Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

ateixeira · July 2001

AJ: I too tinted the windows. Got 35% all around. I've seen 20% and if you like it dark, try that.

Let us know when the dog show comes to DC. I love those frisbee competitions.

-juice

griffinj · July 2001

At 43,000 miles, my wife's '99 Forester has really started to develop a harsh ride, even with tire pressure at 32 psi. I noticed that it's also developed a bit of a side hop when hitting a bump on a curve.

Pressing down on the rear bumper once causes it to bounce 3 times or so. But if I keep doing this, the struts start to do their damping adequately.

So I'm inclined to replace them, but I have no clue as to what to get. We don't do much off-road driving with the Forester, tho we do pull a tent-trailer with it a few times every summer.

Any recommendations would be appreciated. And is this really going to cost me $200 per wheel? Yikes!

asplundh · July 2001

Is there a reason that Subaru only offers a Diff protector and that is all. What about skid plates for the other araes such as the oil pan.

Thanks

drew_ · July 2001

I don't think it should bounce up and down three times when you put your weight on it. It should go down and up and maybe down a little only. Sounds like you may have worn struts. Perhaps someone else can comment on this.

Drew
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lakepop · July 2001

griffinj...if that puppy is bouncing three times ..I certainly would guess the struts are gone.....replace them!

blueforester · July 2001

On post #1435 I was looking for some info on alignment problems I was experiencing. This is an update on the situation if any of you are experiencing the same. The problem was the steering wheel was slightly off center when driving straight on a flat road and would pull slightly to the left.

After the 3 trips to the dealer and one visit to a body shop for a frame alignment check we got it going straight. It took 3 things:
-equal air pressure in the front wheels a pound or two off can cause it to drift, this was also noted by someone in the posts around 1400.
-a very solid 4 wheel alignment
-1/2 turn on the tie rods to get the steering wheel straight

I am not sure if I am done yet as the tires look like they may be wearing funny. Currently I am only at about 3,500 miles so we can't tell for sure.

Other than the alignment issue and the engine idling rough this is a great car.

Steve

allhorizon · July 2001

I'd like to come back to the Forester wheel/tire issue. Mention has been made that 17" are rice etc. However, times have changed, tires have improved, and many luxury car manufacturers have gone to 17" for looks *and* performance. So, at least for some tires and dimensions, ride quality is not an issue. Off-roading has to be looked at separately, of course

Compared to the "S" stock, which is 215/60R16 (nominal 26.1") in the US, there appear to be three (or more) options for serious performance-oriented up-sizing:
a) P225/55R17 26.7", +2.2% (same as Audi Allroad)
b) P235/55R17 or 27.2", +3.9%
c) P235/60R16 27.1", +3.8% (popular option for the RAV4)
None of the above should be an issue with regard to diameter, although width may come in (see below). They all have their own characteristics, but just to throw it out there, on a 7" wheel, the P235/55R17 has more protective bulging than stock, and has the same side wall height

Questions I have:

- do 235's fit the Forester, at all? With elevating springs?
- I would prefer to have much of the increased width to the outside, but have no idea where to expect rubbing using 235's. Should I go towards the larger or smaller offset (55mm or 50mm or below?)
- would you go for wider than 7" rims?

Unsprung weight could be an issue, but not with the proper choice of wheels. Still I invite comments about what you feel concerning the ride using any of the above, and the stress on the bearings/suspension.

- D.

hypov · July 2001

D.
I was curious to know if the Forester S's OEM wheels would fit a '98 OB and checked the catalog when having its oil changed.
Surprisingly the Forester S's wheel offset was listed at +48mm. So, anything greater than +48mm would bring the wheels closer towards the strut (is that what it is called?). Like the OB (pre-2000), there isn't too much clearance in the rear on the Forester to likely take on a 235mm tire width (I don't think it will) unless you go with less than +48mm; but your steering could be funny.

rsholland · July 2001

not only are popular on the Rav4 as a factory option, but the Suzuki Grand Vitara & XL7 has them as standard, if I remember correctly.

I hope the redesigned '03 Forester comes with this tire size. Visually, they just look to be the right size for the vehicle.

