Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

armac13 · February 2001

Yes Juice, for a lazy type like me it is just one the many attractions of the Forester to not have to assemble and disassemble each time. Looks like we'll have to start a "My golfing is so bad that..."thread.

Ross

ateixeira · February 2001

I'd wait and see how the tires and alignment help things. Then I'd look at the struts.

Mine is an ASC pop-up moonroof, installed by Adler & Mandell in Rockville MD. It was $300, plus $70 to cut the roof rails short and reinstall them. I added a wind deflector myself later on for $30, so total cost was $400.

The seal is excellent. Never even a drop leaked, and it's guaranteed for life. The only catch is if you remove it you have to store it. A power roof is $900, so figure on $1000 is that's what you want.

There is a brace from B-pillar to B-pillar that they remove, but they install braces themselves to compensate. I imagine Subaru does the same with the new convertible Forester (S Preemie).

-juice

vtwoman · February 2001

I've been following this site for a few weeks now and am just about ready to purchase a Sedona Red S Premium for a great price, I think. Now just have to think of a good reason to sell the old Voyager SE AWD van with 136K and recently installed new transmission (ouch!) When do you sell the old car to get that great new Forester? I've read all the messages on this site and test driven the Forester several times - an automatic. A couple friends who own '98 Foresters say theirs feel underpowered. Is there anything that would make the '01 Forester feel different than the '98s? Also, would a manual transmission make it feel more zippy or, as I've read on these sites, doesn't it make much difference on the Forester? Thanks for your help. Hope to be a new owner real soon... Susan

gossamar · February 2001

One think to keep an eye on with the sun-roofs are the drain holes for the water. They should be located toward the front windshield on each end(at least on my previous nissans they were). If even one of these drain holes gets some debri and clogs, you now have an inside car-wash when it rains!! Speaking of car-wash, dealer found that passenger door needs new seal after pressure testing revealed leaks. Seal should be here this week...can't wait!!! Still to cold to wash by hand yet....

bigfrank3 · February 2001

The '01 has the "Phase II" motor while the '98 has the "Phase I". The engines are the same size and even have similar maximum h.p. and torque, but Subaru redesigned some things to change the torque curve. They made it "fatter" so that at any given middle-of-the-range R.P.M. there is more torque available. This makes it more responsive to the gas pedal and therefore better performance under that condition.

We have 2 '01 Foresters, an automatic "Premmie" and a 5-speed "L". I find that when driving my "L" there is at least 1 time during the day that I wish I had my wife's automatic, but most of the time I am glad I have the 5-speed. My wife's surprised me by being as "zippy" as it is, very smooth and adequate, however, my 5-speed is definitely more responsive in all situations. The 50/50 (f/r) starting position of my AWD feels more natural than the automatic's 90/10, although they both seem to work very well in our MA winter so far.

I suggest you drive them both on the same day and decide which feels better to you. Good luck on whatever you decide!

Frank

drew_ · February 2001

This week chat with Edmunds.com's managing editor, Karl Brauer. The chat is tonight at 5-6pm Pacific:
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/brauerchat022701.html

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

canadiancl · February 2001

Could it be that it is the sunshade that's rattling?

drew_ · February 2001

"He brought you "Confessions Of a Car Salesman" to give you the inside story of his undercover work as a car salesman. For this chat, Chandler Phillips goes one-on-one with "The Cardinal", Dependable Dodge's own Marc Antonucci . Don't miss this battle of truths as these two give it to you straight."

If you haven't read Edmunds.com's confessions of a car salesman, I highly recommend you do so. I found it very entertaining, and yet enlightening as to what goes in the auto sales business.

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

ateixeira · February 2001

Tom: since mine is a pop-up type, I don't have those drains.

Susan: how 'bout this - once the tranny goes, it's all down hill from there. ;-)

Trade it when you are good and ready. You deserve a new car, and there is no better reason than that!

The 2001 has a bit more torque, so it is more suited to the automatic transmission than the early engines were.

The manual is peppier, but the difference is pretty small, since the 2.5l boxer makes good low-end torque. If you want auto, get an auto, they are just fine.

Cin: could be. Maybe it slipped out of its track. Does it slide smoothly?

-juice

cin4 · February 2001

Juice,
It slides just fine on the track, and when it's fully retracted, I can't wiggle it by hand.

