I've had to have one of the rear wheel bearings go bad at 17k...now at 20k it sounds like another may be going bad. I've also had a front brake squeek that was in for service and still squeeks. Anyone having similar problems?
Like Sam, we just got our new Subaru Forester. Silverthorn S+ auto, (wife will drive it most of the time) with sport grille, feature grp III and tweeter kit. Added center arm rest, rubber mats and wheel locks. Valley Motors in Baltimore County gave us a great deal, we picked it up last night (01/26). Looking forward to frequenting this discussion and learning a lot about the Forester in particular and Subaru's in general. Long time car nut, especially VW's, am pretty active on the VWVortex. Have admired the Soob's that I have seen at local autox events, they are fun to watch get around the course!
Will be wanting to know what typical mods you guys have made to your Foresters to make them better. Have you all changed to synthetic, and if so, when? Does K&N or others make a replacement air filter? What wheels/tires are popular? Lot's of learning to do! Also interested in links to other informative Subaru web pages. TIA!
I hope you (or probably more importantly, your wife) enjoy the Subaru. I also had a few VWs over the years and loved them. I still regret not buying out the lease on my 1990 VW Gof GTi 8 valve. It was a wonder car and immensely good fun. I also loved the 98 Passat 1.8T that I ran for a couple of months just before leaving England.
Interestingly, the character of a Subaru is close to the VW with superb build quality, if slightly cheap plastic on the interior trim. The actual driving experience is similar and the ownership experience very close. Along the way, I have run a variety of other cars and the Subaru and VW have had the least mechanical problems by far. (I guess that saying that is a harbinger for my front wheels to fall off tomorrow!)
Both VW and Subaru are cars that do not immediately enthuse over but, after spending time with them, you develop a very strong affection for there superb design. Mind you, Subarus are a lot more fun when the road or weather conditions deteriorate.
I purchased my Forester S w/Prem. Package a little over a week ago and love it, except for one thing. I've noticed a really strong smell that is not pleasant. Smells like maybe it's coming from the dash or through the vents. Kind of like a formaldehyde (spelling??) smell. Anyone have any ideas about this?
Riskman, please let us know how you like the tweeter kit. I have the stock S+ system and have toyed with upgrading the tweeters. Congrats on your purchase. If VW made a TDI Passat Wagon, that might have been my choice instead (I have a 130 mile round-trip daily commute).
Graham, I fully agree about the Sube growing on you. I've had mine since November, and have really enjoyed it throughout. But recently, I've gotten more and more enthusiastic about it (probably because we've been getting snow in Massachusetts).
Foresters are manufactured over in Japan and shipped to the US via sea. I believe there is some kind of weatherproofing coating that they spray on the underside to protect it from the elements during transit. Sometimes there is a residual amount that burns off when your engine is up to operating temperature. It should go away after the first 500 miles or so. If it continues, definetly take it in to a dealer.
I got the tweeter kit after I had my 2001 S+ for around a month. Very nice/noticeable improvement. I ordered mine from Darlene @ Quality Subaru and put them in myself, a very easy job. I highly recommend getting the Tweeter Kit.
Many thanks for the welcome! I've been the one driving the Soob all weekend, guess it's the new car/guy connection thing!:) Love my VW's, especially my Passat, but really enjoyed driving the Forester. Couple of questions: do all Subaru's shift very early out of first gear? And have you all noticed what seems to me to be very strong throttle tip-in characteristics? By that I mean touching the throttle gives immediate response, maybe more than you expected. Takes a little getting used to.
Karen:
I believe Subaru uses Cosmoline or something like it to protect the car on the journey from Japan. Takes a bit of time to burn off.
Nate:
Thanks for the tip on Juiceman's page. I've frequented the discussions enough to know he is the resident expert!:) Have already visited his web page. BTW, haven't listened to a Soob system without tweeter upgrade. This system doesn't sound bad, but if I were upgrading tweeters, I think I would go aftermarket.
I can tell that, between the VW boards and the Subaru discussions, I am going to struggle to get work done!:)
I just completed my first oil change and followed juice's step by step instructions which made it a cinch. The cover came right off, the plug and filter were right there and easy to get to. It was fun and easy...juice, your input here is much appreciated!
Tom
p.s. If you ever do a auto transmission fluid change, please post it!
Karen, Mine was pretty stinky at first, too, kind of like sitting inside a bottle of super glue, but the smell gradually went away within about 3 weeks. If you can park it in a garage, you might try leaving the windows open overnight to help it dissipate faster. (Does anyone else remember when new car smell was a good thing!)
I have a question about tire inflation: I have the standard Yokos, and the sidewall says max inflation 44 psi. The tag on the car says 29/28 psi. When I checked the tires (as inflated at delivery) they were at 37 - 38 psi. What's the right pressure?! I don't do any off-road driving, nor do I do any towing - pretty much just city driving. 29 seems like it would be kind of soft. Thanks in advance for any advice!
I am picking up my 98 Subaru Forester tonight, and I'm very excited! I think it's an L model, but it seems to have some added features like keyless entry, cruise control... I have to look again to be sure.
Anyway, my question is this: do any of you own models from 98? This one has 48K+ miles, so I am curious to know how any Foresters have held up after putting some "mileage" onto them...
