Year!
The only domestic SUV in Brazil is the Ford EcoSport. If you thought the Escape was compact, you have no idea - EcoSport is diminuitive. It comes only with a 1.6l engine and AWD is an option, though most come with FWD.
So that is considered small, Escape would be mid-size and Explorer, large. They don't sell anything bigger to the consumer market.
Any how, it feels positively luxurious to get into my Forester after driving around in a Fiat Palio mini-compact all that time.
-juice
I am almost closing the deal on a 2005 Forester XT Premium Package. The dealer quoted me the following add-ons:
Lojack starts at $695 and the Subaru Upgraded Alarm* is $256 (all before tax)
What do you all think about it...
Hey Texeira I'm from Brazil too man (Natal/RN) !
* I am going to search the forum for an explanation of the so called "upgraded alarm" but any clarifications would be appreciated...
Thank you all.
Hey, Natal is awesome. I haven't been there in a long time, but Ponta Negra is the coolest dune to climb up and them tumble down. Very cool city.
-juice
-Frank
I live in DC and will definitely need an alarm, but maybe a lojack WILL BE an overkill as well pointed out by Frank.
Any advices on the dealer's offer to upgrade the alarm ($256)...
BTW when it comes to car I know nothing, so buying and installing would not be an option...
-Dennis
victim of WRX wagon theft in '03
Forget About It!
The "Upgraded" alarm I had gotten for my '03 WRX is just the vanilla OEM alarm with a half-cooked passive arming.
To passive arm, first get out of car. Then manually lock the doors [not using remote] and shut the door... DUH!? What a waste of my $200+ >:| Take that money and put it into an aftermarket or just save it and stick with the standard alarm.
Lojack @ $695 is only the basic recovery system and nothing else. Alarm and Advance Alert are additional.
Changing plugs was easy on the '03, a standard 5/8" spark plug socket, 3/8" swivel, and 3" extension did the trick. Nothing need to be unbolted on the passenger side, the driver's side required 2 bolts on the windshield fluid container and a coat hanger to hoist up 6". The whole job took less than 1 hour.
Fuel filter change was easy too, it is right out in the open and no pressure was in the lines. But, the OEM Subaru filter is not black epoxy coated like the orginal and it doesn't look nearly as dressy.
John
I found that the longer you leave plugs in the engine the larger the gap becomes. So if you put them in at .042, they may come out quite more gapped than that - NGK actually has a formula for this on their site if I remember correctly. Interestingly enough I have three separate types of spark plug gapping tools - none of them ever read the same gap on a plug! When a manufacturer claims the gap should be .043 and it's anyone's guess which gap measurement to use and the plugs coming out are .054 - then what does it REALLY matter? ;-)
elissa
I bought a Crystal Gray '05 XS auto a week ago (just slipping in at the end of the "Year End Drive" (and I think the end of the owner loyalty rebates?), trading my '00 S 5 sp. I'm very happy with the new car, just getting used to not having my left foot move for the clutch!!!
I shopped the CR-V again, like I did in '00, but bought a Subaru again. My '00 wasn't perfect, but it felt like a favorite pair of sneakers, and the '05 has a familiar but even better feeling, along with some of the old quirks as well.
Now I'm going to add the accessories that I had with the '00 that I want with the '05. I liked the fact that the S had mudflaps and the rear bumper "cover" (protection) as standard equipment, so I'm going to add those. I am also missing the extra storage of the armrest extension. After that, but later in the spring, I'll add the hitch for the utility trailer, and I think the tweeter kit based on good reviews.
My question is on the flaps. The S had "matte black" (fading to gray) flaps, but now they offer body color matching flaps. How does the paint hold up on the painted flaps? Anyone try the "black" unpainted flaps with an XS? I was noticing the flaps on our 2000 Honda Ody as I left for work today, and they are unpainted black and seem to "work well" with the Canyon Stone Silver Ody.
Any thoughts or comments graciously accepted.
-Joe
-juice
Len
John
I envy you on the color -- I really like the crystal gray. If they offer that on the Outback at some point, I would start itching for a trade-in!
Craig
I never really liked the Yokos that came with my Forester, they were OK, but nothing great. My biggest gripe was that they ALWAYS squealed when making tight turns (at the wheel end-stop) or even driving around corners at moderate speeds. Dealer swore the car was in alignment and said that grippier tires tend to squeal because they are holding the road better. I figured that was just an excuse since they're rated 'B' for traction!
So anyway, I went along with Consumer Reports' finding that the Falken Ziex ZE-512 were the top-rated all-season sport-performance tires. They were high-rated for all categories, including wet and dry braking, hydroplaning, and noise and comfort. And they cost 50% less than the #2 rated Bridgestone Turanzas.