Canadiancl,
Good idea - it might be just the sunshade. I'll try it tonight on my drive home from work with the roof closed but the shade open to see (hear?) what it does. Since it's 40 deg. & raining today :>( I don't particularly want the roof open anyway! (Typical Texas winter weather - 80 one day, then 40 the next.)

Thanks for the ideas!

Cin

meandhubby · February 2001

Hello- I wanted to thank everyone for their posts not only were they informative but at times entertaining and I will come back to read more from time to time. As of last night my husband and I are the proud owners of a Subaru Forester S. I will detail our adventure in a later post as I have to scoot out the door to pick up my hubby at the train station. I wanted to know what gas to put into our Subaru- the question may have been answered but since I am a recent lurker I haven't seen this topic. When we bought our Honda Accord in 1989 we always put Super unleaded- but know I'm wondering with the Subaru should we do the same or put just Regular unleaded- does it make a difference in the performance in a car?

I had put regular once in my Honda and I swear I thought it coughed yuk ( VBG) but was it my imagination.

Thanks for any input.

-Anna

vtwoman · February 2001

Frank and Juice: Thanks for the info on the '98 vs. '01 engine, and auto vs. manual "peppiness".

Juice: Good advice! I'm all for selling the old car today but first I just have to convince my husband. He sees so reason why I can't just drive that big old van a bit longer... I'll be sure to show him this posting. :-)

-Susan

armac13 · February 2001

There doesn't seem to be any reason to use anything but regular in the Forester as long as it is fresh and good quality gas. A couple of people have suggested improved mileage, but I didn't in my limited experimentation, and in theory you shouldn't. By the way, congrats on your purchase and welcome to the club.

Ross

subearu · February 2001

I assume you have either a '00 or '01 Forester? In either case, the 2.5 H4 engine will do just fine on regular unleaded (87 octane). Feeding it super/premium unleaded will be just a waste really (IMHO).

Some other Subaru vehicles now recommend super/premium for the best performance. Those vehicles are the Subaru WRX (a turbo charged 2.0 H4) and the Subaru Outback VDC or LLBean (both with a 3.0 H6).

-Brian

ateixeira · February 2001

I'm with Brian. Save the super for the WRX or the H6, or for those that tune their cars and can make use of the extra octane.

Save yourself the cash. Near me premium costs 24 cents more. At 15k miles per year, 25 mpg average, that's 600 gallons, or $144 bucks extra into the baby's college fund.

Then again, if it buys you piece of mind, don't let us stop you.

Congrats.

-juice

rsheldon1 · March 2001

I just purchased a new 2001 Forester L with 5 speed manual trans. and I love it. I drove a few of the mini-utes to compare and this vehicle surpasses my expectations thus far. I needed the all wheel drive capabiliies due to my 35 mile one-way drive to work and my 11 degree sloped driveway and it works great. I live in the upper part of Illinois so the snow/ice is always a factor in the Winter months. This vehicle is fun to drive!

ateixeira · March 2001

Richard: congrats and welcome to Soob ownership.

Is this your first? What color and options did you get? Any impressions so far?

I'll offer an early warning - beware of the "new car stench". While it breaks in, it can really stink while the undercoating burns off the exhaust, but it goes away.

Also, mileage tends to improve as it breaks in, so don't worry if it's a little low at first.

Congrats!

-juice

maluso · March 2001

Hi folks. I'm trying to decide between a used Suburu Forester and a Honda CR-V and am hoping for some advice. I've done some research and both look like good, reliable vehicles. I currently drive a '92 Suburu wagon but want a newer vehicle with less mileage that will be better for my daily 70 roundtrip mile commute. My biggest concern is that I'm a rather large person and am wondering which would be more comfortable. I'm also a woodturner and occasionally haul around lumber/short logs/chainsaw and need a vehicle that can do that. Finally, I'm pretty sure that my budget is going to limit me to a used vehicle.. probably around $16,000. Any advice out there? I'm posting to both discussion topics.. hope this isn't considered rude.

Thanks,
Diane

qbrozen · March 2001

well, considering you're posting on the Subaru board, I think the answer you're going to get is obvious.

Large? Well, that depends on which way. I'm tall and thin and don't find our '98 Forester very comfortable (leg-room wise) and would not be able to drive it every day on my 100-mile commute. Luckily, I don't have to.