Also, when I was test-driving it, the sales "boy" said it had a v6 engine - now I didn't see that in any of the options on Edmunds.com site... does this kid know what he was talking about?
I've enjoyed reading the posts here - and have to comment about the VW lovers: the other car I was test driving (and made an 'unsuccessful' offer on), was a 98 Passat 1.8T, a sweet car!
37 psi is a bit high. They probably did that to prevent flat spots during transit. I'd air down to about 30-34 psi, whatever you are comfortable with.
Sue: congrats, I also have a '98 L, 34k miles. Ken's hit 50k, though his is an S. You'll love it.
It's not a V6. It's a 16-valve boxer 4 with a DOHC design (99 and later models went to SOHC). Call it a B4 or H4.
MPG in the cold tends to be worse. With oxygenated fuels and freezing temps I'm doing about 3mpg below my average lately.
Sam and Larry: congrats to both of you, lucky-duck S Premium owners. I am jealous!
If anyone here ever has the real wheel bearings replaced, make sure to insist they double-check the torque specifications. They wear because they are over-torqued! Dealers use air wrenches and should adjust them so they aren't put on too tight.
Don't you love that Subaru new car stench? We keep it a secret so you don't change your mind about buying a fine vehicle. ;-)
-juice
PS Welcome to our new host and thanks (!) for getting Forester spelled correctly. Forrester is a writer!
Sorry but I doubt you'll ever get ATF change instructions from me - mine's a manual tranny.
Though I may swap that gear oil to synthetic, since you can feel it, and it's done less often than engine oil changes. I still use dino (conventional oil) in the engine.
If you do flush the ATF, I'd go to a dealer. They have machines that actually flush the fluid out completely. It's not as easy as the differential fluid or even a manual trans. I'd do this every 30k, or at least every 60k. If it starts slipping, do it immediately.
Mods? Yummy. I have tons, but I'll list my performance mods here:
* custom cold air intake (but your SOHC intake is very different) * front strut tower brace * rear 18mm sway bar * 16"x7" aftermarket wheels, wider than Subaru's * 225/60HR16 tires, with higher load rating (87) * SPT short shift lever plus leather shift knob
If you're getting started, order the sway bar first. It gives the best bang for the buck at about $82 from qsubaru@aol.com.
You really can go as far as you want. I could still add cams, headers, free-flow cat, cat-back exhaust, SAFC (fuel controller), turbo- or super-charger, intercooler, ram air kit, etc.
The catch is mine is a daily driver, and with a baby I've decided to keep it civil.
cin4 - The recommended psi for the Geolandars are a bit low. I tried them once for kicks and found that I was sacrificing handling. FYI, I run my Yokohama Geolandars at 32 all around. When I need to carry more passengers and cargo, I bump the rears to about 36.
Sue - Yup, I've hit 50K on my 98 S already. I drive mine 60 miles daily plus I take it on trips to the mountains quite often. I'd say my Forester is running the best so far. Subaru engines take a while to break in and I've noticed both engine performance and fuel economy improve over 50K miles.
Also, just the other day, I washed and waxed my Forester and it looks like new! I've had salespeople look at it and not believe that it's a 98. A little TLC goes a long way.
The easiest way to tell apart and L from an S is to look for the chromed grill on the S.
Good question re: tire pressures. Generally, manufacturers recommend tire pressures that are a compromise between ride and handling, usually leaning toward the ride quality side. You can generally add 3-6 psi to the manufacturer's recommendation, still maintain a decent ride, improve your handling a bit while also helping your gas mileage. 37-38 psi seems a little high for normal street driving.
First thing I did this weekend was up the tire pressures to 34f/32r. Will try that for a bit and fiddle with the pressure to see how it affects handling/ride/gas mileage.
Robert:
Thanks for the welcome, I see you're in Ellicott City. I'm not far away at work. Do Subaru owners have get togethers like VW owners do? Going to one this weekend, should be 70 or so VW's of all types to look at!
Juice, thanks for the welcome, we hemmed and hawed over whether or not to do the Premium package, finally just did it!
Ken's advice on the grill applies to 98-2000 models only. The 2001s all have chrome grilles, even the optional sport grille has chrome.
There are lots of gatherings - too many for me to attend, in fact.
The i Club has a regional chapter just forming called MASC (Mid Atlantic Subaru Club), and they are meeting on Thursday at Hooters in Fairfax, VA. Check out their forum at:
SCOA also has events, the next should be a covered bridge tour in April. They also give you access to 10% parts and service discount from several local (and out of town) dealers. It's worth the membership fee, and details are at:
www.subaruclub.com
i Club tends to include younger, autocross types and such. Mods are abundant, so it's a good place to talk shop.
SCOA is more event-oriented, so go for the views and to smell the roses.
Keep an eye out under the Owners Clubs forums, under Subaru Crew - Events. We meet once a month or so at some kind of event. You just missed the Baltimore auto show.
Thanks, everyone for the input. I'll lower the pressure to 32 - 34 and see how I like it. I think the ride is a bit harsh (although not terrible) at 37 - 38, so it might be an improvement. I'm still breaking it in, so who knows where the gas mileage will wind up.....
