Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Subaru Forester (up to 2005)
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
So does that mean Subaru is finally reporting the true HP rating? Note that even though HP allegedly increased by 20, the torque is unchanged.
Not sure whether the revised front and rear treatments are an improvement or not ;-)
-Frank
Bob
-Frank
-Brian
???!!!
Bu....ll
Just push the seat forward.
I recently added a second underseat subwoofer into my WRX wagon - a 30 - 45 min job but I took a little more than an hour cause the subwoofer wasn't meant to be under the driver's seat.
In case anyone wonder why 2 underseat subwoofers.
I'll be converting them to powered stereo mid-woofers when I get "real" subwoofers ;-)
Oh, the sub/amp package will come with the wiring harness. Just plug-n-play.
-Dave
Maybe non-premium will be definitely out now.
John
should make a number of people happy.
A strengthened rear crossmember increases lateral rigidly to help improve handling response. Does that mean they went with a larger rear anti-sway bar?
-Frank
PF Flyer
Host
News & Views, Wagons, & Hybrid Vehicles Message Boards
The Subaru Crew Chat is on tonight. Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
If I was in the market for a Forester, I would be finding a hot deal on an 05!! They will be an excellent value with incentives.
Craig
-Frank
-Brian
Thanks Jason
2005 forester X
Bob
Looks beefier, so those that prefer an SUV look will like it more, those that see it as a sporty wagon will like it less.
I liked the front end. The current one gets compared to the Elantra, so I'd prefer being compared to the Escape instead, which is a handsome (if conversative) design.
The hood looks taller, and combined with the lift in the suspension it looks more macho overall.
Center console is genius. Loved it. That plus the rear arm rest make it a lot nicer for 4 passengers.
Disappointments? No Nav, no 5EAT, no Sportshift, no VDC, no SAC. I guess that stuff will have to wait until MY08.
Reaction from the show attendees was positive, actually. I met Mike Whelan and the same Dave from Product Planning from NAIAS. In fact Rich Ceppos was in line after me to talk to Mike, it was funny.
-juice
2006 gripes...
- No more charcoal body mouldings. The shiny, body-coloured ones are a magnet for scratches in the real world. Call me a purist, but I thought the primary purpose of bumpers was to BUMP. My dull-coloured cladding will look a helluva' lot better after a year's worth of shopping carts, brush, and park-by-feel than the shiny stuff.
- Shiny, body coloured door handles = more scratch magnets.
- Frank...spot on with the Ford Escape comparison. They've integrated the front bumper with what surrounds the grille. The bumper on my 05 X is completely seperate from the grill framing - a more durable design, IMHO. After a good whack in the 06, you'll have to replace a larger - and likely more expensive - piece. I bet it's a cost-cutter at the assembly line, tho'.
- About that grill...It's bigger and seems to push the hood higher. Does that mean less visibility over the front ? I wouldn't be surprised if highway mileage drops a bit, as the new shape looks less aerodynamic.
- I do like the understated Subaru logo in the back. However, the subtle effect is offset by the teeny-bopper rear lights. The lens assemblies look fragile, to boot.
Get the 2005 models before they're gone.
Peace.
Marco
-Frank
05 X Owner for alot of the same reasons you mentioned!
However, I'd like to replace the rear drum brakes with disc brakes. Can anybody provide guidance on what rotors and brake pads might be best? I'm considering PowerSlot and Hawk HPS.
Also, is it best to have the dealer install? What other parts/components are needed?
Thanks for your help.
I've just test drive today a Forester (XS LL Bean and XT Premium) and I remember the rear seats have a position that seemed too vertical. I know they can fold, but I'm not sure if you can adjust their "upright" position (lean them a little bit to the rear) (the salesman did not mention this).
Thanks for any input.
Ovi.
I cannot locate what model or manufacturer the factory radio is in the manuals. I have looked on several Subaru boards but still have not been able to find anything. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated before I order any kits.
It's a Panasonic aka Matsushita aka National
The model is on the face of the unit, usually "P...something"
There is also another model number on the top cover of the unit. That's also the Subar part no.
Neither of those numbers will get any info on Panasonic's website.
-Dave
Also the rear seat base is a bit short and it seems too horizontal. It is almost 2" shorter than the one in Outback.
Otherwise I like the car. Any one has any input on this?
Thanks.
Chuck
Today, 185 miles. (2001 Forester S.)
http://www.1stsubaruparts.com/library/
Hope this helps!
John
-Frank
My parents are considering purchasing either a 05 or 06 Forester X automatic in the next few months. Their biggest hesitation is whether or not the Forester would be up to the job of towing a 1,000 pound camping trailer. We know the towing capacity is 2,000 lbs with the automatic. However, they live at 7,500 in Arizona and do most of their traveling around the West. They're concerned the Forester won't have the guts to the job, especially at higher elevations.
I should mention they are replacing a '97 Jeep Cherokee that had 160K and ran like a champ before it was stolen, used to carry illegal immigrants across the border and then totaled in a hit and run, but that's another story....The Jeep handled the trailer just fine for the most part, although they could still themselves chugging in first gear up a steep grade even with 235 lbs of torque. I should also mention that they drive 20K to 25K a year and would like to keep the next vehicle well past 200k. So any thoughts or experiences towing with a Subaru in the West?
Thanks, Tim
-Frank
I think you need to negotiate based on the total price of the car, not monthly payments. If you are financing, you should pay attention to the interest rate.
To me, 28800 + 3550(down) = 32350 Seems high.
Bankrate.com has the latest loan rates you can cross ref there. Good luck.
Saq
The daft one
tidester, host
PF Flyer
Host
News & Views, Wagons, & Hybrid Vehicles
The Mazda Mania Chat is on tonight. Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
Drum->Disk conversion? I'd find a wrecked car and salvage all the parts from that. This junk yard specializes in Subies:
http://www.fsautoparts.com/
They're in New England, of course, where 95% of all Subies live.
Towing 1000 lbs should not be a problems. You're at less than half the capacity.
If power is a concern and you really want the base model, wait until the 06 models arrives, since they get 173hp and AVLS for smoother power delivery.
But I'd still recommend a turbo. At altitude when everyone else is wheezing you'll be passing them wondering why they're going so slow.
-juice
Chuck
Thanks for the info. I've been so excited about the vehicle that I did not notice that number. It is P130. I guess I will look in Google Groups and some of the IRC Channels to see if there is anyway to get more details about the unit.
The main things I am trying to find out is 1) does the unit support a mute function and 2) does the unit have an aux port in the back or support one of the Crutchfield aux plugs.
-Frank
Tim
-Frank
I don't think they want to experience brake fade going down a mountain.
Remember that the Rocky's are REAL mountains. :-)
DaveM
Some of those requirements are divergent, so your parents will need to make a few compromises.
Craig
No, and No
I've heard of one or two people attempting an autopsy on the unit to see if any DIYs [Aux plug] can be performed with the External CD changer input, but I've not seen any updates.
I have the upgraded OEM sound system when I bought my WRX, and was looking in the direction you were but finally decided to go the aftermarket route.
Anyway, I recently replaced my OEM with the Kenwood KDC-MP828 and added another underseat subwoofer with intent to upgrade with aftermarket speakers later. However, I was delightfully surprise that the OEM upgraded speakers are pretty darn good with the aftermarket HU [22watts RMS/50watts max]. Pushed the volume to 23, which is plenty too loud for me, and the speakers held without distortion.
-Dave
Forester X comes closest to meeting all those, IMO. 1000 lb trailer won't kill the brakes, just use engine braking (3rd in an auto, 3rd or 4th in a manual trans).
-juice