Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

grahampeters · April 2002

G'day

Bucket of shucked oysters over the passenger footwell. Drove 90 mile with them between the passengers legs and he lost concentration on the last corner.

Cheers

Graham

hayduke01 · April 2002

Grahampeters, I'm sorry to say that the spilt beer was discarded. Wiped it up with a few rags, followed by Windex. If I'd thought of the straw option or the funnel option then it might not have gone to waste.

If we can expand beyond smells, I learned from experience that Coke (in cans) left in a hot automobile (Colorado in August) can explode. Not sure exactly how long it took before the explosion, since it was in the car ('87 Subaru) while I was gone for a long weekend. Didn't smell bad, but probably my worst automotive mess ever. Much worse than the time I drove away with a milkshake on top of the car, since that was outside.

declansdad · April 2002

I was just in the Forester today and I noticed that the engine is getting rather loud past 3000 rpms. Usually, the engine is silky smooth, but my wife said that it's been this way for a month or so--under 3k, the engine sounds fine. My Forester is a 2000 S, 5sp with about 25k. I change the oil (dino) every 3-3500 miles. Anyone have any thoughts/ideas before I make an appointment with the dealer? Anything would be appreciated.

TIA

Michael

cyberpirate · April 2002

Has anyone experienced odd smell (probably burnt sulphur) in forester? I have a 2002L with 6K miles. So far I have managed to keep food and drinks out of my car. I am not able to figure out where this strange smell is coming from. I always leave the vents open for fresh air...

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

mrluther · April 2002

I have noticed a really bad sulfur smell that occurs when I am going in reverse. It has only happened about 3 times in the 8 months I've had the car 02L MT.
P.S.- I had a bottle of Muriatic acid spill in my 87 gl wagon, it didnt smell but it melted the carpet!!!

scirocco22 · April 2002

I've got the sulphur smell on my '02 also. I just assumed it was coming from the cat' converter because the intensity of the smell seems to vary according to which brand of gas is used. Is this harming anything?

--'rocco

rkw2 · April 2002

This morning when I started teh car, it took a few cranks to get it to start. But then when I went to start it later in teh day it was very dificult. The battery was replaced a couple of years ago and all the lights, radio etc worked fine so I don;t think teh battery is the problem.

When I purchased my Forrester the dealer installed a security system. In order to start the car, I need the pull back on the directional signals/windshiled lever, as though I was flashing my bright lights. I noticed today that I had to pull back really hard in order to start the car. My suspicion is that this damn security sytem is the cause of the problem.

Does anyone else have a system like this? If so, have u had any problems with it? Also, does anyone know if the system can be disconnedted as it is really more of a pain than it is worth.

I thank everyone for all your help from yesterday's message.

PS--the other night I was watching an auto show on cable (I think the station is called Speed). They were highlighting the auto show at the Javits Center in NY. They showed a 2003 Forester in action. It looked very sharp and much more contemporary than the current model.

stever · April 2002

You guys have the funnest threads. Try spilled, fermented grits under the back seat sometime :-)

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

mtngal · April 2002

I'm now gettting much closer to buying a new car, but I have some concerns. I have a long commute, mostly highway miles with some slow and go. I figure I'll put 40-50k miles a year on it, since my commute is 150 miles a day, and takes around an hour and a half each way. It also includes an elevation loss and gain of almost 6,000 feet. My concerns are will a Forester last 4 years (say 200,000 miles)? If I get an auto tranny will I be replacing it every year, like the 4 banger Nissan pickup we had when we first moved up here (which, by the way had over 250,000 miles when we moved up here, and 290,000 miles when we sold it)? It seemed to always be hunting for the right gear going up into the mountains. A manual isn't a problem since that's what I have now, but an auto might be nice for the slow and go traffic on the I405 going over the Sepulveda Pass. And most important, are the seats comfortable enough for long trips every day? I hate the seats in the Taco, but didn't realize it until we had the thing for several months.

Any info is appreciated, and will help us make a more informed decision.

speterson1 · April 2002

For the several of you who are experiencing the weird sulfur smell, IIRC you all have relatively new vehicles. Subaru puts a pretty heavy chemical undercoating on all Subies heading across the Pacific to prevent rust, and what you smell may be that burning off. I remember someone dubbing it "Eau de Subaru".

tidester · April 2002

At the risk of further spiraling off topic ....

