Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

conroe · July 2002

Third day of Forester ownership, and I'm still loving it. As for the horses, they keep me broke but sane.

I'm really liking the cargo nets in the rear. I don't know about the one that actually goes across the very back, but the side and rear seat back one's have already come in handy for that stuff I always have to have -- like bags of treats for the barn dogs and cats -- but otherwise lay on the floor of the trunk/rear and make a mess.

eps105 · July 2002

<< If the Forester has 5mph bumpers it is a car if it does not it is a truck.So why is IHS comparing a truck to a car? >>

You are making an assumption that the type of bumpers solely defines if it is a car or truck. Are you calling your CRV a truck?? Sorry, it's not! Is has a unibody construction and is based on the Civic chassis. It's a tall wagon, just like the Forester.

By "declaring" it a truck, Honda can avoid having to comply with many U.S. auto safety standards that apply only to cars. The Forester complies with all car safety standards!

I agree with Bob, it is fair for the IIHS to cross-test because many consumers cross-shop categories unaware of their construction. For example, a potential Forester customer may also look at a Suzuki Grand Vitara, which is truck-based.

How about the Jeep Liberty? Truck, right? Wrong! It has a unibody construction! (However, Jeep does a good job making it very "trucky".)

For the record, the VUE is also car-based, and the Freelander is too, IIRC.

-Elliot

bigfrank3 · July 2002

The keyless option just locks/unlocks the doors and hatch. Push the button once, the driver's door unlocks, twice, all doors and hatch unlock. Push the other button (larger), everything locks.

The security upgrade is all the things you would associate with an alarm, including starter interrupt/ignition kill. I was told it has a 2 stage shock sensor so it reacts differently to a bump in the parking lot compared to a major assault, like smashing a window. The "alarm" part is the horns. It has "valet" mode, and the arming/disarming "honks" can be silenced.

I personally am on my second Forester. and my wife has one. We have/had the upgrade on all of them. It integrates nicely with the keyless and the rest of the electrical system. I like it for that reason, plus no quirks like aftermarket alarms.

One point about accessories. I am told that if they are installed before you take ownership, they are part of the appropriate "car" warrantee, but if you have them dealer installed afterwards, they only get a flat 1 year.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Frank

tincup47 · July 2002

The Freelander is what it is, it is not based on any existing car or truck platform. While it is unibody construction it is classified as a truck, as is the new 03 Range Rover.

ateixeira · July 2002

Elliot: but the real reason Honda calls it a truck is so that their truck fleet can meet the 20.7 mpg CAFE standard.

-juice

kate5000 · July 2002

I'd recommend most of all upgrades on your list except leather seats. Forester inspires a sporty driving, and I found leather to be to slippery.
To answer your questions:
1.Security upgrade: get it if it comes in a package (feature group as Subaru calls it) with other upgrades. Do not get it separately.
2. Cargo bin: sometimes I wish I had it but in most cases my items are too big or too numerous to fit in those compartments.
3. Trailer hitch: may come in handy. Much cheaper to order it with a car than install later on. See if you can get 2" instead of 1.25".
4. : quite useful. Used to be standard on Foresters 98-02.
5. : I think viewing area is slightly bigger. I love compass option too. As for autodimming effect, most of glare is reduced anyway by 20% tint I got on the rear window.
6. : by far the most useful option of all. Cannot imaging living w/o it now.

I also got and like autofiltration, armrest and tailpipe cover. Armrest is very helpful on long trips, tailpipe greatly improves Forester's looks IMO.

So, of all the options you consider, I have reservations only regarding cargo bin/tray and leather seats.

Definitely order all options before you buy and demand invoice price (most dealers can accommodate this). Check out all the pre-packaged groups of options, and see if you can get a better deal buying options in packages (usually you can).

