Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Subaru Forester (up to 2005)
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Comments
-Frank
The key here is the plural, VW's, had you driven a Subaru it might have been the only one.
My last Subaru a 99 Outback "Sport" went 147K miles before trading in. I put One set of front brakes on, one timing belt, maintenance and one set of replacement tires which they left two on when I got rid of it.
I traded and got 2,500. But heck, I needed a new clutch, another timing belt, another set of tires, brakes and a body fix on the front right quarter panel. I was figuring around 2K for all of that over a six month period.
I got a killer deal getting it in 05. They are selling used ones with 19K miles for almost what I paid new. I tow a pop up camper (1,800 lbs)like a dream.
Oh and the dealer sold mine, I talked to the buyer before and I see his daughter tooling around in my old Suby occasionally with a big smile on her face.
Yes, suby's are worth it, I've always gotten my money's worth...And even the looks of the Tribeca's are growing on me.
So is it worth it? So far it is a great car. I wish it was a bit quieter. Part of the noise is due to the OEM tires, the other part due to window sealing.
Maybe the question to ask is would you buy another? Emphatically yes.
John
I will say this though. I did a search on various websites for used Foresters and only found 4 within 100 miles of my house. I guess people hang on until the wheels fall of!
I would like some real world data though. What kind of fuel economy do you see? Any problems with pinging or spark knock on regular unleaded? I've read about piston slap and engines that rev themselves up. Is that a common problem?
Thanks!
Thanks for the info. The 06 Forester is sounding better and better!
The only glitch that ever needed attention was the hill-holder (prevents car from rolling backwards when stopped on an uphill incline). Easily adjusted for once and for all in 10 minutes at the dealer, or by you with instructions available on the web.
If you do buy a Forester, for essential amenities you'll want to add on the auto-dim mirror, arm rest, rubber mat for cargo area, and side cargo nets. And that moon roof is sooooo nice ....
It's true, though, I want a new one with heated seats and that giant moonroof, but I can't justify trading in my perfectly good '98.
We seem to get a lot of ex-VW owners.
-juice
That Subie is really looking good now! Especially if I won't lose much on fuel economy! You folks have been GREAT! When I get my Subie I know where to go for questions and suggestions.
-juice
So, could anyone who has owned a Forester 2002 model to share their advice with me?
Its about $6 a quart here in CA now for Mobil 1, you probably got a spanking deal.
John
Thanks John!
* There was a recall to avoid head gasket problem. It involved adding Subaru coolant additive. Make sure that this has been taken care of.
* Oil changes (every 7500miles).
* Tire rotations (every 7500miles).
* air filter replacement (every 15000 miles).
* Spark plugs replacement, coolant flush and fill with special additive from Subaru at 60K.
* When you get car inspected, pay special attention to
- Timing belt (recommended replacement - 105000miles)
- Wheel bearings
- Cat converter (I don't know if it is possible to get this tested)
Good Luck!
Now that you mention it, I did own a VW in the past - a VW Dasher. The Forester reminds me a lot of the Dasher (a hatchback) with the ability to haul a lot of stuff in the back.
The wife remembers the Dasher differently. When I brought up the idea of comparison-shopping the Passat wagon against the Forester, she nixed it right away. The memories of frequent vi$it$ to the local VW dealer'$ :sick: $ervice $hop still haunts her.
-juice
Every time I turn around I think of another question to ask you folks. How does the Forester do on windy days? Does it get knocked around or is it like a rock in the road?
John
-juice
I have all but convinced myself to go with the Forester with the premium package (I miss my sunroof) but I'm waiting to see if I'll have enough monthly income to afford it. I'm calling the dealer tomorrow and checking on what I want.
John
But 2006 X is at $18,995.
Smoking deal.
John
Man great time to buy a Forester.
John
I'm going to go talk to the dealer and just see what I can do. I'd rather sell my car than trade since I'll lose a lot of my equity. I'm just going to check it out and see what they'll offer.