But, I don't think it should be a problem for a person of any weight and under 6 foot. My father has tried our Forester and fits quite well. He is about 5'11" and 240 pounds (mostly in the stomach).

As far as price, there is a '98 S with 35K miles at a dealer around the corner from me for $15K.

I think the Forester is far superior to the CRV in every way. but, like I said, do you really think you'll get a different opinion on the Forester board?

ateixeira · March 2001

If I may assume you're not a star WNBA player, and therefore legroom is not an issue, then the Forester actually has more front shoulder room than the CR-V. Either one has plenty of leg room and head room anyway.

The catch is the seats - Foresters have pronounced side bolsters for support when driving aggressively, and this may make you feel pinched.

Only one way to find out, though - a nice, long test drive. Make sure to try all the adjustments, which include:

* entire seat fore/aft
* seatback angle
* front seat base angle
* rear seat base angle
* rear lumbar support

Take it for at least a 15 minute test drive, and try to get (and stay) comfortable.

The CR-V's seats are flatter and have fewer adjustments, but this may actually provide a better fit for you (again, try it out).

The Subaru has a bigger engine and more torque, so I'd pick that for the hauling lumber. Towing and roof rack capacities are exactly double what the CR-V can haul.

A new Forester without any options can be had for under $19k, and there are low financing incentives. A Legacy L wagon would cost similar money, too, and is longer and wider than the Forester. In fact, that may best suit your needs, honestly, since the seats are also wider.

I think it's ok to cross-post given you're asking for different sets of opinions.

-juice

joseph50 · March 2001

Hi all,
I'm having a blast with my new 2001 S.
I would much appreciate hearing experiences of how many miles others have been able to go after the low-on-fuel indicator light comes on.
Thanks,
Joe

pkleung · March 2001

Hi all,
I just brought my new 5-speed Forester last weekend and I notice the engine is idling at high RPM (it reached 4k the first day). I live 1 mile off the highway and I usually warm the car for at least a minute before I start driving. The car always idle at around 2k rpm even after 10 miles (some stop and go) of highway to work. It drops down to normal (6/700) only if I fully stop the car (in stop sign or traffic light) AND wait a few seconds. Is this normal? Anyone else experienced with this before?
Thanks
Pui

ateixeira · March 2001

Pui: that doesn't sound normal at all. Sounds like your ECU is bad. A slightly high idle during warm-up is OK, but not 4000rpm. Have your dealer look at it.

Joe: mileage varies a lot between different drivers - so what do you typically get?

I average 25mpg, so my light kicks on a bit after 300 miles. The math adds up, too. It's a 15.9 gallon tank, light is on with 2.3 gallons left, or 13.6 gallons used * 25 mpg = 340 miles.

I think it's gone on before 300 miles once or twice, but not often. I've run out of gas a couple of times (other vehicles) and learned not to push it, so I start thinking about getting gas right after 300 miles regardless.

Besides, if you let it run empty that means you burned all the gunk off the bottom of the tank.

-juice

PS Let me invite you all to our weekly Subaru Crew chat, tonight at 9pm eastern (about 4 hours from now). We especially welcome new owners and shoppers that may have questions for some of the regulars on the Subaru boards

pnptm · March 2001

I'm shopping mini-SUVs and am looking for decent gas mileage (I commute 100+ miles daily). It's 90% highway commute (60-70mph). Can somebody tell me if I'll realistically get 27 mph as advertised on the Forester w/the manual transmission?

Given my 2 hours on the road each day, any opinions on comfort - possibly vs other mini-SUVs?

rsholland · March 2001

I think thew Forester would be among the most comfortable highway cruisers of the mini-SUVs. As to mileage, I think you will be close to 27, if you keep your speed within in reason.

With that kind of commute, I'd opt for the S Premium, and get the center armrest extension.

Bob

kens · March 2001

Paul,

On my recent trip to Yosemite with my 98 Forester S 5-speed, I recorded 26mpg going.

That's in the winter, driving on freeways at 75-80mph and then going up twisty mountain roads at 35-40 mph in 3rd or 4th gear.

I bet if it were the summer time and I did just freeway driving at slower speeds, I would be able to get on extra mpg.

Ken

kate5000 · March 2001

Although some folks are more lucky than others, I guess if you expect 23-24 mpg for hwy driving, you'll be more on the spot. I've never was able to get more than 23.5 mpg from my Forester S+, even on long stretches of smooth and fast (60-70 mph) Interstate driving.