I would prefer blue/grey combination vs green/beige, but both are quite nice. Definitely get windows tinted, it dramatically improves the looks and A/C in your vehicle.

cat_and_bear · July 2002

One thing I have to stress here is that the invoice price of an option which comes with the car is different from the invoice price you will get from the parts department!! Quite different from the public perception, the parts depot price is usually lower!! Same for the parts from those Subie part websites.

For simple options... cargo bins, air filter, arm rest...etc. which you can easily install yourself, you can always get them later. Some items, such as the air filter, you will have to replace it once a year anyway. Things you may not be able to install yourself: cargo nets, spoiler, auto dimming mirror, tweeter kits, bumper cover, tailpipe cover, splash guard, brush guard, hitch kit.

BTW, my dealer's parts depot sells me parts at cost. I even bought the spoiler and installed it myself.

-bear

p0926 · July 2002

Bear- I have to disagree with you. It's been my experience that the local parts dept price is the same as full MSRP. I've certainly never seen it lower. You can order parts over the web that are between invoice and MSRP but prices and service vary. If your dealer sells you parts at cost then you should consider yourself very lucky indeed.

-Frank P.

cat_and_bear · July 2002

Frank,

It is quite common here that the dealer would sell parts at cost. I do not have the actual price here in the office but if the memory served me right, I think I paid a bit over $20 for the rear cargo net, 30 something for the pair of side nets. The air filter was in the 30s as well. These prices are even lower than the invoice prices.

-bear

windy6 · July 2002

Hey conroe! I didn't notice in either of your posts anything about the pricing. That dealer is about 5 miles from my house and I haven't been in there since the 2003's came out but we are at the beginning of the process to replace one of our cars. We have a 98 Forester (hers) that we both drive and the dog likes it because then she can go along, even for long trips.The only downside is the gas mileage but with our gas prices down here its livable and I've heard the newer ones get better mileage anyway.
Anyway, how were those guys to deal with? Do you feel you got a good price?
Thanks
windy6

tomsr · July 2002

I must have miscommunicated but I meant to slam
the CRV for not having real bumpers.If the 2003
Subaru Forester was available in February I would
have considered it because you can get everything
the CRV EX has but with a 5 speed and real bumpers
not to mention below list prices.I like it's looks
too.So I'm stuck with my funny looking truck for now.

rochcom · July 2002

I have always been stingy and I am especially so with the current state of the economy. So, if I were to buy a new Forester, I would look for cheaper sources of accessories.

Here are some examples:

Rear bumper cover: How about a piece of indoor-outdoor carpet in a color that matches the bumper? Or cut a rubber or plastic mat to fit.

Leather seats: I hate leather because it is cold in winter hot in summer, and slippery when cornering. But, if you really want it, it can be had from aftermarket suppliers for under $700, if you install it yourself -- it is basically a seat cover. It will take a while before they catch up with current models, however.

Cargo nets: They can be purchased from auto supply stores or by mail from Whitney.

Cargo trays: These will be available aftermarket eventually, but probably not with the neat fold-down dividers. You can use carpet if you only want protection.

Alarm: Aftermarket alarms are available inexpensively. You can save if you install yourself, but you will need diagram of keyless entry connections. However, they will not be seemlessly integrated with the keyless and in some cases, you may need 2 sets of remotes. Crutchfield will eventually have them set up for custom installation with tech support for the user.

Autodimming mirror:
People have had mixed reactions to them. The main criticism is that you do not have control of the dimming. Another is that it does not always dim enough. These are available aftermarket, but the cost is not that much lower and you will have to install to save money. But then, you have a shorter warranty than if factory installed.
Air filter: I have one in my '98 and like it. Being cheap, I change the filter less often than recommended. This does not seem to cause a problem. There is no practical alternative unless you want a major project. However, in my old Saab, I shunned the factory $50 replacement filters and found a regular automotive filter cartridge that fit for $6. It did not filter as well, but it worked.
Splash guards: These are readily available from aftermarket sources at much lower prices. But you have to install and that is likely to involve drilling. The new factory ones are painted, and I would guess that the paint won't last long. I would prefer unpainted rubber or plastic.

goldencouple1 · July 2002

I've mentioned this before I think, but it works and might be of help to someone. We got tired of things sliding about in the back of our 2002 Forester, so we bought a laundry basket (color-coordinated to the interior) at Wally-World and strapped it in with bungees. It provides a great place to put groceries, especially heavy groceries like gallons of milk and beer, and the bungees provide four quadrants of space (is four quadrants redundant?)to put more things and the bungees keep those things from sliding around. Plus, the basket can detached and carried (full of goodies) into one's abode.

