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Subaru Forester (up to 2005)
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John
The infant seat that my wife and I use the Avanta SE by Century. It connects via the base unit (we have one in each car) and also mounts in the Lifestyle Series stroller by Century. I think we purchased our stuff at Babys R Us--can't remember the cost, but I really like the fact that the system is versatile. Plus, I really like having the base strapped in the center of the back seat of the forester.
Michael
One frustrating thing about car seats is that manufacturers can't help but botch things up sometimes, resulting in a recall. Even the vaunted Britax line has had two major recalls the last few years, and one was done in a quite unsatisfactory manner (incorrectly molded shell from their supplier, they got around it by giving customers extra shoulder harness padding to meet U.S. standards, rather than replace the entire seat).
A version of the highly-regarded Graco Snugride has been recalled (nearly a million of them).
Anyway after trying to install this several times, I took it back to the dealer. I then went out and purchased a Hidden Hitch. It fitted like a glove and it looks better than the Draw Tite would have. Much of the hitch frame is hidden and it includes a neat cover for the receiver hole hole.
I don't know if any others have had trouble installing the Draw Tite, but if you are going to install a hitch, just be aware.
Mike
It baffles me too, that this item will now be an option on the new Forester ...disappointing, indeed.
--'rocco
I do know that on the 2001 Forester L a plug in exists behind the grill.
I upgraded my door speakers and added the tweeters. The tweeter grill is easily pried off and voila..prewired connector. This is a very easy mod ..at least on the 01 Forester.
Note that a designated "pry" spot exists on the forward part of the grill and is identified by a small notch. Just take your time.
Hope this helps.......... : )
I use the Subaru tweets...bought them on sale for about $20 over a year ago.
FWIW....I really cannot hear a significant imrovement.
Thanks.
-Kin.
I discovered a few weeks ago that our '98 has a moderate oil leak. Its coming from the rubber seal of the timing belt cover (is it a belt or a chain??). Actually, I'm calling it a timing belt cover when I really have no idea. Its the plastic cover that is located closest to the engine just behind the pulleys. This is my first H-type engine and I am completely in the dark. Anyway, I don't believe oil should be in that compartment at all, should it? Second, if it is in there, it seems as if we have a blown camshaft seal or crankshaft seal or both. Third, since this happened and we started to work on tracking down the problem, we've discovered that this engine seems to have a great deal of blow-by because there is actually quite a bit of pressure building up in the crankcase. If nothing else, can anyone with a non-leaking Forester tell me if, when the engine is running, they can pull the oil cap and feel a good deal of pulsing air being forced out of the crankcase? I'm really worried that I may have a blown ring, but it just seems so odd that the engine runs perfectly smooth. So we're thinking that maybe this is an inherent characteristic of this type of engine. Has anyone else had a similar oil leak problem that can let me know what to do? We are thinking about trading this in, but wanted to wait quite a bit longer before doing so. This is making me think we might have to step up our plans.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I am considering a Lexus RX-300, or a BMW3 series with AWD OR and this is a big OR, the 2003 Forester. I sat in one on the floor of the Javits yesterday, (it had leather seats:) and it felt wonderful...I am wondering how it will pan out in the reviews, Patti?
Its got to be apples vs apples OR go for the CAVIAR.
Just my .02 + .01
I'd go for the BMW if money wasn't an issue.
-mike
Sold it about a year ago and got a 2001 Forester S. I know what you mean about the road noise -- much louder than the RX-300. But, before you buy, take a long test drive including some twisty roads and tight parking spots.
My wife has a BMW 330xi. If the Forester is not an option, I'd go for the BMW over the Lexus. Much better handling even in snow. The only complaint I have about the BMW is that there is no place to put all your "stuff" -- got spoiled with all the cubbies in my Subie.
I still have to scratch my head at the marketing angle and demographics, though. It is clearly aimed at women in the US and Canada, but I'm not so sure that it is in the rest of the world. I picked up one of those paid-for magazine article type inserts from the UK's CAR fall 2000 which featured the Forester S turbo's prominent role in providing support to the Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT). Indeed there have been PR pics released of Foresters in SWRT livery.
Maybe someone with a better idea of Subaru's global marketing strategy could clue us in...?
Ed
Albeit with this group the affair is a Subaru.
Not to mention the fact that I'd avoid the BMW for fear of another heater/fire recall across the BMW product line. Be sort of a bummer to get a new Bimmer only to have it catch on fire after 200 miles and melt to the ground -- no lie! It happened several times before the BMW got the recall rolling.
Later,
burnsmr4
-mike
Craig
Colorado Springs has lots of microbreweries. They sell their product in half-gallon jugs (growlers). In preparing to go see some friends yesterday for an Easter dinner, I loaded a couple of growlers into the cargo net (Honorable Mention in the contest). The cargo net didn't keep the growlers upright. I didn't worry, because I knew the lids were on tight. WRONG!
On returning home to pick up something I'd forgotten I saw that the growlers were no longer full; I saw a big puddle of beer in the back. My initial dismay turned to relief when I discovered that the cargo bin tray had contained the spill. My new Forester was safe; the carpet was safe. One of the simplest pieces of equipment imaginable had averted a minor disaster. For now at least, my Forester's still new.
So the winner is. . . the cargo bin tray. It's easy to clean. I needed only water, Windex and a few rags. For a more severe spill, I would remove the whole thing and spray it down with a hose.
I don't remember which feature package got me the tray or what it cost, but I'm glad that it was there. I highly recommend it.
Seriously, I like mine, too. No beer spilled in there, but lots of garden-type stuff like potting soil, mulch, fertilizer and the like. Sometimes car cleaning stuff like Windex and Simple Green, but so what? It's cleaner!
Ed
Always happy to help,
YetAnotherDave
I think you had the wrong part or something.
hth
-bv
Are you really worried about traffic on Route 80 going FAST into the city? LOL! 80 is usually a mess! If I were you I'd get something big and comfy loaded with electronics to pass the time sitting in traffic.
How 'bout the new BMW 745 with the iDrive knob thingy. You might have time to actully figure out how it works.
And that way you'd get to sit in traffic playing with your knob... ;-)
-jim
Bob
Steady now :-)
Steve
Host
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James: first off, glad you are fine after 9/11. I was wondering aloud if you were OK, peek in the Meet the Members topic to see my message.
The new Forester is supposed to have a coefficient of drag .03 lower than the current one, which along with a stiffer structure may translate to a quieter ride. But if you can afford a Bimmer, I won't stop you.
Patti? Is her name Glenn? Can you tell me if I'm Close, at least? :-)
I think one guy at i Club was putting a turbo on his Forester. Check on the Forester forum there.
-juice
Mike
Mike
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Does anyone know what the cause might be and also the cure? Does anyone else have this probleM?
Thanks fello subies...(98 Forester with 75 k and 1991 Legacy with 140k)
-mike
Mike
Thanks for that! I've been remiss in not checking in more often. I actually retired from the NYPD last March (after 20 years) and am now flying corporate out of Teterboro (NJ), hence the move to NJ. Retired or not though, I volunteered to come back for the 9/11 effort, (as did hundreds of other retirees) and was picked up by an NYPD helo at Ft. Totten Queens, an hour after the towers went down. Luckily, my flightsuit still fit but there wasn't much for me to do. The retired pilots were in reserve for the anticipated scores of med-evacs, but sadly none were needed
Anyway, glad to see the familiar names here in the Soobie Crew area.
In answer to Petersen: It's not that I have money to burn, but since I am going to spend a lot of time in my next vehicle, I want to pass the time as comfortably as possible, as Jim says: "If I were you I'd get something big and comfy loaded with electronics to pass the time sitting in traffic."
The question: Is the 2003 Forester that vehicle? Now that I am working in the private sector and getting a police pension as well, I can finally afford more. That being said, I bought the 01 Forester after exhaustive surfing these very pages, and was not disappointed! I will not throw $$$ at an L shaped badge unless of course, the RX-300 fits the bill. My choices are limited because I want the best blend of AWD, comfort, gadgets (kicka@# audio, etc) and of course price.
So, I thought I had it narrowed down but now, not so sure!
Juice: I Heard from my police friend in Pernambuco recently:)
Before you look at the BMW for AWD - why don't you consider an Audi A4 or A6? I am pretty sure even the VW Passat 4Motion outhandles the BMW in snow. The AWD BMW is for people who absolutely must have a BMW, but in my opinion it is not one of the better AWD vehicles around. The A4 is less expensive and in almost all ways a better car (IMO, but also according to many published reviews).
- D.
Of course the really important question is what you did with the spilt beer. Did you:
(a) get a straw and drink it
(b) pour it back in the jar and not tell your friends
(c) watch the entertainment as your neighbour's dog got jolly
(d) throw it out?
Cheers
Graham
-mike
PS: Glad to hear you were ok after 9/11, it was a long walk for me from lower manhattan to uptown to NJ and finally back to Staten Island.
Needless to say, I recently married the woman, on the condition that she limits holiday baking to things chocolate.
Later,
burnsmr4
As an aircraft mechanic I sometimes have to work with jet fuel. About 2 weeks after picking up our new Forester I wound up soaked in the stuff. Even though I washed up and changed my clothes before getting in the car to come home from work the inside of the car still smells of the jet fuel 2 weeks later. And that's despite using airfreshners and leaving the windows open at night. And that's without actually getting any of the fuel in the car. Just from the smell that was still on me.
My wife says that in about another 2 weeks she'll let me back in the house :-)
Paul
Patti
Ken
Patti