But if you get 26-27 mpg in your Forester, you're one lucky man ;-)

natescape · March 2001

Hi Paul. I have a 125-mile round-trip daily commute in my S+. I bought the car in November, and the MPG has slowly been increasing. I'm averaging 24MPG right now, and supposedly will see increases until up to 40k (I have 12k right now). I drive it too fast and average about 85MPH.

The Forester is a real joy to commute in. Heated seats are a blast in my cold New England winter, and the power is quite good (I have to use the cruise control or I regularly end up going 95MPH). In fact, I caught myself going 105MPH by accident a month ago. The Forester engine wasn't taxed at all, and the handling was so surefooted I had no idea of my speed.

IMO, you won't get significantly better MPG from any other SUV or AWD vehicle. If you have a long commute and are willing to wait until autumn, VW will be bringing a TDI (diesel) Jetta Wagon to the US. The TDI sedans get up to 60 MPG and tend to get 45-50 MPG. You lose the AWD, but you'll save boucoup bucks on gas (and do a lot less damage to the environment over the long haul).

kens · March 2001

True. I average about 23-24mpg on my daily commute to work. However, the worst tank I ever got was 22mpg with lots of stop and go.

Ken

ateixeira · March 2001

The most efficient alternatives are the CR-V and RAV4, and both are rated at 22/25mpg.

Even if the Soob doesn't get you 22/27mpg, it'll still match the best. Manuals are rated at 21/28.

I average over 25mpg, so the EPA ratings, for me at least, are accurate. Mine is a 5 speed.

-juice

rsholland · March 2001

comfort and driving enjoyment are bigger issues for me than gas mileage, which is why I recommend the Forester S Premium. It gets reasonably good gas mileage, but is probably the most comfortable (at least for the driver) and fun to drive vehicle is the mini-SUV range.

Bob

ateixeira · March 2001

Heated seats! I wish I had them. S or S premium for those.

-juice

laasso · March 2001

Picked up my 2001 Forester S this afternoon.I swung a deal of 4.27% over the invoice and am happy. I could have possibly paid more if I hadn't accidently omitted 153 from my invoice listing...:-) My savings was 2213 on the MSRP of 24938. Hope my cost discussion doesn't bother anyone,.........Now, on to the enjoyment!!!

stever · March 2001

Have you seen the links for aftermarket heated seats posted around here occasionally, juice? They don't look too hard to install....

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

hotwag · March 2001

I've thoroughly researched most of the small SUV's (both paper and test drives), and boiled the choice down to a RAV4 and Forester. The RAV4 certainly has the cute factor over the Forester, and the high ride which should be part of the SUV experience. But Toyota dealers won't deal ($1,500 over invoice in Atlanta). I was just about ready to buy the Forester when I sat in the back seat. Ouch! Hard as a rock, and no knee room. Any thoughts?

mrbill808 · March 2001

I too ended up choosing between another boring extra cab truck, Forester, CR-V and Rav4. I was looking for quality, resale value, decent MPG, performance, and at least some kind of cargo space. The back seat was only a small part of my needs.

Anyhow, I quickly learned about CABIN NOISE when driving the CR-V. Damn, it is LOUD. It was so LOUD, I took it off of my list. When I first started thinking about buying a new vehicle, it was #1 on my list. Thats how loud it was when I drove it. I drove the 5 speed, like the feel of it, but still felt underpowered in the 2001 model. I just didnt want to use my earplugs every day. (The sound of the Forester is great)

The RAV4 is quieter, has a bouncier ride. I liked the new looks of the vehicle too. About 1 foot shorter than the Forester. However, a 60-90 wait from the factory didnt fit my plans.

I too, was not impressed by the Subaru looks, but after test driving ALL of these models I bought 1 month ago and I think the looks grow on you. I got the 2001 L Silverthorn model. The slight adjustments to the 2001 model look better than the previous models too. I have about 1250 miles on it and get about 25 miles per gallon so far. I live in a warm climate.

All models will get you from point A to point B, it just depends on what your tolerances are. I get the impression that many of these questions can be solved with the test drives.