It works great. Maybe it looks a little funky, but still works great (my criterium), and if it is too embarrassing, the cargo cover pulls right over it.

For what it is worth.

kens · July 2002

Not a peculiar solution at all. I frequently take advantage of the metal loops in each corner of the Forester cargo bay to hook my bungees cords. They come in very handy to prevent items from rolling around.

Ken

stever · July 2002

I use the bungie trick often and even added a few "D" rings for more tie downs, but the laundry basket is a great idea. I have an OEM net that never seemed to useful (maybe Subaru's implementation is better).

Steve
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misty12 · July 2002

I am on day 2 of my new 2003 Forester, manual transmission. I love it, except for two things. When I start moving forward in first gear it sometimes feels as though something is keeping the car from rolling forward immediately. The first time it happened I thought the parking brake was on.... it wasn't. Or it felt as though there was a big rock in front of the wheels, stopping the car. I have to press the gas pedal a little harder to get it moving, which it does do. But I'm wondering if something is wrong with my particular car. Has anyone else experienced this with the 2003 standard FOrester? My salesman said, oh, it's just that they reconfigured the Hillholder and it felt perfectly normal to him. I don't know what to think.

The second problem is that I cannot get the center back seatbelt to work. The piece from up on the ceiling does not fit into the designated buckle. And the buckle does not pull out so that you could connect it to the other side, as the manual says I'm supposed to do. Has anyone else had this problem? I cannot figure it out.
Thanks for any insights, Misty

rsholland · July 2002

The clutch issue may(?) be due to the new Hill-Holder clutch. At a stop, when you push in both the clutch and brake pedal, it will not allow the car roll until you give it gas and let the clutch out. This is great on hills, in that it prevents the car from rolling back, while engaging the clutch.

Not sure about the seat belt issue. You may want to stop back at the dealer. As you said, you probably just haven't figured it out.

Bob

garryc1 · July 2002

1.Security system upgrade- Not worth it. Doesn't add much to the standard keyless entry system. If someone wants your vehicle, they will get it. That said, if you are truly concerned about theft, go aftermarket.
2. Cargo bin- Unnecessary unless you plan on permanently storing lots of things in the cargo area and always want everything in the right place.
3. Trailer hitch- Go aftermarket.
4. Rear bumper cover and splash guards- We got a bumper cover even though we purchased an X (black plastic bumper). This is the first area of your Forester that will get scratched up no matter how careful you are. Splash guards are an absolute must!
5. Autodimming mirror- Not sure if the viewing area is any larger. Nice option if you like the compass, but not needed if you plan on tinting (which you should).
6. Cargo nets- We purchased the side net set and the rear verticle net. IMO, the one that mounts directly behind the rear seat is too small and out of the way. You will use the cargo nets constantly. Invaluable.
7. Autofiltration- Nice to have if allergies are a concern. If not, using your heating & A/C controls properly will suffice.
8. Armrest extension- Adds substantial storage to the cockpit as well as a nice "resting" spot.
9. Cargo tray- Inexpensive and custom (color, fit) protection for your cargo carpeting. Roughly half the price of WeatherTech.
10. Tailpipe cover- A very affordable aesthetic upgrade.
Is it cheaper to get the accessories when you buy or afterwards at the parts department?
That depends on your dealership. If the parts come installed from the factory (i.e. - on the sticker), they're listed at MSRP, but that includes the "installation" cost. If you're able to negotiate X amount off of the sticker, then you have to determine what those options actually cost you. If you buy through the parts department and your salesperson gives you the parts at "cost", you're still looking at installation fees on certain items (splash guards, etc.). So it's usually six of one and a half-dozen of the other. Certain items (cargo tray, cargo nets and the like) can be purchased over the internet - there are several websites that offer genuine Subaru parts - at close to "wholesale." If you're AT ALL handy (for example, cargo nets require simple drilling to install), that's another alternative.
Does the paint on the XS bumper scratch easily?
Yes!
Blue with grey interior vs. Green with beige interior: any comments?
IMO, the beige interior is too bright. It's more of a gold/yellow than saddle/tan and doesn't "fit." It looks especially out of place with the brushed silver that has been added to this year's interior.
Has anyone added in aftermarket leather seats?
If you're going with leather, stick with the factory option.