The absolute worst in the stinky car category occured when I neglectfully left a pound of butter in the back seat of a friend's car which remained there exposed to the blistering heat of the sun for the entire following day.

No words of apology could even approach being adequate!

tidester
Host
SUVs

nypdau · April 2002

D- Thanks for your input. I do like the A4, but as with the BMW3, it is a bit cramped. I didn't realize how tight they were until I got into them at the Auto Show. The more I look, the more I am thinking that I will end up with the 2003 Forester, this time WITH the sunroof I should have ordered the first time 'round.

Paisan- Thanks for the offer,are you guys meeting right after work? I'm not sure what time I'll be wrapping up tomorrow, but I'd love to meet the crew sometime:)

BTW: RE:Smells. The best solution can be had at your nearest Holiday Inn. They have a minty carpet/upholstery cleaner that will neutralize/mask most odors. We used it in the helos whenever one of our passengers ralphed. It makes sense that they use an exceptionally effective cleaner: People do all sorts of potentially smelly/messy things in hotel rooms:) The hotel can't sell a smelly room and so they use the best! I don't know what the name of it is though, they gave us a few gallons once in a while in a water cooler bottle.
James

jei · April 2002

Anyone here have over 100,000 miles on a Forester? My '99 is doing fine at 94K. I chose the automatic over the 5 speed because the manual felt a little notchy (I'd had Toyotas for years). It's a very responsive transmission.

Mtngal, that's a LONG commute. With regular preventative maintenance, the Forester should go 200,000 miles +. That PM should include changing automatic transmission fluid every 30K or so, with serious transmission checks/adjustments at 100K and every 50K thereafter. We had to rebuild the automatic trans on our '92 Legacy at 175K, mostly due to neglect. Lesson learned. BTW, the owners of our local transmission specialty shop (Saunders Transmission works on everything including farm equipment & big trucks; dealers bring their warranty problems from 50 miles away) buy nothing but Subarus for their personal use.

Other long mileage candidates (with some degree of comfort) would include various Toyota cars; RAV4, Corolla/Matrix, Camry. I bought the Forester in '99 because it offered the right combination of comfort, utlity and size - and most importantly - was a real pleasure to drive. Still is. The Pleasure & Delight Factor is key for those of us spending a lot of time in our cars every day! Besides, you get the Subaru Crew to hang & consult with. Keep us posted!

John

paisan · April 2002

We are meeting @ 6pm on 34th and 11th NW corner. If you can't make that, you can reach me at 917-596-3354 on my cell.

-mike

storyteller · April 2002

From Automotive News: http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=38378&a=a&bt=subaru&arc=n

storyteller · April 2002

Also from AN: http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=38839

entropy5527 · April 2002

My 1998 Forester is now at 122,000 miles, and mechanically fine. I have had electrical problems with some wires that where the insulation wore off, a clock that works when you hit it just right, a speed sensor went bad, and a leaky exhuast system which turns on the CEL every 4000 miles or so. It has always started, got me where I need to go in some conditions I should have not been in, and roads (I use the term loosely) that I think the Forester was not designed to travel on. I LOVE this car. So far it has proved a worthy replacement for my 1982 GL with 380,000 at trade in...

mst3kguy · April 2002

tidester wrote:

<<The absolute worst in the stinky car category occured when I neglectfully left a pound of butter in the back seat of a friend's car which remained there exposed to the blistering heat of the sun for the entire following day.

No words of apology could even approach being adequate!>>

i would have to agree that one of the worst smells would be some form of spilled dairy product, baby formula and/or puke notwithstanding, left to sit in a hot car. this takes into account the truly absurd, such as cat urine. i think cat urine in carpet is one of the worst. no matter how much it's cleaned, the odor still seems to come out when it gets humid. ugh...

dean
cincinnati, ohio
'02s+

nypaul · April 2002

While considering the Forester as our new car I wanted to talk to as many owners as possible. One day in the 7-11 parking lot I asked a fellow if he liked his Forester and what year was it. He said it was a '99 and that he loved it. Then he went on to tell me that he had 215,000 miles on it with nothing more than the preventative maintenance. He just followed the published schedule.
Sure hope that it's that way for me too!
Paul
02 Forester
71 VW Bus

mtngal · April 2002

Glad to hear that there are high mileage subarus out there. While I would consider a Rav4, my other half won't. The Matrix/Vibe is still in consideration, but the less HP in the AWD version is a significant concern - AWD is required to get out of our driveway in the winter sometimes (our Wrangler does great up to 2 feet of snow, so while the AWD is high on my list, it isn't absolutely necessary). I've had unhappy experiences with several Toyota dealers, and since I don't like the Tacoma, I'll look at the Vibe before I look at its twin the Matrix.