Bob

kutt · July 2001

Hey Juice and All: It has been a while since I've been on. Can anyone post or send me Juice's website link that has all the great directions for adding accessories? I've long since lost the link and have a hood deflector and a rear diff protector to mount.
Thanks,
Kutt - gkutte1@hotmail.com

kutt · July 2001

Anyone know if seat covers will hinder the function of the side air bags on my S Premi?
Kutt

tincup47 · July 2001

Yes they will. I would not recommend any seat covers not specifically meant for vehicles with side airbags.

sverd1 · July 2001

I just got a new forester S with Geolander tires what should the ideal pressure be. They have now 36 pounds in each tire.

armac13 · July 2001

I'm now running 35/31 or there about. It's a little harsher then standard, but I do like to corner with enthusiasm and these pressures seem to cut down on the under steer and increase the upper limit. I think that wear will probably be decreased as well. BTW, my S has the AT.

Ross

qbrozen · July 2001

anyone had their transmission serviced (preferrably by a dealer)? How much did it run (filter and fluid change)?

thanks.

ateixeira · July 2001

Sorry, no idea on prices for the tranny service or the struts. If I was quoted $200 per wheel for struts, though, I'd shop elsewhere. I would think you can get gas struts installed for less than half that amount.

BTW, if the ride is stiff at 32psi, keep in mind Subaru does recommend 29psi. IMO that is low, but you could try it.

Michael: you can get skid plates from the aftermarket. For a couple hundred bucks or so you can find steel or even aluminum ones. Lots of rally crossers get them. Lucien had the URL for those, but he hangs out in the Subaru Crew topics.

-juice

ateixeira · July 2001

I spent a lot of time researching this, so hopefully I can share some useful info.

I got 16"x7" aftermarket rims from discount tire direct for $75 a pop. The offset was 40mm IIRC, vs. 48mm stock for my L model's 15"x6" wide wheel. The S model has a 55mm offset, according to them, so they went with a lower offset to put the tires further out and away from the spring base.

I asked for 225/60R16 tires, and Tire Rack said they would rub, but Discount Tire Direct said they were OK. Tire Rack was wrong. Keep in mind this is not with the stock rims.

235/60R16 will not fit, though. The 225s come OH-SO-CLOSE to rubbing the front mud guard. There is zero play there. Any wider or taller and it would surely rub, unless you removed the mud guards or filed them down (at least).

The rears, which I was more concerned about, have a tiny amount of spare room. Not much though.

I've heard the folks in the Yahoo Forester club managed to fit 215/70R15s and 205/75R15s on stock steel rims. But not 215/75R15s. So we're talking a tiny bit of play, not a lot.

Now, what about the other sizes? 225/55R17 is a tiny bit bigger than mine, so I would avoid that, given I'm already borderline (it may, just may, fit with the right rims). 235/55R17 would rub for sure, so forget it. Actually, the ideal fitment would be 215/55R17.

My springs are stock, but taller springs would just move the problem somewhere else. When you hit a bump, the wheels would move up to where they are now and could rub (or worse, scrape). Plus, Lovell springs are stiffer, and combined with a 17" rim you would have a buckboard ride.

Wider rims? 7.5" would probably not make a difference. There is enough clearance for 1/4" extra per side on all my rims, again given my 40mm offset.

So, IMHO work with the wheel/tire experts, and see if they think the 225/55R17s will fit with rims they may have. If not, stick with 215s or use a 16" rim.

-juice

PS For an illustrative photo, look here: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1400062&a=12183854&p=44300167&f=0

ateixeira · July 2001

No problem. Two child seats on the sides, with a booster in the middle. Kids ages are 2, 3.5, and 2 from left to right.

egreenfield1 · July 2001

Last Thursday July 5th, the ignition switch failed on my forester. I was out doing errands and upon coming back to my car from completing an errand I could not start it. I had it towed to Pep Boys in the German town,MD area where they discovered that no voltage was getting to the coil pack and the fuse for the ignition inside the dash was dead on both ends. They were not sure why this was happening. I was told that I should deal with Subaru or I would have to pay them 70.00 to find where the problem was. So I called a Subaru dealership close to me and told them I would be towing the car to them. They determined that I needed a new ignition switch which is a 500.00 repair.