Just my .02.....hope this helps!

lark6 · July 2002

Got the new Road&Track (a/k/a "Rodentrack") Wednesday afternoon. A one-page "First Drive" report on the '03 provides virtually nothing we didn't already know. Writer claims front seats havbe "more aggressive bolstering," which I didn't notice just from sitting in one. Suspension improvements supposedly reduce roll, dive and squat. Can anyone who's driven both attest to that?

Strange wide-angle lens shot of the new dash makes the passenger's side look 2x as wide as the driver's side.

A couple of quotes (brief, recognizing copyright law and fair use exemptions):

"One of the beauties...it drives more like a car than a sport-utility vehicle."

Re the returning EJ25: "It's a willing engine that won't rip pavement, but gets the job done." Don't we know it!

Ed

kens · July 2002

Misty,

Did you have the service department take a look at it or just the sales person? In my experience, sales people are often misinformed about many things or they'll say anything to make a sale. I'd schedule an appointment and have it looked at. If you don't get the attention you should be getting, try a different dealer or call 1-800-SUBARU3 and explain to them your concern and your issues with the dealer.

The Hillholder is supposed to release as you let back up on the clutch so I'm not quite sure what it might be.

Ken

oregonsubie · July 2002

It took my awhile to figure out that the rear middle seatbelt, that pulls from the ceiling, actually has 2 buckle pieces to it. Pull the seatbelt all the way at from the ceiling. There is one piece that clips into the "odd" looking seatbelt clip, then there is the regular piece that hooks into the other side. You need to make a 3 point seatbelt, once I figured that out, the rear seatbelt made much more sense. Not sure if this is what your missing misty12, but that is the problem I had.

ateixeira · July 2002

I'm into aftermarket stuff myself, but there are trade-offs. I doubt slip-on leather covers will fit snug. I'd have them professionally sewn in.

The OE cargo nets cost less than the cheap ones at Wal Mart! That is, if you buy from a wholesaler. The OE leather shift knob is affordable and gives a custom fit.

But look who's talking, I must have 20 aftermarket accessories in my car.

So check both alternatives. And don't let me stop the crafty solutions you guys are coming up with!

Misty: I bet it is the Hill Holder. I'd experiment with different rpms at takeoff, to see what works smoothly.

From memory, you pull the seatbelt from the roof, and the smaller clip goes on the anchor closer to the passenger side. Try it reversed if it doesn't seem to fit. Of course I may be thinking of my wife's Legacy. My salesman had to show me how it worked at first.

-juice

tom_k · July 2002

Misty, I also noticed something similar during a test drive. But not when moving forward. I noticed it the first time I had to back up on level ground when maneuvering the Forester to get to a gas pump. It felt as if the hand brake was partially applied, but it was fully released. I had to give it a lot more gas and clutch than I should have had to, to get it moving backward. The salesman's explanation was basically that what I experienced never actually occurred. Why, you may ask, was I maneuvering to a gas pump on a test drive? Because although the salesman said the gas tank was 1/4 full, the gage needle was actually just above the empty mark, and the low fuel light came on a couple of blocks into the test drive.

rsholland or kens: I'm not sure how the Hill-Holder feature is supposed to work. Is there some way the driver can override it? Otherwise, how could you back up downhill, like down a driveway? It certainly should not prevent you from freely rolling on level ground, forward or backward.

hypov · July 2002

"The piece from up on the ceiling does not fit into the designated buckle."

