Juice... I looked at the H6 today, and I must say that I loved it, but it is priced too high for my budget. I could afford the turbo, but I personally have heard nothing good about turbo chargers, especially when it comes to longer term maintenance. Have turbo's progressed to where they last as long as the car, or do they still need replacing every 60,000 or so?
I have about 1500 miles on my new 2002 Forester L.
I would like to get some feedback from anyone with experience or ideas.
To begin with for the first few tanks of gas I was getting exactly 22 mpg around town. This was mostly freeway driving in Southern California at non-peak hours. In another words I was going between 65-75 mph.
But for the last two fill-ups I was getting just 20 mpg. The rating for the vehicle was 22 city and 28 highway. I wasn't carrying any heavy cargo and most of the time it was just me. Any ideas or similar experience?
Also I was getting a high pitched whistle on the driver's door at highway speeds (above 40mph) and the dealer said they had been getting this complaint. They recommended ordering a new gasket for the window and when it comes in they will swap it out and adjust the doors if needed. Has anybody had this done and did it fix the problem?
One more thing, when driving in snow, as I plan to do this winter, will I need chains? I intend to head to the High Sierra and I'm curious about how much traction the AWD system provides.
Thanks for any and all feedback! This Town Hall is really informative and a great service.
Thanks for the tip on 2yr used Subura, 3yrs or less on loan. I think that I could handle the payments with loan of 2yrs or less. Be nice if I could get a loan for only 1 yr. Do banks even let you take out a car loan for 1yr????
About the Sierras - when I was up in Yosemite, around Badger Pass, a couple of years ago they had BIG signs up (and also people to check) that said you had to have chains on 4x4s unless you had traction tires on (i.e. studded tires). You can get away with only 4x4 up around Frazier Park and the Angeles National Forest (though a neighbor of mine was hassled one time at Lake of the Woods because he didn't have chains on his 4x4 RAV4). Don't know about San Bernardino mountains.
Pal: I wonder if you have better traction (and therefore better braking) on one side of the car. Have you been rotating the tires regularly? That or it could just be a crown in the road.
James: turbos have come a long way. The WRX does not even require a cool down period. It should last much longer than that.
By the way, VDC sedans are already under $28k. A base H6 sedan should be in the $26k range, and I expect the $750 incentive to reappear early next year. Wagons cost more.
Donn: be patient, your engine is still very green. Give is 10-15k miles, and you should see a 2-3mpg improvement. I did, anyway.
The window angle can be adjusted, but go ahead and let them replace the trim.
Leo: 1 year? I dunno. You have to qualify for the payment amount, I guess. Go 2 years to be safe, then try to pay it off early.
Hi to all! I've had my 2002 Forester S/Premium for exactly one week today and now I'm sorry that my commute to and from work is so short!! One thing I've noticed though is a whistle that sounds like it's coming from the moonroof. Anyone else notice this? I moved the rack bar back past the roof opening right after I brought it home - could this be causing the whistling noise? I must say I love the handling! I had a camry before and there is no comparison!! The Forester is so much more fun!
Paisan -- The drive-a-thon sounds very interesting -- unfortunately there is a possibility that I will be out of town during that week. If I am in I'll definitely join in !!
Juice -- my Forester is only 900 miles and 1 week (of ownership) old -- so haven't got a chance to rotate tires yet.
Donn -- do read my post (#3300) on the mileage I got. Mine is a S+. Seems like you should be getting better. Regarding the door whistle -- I did hear it while test driving one car from the dealer (we test drove 3 Foresters before decidinhg !) -- nothing of that sort in my own car.
I do however get some rattling noise from the windshields -- its a very mild noise and only I seem to be able to hear it (my wife can't). With the new car and all I am perhaps a little oversensitive towards these noise.
Rachel -- We did hear some whistling noise that seemed to come from the moonroof during our roadtrip -- but this was only on certain stretches of the thruway that did not have pitched roads (these were concrete roads) -- also it was VERY windy that day. On our way back we did not get any such noise. So it could be the road in your case or maybe its coming from the door as mentioned by donn. I agree with you on the handling -- its a nifty little car. We are finding excuses everyday to go grocery shopping late at night !!!
My wife and I have decided the Forester is the vehicle for us. However, I understand the 2003 is to be re designed. Does anybody know what those changes are going to be?
Just predictions, but I think it'll have more rear seat room, more ground clearance, and a turbo engine option in 2004. Early sketches make it look like a cross between the current Forester and a Highlander.
Look at the Outback Sport changes from 2001 to 2002, and the Forester's should be similar.
here is a site I ran across that shows what the 2003 forester may look like. Nothing drastic just a face change and rear taillight change. Go back through the home button to see other possiblilities including a rendering of the new Legacy.
We had seen both those images here before, and they look interesting for sure. I think the Forester sketch is more accurate than the Legacy. The '03 Legacy sketch looks to be an all-new model, which from all previous reports, isn't due until MY05. It's been reported that the '03 Legacy will just get a facelift.
Actually that Legacy sketch "hints" just a bit of the angular WX-01 concept car just shown at the Toyko Auto Show. It could foretell the '05 model perhaps?
Thanks for the new Philippine's link. It looks to be a good info source, and I've already bookmarked it.
I did contact the dealer who said they do have the "dent" fixers who will take a look at it on Monday. Usually runs about $60 if they can simply pop it out.
I'm SITCOM too, with two kids. The two kids is the reason why I was looking into sedans too. I need to get a picture of the '02 Forester with two car seats in it and get a link posted.
Remember, kids get bigger.
We have a '00 Sienna for the family car. So far we have had a leaking cooling system, burned out driver's side window motor, and a rattle in the passenger side sliding door. The dashboard now squeeks.
OK, so as to not yell movie in a crowded firehouse, can anyone here (in a Subaru board) explain to me why people buy 4WD LX CR-V's with no ABS? Or a RAV4 with AWD, no ABS, for that matter?
I bought an '01 RAV with AWD but no ABS, mainly because the ABS was impossible to find in my area in Jan '01, when I was hot to buy (and did), unless I wanted to go upscale to the L model and wind up paying about $1,500 more, including $520 for the ABS (in '01 it is only $300!).
I've had vehicles with ABS, and vehicles without it. To me, it is a nicety, not a must-have. I am the only driver of my vehicle, and I think the risk is small, and all my own.
I'm SITCOM too, with two kids. The two kids is the reason why I was looking into sedans too. I need to get a picture of the '02 Forester with two car seats in it and get a link posted.
Remember, kids get bigger.
We have a '00 Sienna for the family car. So far we have had a leaking cooling system, burned out driver's side window motor, and a rattle in the passenger side sliding door. The dashboard now squeeks.
OK, so as to not yell movie in a crowded firehouse, can anyone here (in a Subaru board) explain to me why people buy 4WD LX CR-V's with no ABS? Or a RAV4 with AWD, no ABS, for that matter?
I do like that Subaru puts ABS on every car it sells. Makes shopping easy. Edmunds Live had a RAV4 with no ABS (I think) and it got a little sideways in emergency braking. I liked it other than that.
Photos with two kids? I can beat that. How about three kids?
I bought my 2002 S+ at May. Now the car has about 11,000 miles. Average 26 miles/gal. Car has been running very well, handle well in rainy days. No snow in NJ yet. Can't wait for the first snow to test it out. Thanks to Juice photo that make oil change real easy. I have one question: the outside temperature gauge always indicated higher than what it supposed to. I knew it worked because it indicated the same temperature as of the thermomter in the garage first thing in the morning. Then it showed about 5 deg higher than the ambient temperature. Does anyone know where the sensor located? Maybe I can move it to a better spot. Thanks
If the sensor is anything like the one in my Outback, it will be inaccurate for about five minutes after start up if the car is hot, either from having run, or being left in the sun. It is then pretty much spot on. I wonder though whether the reading would be adrift if you are doing stop start in traffic.
We have had similar experience with the temp sensor on our Forester. Once you start it seems to display the temp at which the igninition was last switched off and then take a few minutes to get to the ambient temp as would be expected for any such device. Ours also always match with the temp displayed at a gas station near our house.
On the Troopers it's mounted in front of the radiator. So in stop and go traffic it's high, during freeway driving it's dead on. On my XT6 it's dead on no matter what, maybe mine is mounted in the bumper or something?
The temp sensor in my Forester is very accurate. I have to disagree with pal086 about it taking awhile after startup to reach the ambient temp. Mine is spot on from the moment I turn the key. The only exception being, as Graham pointed out, when the vehicle has been parked in the sun or still warm from running. Frequently while commuting to work on a crowded highway it also displays a temp several degrees hotter than that reported on the radio. I attribute this to the temp near the road surface being raised by the exhaust fumes from the constant traffic.
Kenm6- If your Forester is displaying the correct temp first thing in the mornings then I'd say you either have a stop & go city commute (in which case your own engine heat will throw it off) or a bumper-to-bumper hwy commute similiar to mine. If you're out cruising the countryside and it's still off, then I'd take it to the dealer and see what they can do. My guess is they'll replace the sensor.
Thanks to all replied. I drove on the highway 3/4 of the time. Driving speed is around 65 to 70 mph. I do expect the temp should have been the same as what radio's report. Sometime it was couple degree higher. Most of the time, it was more than 3-4 degree. Anyway, if I take the car in, I will mention that to the dealer. I do most of the maintenance myself. The time I take it to the dealer only when the car is having problem. So far the car has been great.I still think the sensor is good.Like Frank P. saying: the temp near the road surface being raised by the exhaust fumes from the constant traffic.
Anyone has expreiences with fender flares? I am thinking of buying a set and installing it by myself. Is it really of any use, or a cosmetic thing? Dealer charges about $75 just for the installation.
Currently own '02 Outback Ltd. (25 months old, 40k) no problems whatsoever and a '95 Buick Riviera, Supercharged, 78k.
The Riv is getting a little tired and expensive to maintain. After checking out various luxury sedans in the $35-$40+ range concluded we would be just as happy with another Subaru (a lot of value for the $). We have decided on the S/premium and can purchase for $200 over invoice.
Does anyone think there may be new incentives after the first of the year? There don't appear to be any in New England at the moment...
Also I assume '03 will be available in May/June time frame if I wait do you think a few hundred of over invoice would be possible?
cyberpirate- Juice installed fender flares on his L model. They're unpainted so they look good on the L since they match its lower body cladding. You could of course get them painted to match the S but I would think that would be prohibitively expensive. Regarding their usefulness... they are pretty much purely cosmetic but do give the Forester a little more of the traditional SUV look. Also, IIRC, they are easy to install yourself.
Jerry- The new 03 Forester should hit the showrooms in June or July but I wouldn't expect to get one for much lees than invoice until several months latter. How much and how quickly the price drops depends on how well it's received by the buying public.
I posted this story on the wagons board, but it should be here, too. I was driving a 1998 Subaru Forester with 75,000 miles on it.
On October 13 I was hit by a girl who lost control of her car and crossed the freeway median. We were both going about 70mph. She pretty much T-boned me, with our drivers side front bumpers having first contact, then she swung around and hit my door. I was just driving in the left lane, and couldn't avoid her.
Anyway, my car ended up almost all the way on the feeder after amazingly crossing 3 lanes of the highway without hitting anyone. My husband (passenger) had 7 broken ribs on the left side, a cracked sternum, and his left lung collapsed. I had multiple pelvic fractures (mostly on left side), shattered sacrum, and a couple of broken bones in my right foot. The airbags had deployed. We're both okay now, after lots of hospital time and physical therapy.
Needless to say we are lucky to be alive, and grateful for the Subaru's safety. It was totaled, sadly. I came to these boards because I am looking for a new car. I am considering another Subaru, but I am really disappointed with the poor gas mileage. But who knows, I may end up with one. I really loved that car, and it did a great job of keeping us safe.
My wife and I are anxiously awaiting the delivery of the Forester (white S+,AT,w/lthr) we've had on order. We're both very excited, but have some questions that some of you may be able to answer, or at least shed some valuable insight. Any input is greatly appreciated.
1) How comfortable is the rear seat in the long run - really? We spent some time back there with our four year old Son, and found that while it's tighter than our old wagon - it's not torture. But that was only a long test drive. What about access with infant and booster seats, other passengers, and extended trips?
2) Accessories. We ordered the rear spoiler, gauge pack, cabin air filter, and armrest. Although we never saw the spoiler on a white Forester it was on others on the lot and (to us that day, anyway) looked sharp and integrated. I've since seen photos and became concerned that it looks like a tacked-on, needless affectation (which I suppose it is - although the dealer SWORE it would help clear the rear window of rain and dust). Does it look good on white? Don't hold back... (I'm looking for someone to make us feel good about this accessory choice). As for the other accessories, any input or advice is welcome and appreciated.
3) Although the Forester is based on an automobile chassis, how well does it handle abrupt emergency maneuvers as well as fast sweepers such as highway on-ramps where you're trying to build speed but also negotiate a curve? During our test drive I took the ramps pretty slow, respecting that it was a brand new vehicle that I wasn't too familiar with from a handling standpoint and had no intention of buying that particular one.
I apologize if this posting is too long (it's my first ever). Thanks!
I do think the spoiler is a useless affectation, but I love the rear deflector!! It has made a world of difference in terms of rear visibility since I had it installed. Don't care for the looks, but it sure works.
On ramp and emergency handling is clearly superiour to the performance of the '94 VW Golf with Toyo tires that my '01 Forester replaced. I find it extremely stable and predictable, especially in the wet. I have inadvertently caused problems for people following me on on/off ramps. They have tried to follow my small wagon and have had to back off severely lest they lose control. Excellent control, particularly if you run slightly higher tire pressure (I use 34/32 currently). Hang around and enjoy your new Forester. It's a great car IMO.
tidester-- *lol* ...yes, that's probably true! Although I read this board regularly, I never really have felt part of this group. Because of the response I received after the last time I posted here, I hesitate to express my opinions again ...I get the feeling that the "old-timers" here resent my apparent know-it-all attitude. :-P But I'll continue to read and maybe ask a few questions on the Subaru forums for a lot of good information can be acquired here. Thanx for your comments.
Now, with that said, it must just be too tempting ...I'm going to give Jeff a few of my opinions. *lol*
Jeff-- I "ordered" the gauge pack too. I was surprised when the dealer told me that they aren't put on at the factory and that I'd have to have a "dealer install" for that particular accessory so it ended up costing a bit more than the factory suggested price. Were you told that too? If I were to have to do it all over again, I might be tempted to go with after-market gauges ...the lighting at night doesn't quite match the instrument panel and the needles are washed-out making it just a little difficult to read. The daytime legibility is fine, though. But all-in-all, I still don't regret having the gauge pack installed.
My S+ is now about 4 months old and is feeling better and better as the miles accumulate. The engine is now loosening up quite nicely and the clutch is getting smoother too. It still has the irritating drivetrain lash but even that seems to be less noticeable. But to respond to your question #3, Jeff, although I haven't really had to maneuver in an emergency situation, I find that I'm quite surprised at how well the Forester handles. I seem to be driving it more and more like a sports car ...going through the gears and hearing that characteristic boxer growl is quite satisfying. I'm again surprised at the acceleration it has. There's no problem at all building speed on freeway ramps. And you'll find that you'll be hungry to find sweeping curves just for the fun of it. IMO, this vehicle corners relatively flatly and the awd makes it really hug the road in those sweeping curves when the pavement is wet. As others have stated before, I'm finding the car just seem to feel better as the miles accumulate. I'm certain that you, like me, will find both the handling and acceleration stellar for a vehicle of this classification!
Susannah-- To correct my response to your post over on the SW board: I believe that some domestic cars do have head curtains ...or so a friend told me after he read what I had written. I'll have to do some research on that just for my own curiosity for I know you didn't have any domestic cars on your list.
Susannah- Glad to hear both you and your husband are all right now. Sounds like you were banged up pretty bad but it could certainly have been much worse. What was the major cause of your injuries? Did part of the passenger compartment give way? What happened to the girl and her vehicle? Also, I see you were unhappy with your gas mileage. What were you averaging? I'm getting slightly over 27 mpg with a mostly hwy commute and am extremely pleased. What other vehicles are you considering?
Rocco- You need to grow a thicker skin :-) If you've been following these boards then you know that there are those who just like to argue but you've as much right as anybody to post your opinions. You certainly shouldn't allow yourself to be bullied off this forum just because one person chose to disagree with you. I can't speak about the other topics but by and large, us Subaru folks are an amicable bunch.
Comments
http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/48hrsoftristate/index.html
We are coming right through Rochester!
-mike
James
I would like to get some feedback from anyone with experience or ideas.
To begin with for the first few tanks of gas I was getting exactly 22 mpg around town. This was mostly freeway driving in Southern California at non-peak hours. In another words I was going between 65-75 mph.
But for the last two fill-ups I was getting just 20 mpg. The rating for the vehicle was 22 city and 28 highway. I wasn't carrying any heavy cargo and most of the time it was just me. Any ideas or similar experience?
Also I was getting a high pitched whistle on the driver's door at highway speeds (above 40mph) and the dealer said they had been getting this complaint. They recommended ordering a new gasket for the window and when it comes in they will swap it out and adjust the doors if needed. Has anybody had this done and did it fix the problem?
One more thing, when driving in snow, as I plan to do this winter, will I need chains? I intend to head to the High Sierra and I'm curious about how much traction the AWD system provides.
Thanks for any and all feedback! This Town Hall is really informative and a great service.
Thanks, Donn
Leo
James: turbos have come a long way. The WRX does not even require a cool down period. It should last much longer than that.
By the way, VDC sedans are already under $28k. A base H6 sedan should be in the $26k range, and I expect the $750 incentive to reappear early next year. Wagons cost more.
Donn: be patient, your engine is still very green. Give is 10-15k miles, and you should see a 2-3mpg improvement. I did, anyway.
The window angle can be adjusted, but go ahead and let them replace the trim.
Leo: 1 year? I dunno. You have to qualify for the payment amount, I guess. Go 2 years to be safe, then try to pay it off early.
-juice
Juice -- my Forester is only 900 miles and 1 week (of ownership) old -- so haven't got a chance to rotate tires yet.
Donn -- do read my post (#3300) on the mileage I got. Mine is a S+. Seems like you should be getting better. Regarding the door whistle -- I did hear it while test driving one car from the dealer (we test drove 3 Foresters before decidinhg !) -- nothing of that sort in my own car.
I do however get some rattling noise from the windshields -- its a very mild noise and only I seem to be able to hear it (my wife can't). With the new car and all I am perhaps a little oversensitive towards these noise.
Rachel -- We did hear some whistling noise that seemed to come from the moonroof during our roadtrip -- but this was only on certain stretches of the thruway that did not have pitched roads (these were concrete roads) -- also it was VERY windy that day. On our way back we did not get any such noise. So it could be the road in your case or maybe its coming from the door as mentioned by donn.
I agree with you on the handling -- its a nifty little car. We are finding excuses everyday to go grocery shopping late at night !!!
Look at the Outback Sport changes from 2001 to 2002, and the Forester's should be similar.
-juice
http://motioncars.com/autobuzz/articles12/subaru_forester.html
Actually that Legacy sketch "hints" just a bit of the angular WX-01 concept car just shown at the Toyko Auto Show. It could foretell the '05 model perhaps?
Thanks for the new Philippine's link. It looks to be a good info source, and I've already bookmarked it.
Bob
-juice
Has Subaru something up it's sleave?
A 180-185HP non-turbo H4 would be a real improvement for the Forester & Legacy.
Bob
-juice
Bob
I did contact the dealer who said they do have the "dent" fixers who will take a look at it on Monday. Usually runs about $60 if they can simply pop it out.
I'm sure they could get 170-175hp out of it for the 2003 Forester.
-juice
I'm SITCOM too, with two kids. The two kids is the reason why I was looking into sedans too. I need to get a picture of the '02 Forester with two car seats in it and get a link posted.
Remember, kids get bigger.
We have a '00 Sienna for the family car. So far we have had a leaking cooling system, burned out driver's side window motor, and a rattle in the passenger side sliding door. The dashboard now squeeks.
OK, so as to not yell movie in a crowded firehouse, can anyone here (in a Subaru board) explain to me why people buy 4WD LX CR-V's with no ABS? Or a RAV4 with AWD, no ABS, for that matter?
-IC, Michael, whatever
I bought an '01 RAV with AWD but no ABS, mainly because the ABS was impossible to find in my area in Jan '01, when I was hot to buy (and did), unless I wanted to go upscale to the L model and wind up paying about $1,500 more, including $520 for the ABS (in '01 it is only $300!).
I've had vehicles with ABS, and vehicles without it. To me, it is a nicety, not a must-have. I am the only driver of my vehicle, and I think the risk is small, and all my own.
I'm SITCOM too, with two kids. The two kids is the reason why I was looking into sedans too. I need to get a picture of the '02 Forester with two car seats in it and get a link posted.
Remember, kids get bigger.
We have a '00 Sienna for the family car. So far we have had a leaking cooling system, burned out driver's side window motor, and a rattle in the passenger side sliding door. The dashboard now squeeks.
OK, so as to not yell movie in a crowded firehouse, can anyone here (in a Subaru board) explain to me why people buy 4WD LX CR-V's with no ABS? Or a RAV4 with AWD, no ABS, for that matter?
-IC, Michael, whatever
Photos with two kids? I can beat that. How about three kids?
-juice
-juice
If the sensor is anything like the one in my Outback, it will be inaccurate for about five minutes after start up if the car is hot, either from having run, or being left in the sun. It is then pretty much spot on. I wonder though whether the reading would be adrift if you are doing stop start in traffic.
Cheers
Graham
-mike
Kenm6- If your Forester is displaying the correct temp first thing in the mornings then I'd say you either have a stop & go city commute (in which case your own engine heat will throw it off) or a bumper-to-bumper hwy commute similiar to mine. If you're out cruising the countryside and it's still off, then I'd take it to the dealer and see what they can do. My guess is they'll replace the sensor.
-Frank P.
I am thinking of buying a set and installing
it by myself. Is it really of any use, or a
cosmetic thing? Dealer charges about $75 just
for the installation.
Thanks,
cp
Is it pretty straigt forward, or a pain in the (_|_)
Er, that is, I like the emoticon you posted...
40k) no problems whatsoever and a '95 Buick Riviera, Supercharged, 78k.
The Riv is getting a little tired and expensive to maintain. After checking out various luxury
sedans in the $35-$40+ range concluded we would be just as happy with another Subaru (a lot of value for the $). We have decided on the S/premium
and can purchase for $200 over invoice.
Does anyone think there may be new incentives after the first of the year? There don't appear to be any in New England at the moment...
Also I assume '03 will be available in May/June time frame if I wait do you think a few hundred of over invoice would be possible?
Thanks,
Jerry
-Frank P.
-Frank P.
Ross
Jerry
Regards, Chris
On October 13 I was hit by a girl who lost control of her car and crossed the freeway median. We were both going about 70mph. She pretty much T-boned me, with our drivers side front bumpers having first contact, then she swung around and hit my door. I was just driving in the left lane, and couldn't avoid her.
Anyway, my car ended up almost all the way on the feeder after amazingly crossing 3 lanes of the highway without hitting anyone. My husband (passenger) had 7 broken ribs on the left side, a cracked sternum, and his left lung collapsed. I had multiple pelvic fractures (mostly on left side), shattered sacrum, and a couple of broken bones in my right foot. The airbags had deployed.
We're both okay now, after lots of hospital time and physical therapy.
Needless to say we are lucky to be alive, and grateful for the Subaru's safety. It was totaled, sadly. I came to these boards because I am looking for a new car. I am considering another Subaru, but I am really disappointed with the poor gas mileage. But who knows, I may end up with one. I really loved that car, and it did a great job of keeping us safe.
Susannah
Thank goodness you survived that horrendous ordeal and for sharing your story with us. Welcome back!!
tidester
Host
SUVs
--'rocco
1) How comfortable is the rear seat in the long run - really? We spent some time back there with our four year old Son, and found that while it's tighter than our old wagon - it's not torture. But that was only a long test drive. What about access with infant and booster seats, other passengers, and extended trips?
2) Accessories. We ordered the rear spoiler, gauge pack, cabin air filter, and armrest. Although we never saw the spoiler on a white Forester it was on others on the lot and (to us that day, anyway) looked sharp and integrated. I've since seen photos and became concerned that it looks like a tacked-on, needless affectation (which I suppose it is - although the dealer SWORE it would help clear the rear window of rain and dust). Does it look good on white? Don't hold back... (I'm looking for someone to make us feel good about this accessory choice). As for the other accessories, any input or advice is welcome and appreciated.
3) Although the Forester is based on an automobile chassis, how well does it handle abrupt emergency maneuvers as well as fast sweepers such as highway on-ramps where you're trying to build speed but also negotiate a curve? During our test drive I took the ramps pretty slow, respecting that it was a brand new vehicle that I wasn't too familiar with from a handling standpoint and had no intention of buying that particular one.
I apologize if this posting is too long (it's my first ever). Thanks!
Besides, I have it on high authority that SUVers are more friendly than station wagoners! ;-)
tidester
Host
SUVs
I do think the spoiler is a useless affectation, but I love the rear deflector!! It has made a world of difference in terms of rear visibility since I had it installed. Don't care for the looks, but it sure works.
On ramp and emergency handling is clearly superiour to the performance of the '94 VW Golf with Toyo tires that my '01 Forester replaced. I find it extremely stable and predictable, especially in the wet. I have inadvertently caused problems for people following me on on/off ramps. They have tried to follow my small wagon and have had to back off severely lest they lose control. Excellent control, particularly if you run slightly higher tire pressure (I use 34/32 currently). Hang around and enjoy your new Forester. It's a great car IMO.
Ross
Now, with that said, it must just be too tempting ...I'm going to give Jeff a few of my opinions. *lol*
Jeff-- I "ordered" the gauge pack too. I was surprised when the dealer told me that they aren't put on at the factory and that I'd have to have a "dealer install" for that particular accessory so it ended up costing a bit more than the factory suggested price. Were you told that too? If I were to have to do it all over again, I might be tempted to go with after-market gauges ...the lighting at night doesn't quite match the instrument panel and the needles are washed-out making it just a little difficult to read. The daytime legibility is fine, though. But all-in-all, I still don't regret having the gauge pack installed.
My S+ is now about 4 months old and is feeling better and better as the miles accumulate. The engine is now loosening up quite nicely and the clutch is getting smoother too. It still has the irritating drivetrain lash but even that seems to be less noticeable. But to respond to your question #3, Jeff, although I haven't really had to maneuver in an emergency situation, I find that I'm quite surprised at how well the Forester handles. I seem to be driving it more and more like a sports car ...going through the gears and hearing that characteristic boxer growl is quite satisfying. I'm again surprised at the acceleration it has. There's no problem at all building speed on freeway ramps. And you'll find that you'll be hungry to find sweeping curves just for the fun of it. IMO, this vehicle corners relatively flatly and the awd makes it really hug the road in those sweeping curves when the pavement is wet. As others have stated before, I'm finding the car just seem to feel better as the miles accumulate. I'm certain that you, like me, will find both the handling and acceleration stellar for a vehicle of this classification!
Susannah-- To correct my response to your post over on the SW board: I believe that some domestic cars do have head curtains ...or so a friend told me after he read what I had written. I'll have to do some research on that just for my own curiosity for I know you didn't have any domestic cars on your list.
--'rocco
-Frank P.
-Frank P.