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Comments
my husband and i are the proud new owners of a 2001 forester s in blue ridge pearl (not our first choice, but it's what they had on the lot...either that or black) and we are delighted so far. been researching and test driving over the last month and i must say that one of the big deciding factors for me was everything i've been reading in this forum. you all so clearly love your foresters that i decided there must be something to them.
we test drove rav2, ford escape, mazda tribute and nissans exterra, but the forester won us over hands down. we just drove her home tonight and with all of this snow we have been getting here in iowa, she will be getting quite a workout!!
thanks again to all of you "regulars"!! you have no idea how helpful you all are to us "newbies" and i look forward to reading and hopefully contributing to this forum in the future.
joyce
Jim McKnight
Welcome and congratulations on the purchase of your Forester! Please keep us updated on your ownership experiences.
BTW, don't forget to join the rest of the Subaru gang in the "Owners Clubs" topics.
Ken
Thanks,
Sam
Ross
Happy New Year to each and every one of you wherever you may find yourself as this New Millenium finally gets started.
Saw a couple of posts over in the owner club regarding the Forester Hitch. This was an option that was not "factory" installed on our Forester when we bought it but will be installed by the dealer this week as part of the "due bill" from the purchase. Some questions:
1) Based on a couple of posts I've read in the owner's forums has there been, or is there currently, something physically wrong with the Subaru Forester hitch itself?
(I saw that there may possibly be something wrong with the hitch's structural production welds...NFI?)
2) Does it have anything to do with the actual installation process (port or dealer)?
3) Has the "problem" been fixed and what was the solution?
If anyone has the the straight facts on this issue please post/repost (couldn't search well enough to find other comments re the hitch) and if so what should I look for (Hitch production dates, model number, type, etc.). I'd appreciate any feedback on this so I can be prepared when we turn in our Forester for the parts installation.
Also, any information about what all is involved in the "Security System Upgrade" would be appreciated too since that will be "installed" at the same time.
Thanks in advance...D
http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20010102S0005
Thanks
Don
-Frank P.
I caught the Subaru Team's comment on the Owner's Club board too. I was relieved to read that SOA caught it before it became an owner/warranty issue or worse yet a NHTSA recall issue. It was installed today (somehow I know I shouldn't say without a "hitch" because that would be way too confusing...but I can't help myself). The dealer was unaware of any problems with the hitch other than it took them a month to get one in through their supply system. Didn't think to ask this before but does anyone know if it comes with the "receiver" too (that's the only thing I've ever called it... it's the piece that slides into the hitch and holds the hitch ball)?
And finally... does anyone else's Forester S doors lock automatically when you start it and unlock automatically when you turn the car off? Ours did that until today when the security upgrade system was installed. We really liked the feature and got spoiled by the convenience. I called the service writer back to ask him about it and he said that he would check on it and get back to me. Is there an electronic logic built into the existing remote entry/door lock system? I don't remember reading anything in the manual about this but... I'll go back and check it again. As always, your thoughts, comments and experiences are appreciated.
Best regards, Dale
Re the security system upgrade...mine doesn't automatically lock or unlock the doors. In fact, I didn't even realize that the Forester had that as an option. I'd like to hear what your service rep finds out.
-Frank P.
When I first picked up my Forester, I had electric door locks (automatic lock upon start-up, and unlock upon shut-off). Later in the day, I had a security system installed (the dealer didn't have the time to do it, so they sent me to a local security company). After the security system was installed, the automatic lock feature was disabled. I immediately contacted the installer, and it was just a matter of having them reprogram the security system's "brain." It took them all of five minutes to reprogram the "brain" and enable the electric door locks. Incidentally, I opted to have all doors lock upon start-up and only have the driver's door unlock upon shut-off. You can specify what you want enabled and disabled. Talk to whomever installed your security system, and dollars to doughnuts, your electric door lock system will be re-activated.
had a chance to test drive' my six month old baby.
I went to Cheesequake state park, NJ.