Misty-
I suppose you tried to connect the center belt to the other buckles. If none of the buckles work, then they've installed an incorrect buckle [or right buckle wrong belt hardware]. The way it works on my '98 OB is that the hardware for the center belt is unique and could only be used onto itself; the other belts will fit but won't lock - visa versa.

-Dave

kens · July 2002

Based on what I know, the Hillholder engages when both the brake and clutch are depressed and disengages gradually as you let back up on the clutch.

If you wanted to roll down a driveway, all you would need to do is put the shifter in neutral and lift off the clutch.

The only way you could completely override the system would be to remove the extra brake cylinder that is part of the Hillholder system.

Ken

mckeown · July 2002

Had that feature on 2 previous Subaru's (and my Dad's 54 Studebaker). It's a Love/Hate getting used to. How the previous 2 Subaru's worked, on the clutch pedal was an extra cable attached to a Controlled Check Valve. Step on brake, Depress clutch, Leave off the brake pedal and the 1 way valve would NOT allow the Drivers Front/Pass Rear to release pressure while the clutch pedal was still depressed. As you let out the clutch, it would the allow the valve to pass brake fluid in both directions (IE normal). Following this, sounds like the 2002 is the same setup, that is Brake, then clutch (while brake is still on) Viola...wheels no go. YES this did engage and release slowly Many times, More noticeable in reverse on level ground. Factory Adjustment was set to Hold Vehicle weight on a hill, ie release when the clutch pedal is out more AND clutch already engaging. Glad my 02 doesn't have it, but my wife loved it and does miss it. my 2 cents

entropy5527 · July 2002

From my previous Subaru's I loved the hill holder feature. I did have to have it adjusted so that it would release just before the friction point on the clutch pedal so that the brake was completely release before I could apply engine power. I hated that feel of powering against the brakes. I also thought (at least on the 1982 - 83 models) that it would only engage if you were on a grade. I may be mis-remembering that part.

newcomer2 · July 2002

Just traded my '99 Toyota 4-Runner for a 2002 Forester L. So far love it. Got a great deal. Hope the gas mileage lives up to the reports. Think I'm gonna have fun with this one. Not crazy about the auto gear shift lever, no feel. The overall package of the car is nice though.

goldencouple1 · July 2002

My 2002 L has had great MPG. It has exceeded the EPA from the get-go, but I tend to be easy on acceleration -- which is not easy with an engine taht is as responsive as the H-4. I think you'll continue to be very pleased with your Forester.

sherryl1 · July 2002

I have a 98 Forester. Do 98 Foresters have a timing belt or a timing chain? The manuals I received with the car do not mention either.

rsholland · July 2002

A timing belt. Only the new H-6 Outbacks have a timing chain.

Bob

misty12 · July 2002

Thank you to all who responded to my message concerning the seat belt and Hill Holder problem. I spent Friday morning at the Dealer service dept. and spoke with the head mechanic. He said he thought it was the Hill Holder causing the feeling of having the parking brake on. He got out the new books on it and said this 2003 model does not have adjustments possible. I will get used to it I guess. And I do notice this tendency in reverse gear also, even with no incline.
As for the center rear seatbelt problem: The second buckle piece was stuck up in the front part of that ceiling cavity from which you pull the seat belt. I never would have thought to look in there, but the mechanic was able to pull that out, and then it fit properly into the seat belt.
Still absolutely love everything else about the car!! Misty

rsholland · July 2002

I think the first time you have to start off from a dead stop on a real steep hill, you will be sold on the Hill-Holder clutch.