By the way, I had about 32,000 miles on my Yokos, and I probably could have gotten another 5,000 or so, but Consumer Reports did a study and found that tires with even 1/2 their tread loose tons of grip in the rain and snow, so my policy is to replace my tires prior to the winter where they're well past 1/2 tread, even if they're not near the low tread indicator. They were also starting to wear a bit unevenly, too, despite my attention to keeping the pressure just right.
I paid about $80 per tire, out the door. I also got (and HIGHLY recommend) a 4 wheel alignment from a very reputable shop. Turns out, some of the wheels were a little out of the alignment spec., which MAY have accounted for my squealing problems, so I can't definitively fault the Yokohamas.
When I first got the Falkens, they seemed a bit firmer and noisier than expected, only for me to realize the shop pumped them to about 35 pounds. Taking them down to 29 helped a LOT. The noise got better after an initial wear-in of a few hundred miles. (Must be those little nubs!)
I can now say how much I LOVE these tires -- they are noticably quieter than the OEMs. Not "tons" quieter, but still quite noticable. The greatest improvement is when driving from asphalt to concrete on the highway -- the concrete no longer transmits that droning whine. I can't tell the difference driving on either surface. These tires are easily as quiet as the supreme ride in my wife's old '99 Passat with Michelin MXV4 Plus tires, which cost double of the Falkens.
The ride and handling is simply unbelievable, and I feel like my Forester handles BETTER than new -- it's like having a new car all over again. I feel like I am going to roll my Forester before it starts losing traction around a corner. No sensation of the tail coming out or anything.
Yesterday in the snow, I really tested them out. Pressed the gas hard on snow-covered roads and really felt that AWD working -- you can feel the tires slip for about a 1/2 second and the AWD adjusts the traction to the best wheels and suddenly you just lunge forward. I'm sure it's not as good as putting snow tires on a Subie, but as good as I would expect for all-seasons.
So after driving on them for almost 2 months, I would give these tires a perfect 10. There's pretty much no compromises -- great price, great traction, and quiet ride. Highly recommended!
You may not see Falkens advertised by major tire stores, but I found when calling around that almost every independent tire dealer can get them from their distributor. And they also sell them regionally at Sears Automotive stores here in the Philly area as well.
Oh, one last thing -- they don't have raised white letters. It gives it a cleaner look and matches the newer Foresters -- '05's have all-black tires, in case you didn't notice.
Sorry for the long post, but people always seem to be asking about tire recommendations, so I thought I'd share my experience.
Happy driving!
Elliot
IF the weather forecast is right (
DaveM
Dave M: 6-8 inches? Last I heard it was 6-12 and they said it would start like a wall of snow.... I can't wait! BRING IT ON!!
Elliot
The OEMs on the '05 XT are the same Geolandar 900s that are on the NA models. I swapped mine for a set of Dunlop SP5000s before the car ever left the dealer's lot.
Ed
DaveM
Snow grip is only OK, but that's because it's a Miata (light, RWD).
I'll put a set on the Forester next time, also.
-juice
I have much the same impression of the Goodrich Traction T/A H's on my 2001S. (4,000 miles on them)
What issue of CR contained the tire reports?
How did the T/A's compare with the Falkens?
Unfortunately, the Traction T/A's were not reviewed. (I'm not sure they're considered "performance" all-seasons, so they weren't included. There's really a very fuzzy line between regular all-season, touring performance all-season, and sport performance all-season tires; mostly marketing IMHO)
Funny thing, in the Sears stores, the tires are rated "good", "better", and "best", with the Falkens merely listed as good. A quick glance shows that the ratings are suspiciously tied directly to price!! Nice try, Sears.
Elliot
FYI, Tirerack lists the T/A as "High Performance All Season" but, as you said, categories are indeed "fuzzy."
I've a question re: braking technique. Is it better to apply steady pressure over a shorter distance, or carefully pump the brakes over a longer distance when coming to a stop? I'm big into coasting - certainly not in neutral, mind you - but by laying off the accelerator once I see slowing ahead in order to save gas. Any advice?
jackleung, "Subaru Crew: Problems & Solutions" #4598, 22 Jan 2005 3:37 am
My previous message was banned by Edmunds as they said my message violated their policy. I hopes this one is ok. My intention is just to helps other Subaru owner aware they may have the same issue w/ me, and discover it before warrenty is expired....
1. No ignition ring light on the X like on the Hyundai?
2. Unless you keep the seat all the way back the center arm rest, even with the extension, winds up behind you? Bad design. The Elantra's holds as much and is better even with the emergency brake being there.
3. Rack the seat height up and you hit your head on the roof line assist grip. Should be the collapsible type.
4. How are the power door locks supposed to work? 2 clicks close together to open all the doors? Somewhat annoying.
5. For an outdoorsy kind of car, the carpet rises too close to the door sill. Better to have a plastic molding there that won't get so dirty. Either that or use darker colored carpeting.
All that aside I really enjoy the car.