While there, I sat in an 06. I thought the armrest extension feature was pretty slick. The 03's is back too far for me to comfortably use. I did not have a tape measure, but they look almost identical in size & mounting. Does anyone know if the could be swapped without any fuss? I may have to save up more SBs!
Notice it's a pretty huge jump in price to the Premium models ($3600-3700). Too bad the $2000 does not apply to those. I'd be tempted.
-juice
...03 Forester XS, manual, 28K; 23-24mpg 70% short city trips, 29-31 mpg highway (I drive with a light foot), regular fuel, no pinging, reasonable power, only 1 problem ("cold clutch judder" that affected a few 03, replaced entire clutch assembly under warranty), no complaints.
...204...
I've been Forester lusting since '03 intro....
..if I understand you correctly the 'cold clutch judder' (very descriptive term) vanished when dealer intervened with new clutch, pressure plate, TO bearing etc.......
..is this condition - folks please join in here - a real concern with 03 and subsequent Foresters.......
Lord knows I like a good clutch.............and the Forester would be replacing my venerated VW (there's that name again) diesel pickup down the road (NPI)..
all the best, ez..
It's a non-issue. The clutch pressure plate assemble was redesigned and used on most '03 + Subarus with the 2.5 liter engine. Not all of the clutches had problems.
Why do I say "most" 2003 subies? Mine is an '03 but was manufactured in Oct 2002 and the new clutches were not standard until December 2002+ fabrication dates. I haven't had any issues with my XS. But I did drive a 2003 X model that had the shudder pulling out of the dealer's lot. Fortunately, you can tell right away when you have a problem. It was apparently caused by one or more weak springs on the clutch plate, IIRC.
John
I've never taken mine off, and still have a lifetime average of 25.1 mpg.
-juice
Change engine oil, set tire pressure, check fluid levels, check all hoses and belts, general visual inspection, lube hinges and locks, 4 wheel brake service and inspection, tire rotation, adjust emergency brake, road test vehicle, wash vehicle, replace air filter, balance front tires, inspect coolant and radiator, inspect exhaust system, check all filters, check battery and charging system, replace fuel filter, replace spark plugs, replace PVC valve, cooling system flush, transmission and differential service.
They charge $495.95 plus tax and hazardous waste charge and they note that 6 cyl and turbo models may cost extra.
Does this price seem ok for what they will do? Are these services all necessary?
Thanks in advance,
JD
JD
As for the timing belt, I had mine changed at 103,000 miles along with the other belts. I paid $205 about two years ago for all of the belts. Some dealers seem to charge what the traffic will bear. Beware!
Bad luck? Or maybe you follow trucks that might toss out debris too closely?
My wife tends to crack her windshields, lost two on her Mazda 626. I complain that she tailgates trucks...
-juice
Doug
So I'm driving Bob's WRX back from NY, and hit the gas, and almost hit the car in front of me! Yikes, I'm not used to having nearly that much torque!
It's dangerous and irresponsible, even. I want a black one. :shades:
-juice
Thanks,
JD
Doug
Ya got that right, Doug!! LOL :shades:
Samantha
Over 7 months I've collected plenty of empirical evidence (like the scenario you described in Bob's WRX) suggesting that most other cars aren't nearly as fun to drive as mine. I'm not advocating breaking the speed limit, but simply reaching it as quickly as possible.
Doug
Over 7 months I've collected plenty of empirical evidence (like the scenario you described in Bob's WRX) suggesting that most other cars aren't nearly as fun to drive as mine. I'm not advocating breaking the speed limit, but simply reaching it as quickly as possible.
I keep having to repeat this mantra in my head "must not test drive an XT ... the X is good enough for me" for fear that I will be tempted and then find ways to justify the expense.
I'm probably a little younger than most here, perhaps a little weaker and more susceptible to temptation, and willing to commit the extra $$$. I wavered for a couple weeks between the X Premium and XT, but knew what I'd end up with all along.
Doug