Bob

ateixeira · July 2002

Welcome aboard, Jon. You may have preferred the 2003's gated shifter, but I bet you got a deal on that 2002.

Bob: yeah, especially when that dump truck is two inches from your bumper!

-juice

p0926 · July 2002

Bob- Not trying to make waves but... while I can see the advantage of a Hill-Holder clutch for someone who is learning to drive a standard, I don't see where it would be much use for drivers who are already proficient with a manual tranny. Maybe it's because I learned to drive in the mountains but I've yet to meet a hill so steep that I can't start out in first and not roll backwards.

-Frank P.

ateixeira · July 2002

You never use the hand brake?

My parking garage at work seems like a trip straight up to the heavens, almost 45 degree incline. I've been driving stick since I was 13 (hey, in Brazil you can bribe a cop with $5) and I need the hand brake not to roll backwards a couple of feet.

-juice

p0926 · July 2002

Nope, never. It of course takes some quick reflexes to jump from the brake to the gas but even on the steepest inclines I can get going without rolling backwards more than an inch or two.

-Frank P.

ateixeira · July 2002

Then you've got the fastest feet in the East. ;-)

Still, even in your case it would in theory save on wear and tear on your clutch, because you don't start with it rolling backward (slowly).

Also, I'm sure other people drive it at times. Right? Ever valet?

I was teaching my lil' bro to drive stick with the Miata and the Forester (good to sample different clutches while learning). He would have loved a Hill Holder, in fact I'd put him on a down hill to get started, until he got used to it.

-juice

conroe · July 2002

Sorry it took me so long to see your post and respond; I took the long weekend off from the computer.

Go back and look at post no. 6924, which tells about the pricing. Short version, I did my homework, then spent the $190 to go through the non-profit org CarBargains.org and got bids from various Texas dealers. West Houston came in the lowest bid at $100 over invoice.

Even with that, you still have to be watchful. They lowballed me on the trade-in (a 1999 Audi A-4), but I was able to sell it to a friend. I also took it by CarMax and got an offer, a fair price and $5000 over what West Houston had offered. But then, West Houston isn't in the used Audi business.

Also, they want to sell something they have on their lot, so I had to keep after them a bit to get what I wanted. They said they had searched all of Texas and there wasn't a car like I had asked for and offered something off their lot that wasn't very close to what I wanted. They also quoted me a fairly outrageous price for getting the options I wanted that their car didn't have installed by the dealer -- very far above invoice, and far above MSRP.

I then searched the inventory at the various Texas dealers from their sites (linked at Subaru.com), and found 3 that were basically what I wanted -- XS Premium, Sierra Gold, beige leather, and one that was 90% of what I wanted. I notified West Houston about the one that was very close to what I wanted (at a dealership up near Dallas) and they arranged a dealer trade and got it for me. The only things I had them add were the armrest extension and the air filtration.

So, they were always polite and nice to work with, but I'm glad I did my homework and knew my options. Not that I would expect any other dealer in this area to be better -- the two Gilman stores are high pressure places and kind of gave me the creeps.

ktliu · July 2002

Just picked up my new '03 Forester at Van Bortel and drove 400 miles back home. Absolutely love it! I would like to upgrade the front speakers. Has anyone done it on the '03 model? What size of speakers would fit? What kind of connectors should I get? Crutchfield doesn't have any info on the '03 model yet. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

lark6 · July 2002

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1841450603

Just thought I'd share. No vested interest.

Ed

kens · July 2002

If you really want to show off your manual driving skills, try heel-toeing and roll off onto the gas on hills! It involves more skill, but it's a more elegant solution than the e-brake, IMO.

The new Hillholder system must also be hydraulic and can't be easily adjusted like the previous cable model.

I agree with Bob -- using it once on a steep hill will probably sell you on it.

