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Subaru Forester (up to 2005)
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Comments
-bear
I can be pretty sure it's not the undercoating, since I get the smell by putting my nose up to the tailpipe (no fun, that).
It's probably not a clogged converter, since I still have good power and acceleration.
If the new converter were bad, it should have failed the same test that detected the first faulty converter.
The car's an automatic, so it's not the clutch.
The smell is intermittent, so of course it's a pain to diagnose. If it were continuous, it would show up in the emissions. All of the car's sensors check out, as does the ECU (says the mechanic). He seemed forthcoming with information, and described a pretty complete battery of tests.
The last thing I can think of is to pull the ECU fuse and reset it. If the ECU has been "trained" for the previous defective converter, it might need to relearn the engine. This is the only thing I can think of that I can try myself.
After that, I'll have to bring it to an independent mechanic, which I'm loathe to do with a car under warranty.
Any other suggestions gratefully received...
-bear
I drove a XS automatic, because they had no 5-speeds "prepped" yet. The gated shifter would take a little getting used to. I had to be rather deliberate to snake the shifter from park to drive. Otherwise the automatic drove like, well... an automatic (I much prefer a stick).
This particular Forester was silver, and as an XS, it had "steel" metallic grey cladding (just a few shades darker than the silver) VERY-sharp looking. Parked next to a 2002 Forester S in candy-red (nice color), it was no contest. The 2003 (IMHO) is a much nicer looking vehicle.
I didn't have time to do an extensive feature-by-feature comparison, but I did notice that the 2003 was lacking the "rub-strips" on the roof to protect the finish from items loaded directly on the roof (as opposed to suspended above it on the rack). Disadvantage: less utility. Advantage: easier to wash, reduced wind-resistance, and lower center of gravity (ok, I'm kidding, sorta).
Interiors: I'd give the nod to the 2003: nicer control layout, and I liked the vinyl-trimmed seats (that some people found strange) better than the VERY soft-fuzzy velure on the 2002.
Driving experience: the drive was brief, in semi-rush-hour traffic, and accompanied by a sales guy, so I didn't have the chance to really experience the "joy of all-wheel drive". It did seem solid and capable. I had never driven a Forester before (just Legacys) and I was surprised by the amount of (rear wheel) tire noise! Compared to my 12 year old Nissan pickup, there was less wind noise, but significanty more road noise.
Now I have to go back and drive a Legacy wagon. I may find that it suits me better.
For what it's worth. - james
> This particular Forester was silver, and as an
> XS, it had "steel" metallic grey cladding (just
> a few shades darker than the silver) VERY-sharp
> looking. Parked next to a 2002 Forester S in
> candy-red (nice color), it was no contest. The
> 2003 (IMHO) is a much nicer looking vehicle.
I agree. I think the 2003 looks sharp. When parked side by side, the '03 makes the '02 look frumpy - the perfect vehicle for a bureaucrat. When I look at the '02, here's what I can hear in the back of my mind: "Hrumpf, hrumpf, let me check my procedure manual."
Beauty is a matter of personal taste, so your opinion may vary.
- recumbentdan
The 2002 Forester is still the only model listed and it would be nice, to say the least, if we could do some comparison shopping on the 2003s before the 2004s hit the market!!
O.K. I feel better now..
Thanks
Ross
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I really, really like the updated design (esp. in silver w/black cladding), but the salesman said that they were selling at MSRP (even tho I told him dealers on line and in Ca. were selling for a few hundred over dealer invoice), he also said that there were no financing incentives, i.e., the best financing that is offered by Subaru on the 2003 is 6.9 or 7.9%.
Oh well...guess I'll be looking forward to the 2012 (or so) design ; )
Bob A.
Right now, I have Check Engine light on my Forester 2001 S, and it feels good that I have Gold plan from Subaru: I can drop by a dealer, and have it fixed at no cost.
Check this site out:
http://www.subaruwarranty.com/GoldPlan.htm
-Frank P.
Also, it may be my imagination but the 03's look as if they have noticeably higher ground clearance, especially from a rear view.
Stephen
Host: thanks for eliminating that troll's cross post.
I think I'm going to get a Gold warranty for the new Legacy. Even reliable cars can be pricey to fix, and it only takes 1-2 things gone wrong to recover the costs.
Our 626, for example, is still one of CR's top rated sedans, yet we forked out over $2 grand in repairs just during years 6 and 7 of ownership. An extended warranty would have been half as much.
Plus, you get red carpet treatment from the dealer, and roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty. AAA was costing us $71 per year, so getting those 4 extra years (3 years are standard) saves us $284 right there.