Question about the leaky exhaust - did you track down what the problem is? I live in So. Cal. and so have to have smog checks after 4 years. I've just had to replace the exhaust manifold on my '98 Wrangler (97,000 miles) to get it past its first smog check (ouch!).

So keep trying to convince me that the Forester is a wonderful car. We'll try to test drive both the Vibe and the Forester this weekend. I don't have to test drive the third vehicle I'm considering - I already own a Wrangler and love it (even with all of its quirks) - it just gets such lousy gas mileage, and my husband used to complain about how small it is. And do I really need 2 Wranglers?

storyteller · April 2002

Okay, I'm succumbing to temptation. I live close to where they filmed "Grumpy Old Men." You might remember Jack Lemmon dropping a dead fish in the back of Walter Mathau's car. After fishing that same body of water, I absentmindedly left a 2-pound coffee can full of nightcrawlers in my '85 Mustang. After two days of sweltering summer heat the odor would have stunned a buzzard.

storyteller · April 2002

Mtngal: Take a strong look at the Forester, keeping in mind that a much improved '03 Forester goes on sale next month. If you want all-wheel drive and reasonable storage space, consider the CR-V. If a station wagon will do, consider the Subaru Legacy Wagon (less expensive than the Outback wagon but similar). I looked at Vibe and Matrix: great potential ruined by offering two inadequate engines, particularly in the version with AWD. Good luck.

ateixeira · April 2002

I wonder if the "new car stench" will still be standard equipment on the 2003 models? ;-)

94k? 122k? 215k? I hope that kind of durability is also standard!

Impressions from a long-time 1998 Forester L owner and big Subaru fan after finally seeing it in person and sitting in one (pardon the cross post from Future Models, but this is big so I had to share):

Pro:
* looks sharp in person, red is nicer than photos
* padded elbow rests on doors
* nicer headliner, you were right Patti! :-)
* much, much nicer sun visors, but still not lit
* nice padded dash material, texture, feel
* aluminum hood
* 3 cargo nets
* AWD logo on side instead of cheap sticker
* side mirror and C pillar painted, not flat black
* better position for seat heater switch
* much better cup holders, but could be lined
* more comfy and supportive seats, ratchet to raise/lower
* most important: NO COST CUTTING

Con:
* one model on display had no mud guards? two did?
* roof rub strips are gone, now it's flat instead of having creases
* not that much roomier, 3 kids -> go with Legacy
* not much more cargo space, but was good before

So no big surprises, but it's generally slightly better at almost everything, so the overall package is much improved. I'd buy one in a second. I'd also suggest waiting for the 2003 if you are shopping now, it's worth it IMO.

-juice

ateixeira · April 2002

By the way, the 2003 Legacy GT gets VTD AWD and Shiftronice! That means maybe we'll see that in other models soon.

-juice

jei · April 2002

NYPaul - Great news about that '99 with 215K. My '99 with 94K is a young'un by comparison. The Forester is our Long Trip car + I commute 75 miles a day.

Y'all keep an eye out for other high mileage Foresters. Graham - Any high milers from Australia?

John

kens · April 2002

Whoa! 215K!? That's pretty amazing. I was feeling proud about reaching 70K soon on my 98. Guess I have a LONG way to go.

Ken

entropy5527 · April 2002

The exhaust leak is from a broken joint just before the first catalytic converter. I hit a tree stump (acutally hit it hard enough to put the front wheels 3" in the air and high centered on the stump) chasing a tornado on a forest service access road. The output from the exhaust system still measures good from a smog check, however. I am actually surprised I didn't do more damage. I tored the water shield off the underside, put a big dent in the oil pan, and the exhaust leak. I love the abuse these cars will take!

ateixeira · April 2002

Chasing a tornado?