My car is just slightly over two years old and has 65,000 miles on it (yes I do drive alot). It seems very strange that an ignition switch should fail so soon into the life of the car. Before this time I have had no major problems and have been very happy with the forester. I am now fighting with Subaru to try to get them to absorb some of this cost. I am also having to spend 28.00 a day to rent a car so I can get around. Has anyone else had this problem so soon into the life of their vehicle. I was going to by another Subaru in about a year or so but now am not so sure.

originalbitman · July 2001

Wow! $500 for an ignition switch. I would be upset too... in fact that really seems extreme.

bit

rochcom · July 2001

I suggest that those worried about uneven tire wear purchase a tread depth gauge. They csot only a few dollars and they will allow you to measure uneven wear before it becomes visible, giving you time to correct alignment problems before they destroy the tires. I have one now, but wish I had it when I bought my Forester.

One thing to note, however: don't panic if the gauge shows that your tires are wearing quite rapidly at first, as long as the wear is even across the tread and from one side of the vehicle to the other. Accelerated early wear is a result of the greater flexing when the tread is new and deep. Wear decelerates as the tread depth decreases and the compund hardens a bit.

grahampeters · July 2001

Juice
I'd worry about those tellytubbies. They have an insidious brain drain effect on the owner's parents. After only days of exposure, the mothers run screaming from the house under the strain.

Well, thats what my wife says...

Kids look cute but i have to admit that three seats across the back seat of my Outback was a bit hard for me.

Cheers

Graham

kens · July 2001

Nice pics, juice! They make the Forester's rear seat look so roomy. ;-)

Ken

subaru_72941 · July 2001

Juice, I love what you do but your memory has slipped a bit. I am a culprit in the Yahoo who persists in running the oversize Cooper A/Ts on my subie. Yes, the 215/75/R15 guy. I have about 15K on these puppies and still have no complaints. I smile every time I take my clearance-enhanced forester over some back-road obstacle without a scrape. No, I won't race you 16" wheel guys on pavement, and I don't drag trailers, but I sure appreciate what these tires can do off-road!

subearu · July 2001

Well, so far we've only had 2 in back of our Outback - my wife and Brooke in the middle (in her rear facing car seat). That infant car seat is probably a bit wider (at least IMO) than the regular forward facing child seat.

Juice - I see a tether strap on one of the seats. Once Brooke outgrows her carrier, we'll be using our forward facing Fischer Price seat with tether. Hook up will be a breeze! Have to order the tether anchor kit for our Saturn though...

-Brian

allhorizon · July 2001

Thanks so much, juice - great information.

Now if you could enlighten me about who you think these "wheel/tire experts" are ...

Thanks also to subaru_72941. My research indicates that a bit over 27" is OK, close to 28" is pushing it. But it also depends on width. That's another way to pose my question: how tall can you go on 225's or 235's - and what wheel offset do you need for that?

Of course, like anyone else, I am curious about what's ahead with the upcoming model changes. I truly believe the Forester is slightly undersized for the American market.

- D.

pattim3 · July 2001

If you have a file with us (1-800-SUBARU3) ask the Rep. you are working with to come and see me?

I'd like to try to help.

Thanks.

Patti

pattim3 · July 2001

Just as an FYI - If your company is a participant, your HR department would be able to direct you. As far as the affiliations - you have to be a member for a while before you are eligible.

Patti

ateixeira · July 2001

Ellen: here is what I suggest - see if you can sign up for a Subaru extended warranty. Tell them you'll only do this if they cover the ignition. It'll cost right around $1000, but you'll recover half that amount immediately, and walk away with a couple extra years worth of warranty.

To me that's win-win. If you argue with the dealership and they get adversarial, it's lose-lose. You'll end up going back to Pep Boys for a cheap ignition fix.

Rick: I must be geezin'. They say two things go when you get old - your memory, and the 2nd thing I forget. ;-)

I stand corrected! I thought I heard someone say theirs rubbed with 215/75s, but I guess not. Maybe someone THOUGHT it would rub.