There are a bunch Marylanders, besides myself (Juice, Mike Smith, Hutch, Loosh—did I miss any?), who are "regulars" on the Edmunds Subaru boards. All of the above, plus some others, just got together at the Baltimore Auto Show a week ago.
OK, heres the story. Im about 50% in favor of buying the "L" model Forester 5 speed, 45% for Toyota Rav4 4x2 5 speed, and 5% just chucking the whole idea and buying a cheaper Nissan Extra cab or Toyota and keep some money in my pocket.
Can you persuade me one way or the other? What do I reap by spending 21.5k for a Subaru?
Are you the sort of person who can contemplate buying the same brand of car through three or four changes (because they are fabulous) or not? If you can't, you're probably not suitable to be a Subaru owner.
Are you an analytical type with a Mac and wear glasses? I mean the sort of person who analyses their vehicle purchase really carefully and decides that they really need an individual car which excites comment and envy from their peers. If not, you are probably not suitable for admission to this exclusive club?
Do you like getting to work and the shops on "Snow Days"? If not, forget it, as Subaru ownership wipes any excuse for not making it in during inclement weather.
Is your name Dave, or at a pinch, Mike? If not, be prepared to change it if you really do want a Subaru.
Do you like a car which is even more fun to drive off-bitumen than on and gets more and more exciting the worse the weather? If not, pass.
If you don't match the profile, maybe you should look at something less interesting to drive.
I have a 2000 Forester 5 speed that has 18,700 miles. At 6,000 miles the 0xygen sensor was defective and the check engine light came on with no warning other than the usual smell. The dealer diagnosed this and replaced. At 12,000 miles the check engine light came on again and once again the dealer replaced saying the oxygen sensor was bad(no symptoms this time). At 18,500 miles the check engine light has come on again. This time for a few weeks prior,I had a few occasions of loss of power when the car was cold. I would drive for about one to two miles and the car would hestitate and almost die. Going to the dealer again tomorrow. Any thoughts on this problem?
My rec: drive it. I test drove a v6 Passat Wagon (non 4motion), a v6 Santa Fe, a Rav4, and a Forester. With the exception of the Passat, they all offered similar peppy accelleration (the Passat blew them away, but 4motion is EXPENSIVE and slows it down).
Let me put it to you this way. I cruise the highway at 85 or so. When I need to accellerate to get around a slowpoke hogging the left-hand lane, I have no problem whatsoever getting it to 95MPH with little effort or time. It has PLENTY of oomph.
Gabel: while it is a 4 cylinder, it's a big one, at 2.5 liters. It has more torque and horsepower than my wife's 626 V6, actually.
The new Phase II engine in particular is peppy, even with the auto, IMO. 0-60 in around 9.1 seconds with either tranny (according to Edmunds, MotorWeek, and Washington Post).
The only peppier vehicle in the class is the Escape, and they're still ironing out some build quality issues. Plus mileage suffers a lot.
Mr. Bill: first things first, I'd decide what type of vehicle will serve your needs best. The Forester is a fun, useful SUV in a tidy package.
The RAV2 (my name for it) is a bit smaller and without AWD won't be the foul-weather champ that the Soob is. Not a bad wagon for SoCal, though.
Careful, though - Toyota nickel-and-dimes you for everything. Add AWD, power package, 16" alloys, ABS, a rear bumper (yes, it costs extra), and the price is higher than the Subaru.
The pickups are entirely different. Stiff rides, small cabs, live axles, push rods, gas guzzlers (comparatively), all work-truck characteristics - is that what you want?
I feel I made the right choice. 25mpg average. Plenty of room for one kid, one nanny, a wife and two toy dogs, plus luggage. Great roof rack. I even have the hitch for more utility, with a bike rack to boot. AWD almost too good for the snow we get, plus a bit of driving on the beach was cake.
It was the right combination of fun and usefullness for my needs.
I appreciate everyone's support. I am really liking our new (used) Forester, and I've only had it in my posession for 18 hours! This morning, our area (central NY) was treated to sleet and freezing rain, mixed with snow - so she was given a good "test."
Here's another question: have any of you experienced the "door open" light coming on as soon as the engine is shut off (as well as the inside dome light)? I know that when you get in, there is a "delay" before the door light and dome light go off, but why would it come on after stopping the engine (parking!)? I have already called the dealer who sold us the car, and I am impatiently waiting for her to get back to me (going on 2 hours already...)
The light should not come on. Most likely one of the doors isn't shut properly. The hatch uses a different light, in the back and top of the cargo hold. If it's not shut properly, the light also stays on.
I'd check the doors, and manually push in the switch each door pushes in when they're closed to make sure they still work (the light should come off when you push them in).
You may need to spray some WD40 or lithium grease on them.
Juice, thanks for the photos, enjoyed looking at them! We also visited the Balto Auto Show, spent much time at the Subaru and VW displays.
It's maybe almost too early to write this, but wanted to share first impressions for those of you thinking about purchasing a Forester. Obviously, you have to make the decision that this is the kind of vehicle that fits your needs. Once you've made that decision, the Forester, IMHO, stands head and shoulders above the competition. Very tight and solid, great seating position, good acceleration, love the way the auto trans shifts (this coming from a guy that has always owned manuals!), rides/handles very well, although I have not yet pushed it through some of my favorite corners. Lot's of storage cubby's, a well designed and laid out interior (except for the cup holders!), love the heated seats. We looked at the Forester for a long time (I tend to over-analyze these decisions!) drove a CR-V, looked at the RAV4 and Escape at the Auto Show, the Forester just fit our needs much better than the others. It looks much more "together" than the rest. In a nutshell, we are very happy with our Forester and look forward to lots of years of service and fun with it.
Sweetnell, you might want to take another Forester for a test drive, ours is very quiet, whether accelerating or cruising on the interstate.
I spent a long time researching small SUV and ended up buying a 2001 Forester I with the moon roof, upgraded sound system, etc., two weeks ago and I've been really happy with it. It's done really well on icy roads. I'm used to driving sedans, so it's not too big for me and it's easy to park. I looked at the RAV4 and CR and neither one handled as well or was quitter than the Forester. I also test drove the Lexus RX300, which I liked but couldn't see spending another $10,000 for it. So far, I have found no defects in the Forester.
Just purchased an "S" which we pick up tonight. This will be our 4th Subaru and we're very excited. The information I've seen on this site has me very interested. It's always good to have other people's opinions and expertise when your dealing with automobiles. Look forward to receiving, and hopefully providing, lots of good info.
Hi, I have not posted in a while, because my automatic forester 2001 S has been performing admirably!... except for one thing. When I reverse or park, the most horrible smell appears. It smells like I am sitting on top of a raw sewer or rotten eggs (very sulfurous). Is this normal? The smell has actually gotten worse over time, especially when it is cold outside. In addition, the car smells like burning plastic or electrical wires once I have surpassed 70 mph and sustain the speed for more that 30 minutes. Anyone have any idea of the cause? I still love my forester, but the smell is rather intense. Needless to say, it is embarassing driving friends around when I know they are thinking "all right who planted that one." Thanks.
Try changing the brand of gasoline. That may get rid of the sulphur smell. If the smell still doesn't go away then definetly have a dealer take a look at it.
As for the burining smell, it might be the undercoating still burning off. How many miles do you have on your new Forester? It takes a couple hundred miles or so for it to go away.
I don't know about sulphur smell, but Ken's advice sounds right on target about that. The other smell, though, sounds like the smell I'm experiencing, although one person's description of feeling like you're sitting in a bottle of super glue describes it rather well. Apparently, if your car is new enough, the coating that they put on the car's undercarriage to protect it from the sea's elements (it comes from Japan by ship) is what you're smelling. I've been told that it burns off. I'm almost at 900 miles, though, and the smell is definitely still there, although it does seem to be weakening somewhat. If it's still there in a few weeks, I'll take it to the dealer.
Let us know if switching gas takes care of the other smell.
The sulfur smell I believe is normal for cars with catalytic converters (all cars these days). Back in the late 70's as catalytic converters became mandatory, the "rotten egg" smell was a very common complaint. Mine does this as well. Brand of gas could definitely make a difference, as well as the duration of the drive.
I too have the electrical/burning plastic smell after the hard, long driving you describe, even after 6k miles. I don't think it is undercoating, as it seems to come from the engine compartment as I notice it only when exiting the vehicle. I think the 2.5L Boxer runs hot and any plastic or rubber insulation near the engine out-gases because of the heat.
Note that I do not have either smell inside (with the windows closed). When the car was very new (<1000mi) I did have the plastic/electrical smell inside as well. I actually "looked for smoke" one day as it was so strong and seemed to come from the dash.
Mgabel2: If I'm not mistaken, the 2.5 liter H4 in the Forester puts out 165 horsepower and 166 ft/lbs of tourque. Thats quite a bit of power for a 4cylinder in my opinion. As Juice mentioned, it's up there with some V6 engines. I find it plenty powerful enough when passing, climbing hills, etc. No disappointments at all.
MrBill: If you go with an L model with the 5 speed and don't add a lot of options, you should be able to get a Forester for around $19,000 give or take some change. I think thats quite a deal fconsidering what you get in a standard L Forester. Most powerful engine in it's class (except maybe for the Ford Escape V6), AWD, power locks, window, mirrors, cassette, two power outlets, overhead console, all the cool storage spaces, outside temp. gauge, dual trip meter, etc.....the list goes on. and lets not forget the really cool engineering that went into the Forester, the whole car seems to be built around its drivetrain and AWD system. Subaru has been making unique 4WD and AWD cars for a long time.
I paid invoice (approx $20,500) for my 2001 Forester L with Auto trans., keyless entry and alarm, single CD player, tweeter kit, cargo net, and a package group which includes keyless entry and alarm, cargo cover, and tailpipe cover.
It all really depends on what your needs are and I found the Forester fits mine perfectly. I wanted decent gas milage and something I could throw my fishing gear in and top my canoe on. I wanted something I wouldn't be afraid to get dirty. I like the fact that it has a little more ground clearance than a car, but is low enough that I can easily top my canoe. I really like the unpainted bumpers and and side molding of the L model better than the painted, although I'm sure I'm in the minority on that point. It just looks more rugged and sporty to me. The S model has some great features and they are a bargain, but the L just fit my needs better.
So if you want a unique, reliable, fun, rugged, practical vehicle, the Forester is a good bet. If price is a concern, go with the L 5-speed...and keep the options list low.
Well, This weekend I really put my Forester L to the test, It was a complete blizzard here in Colorado, I decided to head to the mountains and after driving 4 hours in my Subie I want to go futher. It handle every road condition great, from deep snow, slush, ice, and high winds. Iam very pleased that I went with the Forester and not the Tribute. Thank god for Subaru
Hey thanks everyone for a very quick response! My forester has almost 3k miles on it. I will definitely try another brand of gasoline. I've been using Amoco... should I be using a more premium gasoline?
Hi. My wife and I are currently looking at the Forester -premium, and I read that the 2001 had come out last year in late February. I was wondering if any of you knowledgeable Subaru owners out there have heard anything about when the 2002 is coming, and if so, whether there will be major improvements. I can't imagine improving on the 2001 Forester, but if anyone can do it, I think Subaru can. I've admired Subaru from afar in the past (have a '92 Honda Civic DX, which I love), and my wife wants an SUV, so I think this is the car that meets my needs (decent mileage and fun to drive), and my wife's (more cargo room, heated seats).
Finally, does anyone know how effective side bags are, and if they're worth the cost? Really want the moon roof, too, so we're thinking -premium is the way to go for both of these options.
Thanks to those who commented on my "does it have punch" question. I'm really close to a purchase here. BUT, the Toyota Highlander is just out, and, while it's a LOT more $ (maybe 5-7K more, depending upon config and how much the dealers want to deal: right now most versions are rather fully equipped and not discounted much at all below MSRP, and so go for around 30K (even more with leather+), for the V6 4WD [and it's available with Vehicle Skid Control]), the specs for the Toyota are just what I've been looking for. Right now that extra 5-7K puts it out of my reach. But, I'm wondering if I might just save up for the next 6 months and wait for prices to drop and go with the Highlander! [What's a loaded to the gills Forester S go for these days? MSRP is around 25/26K, I believe.]
Just a few questions before I buy my Forester. Has anyone installed an aftermarket turbo or supercharger on their Forester? Not looking for anything psycho, but 30HP would be nice. Maybe a modified ECU? I don't care about gas mileage. The 2.5 has to be capable of more than 165hp. My 1.6 modified SOHC honda puts out a reliable 165hp. Also wondering if anyone has added a little more ground clearance by the addition of aftermarket spring/strut combos? Looking for another inch. Confirm or deny, Subaru has 3.9% fin. until Feb 28th? Is that on a 36 month term?
What kind of deals did you all get on the out the door price and your L. Did you deal at low pressure places or high mark up places. Did they throw in any extras if you asked or did you just get the stock L model. I think I might buy one, but just curious on the price and feature aspects
Tom: check out the Yahoo Forester Club for lifts. A simple swap of the springs for about $400 would yield an extra 2", just don't expect the same ride/handling. Lovell springs are popular, but iSR Subaru has them too.
The engine is identical to the Impreza RS, so mods are adundant, including super- and turbo-charging, cams, headers, cats, cat-backs, pulleys, intakes, you name it.
The Highlander is nice, but it's about two steps up in price and size. The Forester is light, nimble, and fuel efficient. Think carefully about what your needs are, and then decide which better meets those needs.
2002 won't bring the big changes - 2003 is the redesign. Maybe a little extra content, like daytime running lights and other knick-knacks, but not much else.
Don't you love Subaru's new car smell? Stinks, don't it? It goes away. Changing gas won't help, and BTW 87 octane is fine.
The 4 banger is peppy and outruns the V6 Grand Vitara and the heavier V6 Sante Fe any day.
Noise is actually low for the class. Car & Driver measures noise levels at 70mph cruising, and it was the quietest by far in the last small-ute comparo they had.
To get an idea, their quietest Lexus measured 65 dB, while their loudes Mustang Cobra R racked up 93dB, IIRC. The Forester is on the low end with 70dB.
Hi! Will be picking up my Silverthorne S+ today and wanted to know what people thought about extended warranties, either Soob or aftermarket. With my last car (Ford Probe) it saved me a ton of money; with the Soob, I'm not sure whether it's worth it. I know it's a little like fortune-telling, but any suggestions welcomed. TIA.
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THANK YOU
for getting rid of that extra "r". We've been pleading with the hosts since Part I!
Ken
Pat
Host
SUV Message Board
still squeeks. Anyone having similar problems?
Will be wanting to know what typical mods you guys have made to your Foresters to make them better. Have you all changed to synthetic, and if so, when? Does K&N or others make a replacement air filter? What wheels/tires are popular? Lot's of learning to do! Also interested in links to other informative Subaru web pages. TIA!
I hope you (or probably more importantly, your wife) enjoy the Subaru. I also had a few VWs over the years and loved them. I still regret not buying out the lease on my 1990 VW Gof GTi 8 valve. It was a wonder car and immensely good fun. I also loved the 98 Passat 1.8T that I ran for a couple of months just before leaving England.
Interestingly, the character of a Subaru is close to the VW with superb build quality, if slightly cheap plastic on the interior trim. The actual driving experience is similar and the ownership experience very close. Along the way, I have run a variety of other cars and the Subaru and VW have had the least mechanical problems by far. (I guess that saying that is a harbinger for my front wheels to fall off tomorrow!)
Both VW and Subaru are cars that do not immediately enthuse over but, after spending time with them, you develop a very strong affection for there superb design. Mind you, Subarus are a lot more fun when the road or weather conditions deteriorate.
I hope you enjoy the experience.
Cheers
Graham
You have to check out Juice's homepage (http://thejuiceman.homepage.com/directory.html). He's our resident modification freak.
Graham, I fully agree about the Sube growing on you. I've had mine since November, and have really enjoyed it throughout. But recently, I've gotten more and more enthusiastic about it (probably because we've been getting snow in Massachusetts).
Foresters are manufactured over in Japan and shipped to the US via sea. I believe there is some kind of weatherproofing coating that they spray on the underside to protect it from the elements during transit. Sometimes there is a residual amount that burns off when your engine is up to operating temperature. It should go away after the first 500 miles or so. If it continues, definetly take it in to a dealer.
Ken
Russ
Many thanks for the welcome! I've been the one driving the Soob all weekend, guess it's the new car/guy connection thing!:) Love my VW's, especially my Passat, but really enjoyed driving the Forester. Couple of questions: do all Subaru's shift very early out of first gear? And have you all noticed what seems to me to be very strong throttle tip-in characteristics? By that I mean touching the throttle gives immediate response, maybe more than you expected. Takes a little getting used to.
Karen:
I believe Subaru uses Cosmoline or something like it to protect the car on the journey from Japan. Takes a bit of time to burn off.
Nate:
Thanks for the tip on Juiceman's page. I've frequented the discussions enough to know he is the resident expert!:) Have already visited his web page. BTW, haven't listened to a Soob system without tweeter upgrade. This system doesn't sound bad, but if I were upgrading tweeters, I think I would go aftermarket.
I can tell that, between the VW boards and the Subaru discussions, I am going to struggle to get work done!:)
Our 2001 Forester has a rather direct throttle response too; much more so than our '96 Impreza Outback, which has the smaller 2.2L engine.
Bob
Tom
p.s. If you ever do a auto transmission fluid change, please post it!
Mine was pretty stinky at first, too, kind of like sitting inside a bottle of super glue, but the smell gradually went away within about 3 weeks. If you can park it in a garage, you might try leaving the windows open overnight to help it dissipate faster. (Does anyone else remember when new car smell was a good thing!)
I have a question about tire inflation: I have the standard Yokos, and the sidewall says max inflation 44 psi. The tag on the car says 29/28 psi. When I checked the tires (as inflated at delivery) they were at 37 - 38 psi. What's the right pressure?! I don't do any off-road driving, nor do I do any towing - pretty much just city driving. 29 seems like it would be kind of soft. Thanks in advance for any advice!
I am picking up my 98 Subaru Forester tonight, and I'm very excited! I think it's an L model, but it seems to have some added features like keyless entry, cruise control... I have to look again to be sure.
Anyway, my question is this: do any of you own models from 98? This one has 48K+ miles, so I am curious to know how any Foresters have held up after putting some "mileage" onto them...
Also, when I was test-driving it, the sales "boy" said it had a v6 engine - now I didn't see that in any of the options on Edmunds.com site... does this kid know what he was talking about?
I've enjoyed reading the posts here - and have to comment about the VW lovers: the other car I was test driving (and made an 'unsuccessful' offer on), was a 98 Passat 1.8T, a sweet car!
Thanks in advance...
Sue
Sue: congrats, I also have a '98 L, 34k miles. Ken's hit 50k, though his is an S. You'll love it.
It's not a V6. It's a 16-valve boxer 4 with a DOHC design (99 and later models went to SOHC). Call it a B4 or H4.
MPG in the cold tends to be worse. With oxygenated fuels and freezing temps I'm doing about 3mpg below my average lately.
Sam and Larry: congrats to both of you, lucky-duck S Premium owners. I am jealous!
If anyone here ever has the real wheel bearings replaced, make sure to insist they double-check the torque specifications. They wear because they are over-torqued! Dealers use air wrenches and should adjust them so they aren't put on too tight.
Don't you love that Subaru new car stench? We keep it a secret so you don't change your mind about buying a fine vehicle. ;-)
-juice
PS Welcome to our new host and thanks (!) for getting Forester spelled correctly. Forrester is a writer!
Though I may swap that gear oil to synthetic, since you can feel it, and it's done less often than engine oil changes. I still use dino (conventional oil) in the engine.
If you do flush the ATF, I'd go to a dealer. They have machines that actually flush the fluid out completely. It's not as easy as the differential fluid or even a manual trans. I'd do this every 30k, or at least every 60k. If it starts slipping, do it immediately.
Mods? Yummy. I have tons, but I'll list my performance mods here:
* custom cold air intake (but your SOHC intake is very different)
* front strut tower brace
* rear 18mm sway bar
* 16"x7" aftermarket wheels, wider than Subaru's
* 225/60HR16 tires, with higher load rating (87)
* SPT short shift lever plus leather shift knob
If you're getting started, order the sway bar first. It gives the best bang for the buck at about $82 from qsubaru@aol.com.
You really can go as far as you want. I could still add cams, headers, free-flow cat, cat-back exhaust, SAFC (fuel controller), turbo- or super-charger, intercooler, ram air kit, etc.
The catch is mine is a daily driver, and with a baby I've decided to keep it civil.
But civil doesn't have to be boring! ;-)
-juice
Sue - Yup, I've hit 50K on my 98 S already. I drive mine 60 miles daily plus I take it on trips to the mountains quite often. I'd say my Forester is running the best so far. Subaru engines take a while to break in and I've noticed both engine performance and fuel economy improve over 50K miles.
Also, just the other day, I washed and waxed my Forester and it looks like new! I've had salespeople look at it and not believe that it's a 98. A little TLC goes a long way.
The easiest way to tell apart and L from an S is to look for the chromed grill on the S.
Keep us updated on your Forester experience.
Ken
Good question re: tire pressures. Generally, manufacturers recommend tire pressures that are a compromise between ride and handling, usually leaning toward the ride quality side. You can generally add 3-6 psi to the manufacturer's recommendation, still maintain a decent ride, improve your handling a bit while also helping your gas mileage. 37-38 psi seems a little high for normal street driving.
First thing I did this weekend was up the tire pressures to 34f/32r. Will try that for a bit and fiddle with the pressure to see how it affects handling/ride/gas mileage.
Robert:
Thanks for the welcome, I see you're in Ellicott City. I'm not far away at work. Do Subaru owners have get togethers like VW owners do? Going to one this weekend, should be 70 or so VW's of all types to look at!
Juice, thanks for the welcome, we hemmed and hawed over whether or not to do the Premium package, finally just did it!
There are lots of gatherings - too many for me to attend, in fact.
The i Club has a regional chapter just forming called MASC (Mid Atlantic Subaru Club), and they are meeting on Thursday at Hooters in Fairfax, VA. Check out their forum at:
http://www.impreza-rs.com
SCOA also has events, the next should be a covered bridge tour in April. They also give you access to 10% parts and service discount from several local (and out of town) dealers. It's worth the membership fee, and details are at:
www.subaruclub.com
i Club tends to include younger, autocross types and such. Mods are abundant, so it's a good place to talk shop.
SCOA is more event-oriented, so go for the views and to smell the roses.
Keep an eye out under the Owners Clubs forums, under Subaru Crew - Events. We meet once a month or so at some kind of event. You just missed the Baltimore auto show.
-juice
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1400062&Auth=false
Sweet!
-juice
Bob
Juice, thanks for putting that photo collection together. They are definitely some fun photos to look at.
Talk to you later,
Skip
Can you persuade me one way or the other? What do I reap by spending 21.5k for a Subaru?
Are you the sort of person who can contemplate buying the same brand of car through three or four changes (because they are fabulous) or not? If you can't, you're probably not suitable to be a Subaru owner.
Are you an analytical type with a Mac and wear glasses? I mean the sort of person who analyses their vehicle purchase really carefully and decides that they really need an individual car which excites comment and envy from their peers. If not, you are probably not suitable for admission to this exclusive club?
Do you like getting to work and the shops on "Snow Days"? If not, forget it, as Subaru ownership wipes any excuse for not making it in during inclement weather.
Is your name Dave, or at a pinch, Mike? If not, be prepared to change it if you really do want a Subaru.
Do you like a car which is even more fun to drive off-bitumen than on and gets more and more exciting the worse the weather? If not, pass.
If you don't match the profile, maybe you should look at something less interesting to drive.
Cheers
Graham
defective and the check engine light came on with no warning other than the usual smell. The
dealer diagnosed this and replaced. At 12,000 miles the check engine light came on again and
once again the dealer replaced saying the oxygen sensor was bad(no symptoms this time).
At 18,500 miles the check engine light has come on again. This time for a few weeks prior,I
had a few occasions of loss of power when the car was cold. I would drive for about one to two
miles and the car would hestitate and almost die. Going to the dealer again tomorrow. Any
thoughts on this problem?
Let me put it to you this way. I cruise the highway at 85 or so. When I need to accellerate to get around a slowpoke hogging the left-hand lane, I have no problem whatsoever getting it to 95MPH with little effort or time. It has PLENTY of oomph.
The new Phase II engine in particular is peppy, even with the auto, IMO. 0-60 in around 9.1 seconds with either tranny (according to Edmunds, MotorWeek, and Washington Post).
The only peppier vehicle in the class is the Escape, and they're still ironing out some build quality issues. Plus mileage suffers a lot.
Mr. Bill: first things first, I'd decide what type of vehicle will serve your needs best. The Forester is a fun, useful SUV in a tidy package.
The RAV2 (my name for it) is a bit smaller and without AWD won't be the foul-weather champ that the Soob is. Not a bad wagon for SoCal, though.
Careful, though - Toyota nickel-and-dimes you for everything. Add AWD, power package, 16" alloys, ABS, a rear bumper (yes, it costs extra), and the price is higher than the Subaru.
The pickups are entirely different. Stiff rides, small cabs, live axles, push rods, gas guzzlers (comparatively), all work-truck characteristics - is that what you want?