I can understand that people would want a little excitement at work, but HOLY COW!

-juice

burnsmr4 · April 2002

Folks,

I get my first oil change at my dealership free in 2-3 weeks, so this question is for later. What's involved with removing the scuff guard to get to the oil filter? Does the oil filter angle mean that removing it will send oil all over suspension/exhaust parts underneath the car? My 1999 Mercury Cougar V-6 did that. Stunk to high heaven.

Thanks,
burnsmr4

mtngal · April 2002

Wow! That's a great recommendation, getting high-centered on a stump! The only time I've been high-centered with the Wrangler was last year when I tried to drive through just about 3 feet of snow (fell in one night). I got high centered on the snow/ice buildup under the frame - couldn't go forward or backward until I dug the snow out from under the frame (and this is with 4x4 and a LSD).

Now I'm getting really excited about test driving one.

ateixeira · April 2002

The oil filter points straight down. One good tip I've used was to poke the bottom of the filter with a screw driver, so oil drains out before you remove it.

Another was to put a diaper around the filter and remove it, so the oil is absorbed by the diaper.

-juice

grahampeters · April 2002

G'day

I have to admit that after almost three years, I only have 72,000km, about 40,000ml on my Outback. This is a welcome relief as I was previously doing 30-36K miles when living in England.When I was buying, I als asked various owners about longevity. Same response as you folks get. The standard Subaru owner line is

"Well, we have only had this one for three years and 100,000km but of course the previous two did 225,000km and 175,000km. Actually we wonder why we got rid of them because they were still going great and would have been good to keep for .....(insert name of deserving relative). Of course the Outback/Forester is much comfier and we are bargaining on changing it at 200,000km"

Actually, this was such a common response that I took to wondering whether Subarus marketing campaign was built around employing ordinary folk to hang around services stations, schools and parking lots, spreading a standard Subaru tale.

However, when I wait to get my Subaru serviced, I am amazed at the number of people ther getting routine services on 200,000km plus vehicles. I believe that regular servicing is critical to their longevity.

Cheers

Graham

cyberpirate · April 2002

I installed the security sytem on my own. Just want to make sure I got it right. As mentioned in the installation manual, parking lights flash when I lock/unlock. I also noticed that dash lights flash. I presume thats normal since dash lights are up when parking light is turned on.
Am I right?

Any ideas why subaru went for parking lights rather than turn signals which is common among other car makers. May be I am getting too picky...

Also, does any one know how to get the fog lamps to work with high beam? On most cars, fog lamps work independent of head lamps.

Thanks in advance!

jei · April 2002

Factory installed fog lamps are usually wired to operate only with the low beams, and cut out when the high beams are turned on. I believe this is because fog lights' low cut-off beam would be rendered useless in fog or snow because of glare and bounce-back from the high beams. Also, many states require this arrangement by law. You would have to rewire the fog lights independent from the headlight circuits to override this setup. Not sure it's good idea.

John

73soob01 · April 2002

This was many years ago, when I was driving a 1973 Subaru GL 1400. While at my part time evening job, I offered to give a co-worker a military ammo can (sturdy steel can, airtight seal, great for a tool box). I had a few of these cans in the back of my Soobie, and I told him to go out to the parking lot and help himself to one.

He reached into the trunk and opened one of the cans. Oops -- I forgot that I had placed a dead rattlesnake in an ammo can in my trunk a few weeks ago. (Long story, completely off-topic for this board!) The smell was so bad this guy was staggering around in the parking lot, eyes watering, disoriented. The can went to a dumpster, but merely opening it caused a horrible aroma to linger in my car for days.

Scott

paisan · April 2002

Fogs are illegal with High beams in CA therefore most manufacturers wire them such. Go to the I-club there is a simple wire-jump to override that.

-mike

allhorizon · April 2002

James,

Nothing beats the headroom of the Forester. However, in all other measures the Forester is about the same inside as the A4. In fact, the pre-2003 Forester was 2 inches less in shoulder room (which with me counts more than the ample headroom). So, room being cramped is quite subjective. It's funny, how man of us compare cars in quite different classes. On my top list for now are the Forester, the A4, and the Jetta Wagon. I already own the Passat 4motion Wagon, so space is less of an issue, I am looking for something smaller but "peppy" (and safe, and AWD if possible, and reliable and ... - you get the drift.).