Holy cow - that's a full half inch more radius than even my tires. You have almost an inch extra clearance vs. stock. No wonder you never scrape!

Brian: yes, the infant carriers are wider than a booster, which is pretty small. But check out my cousin's '99 Outback, with an infant seat and two toddler seats:

For tires, I'd check out http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp and http://www.discounttiredirect.com/. The latter was actually more helpful to me. Check under Wheel Specials. Mine were a bargain. People pay over a grand for a set of 16" rims, I paid $643 with tires, delivered and ready to bolt on.

-juice

subaru_team · July 2001

FYI - with 65K on the car, it wouldn't be eligible for the Added Security coverage. But, I'm sure I can help in some way.

Patti

ateixeira · July 2001

Ellen: translated, that means call 800-SUBARU3 to open a case file and then e-mail Patti (pmickel@subaru.com) with your case #. You've got a friend inside SoA.

-juice

egreenfield1 · July 2001

Patti, I sent you an email with the details of what has transpired so far. After lots of begging they have agreed to cover the part cost but that is it.

ateixeira · July 2001

Ellen: what are they charging you for labor? I can't imagine it taking more than an hour or two, so hopefully it will be reasonable.

-juice

nygreg · July 2001

if you can you might want to call other dealers for other price points. If you find one lower, use that to argue a lower price at your current dealer. good luck.

Greg

zorba52 · July 2001

I have read with interest most of this thread,am in a research mode at this time,and have a few Q's. 1) Any of you that have bought a MY02 Forester is there that wonderful" new car smell" that I have read about,or has it been eliminated? 2)My better half had lower back surgery many yrs ago,and because of this we have always driven vans where you sit more upright,is the sitting position in a Forester more car or sedan like, or do you sit fairly upright? 3)Pricing:I've seen alot of discussion about over or under invoice,inSatAZRepublic,aMY02 Forester"loaded,AC,PW,PL,CC,tilt,cass,AWD,more! $18,500,0 down,269.00 a month,36mo.There must be a catch here ?Also did some searching on the net,boy!big price diff at cartain sites,MY99,29,00mi,$22,000+ Opinions? I've only been able to test drive a CRV sofar,and doubt I will get to test the SUB any time soon(talk about hell on wheels!,most cars in the Phoenix area must be about 150-170 degrees inside in the summer)so will wait till things cool down a little.Not in any big hurry anyhow,might wait and see what the new model will be like. Thanks for all the great info here,will be back often,Tony P.S. If there are any Phoenix folks here ,do u have a recommendation on the local Sub dealers?TIA

tlima · July 2001

Tony (aka Zorba52): Welcome. I can only comment on the seating, as I have an '01 Forester L. Seating is very comfortable in front, with bottom seat angle adjustments and seatback adjustments. There is also adjustable lumbar. You do sit higher and more upright than in a sedan. Entry/Exit is very easy. Many here have recommended heated seats for those with bad backs - though only available on S and S+ - although that may not make much difference in Phoenix.

Is "Zorba52" in reference to the late, great, Anthony Quinn? Just a little trivia for you Subaru folks: Guess what car he used to ferry his young family around town in? White Subaru Outback (circa '97 or so)!!!

How do I know? He took up residence about 3mi from where I live and could be seen visting shops and local restuarants in town with his family.

-Tony

pattim3 · July 2001

If they offered to cover the part, that may be the "fair" thing to do. If someone purchases an Added Security extended service agreement, it covers the repair in full. It wouldn't be fair to the people who pay for the coverage if we gave others the same benefit. If I remember correctly, paying for the part amounts to about 50% of the repair. I'll check your message and file today.

Thanks and I hope this is resolved quickly!

Patti

crashdavisfm · July 2001

Hey Zorba,

I've had my '01 Forester S for exactly one week. The smell disappated after a couple days (or I got so completely used to it I now can't smell it anymore). The smell was definately in the '02 model I test drove before buying my '01 sight-unseen, so I think it's a feature.