-juice
I am itching to get a 2003MY because it seems perfect, MPG being the top of my list, but am concerned about the ruggedness of the Forester (I would be selling my Toyota Tacoma 4WD). it seems in Australia Foresters get low gearing and there are plenty of accessories (skid plates,etc.) but nothing in the USA. are there ppl here who have added some basic undercarriage protection and/or used isrperformance to beef-up the suspension??
some would say that I should stick w/ true off-roader, but here in New Mexico most roads can be handled with high clearance and some skid plates. i know i will really enjoy the MPG in the city and on the highway.
from the photos i saw (more on the net everyday) it doesn't look like the 2003MY having larger entry/departure angles. Anyone has the official specs yet??
tom
You have to be nuts... You'll fit right in here!
Bob
Maybe tom remembers the brand name since he just read the 6000 posts and I mentioned it back when I saw it! :-)
The large moonroof is perfect, it's created by God Himself, get it and don't look back!
Just kidding, I think noise is one trade-off Bob has mentioned. Also, it doesn't tilt up for venting, it only retracts.
tom: I have the factory rear skid plate, installed it myself. It protects the rear diffy and part of the rear half shafts, which are well tucked under anyway.
The lowest portion of the body is the front cross member below the engine. In front of that, I'd get a Primitive skid plate to replace the plastic factory one, for a couple hundred. Then maybe the taller springs if you need it. The under side is relatively "clean" in that nothing hangs down too low to get snagged. The strut suspension is very nice in that way.
People that get 2" lifts are generally fine and love it. The ones that go too far and add spacers, huge tires, lift kits as well as those springs, they have tranny teething issues. So don't go too crazy!
-juice
Any suggestions!
I have been lurking on the board for about a year and thanks for all of the useful information.
I was thinking of either the CRV, RAV or the Forester. The two reasons I went with the '02 S+ (Sedona Red) was that the rear door opens up and not sideways and that the spare is not hanging on the rear (A friend has a RAV and likes it except for the fact that the door opens out).
Anyway, since I live in SUNNY So. Cal, I plan on getting my windows tinted and one place quoted me $175 for all 7 windows (Limo on cargo and back windows, 15% on the rear and 35% on the front side windows, metallic tint w/ lifetime warranty). Is this a good tint solution or should any of the windows have a different tint on them. Also, is this a good price and has anyone had problems with metallic tint.
Thanks in advance and hope everyone has a great 3 day weekend!
Marsha
After some debating I went with metallic tint with 36% on the front driver and passenger windows and 21% on the rest. It is in a dark shade kind of hard to describe not really black and not brown sort of in between. The windshield of course is as it came from the factory.
I am glad I didn't go darker as it seems just right. I can see very well from inside and I don't think I'll have a problem with the local police. It cost me a little more than what you posted but the job looks good and sets the car off very nicely. By the way the Forester is an 02 Platinum Silver
Hope this helps.
Gene
For coolant, use the "green" colored stuff, i.e. your basic Prestone mixed 50% with distilled water (not tap).
Marsha: that price sounds fair for metallic film, but ask to see a finished job, or for a reference. Installation means everything. Look for bubbles, peeling, streaks, etc.
-juice
The '03 wasn't really an option due to financial constraints. Actually I'm lucky that the '02 cars are being so deeply discounted to make way for the '03s. Otherwise I might be driving an Accord right now!
I want to weigh in briefly on the styling discussion between the '02 and '03. I bought the '02 because I've admired the looks and practicality of the Forester for a long time and I got a great deal ($833 below invoice). I'm also the type of person who hates to pay for last year's model. Because of this, I took a long look at several '03s on the dealer's lot. While the car is attractive, I don't feel that the car's new look is worth paying a premium for. Actually, I felt a great sense of relief looking at the '03, because I knew I wasn't going to lament going with the '02.
For those who call the '02 "frumpy," I disagree. I call it upright, clean and sporty. I think the '03 looks more like a station wagon than the '02, and an angry one at that. Still it's a nice looking vehicle.
Be assured that having an '02 with under 200 miles on it in the driveway right now has NOTHING to do with my opinion on this matter. Really. No, really!
Thanks to everyone on this board for making this forum useful, entertaining and virtually conflict-free. Guess I'll stick around.
-jim
Ross
John
Michael,
has your "mild popping" gone away (stayed away) after resetting the ECU?
thanks for any, all advice,
YetAnotherDave
• It's much more refined than our Forester. No news there...
• The auto open/close moonroof works in the same fashion as ours. When you open it, it goes about 4/5 open, then you have to hit the switch again to make it open all the way. Same with closing; you hit the switch, and it stops about 1/5 from closed, then you hit the switch again.
• The moonroof, when open seems to be a tad quieter than my '01 model. Still not as quiet as my Explorer, however.
• Hill-Holder clutch works as advertised. Why more cars don't offer this feature, is a complete mystery.
• Wished for more power, although I did have the AC on, and the area I was driving was somewhat hilly. Still...
• the one I drove had the center armrest extension. This very nice, and I would definitely order it. It's perfectly positioned for shifting, while resting your arm on it.