Found out that the parking lot still remain
untouched. A Jeep was swimming in it, doing 180,
sharp turn, etc. And a stupid Lincoln was trying
to claw himself out. There's no surprise that I
joined them immediately. Well, I was a little bit
disappointed, I felt the snow didn't exist at all.
Speeding, braking, turning just like in the normal
ground. There should be more snow on the ground.
Is it the end of story, of course not! Right before
I finished my test drive with smile on my face,
the park ranger stopped me, threatened me a reckless
driving ticket. I looked around, even the
Lincoln was gone. I got away after a long speech
from that lovely ranger. Hue! I guess I have to find
a better place for my next trip, if there is
more snow coming up this winter.
Happy new year everybody!
Sean
I wasn't sure from your post whether you had a Subaru Security System Upgrade or an aftermarket upgrade system added to your car. It's a mute point really since you had the auto lock/unlock feature before you had the "Upgrade" system installed and that's the logic state we're trying to get back to too. I called the service writer on it and he said that he would check with his Subaru Guy who did the install and get back to me. I'll keep everyone posted on what I find out.
Frank,
Thanks again for the info. My first call to the service writer was pretty disappointing because he told me that that dealership only installed the hitch itself and the electrical connection, nothing else. Assured me that that's how they "always do it" but that if I felt that it was wrong to give my salesman a call and see what "sales" could do for me. I hung up, knowing that my salesman wasn't going to be available at 7:00am, and made a note in my trusty Palm to call him during his "hours". The phone rings and it's my service writer calling back to say that my receiver is in the spare tire well. I guess I didn't look hard enough, especially since I expected it to be in the hitch itself or in a box somewhere inside the car. Well...it was in the car right where the installer put it. The service writer admitted that it was a surprise to him and that, apparently, his installer had been doing it that way for a long time. We both laughed about how it was good to start your day off learning something new. So...case closed...it's all good!
Question for Subaru owners with hitches:
Has anyone done any towing in bad weather (read snow/sleet/rain mix) with their Subaru? We're planning to head up to Lake Arrowhead next weekend and may (emphasis on may) tow a light utility trailer up to the cabin. We're from NW PA and did a 3 year stint in Central and Downeast Maine so we're familiar with driving on sloppy roads and particularly in FWD/AWD vehicles. Just wondering about the Sube's capability w/a caboose on behind (realizing that ya' gotta slow down and take it a little easier in "weather" and just generally be careful). The car has the stock Yoko Geolanders with about 3k miles on them and I've read mixed reviews on these boards about their winter weather/snow ability. Thoughts and experiences are appreicated. Best regards to all,
Dale
larger cargo space; and 60 month/60,000 mile major components warranty. Key features that were also important to us but pretty much comparable to its competition were the side impact bars, side airbags (except the RAV-4), moonroof (except for the CR-V, which doesn't offer one and can't have one installed) and leather features, gas mileage, price, heated seats, ability to use regular gas, a full-size spare, loaner cars for overnight service while under warranty and door-to-door shuttle service thereafter . Although I have to admit even the little things -- like the
de-icing front wiper, integrated window antenna, multiple compartments and the easiest-to-open rear door -- were advantages over the competition as well. I never would have bought the Ford Escape or Mazda Tribute -- neither companies have good reliability records overall, and these products are in their first year of production. The President of Mazda happens to be an old friend of mine, so I knew if I wanted the Tribute I could get a great deal. It wouldn't have been worth it.
I'll also tell you we considered a few wagons -- with the Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Passat coming out on top. Here, my wife and I simply preferred the SUV-style over the Outback wagon. And while the Passat wagon is a highly-rated vehicle, to get what we got with the Forester would have meant spending an additional $4,000 to get all-wheel drive, forcing us into the 6-cylinder model with much poorer gas mileage and a requirement to use much more expensive premium gas. All in all, I can't get over the outstanding combination the Subaru Forester offers in terms of reliability, safety, features and value.
With all this, I still had just a bit of hesitation before making the final buying decision because neither my wife or I had ever owned a Subaru. This is where Al Rowe, our salesman, came in. His professionalism, knowledge and straightforwardness in dealing with both of us made the difference. In sales myself -- 20 years with IBM as a salesman, sales manager and now sales executive -- I've learned a thing or two about salesmanship and the right way to earn a customer's business. Al Rowe represented Subaru very well. We expect this to be just the start of a long-term, positive relationship with Subaru of Morristown, New Jersey as we need to service our Forester along the way -- and look for our next car!
Great write up! Welcome to the Subaru community.
It's good to know that the Forester still stacks up after all these years.
Ken
I'm new to this discussion, but familiarized myself with all the posts before I pick up my Forester this week.
I did notice and appreciate the informative entries on the nature and value of the limited slip differential, and now seek similar evaluative info with regard to the other component of the S vs. L: rear disc brakes. Anyone have stats on the relative cost and ease of maintanence, possible problems, stopping distances, etc., when comparing discs to drums?
Thank you.
Dale: I have the hitch but only towed a trailer to test it out. It was about 700 lbs, and we pulled up a long hill near my house without any drama. I do tow a bike rack and a couple of bikes back there, and it's been perfect so far.
Joseph: disc brakes cool better than drums, stop shorter, and are easier to service. They are also more linear in feel. Under heavy braking, the fronts do 90% of the work, but they'll still show an edge over a Forester L with rear drums.
As for stopping distances, the Forester S was compared to a Porsche 911 by Car and Driver, and did better than the L model they tested a few months later (though the tires and pavement are other factors involved).
Of course, mine has the drums. :-(
-juice
Also, keep in mind that both the L and S Foresters get 4-channel ABS unlike other manufacturers that settle with 3.
Ken
Anyway, I want to thank everyone for all your comments and helpful suggestions. There's always a little feeling of "did I make the right decision" and all of your positive comments made me feel more comfortable that this was a good choice. Sure am glad that I didn't get that Tribute! (Although, the Subaru replaces a 10-year-old Mazda MX-6 that never, ever, not even once broke down on me. You guys kind of badmouth Mazda sometimes, but I had a great experience with mine, and I probably would have bought another one if the dealers hadn't been so difficult to work with. It's going to be a hard act to follow, reliability-wise. But I do think that the Subaru is up to the challenge! I expect to have this vehicle for another 10 years.)
Just 'cuz i know someone will ask:
1. it's red
2. auto transmission
3. premium pkg.
4. auto dimming mirror, upgraded speakers, bug deflector (didn't order these 3, but also didn't have to pay for them, due to the screw-up that led to the 14 1/2 week wait)
5. as much as I like it, I can't see myself posting photos of it, giving it a name or assigning it a gender! However, if you'd like to know about my collection of black shoes... ;>) Hey, we all have things that we hold dear!
Anyway, my sincere thanks again. I'll probably check in here & at the Owner's Club from time to time to catch up on new tips.
I would like to hear your thoughts about the front hood deflector and the rear window dust deflector. Do either of these work? Is the rear spoiler more effective at clearing the rear window?
Any other must-have options?
Thanks,
Dave G.
You can get new pads for the rear for about $70 or so. If you did this yourself it'd cost half as much.
If the front rotors need to be turned, that price doesn't seem unreasonable, but I'd fight to get it covered under warranty.
cin4: congrats. BTW, her name is Ruby. ;-)
The Tribute seems fine on the surface but it is not by any means a true Mazda. It uses the Ford Duratec engine and the Ford CD4E transmission, known for how problematic it's been in other models (Contour, 626).
We also own two Mazdas and it's easy to tell the difference between Ford and Mazda components.
Dave: I have neither but am also considering both. I think the rear deflector would clear the rear window more effectively than a spoiler. The deflector blows dust off, while the spoiler only tries to prevent as much dust from getting on there.
-juice
Ruby, huh? I'll think about it.
Dave,
While I haven't had mine for long, I can see where the hood deflector could help protect from stone dings. It was a little difficult to wash under it, but it probably won't get real dirty there anyway and it looks like you could remove it for cleaning if you were so inclined. As for the rear deflector/spoiler, I don't see where it's needed since it has a rear window washer/wiper that makes it pretty easy to clean when it does get dirty. I guess it's a matter of personal preference and whether you want the entire window clean or are satisfied with the smaller clean area from the wiper.
Ross
-juice
I added a rear deflector to the ML a few months ago and found that it greatly reduced dirt, especially on the rear window. When driving in the rain, I use the rear wiper much less frequently now. WRT the hood deflector, in 13 months of ownership, I've had zero hood chips. Of course, not all deflectors are the same. Some work better than others.
Drew
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Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Jeff
I had a bunch of 6' 4x4s, 12' 4x2s, and dozens of fence posts for about 35' of fencing. They were secured very well, though I'm sure I exceeded the 150 lb weight limit for the roof rack.
Some of the fence posts were inside, but the rest was on the roof. The load felt heavy but it handled it well.
I'd just be careful not to overdo the load, and secure it very tight so nothing shifts. Use a tarp on the inside to save the interior if you use it.
-juice
Bob
Still, those capacities aren't bad. Most roof racks can only hold half that much, and many cars aren't rated for towing at all!
-juice
Outback: 100
Explorer: 100
CRV: 75
Cherokee: 200 (I believe?)
Grand Cherokee: 165(?)
Almost all other mass-market SUVs are rated at 100. The CRV (and one other that I can't remember) have lowest roof rack ratings.
Bob
http://www.curtrich.com/may2000.html
Drew
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Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Bob
Still, with some of those very tall SUVs, I wouldn't want to put anything up there.
The Forester's seem like they're structural. Very, very solid.
-juice
Even changing the placement in the car can dramatically alter driving behaviour. The best spot for a heavy load is as close to centre of the car and low as you can get it.
Loading a trailer also alters behaviour. Again, the trick is to get the heaviest items as close to the axle as possible. I once saw a caravan go from being rectangular to octagonal (and the rear quarters of the tow car reshaped) as the corners were knocked in on a very narrow bridge when the weight loading caused instability.
Cheers
Graham
Hit by the lost posts again!
What range of Foresters do you guys get in the States. The GT offered here has a 130kw engine lifted from the Impreza Turbo and is beloved of police and ambulance types. I seriously considered it but it does not have cruise control which I like.
Looking at the SOA website it looks like you do not get it which surprises me given the comparative market size in the USA compared to Australia. Mind you, you have only got the WRX this week.
Cheers
Graham
We have only two models, L and S. Both have the 2.5l engine, with 165hp and 166lb-ft of torque. Not as quick as the turbo in other markets, but competitive with the class of mostly 2.0l alternatives here (RAV4, CR-V).
Americans like big engines, plus gas is very cheap here. Still, I'd take the turbo any day.
The Impreza used to come with 1.8l or 2.2l engines, but now the 2.5l will be standard, with the 2.0l turbo optional.
The Legacy line offers only the 2.5l and the new 3.0l H6.
Big engines, but we miss out on the really powerful ones.
-juice
One result of having a 2.5L engine standard is that the manual tranny Foresters don't have low-range gearing. I guess Subaru felt that the 2.5L generated sufficient torque in lower gears to not carry over that option.
Ken
We start at 9pm eastern time, 6pm pacific. If you're overseas and want to know when that will be, Edmunds uses pacific time on the posts. So it's about 1pm pacific now, which means the chat start in about 5 hours.
Join us for a live and hopefully entertaining and informative chat.
Where? Go to the Owners Clubs topics, and open the Subaru Crew page. There is a link at the top of that page.
-juice
In fact, I could see a turbo Forester GT replacing the S Premium model.
I also wouldn't be bit surprised if the 2002 Legacy GT gets the WRX engine too.
Bob