Anyway, seating. Yep, I think it's definately more upright. I drove a 94 Accord for 7 years before this, and I could tell a difference immediately. I also have a lumbar support pad (gel-filled) that I use, which makes me sit even more upright. Your wife might want to try that (see the "relax the back store"). I find the seats also much firmer than my Accord. Not sure if it will be a good thing or a bad thing on an extended trip. We'll see.

My only complaint is my windshield washer doesn't work as advertised. Only the driver side sprays fluid, and I thought it would squirt fluid if you pull the control towards you (mist). At least it seems like it should from the picture on the control. Anyway, will have to visit the dealer I guess.

aj

egreenfield1 · July 2001

Patti,
The part cost is 210.00 the Labor is 290.00. Fitzgerald's labor rate is 83.00 per hour
Ellen

ateixeira · July 2001

Zorba: my 1998 definitely had that famous new car stench, and I bet 2002s are no different since they use the same undercoating.

The seating position is kind of inbetween. It's more sporty than most vans, but not quite like a sedan.

The 2003 model will most likely get the ratcheting height adjustment for the seats like Imprezas have, which you may prefer.

AJ: check for a clog in the system. Pop the hood and follow the tubes. Or let a dealer, but it should be a simple fix.

Ellen: that's 3.5 hours of labor. Seems a bit long but I'm not that familiar with what they're doing.

-juice

tincup47 · July 2001

According to Mitchell's replacing the ignition switch takes .7 hrs labor

rochcom · July 2001

Unless they have changed it for this model year, pulling the lever toward you gives a single wipe. Pushing the button on the end washes and wipes. If the passenger side doesn't work, either the nozzles are clogged or misaimed, or something is not connected. The dealer can repair it as an adjustment under warranty.

asplundh · July 2001

I want to get the heavy duty rubber mats for my forester 02 L but the salesman said they are on national backorder and won't be available for awhile. My uncle has the rubber mats by husky which are really great for his explorer. They hold mud and water. I'd like to get these but they don't make them for the forester.

Does anyone know where I can get these type of mats for my forester. Thanks

lark6 · July 2001

asplundh: I bought WeatherTech floor mats for my Forester about a week after I got the car. You can get them in standard black as well as gray or tan for extra cost. I got mine in gray and they're a very good match for the Forester gray interior. They're also more durable than the flimsy factory carpeted mats, which I removed promptly. Except for the driver's mat all my carpeted mats are pristine, which may leave some future owner scratching their head. Note that the rear mats will require a little bit of trimming, but that's easy because they are prescored and can be cut with a utility knife or good quality pair of kitchen scissors (oops - I didn't say that).

Go visit http://www.weathertech.com for more info.

There are other, probably cheaper, rubber mats on the market but I am happy with these all the same.

Ed

ateixeira · July 2001

Go with those. The Subaru mats are little squares that do not cover the whole front foot well, i.e. they are not a good custom fit.

-juice

kens · July 2001

I bought a set of "Car & Driver" brand rubber floormats at Target for something like $7/each for the rears and $15/each for the fronts. They actually are of good quality and hold quite a bit of crud. The fronts need just a little trimming to fit the Forester.

Ken

lark6 · July 2001

There ya go - much cheaper than the WeatherTechs. There were no Targets in my area when I bought the car but there are now.

I hope those Car & Driver mats don't have pictures of Brock Yates or Pat Bedard on them ;-* .

Ed

ateixeira · July 2001

They even sell oil filters now. I wonder who manufactures them.

-juice

scirocco22 · July 2001

Michael-- When I was shopping for mats for my Audi I did consider the Huskys. They do have an application for the Forester but I'd assume that trimming would also be necessary for these too for I'm noticing that the same application fits many cars. Here is their web-site and you can navigate from their Subaru page to the main site to find out more about their mats. http://www.huskyliner.com/subarumats.html ...but Ken sounds like he has the perfect solution; sounds like you can't beat the price if you have a Target near you! I might just check the Target near me when I get my Forester.

--'rocco

scirocco22 · July 2001

juice-- Champion makes the C&D filters for Target. Here's an interesting site on oil filters: http://members.nbci.com/minimopar/oilfilters.html

--'rocco

Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

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