• Back of front seats have been "scooped" out for additional leg room. When I adjusted the front seat for me, then moved to the rear seat, I had plenty of leg room.
• All-in-all, a very nice upgrade from my '01 model.
Bob
Aha! That's where the extra legroom comes from (since the measurements previously posted here didn't seem to bear out much legroom).
I assume the scooping doesn't seem to have affected the frame of the seat, which would be on the outer rim of the seat (the part that's not scooped out).
Regarding the 1/5 moonroof stop when it closes, is that because the moonroof doesn't have "pinch protection"? (Not that a lot of folks would have their fingers up there.)
Had been interested in the new 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5S.. thought it looked cool and could be had for around 18.5K. But after a test drive, all I could think was 'rental car fleet'.. mushy steering, cheap plastic interior, etc.
Was intrigued by the revamped 2003 Forester.. thought it looked more aggressive than previous models
Called every Subaru dealer in South Jersey.. visited their websites to check what was in stock.. some said "nothing below MSRP.. the new Foresters are in such hot demand'.. one dealer was willing to knock $600 off the MSRP of $22,533 (includes air filtration kit, cargo net, auto dimming mirror-compass, custom tailpipe cover and security system upgrade.)
Finally found my Forester at Martin Subaru in Sicklerville NJ.. internet sales manager Karl Fulton.. got it for about $400 over invoice.. $20,800.
Have only had it one day.. already can't wait to drive it some more.. Subaru is gonna sell zillions of these new Foresters.
(and no this isn't Karl!)
Gary
Maybe one of the Automatic Owners should try this for their "Step on the gas and Stall then Lunge Forward problem". Then Post back to let others know.
Not at all. The "scooping" goes the full width of the seat. The top part of the seat is not scooped.
<< Regarding the 1/5 moonroof stop when it closes, is that because the moonroof doesn't have "pinch protection"? (Not that a lot of folks would have their fingers up there.) >>
That "is" the pinch protection. My '01 model has the same feature. The difference with the '03 model is you don't have to hold the button, as it is now has an "auto" feature for opening and closing.
Bob
Bob
Now I am starting all the homework to get pricing, warranty info, etc. So far I have only been able to find 2002 dealer cost info on the internet. Can anybody tell me where to find the 2003 info?
Thanks!
When I test drove a new XS yesterday, I had trouble figuring out the "auto" climate control. Can you "manually," without using the "auto" function, control either fresh air or air conditioning? From what I saw, it seemed like you had to have it on "auto" to get it to work. Am I wrong (I hope am!)? I couldn't figure out how to get fresh air, without having the AC on.
Bob
I didn't notice any real difference in the driving (perhaps a little more hesitation than the 2002?). It was 90 degrees, and the demo model's AC wasn't working (Java Black!), so we had all the windows down and the roof open all the way. Boy was it windy! Also, the infamous "check engine" light was flashing.
I wish there was an "adult override" on the rear windows so I could put them down all the way if I want. It's silly to have them permanently in "kid mode". Can I take apart the doors and remove something so they go all the way?
Why, oh why, on a left-hand-drive vehicle is the gas filler on the right? If I buy one of these, I'm going to be cringing every time I fill up, that I don't scrape the right side of the car. I've been driving my Accord for 13 years, and know EXACTLY how big it is, but even so, the filler is on the left where I can see it.
I think the monotone paint looks boring. While I like the features of the upper-end model, I like the two-tone and color options on the lower end model. Why only red, white, black, silver, and that icky gold? Why not blue and green as well? Seems kind of dumb to limit the customer's paint choices. Are they available as a custom order? I also think the body cladding would give me less heartache when I get my first ding. Or maybe I'll just have to spring for all the protection groups.
I went from an Accord to a Forester and I'm happy as a clam. But you sound like someone who needs something other than a Forester.
The only place so far that I've been able to find invoice pricing for the 2003 Forester is carsdirect.com. (www.carsdirect.com) It also has the most detailed spec. sheet of any site that I've found on the internet so far. Click ...don't know if that link will work or not but you can navigate to it once on the site. Crew members: can any of you confirm that those specifications are accurate? Beware: all the pics that carsdirect are using are of the 2002 model but their configuration pages seem to reflect the 2003 specifications.
--'rocco
Can anyone tell me where I can find Invoice Prices on the 2003 Forester? Edmunds is not updated yet. My wife wants one (We still need to do a test drive) and I don't want to visit the dealer unarmed.
Thx All,
Dave ;^)
--'rocco
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Thanks!
--'rocco
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I posted this question awhile back, but didn't get a response. Maybe no one else has this problem or minds it. Anyway, thought I'd try again...
We have a silver '01 Forester which we still love. The only thing I don't like about it (and most other vehicles with a rear wiper) is the dark streak that runs down the tailgate from the base of the wiper arm. Any suggestions for prevention? Is there anything we can put on the rubber? It really looks ugly against the otherwise sharp-looking silver.
Thanks!
Sandra