- D.

mckeown · April 2002

Cyberpirate, The Commando aftermarket keyless entry/Alarm I installed used 1 wire also for the parking light flash confirmation(same circuit also feeds interior dash illumination). maybe done this way for 2 reason....
1...only 1 wire (KISS principle...Keep It Simple Stupid)
2...If you want to flash the blinkers/stop lights this would require at least 2 add'l relays, inside or outside the alarm unit, and more wiring. Add'l cost, add'l chance for error. I have been able to see my light flash under all conditions I have been in so far.

gened1 · April 2002

Can someone describe the i-club and how I might find it?
Thanks,
Gene

paisan · April 2002

Go into the Forums section. Depending on your question you can go to a # of different forums inside there.

-mike

ateixeira · April 2002

"Dead rattlesnakes and our Subies", next on Oprah. :-)

2004 Forester turbo, baby. Just wait.

-juice

tlieser · April 2002

The press release issued on SOA's web site back in February mentioned a new feature for the '03 Forester: "new front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash injury." I don't recall having seen any other mention of this feature (on the Forester), which is also featured on new Volvos. This may not matter to many of you twenty-or-thirty-somethings, but for an old fxxt with a bad neck, it's one more reason to buy the new Forester. Whiplash injuries tend not to go away; the best approach is to avoid them if possible. Any comments from those who have seen/sat in the '03 model?

ateixeira · April 2002

There wasn't anything visible that would verify that, maybe it's built into the seat?

-juice

wmquan · April 2002

I'm not sure if it was available whether there'd be something externally visible. I guess it depends on how the system works.

This is how Volvo's WHIPS (introduced in 2000) works:

"First the seatback/headrest assembly moves back and then tilts down, absorbing the impact and -- in laboratory tests -- reducing acceleration forces on the neck by up to 50%."

Here's some more info:

http://www.usroads.com/journals/aruj/9802/ru980203.htm

I doubt if Subaru's system (if there is indeed one) is as extensive as Volvo's, though. Sounds like (and indeed, as described in the message above) an Active Head Restraint system, available on several manufacturer's vehicles. GM claims to have invented it in 1997 but I'm not sure if that's true. Those systems basically shove the head restraint up and forward in a collision, without the extra seat-movement of the Volvo system.

ticktock4321 · April 2002

The new CR-V also claims its head restraints help with whiplash (or something to that effect). Funny that Honda's new SUV uses the old style head restraints.

ateixeira · April 2002

Hey ticktock, recognize you from the CR-V/Element boards. Welcome. :-)

-juice

nypdau · April 2002

I didn't bother looking at interior dimension specs on the BMW3 or the A4. It is, as you say a subjective observation. I like the feel of being in a cockpit-like front seat, as long as traffic is not a factor, when it's stop and go, I tend to want more room. I stopped by Port Motors today; they are expecting the 2003 Forester to be in their showroom in 2 weeks,a lot earlier than I expected.

Decisions, decisions!

James

robbinhoodz · April 2002

i posted several weeks back. i thought my 99 forester was burning about one quart of oil per 1,000 miles. it turns out that is burning at leat double that, now that the dealer has completed a subaru mandated oil consumption report. they have asked me to organize to tow the car in to them. this despite the fact that they have already replaced a cylinder head and a PCV valve on two occasions to try and fix the problem. i also have the clutch judder problem, which no-one at the dealer can seem to replicate. does anyone else have these problems?

stever · April 2002

2002 Subaru Forester S

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

chrisb9341 · April 2002

My 99 Forester also used oil excessively. My best guess was @3 quarts per 3,000 miles which they said was within normal range. I never took it to the dealer for a consumption check like they suggested because it was so inconvenient.I just lived with checking the oil religiously . I had a long term slight antifreeze leak which turned out to be a bad head gasket at 59,000 miles. Other problems became apparent to the dealer and I ended up getting a new engine under warranty. They said they didnt think the engine problems had anything to due with the oil consumption, but I remain skeptical and feel very lucky that I got a new engine just before the warranty ran out.

Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy