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Subaru Forester (up to 2005)
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Comments
Was this a one tank calculation? If so then are many variables that could have led to this one time aberation.
Try topping off again, set the trip odometer to zero, run the tank down to less than 1/4, top off again, then recalcute MPG from the odometer and gallon used data. To really get a good average this empty and top off cycle should occur at least 3 times.
In my 03 X I notice about a 2 MPG drop with winter gas.
Switching gas brands could maybe cause the EPU to re-think
itself to your detriment.
Have fun.
I've had two Foresters (01 & 04) with over 100k miles between them. I've had a total of two CELs, both within the first year on the 01 and both were due to the same batch of faulty oxygen sensors (made by an outside supplier). For perspective, I've had more CELs on low-mileage (non-Subaru) rental vehicles during the same timeframe.
The word inordinate means "exceeding reasonable limits."
Yes but how does one define "reasonable"? If out of 150 owners, 50 of them posted with CEL issues then 33% would certainly qualify as "inordinate". But since we have no way of knowing whether there are 150 or 15,000 owners, there's no basis for determining what constitutes a reasonable amount.
-Frank
I have had my forester for one year now and I am happy to report that I have had no problems so far.I get my oil changed every 3000 miles (I am of the old school I guess) and I do put on many miles in a year. My 1 year old forester has 25,000 miles and in that time I have had only the routine maintenance. I have the tires rotated every 7000 miles and I have seen no uneven wear yet. I have enjoyed driving the car and have gotten used to it's quirks. I will never be able to open all the car locks on the first try (I always push the button the wrong way). I am challenged by the limitations of the CD player and in this day and age of outrageous gas prices, I will never get good enough gas mileage (I average around 23 mpg). I will however get the little lift that I feel driving the car. I have fun. I like the way the car looks and I love the way it handles. I feel that I made a good choice (debated between the RAV4 and the CRV). Just wanted to let everyone know.
No, not just a one tank calculation. I check my mileage on every fill up. It's been steadily going downhill for the last 6 weeks or so. That's been probably 6 fillups from at least 3 gas stations. The decline in mileage is consistent and noticeable. Next time I fill up, I'll ask about the "winter gas". Also, I did the same thing all last winter. But not any winters before.
I could handle a 2 MPG drop - but 7?! That's over 25%!
What's the "EPU"?
Thanks,
randy
I do indeed still have the pdf file with the detailed stereo installation instructions. You can download it off the web at the following address:
http://www.subaruparts.com/guides/CD_Changer_Detailed_Installation_Instruction.pdf
Enjoy, and good luck getting a deal on eBay!
Steve
Honestly? Some people actually seek out older Miatas because the pre-OBDII models leave you with more liberty in terms of how much you can do.
Flashing cruise with the CEL? Interesting. Maybe it's a throttle issue, since the cruise control manages the throttle position. Keep us posted?
Gold Warranty - bingo, use Subaru Bucks if you have them. For instance, we have $300 right now, and that $850 mentioned above would cost us $550, a no-brainer considering you also get roadside assistance.
Plus it would be a lot easier to sell a 5 year old Subaru *with* a warranty than without, true for any car actually.
Just went over 80k on my Forester this weekend. Still happy and no plans to trade her in.
-juice
About the cruise light blinking. Service man said that when the CEL goes on the cruise is automatically disabled: thus, the flashing light.
He also heard my complaint about Subaru CELs and said that Subaru is no worse than the other 2 brands he services: Nissan and Hyundai. It made me feel a little better,but not much. By the way, the black electrician's tape over the CEL is a great idea.
Seriously, what are subaru bucks and how do you get them?
Apply for a Subaru Chase Mastercard.
You earn $3 Subaru bucks per $100 spent, up to $500 per year. The bucks are good for 4 years, so you can accumulate up to $2000 towards Subaru dealer parts, service, new car lease/purchase, etc.
Sweet deal.
http://www.chase.com/ccp/index.jsp?pg_name=ccpmapp/card_acquisitions/unsolicited/page/PFSC- reditCardDetails&sourcecode=4X4B
John
-Dennis
In the running is the Forester and the Outback. In the features list on edmunds.com, both are listed as having "rear ventilation" ducts for heating. Do these apply to the A/C, too? Here in the desert I don't really care about heating, but having rear A/C vents would be great to help keep the kiddos from roasting in the summertime. (So will not having direct sunlight from the rear window...both kids hate our Corolla for that reason!).
Probably because they aren't necessary. We are in hot central CA (100+) in summer.
Tinting windows is an excellent idea since there is a lot of glass on these vehicles.
The ACs are very good. The interior is relatively small. The 2nd row passengers are in the middle part of the cab.
It would be a different story IMO if there were 3rd row seats.
John
-Lisa
John
With my average drop of 4 mpg over winter months,
I figured out that winter gas costs me about an extra 40 bucks a winter.
The rear ventilation ducts are connected to the heat and air con system which is integrated. They run under the front seats through a small plastic trunking and direct heat/cool air to the rear passengers feet. Not a huge air flow. If a CD stacker unit is fitted under the passenger seat, that duct is blanked off.
Handy in a hot climate as well as cold.
Cheers
Graham
But that doesn't surprise me--the Australian Foresters get several nice features and options that we don't.
Not sure about the Outback, the NA Outback has upgraded features that may include these ducts.
John
-Dennis
New appreciation for how well the Forester package is put together
John
I once saw a list of states and market share, and as you'd expect is was high in Colorado, Alaska, Montana, and all of New England, basically. I think Vermont was highest with a 7% market share there. The others were 6% or so.
Florida was just 0.5%! Not much AWD in the sun belt.
-juice
And Dennis didn't know either?!?! I'm afraid that you two will have to stay after school and study your owner's manuals ;-)
-Frank
John
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But then I drive off, not waiting for it to warm up. I do avoid putting a load on the engine for the first few miles, i.e. no climbing steep hills and no WOT (wide-open throttle) until she's warm.
-juice
-Frank
Edit- Juice beat me to it :-)
Len
A couple of suggestions:
1. Try to keep the fuel tank full, or at least half full. Especially if you will leave the car unused for a while. So fill up the tank before you leave to visit Grandma for Thanksgiving. Try a bottle of DryGas if it doesn't improve, that worked for Kate.
2. Prime the fuel pressure before you start each morning. Basically turn the key to the ON position but wait 3 seconds before starting it. You'll hear a Whirr. Then start it.
Those ought to help. But have that code checked to be safe. Good luck.
-juice
It mainly happens in first and second (slightly), seldom in third.
The 98s and 99s had a lot of clutch problems, but I couldn't convince the dealer of that. Now 120kmiles later, still the same clutch and same problem (at least that's what I think it is). My last car had 150kmiles and was manual: without problems.
On the check engine light...take it to Autozone. They will hook it up for free and tell you the issue.
So, if anyone has any ideas, I'd be interested too.
Chuck
Has anyone figured out how to lock the car without the
remote (I like to travel light) and not arm the alarm system? Instructions are confusing and I cannot figure out a consistent way to do it. Locking all of the doors from the inside: no Locking all but the drivers door and then locking that after the door is open. I think that that worked once but I cannot replicate. Advice?
Quick question ... has anyone towed around 3 kids (2 car seats and a booster) and 2 adults in a forestor? We recently found out we're expecting a third child (which is good) however, I need to know if my dreams of owning a forestor just went out the window ... I think I'm in denial about it (the car, not the baby) ... doh!
Perhaps Subaru will come out with a "Mazda5" type version of a forestor (i.e. 6 seater forestor) ... wouldn't that be cool! (someone tell me I didn't save these suburabucks for nothing)
Matt
You'd be better off in an Outback, which is a little wider, or even a Tribeca, which has 40/20/40 seats and would be by far more comfy. A basic 5 seat Tribeca is $29k and change now.
You can, sure, but the bigger models are just better suited.
-juice
Strep 1. With the key in the "on" position, lock the doors with the power lock button on the driver's door.
Step 2. Unlock the driver's door with the manual lock.
Step 3. Turn off ignition, exit the vehicle and manually push in the door lock before closing the driver's door.
Following the above steps will let you use your key to unlock the driver's door without setting off the alarm.
-Frank
Plus, why replace a broken clock with another broken clock. It seems these are failing on all older models, so by replacing it, the replacement will have the same problem.