Ken

carmarshel · July 2002

I too joined the ranks of 03 Forester owners. The local Subaru dealer was finally able to track down a manual transmission XS, platinum silver with some of the options I wanted (and then added more). It's been great fun to drive...responsive engine...nimble handling...good braking and tire grip...overall good control feel (but you all know that). Almost can't wait for a good Michigan snow. All the extra bells-and-whistles options have kept my wife happy and amused on trips. It's going to be challenging keeping the rpm's below 4000 during the 1000 mile break-in period. The engine, 5 speed manual trans., and handling are enticing me to push it. But I won't.

I've also had fun playing show-and-tell with the new car at work. Several of my co-workers (who are not car people) found it attractive! I think so too. But they did have a hard time labeling it...wagony...SUVish...or sporty something. Good job Subaru, a true crossover vehicle.

I too tried the dog car choice test. My dog readily chose the new Forester over our Honda (Accord). What a smart dog. But I guess the biscuit in the back helped.

I will try to keep posting my mileage and any repair/problem/annoyances updates, especially since I'm still in the "honeymoon" stage with this car.

-Rod

conroe · July 2002

I had CarToys put new speakers in my 2003 last week (MB Quart, components in front and coaxials in back), and they sound great. The change improved the sound hugely.

Important though -- Don't go by the dimensions on Cruthchfields from the 2002s that say the speakers are 6" in front and 4" in back. On the 2003s (or at least the XS premium), they are 5" in front and 5 1/4" in back. I relied on the old info and ordered them that way, but the CarToys installer found out differently when he went to do the work. Luckily CarToys had the right sizes in stock and installed them while I was happily off at the movies.

tidester · July 2002

If you do a refresh with your browser immediately after posting a message, it will be duplicated on the board. (It's a software feature! ;-)

To avoid this, go somewhere else in TH and come back. Then you can refresh all day without duplication!

tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

conroe · July 2002

It's good to know what the problem was so I don't do it again!

I know how annoying it can be, as I'm a moderator on another board (horse related). I just went back and deleted the duplicate, so it's all better now. :-D

tidester · July 2002

I just went back and deleted the duplicate, so it's all better now. :-D

Yikes! I just deleted the duplicate too!

Apparently we deleted the same one at the same time because I still see one survivor!

tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

dcab · July 2002

We just picked up our 2003 XS yesterday. Any comments on whether an oil change after the first 1000 miles is a good idea? I always thought that it was, but apparently Subaru doesn't recommend it any longer.

mckeown · July 2002

dcab, I have a 2002, It was recommended on these to be done at 1000 miles. Apparently the 2003 is different, or they may no longer use thinner "break in" oil. If it were mine, I would do it anyway, knowing what is initially trapped in oil of new machinery. Best to get it out In My Opinion. (but I'm not a Subaru engineer).

forester13 · July 2002

THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY
SAFETY HAS JUST RELEASED THIS:
WE PUT SMALL SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES TO THE TEST TO SEE HOW WELL THEY'D HOLD UP WHEN 40 PERCENT OF THE FRONT CRASHES INTO A BARRIER AT 40 MILES
PER HOUR.
THREE NEWLY TESTED VEHICLES... THE 2002 HONDA C-R-V, 2003 SUBARU FORESTER, AND 2002 SATURN VUE ALL RATED GOOD OVERALL.
THE 2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE, WHICH WAS NOT A NEWLY TESTED VEHICLE, ALSO DID GOOD.
THE C-R-V AND FORESTER ALSO GOT "BEST PICK".
FOUR OTHER VEHICLES RANKED ACCEPTABLE. THE NEWLY TESTED LAND ROVER FREELANDER,
THE JEEP WRANGLER, TOYOTA RAV-4, AND SUZUKI VITARA RECEIVED THAT RATING.
THE KIA SPORTAGE AND FORD ESCAPE WERE GIVEN A MARGINAL SCORE.
NONE OF THE TESTED S-U-V'S PERFORMED POORLY OVERALL.

Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

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