I feel I made the right choice. 25mpg average. Plenty of room for one kid, one nanny, a wife and two toy dogs, plus luggage. Great roof rack. I even have the hitch for more utility, with a bike rack to boot. AWD almost too good for the snow we get, plus a bit of driving on the beach was cake.
It was the right combination of fun and usefullness for my needs.
-juice
Here's another question: have any of you experienced the "door open" light coming on as soon as the engine is shut off (as well as the inside dome light)? I know that when you get in, there is a "delay" before the door light and dome light go off, but why would it come on after stopping the engine (parking!)? I have already called the dealer who sold us the car, and I am impatiently waiting for her to get back to me (going on 2 hours already...)
Thanks in advance
I'd check the doors, and manually push in the switch each door pushes in when they're closed to make sure they still work (the light should come off when you push them in).
You may need to spray some WD40 or lithium grease on them.
-juice
It's maybe almost too early to write this, but wanted to share first impressions for those of you thinking about purchasing a Forester. Obviously, you have to make the decision that this is the kind of vehicle that fits your needs. Once you've made that decision, the Forester, IMHO, stands head and shoulders above the competition. Very tight and solid, great seating position, good acceleration, love the way the auto trans shifts (this coming from a guy that has always owned manuals!), rides/handles very well, although I have not yet pushed it through some of my favorite corners.
Sweetnell, you might want to take another Forester for a test drive, ours is very quiet, whether accelerating or cruising on the interstate.
Try changing the brand of gasoline. That may get rid of the sulphur smell. If the smell still doesn't go away then definetly have a dealer take a look at it.
As for the burining smell, it might be the undercoating still burning off. How many miles do you have on your new Forester? It takes a couple hundred miles or so for it to go away.
Ken
Let us know if switching gas takes care of the other smell.
I too have the electrical/burning plastic smell after the hard, long driving you describe, even after 6k miles. I don't think it is undercoating, as it seems to come from the engine compartment as I notice it only when exiting the vehicle. I think the 2.5L Boxer runs hot and any plastic or rubber insulation near the engine out-gases because of the heat.
Note that I do not have either smell inside (with the windows closed). When the car was very new (<1000mi) I did have the plastic/electrical smell inside as well. I actually "looked for smoke" one day as it was so strong and seemed to come from the dash.
-Tony
MrBill: If you go with an L model with the 5 speed and don't add a lot of options, you should be able to get a Forester for around $19,000 give or take some change. I think thats quite a deal fconsidering what you get in a standard L Forester. Most powerful engine in it's class (except maybe for the Ford Escape V6), AWD, power locks, window, mirrors, cassette, two power outlets, overhead console, all the cool storage spaces, outside temp. gauge, dual trip meter, etc.....the list goes on. and lets not forget the really cool engineering that went into the Forester, the whole car seems to be built around its drivetrain and AWD system. Subaru has been making unique 4WD and AWD cars for a long time.
I paid invoice (approx $20,500) for my 2001 Forester L with Auto trans., keyless entry and alarm, single CD player, tweeter kit, cargo net, and a package group which includes keyless entry and alarm, cargo cover, and tailpipe cover.
It all really depends on what your needs are and I found the Forester fits mine perfectly. I wanted decent gas milage and something I could throw my fishing gear in and top my canoe on. I wanted something I wouldn't be afraid to get dirty. I like the fact that it has a little more ground clearance than a car, but is low enough that I can easily top my canoe. I really like the unpainted bumpers and and side molding of the L model better than the painted, although I'm sure I'm in the minority on that point. It just looks more rugged and sporty to me. The S model has some great features and they are a bargain, but the L just fit my needs better.
So if you want a unique, reliable, fun, rugged, practical vehicle, the Forester is a good bet. If price is a concern, go with the L 5-speed...and keep the options list low.
Just my two cents,
Skip
Wow, that's the first time I've ever heard anyone put Subaru in a religious context!
Next time you're in the mountains, take some photos and share them with us!
Ken
Finally, does anyone know how effective side bags are, and if they're worth the cost? Really want the moon roof, too, so we're thinking -premium is the way to go for both of these options.
Forester defenders??
The engine is identical to the Impreza RS, so mods are adundant, including super- and turbo-charging, cams, headers, cats, cat-backs, pulleys, intakes, you name it.
The Highlander is nice, but it's about two steps up in price and size. The Forester is light, nimble, and fuel efficient. Think carefully about what your needs are, and then decide which better meets those needs.
2002 won't bring the big changes - 2003 is the redesign. Maybe a little extra content, like daytime running lights and other knick-knacks, but not much else.
Don't you love Subaru's new car smell? Stinks, don't it? It goes away. Changing gas won't help, and BTW 87 octane is fine.
The 4 banger is peppy and outruns the V6 Grand Vitara and the heavier V6 Sante Fe any day.
Noise is actually low for the class. Car & Driver measures noise levels at 70mph cruising, and it was the quietest by far in the last small-ute comparo they had.
To get an idea, their quietest Lexus measured 65 dB, while their loudes Mustang Cobra R racked up 93dB, IIRC. The Forester is on the low end with 70dB.
-juice