And now, I only have 59 more payments lol

qbrozen · March 2001

where? can you post the link here?

thanks

suba · March 2001

All tire gauges are not created equal. How can I be sure that the gauge I'm using is somewhere near the pressure I want?
I was told by a Subaru dealer's technician that 35 to 40 lfs is OK to use on my 01 I with 16" tires. This seems way over the door jamb's 28-29 figures. I'm thinking that with the light load I usually have I'll aim for 35 lfs. all around.
Any comments?

suba · March 2001

Sorry to say that I meant "lbs" instead of what I typed!

russ9406 · March 2001

I use 35lbs all around on my Forester 01 s+
Russ

stever · March 2001

Rats, I knew I should have bookmarked those urls. Basically they are an adhesive-backed flat package of wires (or some type of heating element). You peel back the cloth or leather upholstery and stick the packs in the seat and back, and then reinstall the fabric with the hogrings or whatever. The wiring goes somewhere, and the switch gets stuck on the dash. One distributor only sells to authorized installers, but the other brand had diy instuctions. I've started a topic over in Aftermarket & Accessories to see if someone has actually done this.

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

qbrozen · March 2001

drew_ · March 2001

See my post in the Aftermarket & Accessories message board "Aftermarket Seat heaters" discussion topic here:

drew_ "Aftermarket Heated Seats" Mar 3, 2001 9:08am

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

kens · March 2001

George -- Rear leg room is probably the biggest downside to the Forester. Do you regularly carry passengers in the back? For me, it's usually just myself and on occaision, my wife. However, I do take road trips where I do fit 2 adults in the back. It may not be the most comfortable seat, but it can be done.

Walter -- Many of us Forester owners have found the recommended pressures to be a bit on the low side. They are probably listed to enhance ride comfort and not performance. The maximum pressure on the Geolandars sidewalls is about 46psi, if I remember correctly. 40 sounds a bit high, but 35 is still well within tolerances.

Ken

dcmom · March 2001

I live in San Jose, CA and I have not had particularly good experiences at the local dealership. Do you know of any authorized Subaru mechanics to change the oil and to do the regular kinds of services that need to be done. I have a 2001 Forester and it is due for its 2nd oil change. Anyway, if anyone knows of a good place for authorized services, I would really appreciate it.

vtwoman · March 2001

I recall reading a post not too long ago about the Forester 2002's coming out in April. Does anyone have any more up-to-date information on that? As I get real close to buying a 2001, April approaches and I thought I should ask you all about the 2002's. Does anyone know if there are any changes to these models?
Also, I believe I can get $2500 off the MSRP of a 2001 S +. (that's under invoice and includes destination charge) I thought that was very good but my husband is a little suspicious. Any thoughts? Thanks.
-Susan

kens · March 2001

Diane - For just an oil change, you can take your Forester to just about any shop. There's no reason why you need to use a dealer.

Let me guess - you've been to Stevens Creek. Their service has gone considerably downhill over the last year. If you have any major warranty related issues, I strongly recommend Santa Cruz. It's a bit of a haul, but their service is worth it.

Ken

marcus17 · March 2001

Has anyone tried replacing the stereo for the '01 L with an aftermarket one, or bought the add-on CD player? The add-on player seems a bit overpriced.

texsubaru · March 2001

One thing you mentioned is that you expected to be looking for a used vehicle. While I think this depends on the part of the country you're in, it seems likely to me that you'll find used Foresters harder to find than used CRVs. There are just more CRVs out there to start out with, and I also suspect that Subaru owners might be a bit more inclined to handle onto their vehicles longer than average (though a lot of Honda owners are pretty loyal, too, I think).
Admittedly, the area where I live -- Central Texas -- is well outside of prime Subaru country, so it might be a lot easier shopping in an area where Subarus are more plentiful. Having said all that, I've loved the '98 Forester L I bought not quite a year ago, so I'd say the search was well worth it!

rsholland · March 2001

Subaru has historically introduced new year models to the public at the NY Auto Show, which is in mid-April. Those new vehicles usually don't hit the showrooms until mid-late August.

As for the 2002 Forester: my educated guess is that they will receive, daytime running lights, blackwall tires, and possibly(??) a low-boost turbo for the top-of-the-line model.

There have been a lot of rumors lately about a turbo Forester. There is currently a 2.0 turbo Forester offered on virtually every other market, other than here in North America. It's been on sale for several years. The question is, are they going to bring it here now? If it doesn't happen for 2002, you can bet it will happen in 2003, when the Forester gets a major redesign.

Bob

Subaru Forester (up to 2005)

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy