I visited the Subaru.com page today, and I see that they are now offering 0.9% financing on some Outback, Legacy, and Impreza models and 1.9% on Foresters. And then it says "In addition, new Dealer Incentives can increase the savings on select models!"
So I visited the Edmunds pages that show incentives, but I didn't see anything listed, not even the 0.9% on the Outbacks, etc.
Where else can I go to get this info? Or, how often does Edmunds update their info? The Subaru site claims you must take delivery between Dec. 3 and Jan. 2 - leading me to believe that this promotion is only a couple of days old.
I'm especially interested in the Forester, but my hubby is leaning towards a Legacy. So these sorts of incentives could be important in our decision making process.
Paisan: thanks for the nudge bar info. that's what i want, though it's a bit on the expensive side. the back end sagged because of the bikes/bike-rack combo, definitely not springs. it's a shame, because of my calc the car was loaded w/ max 600 lbs, not exceeding the 200lbs tongue limit.
Bob: the roof rack is a Yakima RocketBox. I looked at a few between 16 and 20 cu ft, and the cost to size ratio was best on this 16 cu ft model because of an REI sale ($280). there is a model which i almost ordered called Yakima LoadRanger 20, but when i went to a local store, it turns out it only opens less than a foot on the side! you couldn't slip a sleeping bag through there and your ski boots would have to go in sideways...
Amanda: I know what you mean. I test drove an Outlander, and the slope of the windshield left major glare.
That vehicle is no threat to the Forester, by the way. I drove a 140hp FWD model, and it was slow, slow. LOUD engine, too. It would be even slower with AWD.
It was well assembled but materials were very cheap, maybe a step up from Suzuki but two steps down from Subaru. Ride and handling were nice, though. But that's spoiled by road noise and engine racket.
Yeah, I did lose my high beams, but it's not that big of a problem. There are a couple manufacturers who make dual beam H4 bulbs that would keep the high beams, but I couldn't justify spending an extra couple hundred dollars for something I'll use for a few minutes at most. What brand HID's did you get? Compare them to the stock bulb and look at how they line up. Hopefully you can make it work. See this webpage
I'm planning on adding some driving lights anyway to compensate for the loss in highbeams. I saw a really nice custom made light bar on a WRX last month. I'm gonna try and find out if he can make one for the forester.
Kajko,
I had the same sagging problem on my car, I had it loaded up with two bike and a roof rack on the top, and the inside filled to the ceiling with stuff. After a 1500 mile trip, I think my shocks are dead. With all that stuff on my car, I was only getting 19-20 mpg.
There was a thread about this several months ago. The standard pattern on most HID and halogen bulbs these days is low in the center and high on the side. It's a compromise that allows you to read things like street signs on the right without blinding oncoming drivers with glare. Urban drivers seem to like it, rural drivers don't. You can experiment with different set-ups, but your bulb is not defective; it was designed to behave like this.
Having taught in the Maryland public schools for thirty years I haven't had to drive in the snow very often. Sometimes school's been cancelled because of a forecast or a flake sighting. Even a bowl of Corn Flakes could cause cancelled classes.
Today I got a chance to drive my new Forester in the snow by taking my daughter to work. The plow had piled a foot of snow or more in front of the driveway. Piece of cake! The Spudmobile drove beautifully on the snowy, slushy, icy streets. I wasn't real impressed by the wiper heaters, but I'll give them another chance. The heated mirrors are absolutely fabulous. I like this car more and more all the time. Have been starting to sing the old Queen song, "I'm in Love With My Car."
I don't care if you never read C&D again after this, but you HAVE to read their review of the Subaru Baja. The pictures alone (the one with the 600-700 pounds of cinder blocks) are priceless! LOL!
John Phillips is one of my favorite automotive writers. He can be brutally funny and honest. This time he nailed the Baja. He's written a number of gems for C&D!
We got about 8" of snow here yesterday, so I finally got to try my '01 Forester S (5 speed) in the white stuff. I put my Blizzaks on just before it started. I went through some really deep stuff that was loose and piled up from the plows. I started from a dead stop in the deepest stuff I could find. I also tried hard acceleration from a dead stop on packed snow where the street had been plowed but not cleared. In each case, you would swear that you were on dry pavement! There was absolutely NO sliding or wheel spin at all. Hard acceleration and hard braking were always in a straight line, with no skidding. I didn't notice the ABS enaging at all, either.
My old '87 Mitsubishi Montero, a 5 speed with Goodyear Wrangler A/T tires, didn't handle snow this well even in 4 Low. It had higher ground clearance, so it would probably work better in deeper snow, but otherwise, the Forester would be my choice.
I'm definitely sold on the Forester/Blizzak combo. My wife didn't take her '02 Outback out in the snow, so I can't compare the two. But I'm sure her car, with the Blizzaks on, would do just as well. Ahh, yes, the Beauty of All-Wheel Drive!
I took my 03 Forester x out in the snow yesterday. The side roads were pretty deep in slush. While my car exhibited no wheel spin I found the car to slide to the side alot when I hit uneven snow on the road. The back also came out alot around turns. I wonder if I had the xs model with the limited slip rear would this be as bad. The low profile tires seem to just get burried in the snow. I wonder if tires with a larger profile would of been better or is the answer just snow tires? My last two vehicles were larger ford suv"s and the wheels were only 15inch rims but the more truck like tires seem to of did better in snow. Am I expecting to much from a much smaller lighter car?
I just got a 2003 Forester X. I did the standard 5 minmute test drive (stupid me). I drive alot (35K every year) and I'm finding that it's not very comfortable. Is there any way to customize the seats so that they are more comfortable? The 2003 seats are really hard.
What size Blizzaks are you running? Did you order the 15" package from tirerack with the steel wheels? Just curious, I could be making a purchase within the next week. Thanks.
Had my first experience driving my '02 Forester L in snow on Thursday. It was AMAZING!! I had 40 miles to drive on a mix of poorly plowed and unplowed roads and the Forester shined. The AWD did its thing and my car just went. No drama, no white knuckles. It was actually fun to be driving in the snow!
When things got really dicey and traction was lost, the Forester kept its composure and was very predictable and easy to control. It also regained traction very quickly.
As I drove I was happy that I chose the full-time AWD Forester over the part-time 4WD CRV - the Subaru system is fantastic. My co-worker traded his 4WD Explorer in on an '03X this Fall and said the Forester's AWD is far superior to the 4WD system on his old Ford. He calls the Subaru's snow driving charactreristics "supernatural." I agree.
After Thursday, I can't see driving anything but a Subie. If you're on the fence and snow driving is part of your life, go with a Subaru.
There are aftermarket seat cushions will all sorts of features, including heaters and massagers. One is made by HoMedics.
The Forester seats are hard, but harder seats are more comfortable for most people on longer drives. The newer Forester seats seem somewhat less adjustable than the older ones, but if you keep trying, you may find a more comfortable adjustment for longer drives.
I run 205/70/15 Blizzak's on my Forester L. I used the steel wheels that came on my Forester. These tires are great. I'm on my fourth winter on them & they are wearing great. I may just get two more winters on them. If you go with 16 inchers I don't feel they will work as well. The 205's are narrower than the 215's & will bite better in the snow. That being said the 215/55/16's will still work very good. The recommended setup from Tire Rack for a Forester S is 205/70/15's on steel rims.
The LSD really wouldn't help much in the sideways sliding. That behavior is going to happen in the snow no matter what you drive. Only thing to cut back on it is better tires.
Snow driving - We've had our Forester for 2 1/2 years and this was the first somewhat heavy snow we've had in that time. My wife complained of the side sliding of the car around turns, but it just took a few times of losing control and being able to regain it in seconds before she realized the real benefits of AWD.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I also went with the 205-70-15s on a set of steel wheels from a Forester L. I agree that the narrower tires should work better in snow. I put them on the car just before the snow, and I removed them the following day, since all the roads were clear by then, and I want to minimize their use on dry pavement.
I'd like to upgrade the sound in my 2003 X. Does anyone know how difficult it is to install the tweeter kit and how much time it would take? Not that I'd do it myself; I'd probably have to take it to the dealer.
I don't turn the volume up much at all on the radio/CD, but I get a buzz or vibration that seems to be coming from the door speakers.
Seems as though harder seats are the wave of the present. Blame MBenz on the trend. I tried a lot of cars before buying the Forester and all had comparably hard seats... they're far better than the WRX seats, for example. I know this is little solace to the protesting new Forester owner, but in my case, the hard seat sensation went away after about 6 months and 6000 miles. Now, I don't notice it...the seat has now become invisible to my tush and we are finally as one. I drove my Forester on a recent 2000 mile trip and had the least back pain I've ever experienced in an automobile on a trip of that length.
Don't become biased without spending at least 6 months in the seats, then modify them if they are still uncomfortable. Tush-pressure may break them in to your liking.
I agree that the seats during the first few days seemed uncomfortable but now into the car 5 months I have no problem driving the entire 400+ miles between gas stations without stopping. Bob L
Why does subaru significantly limit our choices with their cars. We can only get certain colors in certain trims. The sun roof is only available with the premium package and not a stand alone option. We can only have leather if we get the premium and an automatic transmition. This seems absolutely rediculus. The car should be available in a set number of colors and options and the consumer should be able to pick what they want. Personaly, I want a two tone, blue, with sunroof, manual transmition, and leather. I can only acomplish some of my wishes with aftermarket equipment added to premium package car and I would still be left unsatisfied. Why can't they just get more flexable with their options. Their options seem totaly inconsistent. I know it probably costs them some but I would think that everyone would be happier and it would add more long term devoted customers.
That has been one of my gripes as well. I can understand having a limited color selection on the base model, but why oh why do they not have a Cayenne Red in the XS, only the XS Premium?
IIRC you can get every color except black in the X, but you can't get Cayenne Red, or Aspen White in the XS, and no Woodland Green, or Pacifica Blue in the XS Premium.
Cayenne Red XS I'm not a big fan of the monotone effect either, but there I may just be the victim of market forces.
Hi everyone, Just bought an ‘03 Forester X. Neat car. Great forum. Had a couple of questions. (Did a search and didn't see answers, but in case I didn't search correctly, please pardon if these have been discussed.) 1. What’s the best way to go for an alarm system? I saw one advertised at a few sites on the Internet for around $125. A Subaru logo is in the ad, but they don’t go into any details. Is this an OEM unit and does it have a “kill” function? Is it easy to install? Or, is there a better setup someone can recommend? 2. What's the hot tip regarding trailer hitches (what kind, where to buy). We'd be using it for a bicycle carrier. Are they easily installed? I noticed a discussion earlier in this thread, but couldn’t get to Juice’s links to check out the pictures. Thanks in advance for any info, Steve
You can go OE for the hitch, which includes a harness and costs a little more, or look for a Hidden Hitch or DrawTite hitch. All 3 have fit on one Subie or another nicely.
If you get the OE hitch, lemme know and I'll e-mail pics that might help you. It's not hard at all, 7 bolts. You remove a couple of tow hooks and a vacuum canister from the fuel system temporarily. Just be careful to reconnect it all or you'll get a CEL.
I've heard the tweeter installation is easy. You just pop off the grid, it's prewired.
Paul: tires make all the difference. A rear LSD might actually help a bit. Your tail will kick out when the rear axle loses traction, like in a turn when you apply power. I love doing that, it's fun!
So the XS model may have a slightly higher threshold before the rears kick loose. But they still will if you try hard enough.
Even with lame-in-the-snow touring tires with a 460 treadwear rating, Sandy was unstoppable. :-)
I agree that limiting some options seems ridiculous, but I would guess it has to do with sales volume. There are relatively few Forester sales compared with, say, some GM models that offer a tremendous number of option possiblilites. Some years ago, I read a paper detailing the difficulty involved in programming a production line to accommodate a large number of options. When trying to schedule efficient production, they run into a problem known as combinatorial explosion that makes the job a serious challenge, even using computers with artificial intelligence capability.
Anyway, I hope that the new turbo will not be a luxury model in the way that the Outback 6 cylinders are set up. There is a market for performance without luxury appointments. We are not all of the James Bond mentality. I especially hate the idea of high power and cornering capability coupled with leather seats. Having driven a leather equipped Volvo on a racetrack once, I can attest to the difficulty in keeping the driver's rear end in place in the slippery seats while the car's rear end is engaged in spirited maneuvers.
Well, I see 16 color combos (including two-tone and monotone), 6 interior colors, 3 models (I'll count the premium package as a model), and 2 tranny choices, that's 576 variations for dealers to stock.
That's not feasible. Let's put you in charge, what would you offer? Let's assume your budget is finite and you'd get fired if you either spend too much or don't please enough customers.
Occasionally I think about getting a cover from Subaru for my Forester because I don't have a garage. Then I think that the chore of covering and uncovering will quickly banish this option to the land of forsaken treadmills and Thighmasters. Does anyone use a car cover? Does using one offer more positives than negatives?
I always thought that the gray/black cladding that was on the L models (and now on the X) should have been standard across the board. I prefer the look of that cladding to the titanium on my white '01. I'd offer all the colors on all models. I'd also prefer a dark charcoal interior with equally dark carpeting, which would show less dirt. I have that color on my '92 Nissan and it never looks dirty.
Sunday I went up in the Pike National Forest to get my $10 Christmas tree. Drove in on a dirt road until I found a side road that looked promising.
My '02 S Premium 5 sp handled everything. The off road test started with a steep initial approach, climbing an embankment that I wouldn't have considered with any of my FWD, lower clearance vehciles.
Next up was a moderate climb on dirt through the trees. Nothing real steep, but there were some tight turns that required care to avoid trees and protruding branches.
The climb topped out, leading to a descent into a narrow valley that was more open, with a few beaver dams and ponds. The descent was steep, would have liked a low range so as to not have to use the brakes. Even in 1st, would have built up too much speed without braking. No slipping there, so the descent was smooth and controlled.
After getting the perfect tree and tagging it with my Forest SErvice permit it was time to go.
The climb up and out of the valley again made me wish for low range. I thought I'd take it slow and easy, but the climb was so steep that I would have stalled had I not backed off and descended. (Thought about disengaging the clutch and revving the engine to get the RPMs up, but opted instead for the more conservative approach).
On the second attempt, with a little momentum and not letting the RPM's dip too low, made it with no wheel slippage. In the steepest spot needed almost full throttle even at a slow, relatively low RPM pace. There were places that the road was deeply rutted, so had to straddle the ruts.
Overall, the Forester felt solid, up to the challenge, and inspired confidence. On my wish list, based on that experience, would be first a low-range opption (or a six speed with a lower low and a higher high). Next, though less necessary with the new transmission, would be more power. Another wish-list item, hough not related to the off-road eperience, would be the self-levelling rear suspension, since I've read here that it's provided in other markets. Don't have a hitch yet, but will add one and haul bikes that way and maybe pull an occasional trailer.
The other vehicles I saw down there were all more traditional, bigger SUVs.
Now that I've seen what my Forester can do, I'm ready to dig out all my old camping gear and get off road a little more.
Len: but dark interiors feel hotter, and lots of people like the monotone.
Your way they'd have 7 color combos, 1 interior color, 3 models, and 2 tranny choices, that's 42 variations. But that may not leave enough selection.
So you wouldn't spend too much, but you might lose customers. I want monotone silver, light grey interior, so I'd get neither.
I say keep the unpainted bumpers and the monotone only, so no slate painted bumpers. Make all XS models monotone, in other words.
Also, I don't see why the X and XS need different fabrics. Offer only one in grey or beige, and leather in both colors. 6 down to 4.
And I'd change the color palette a lot. Most colors are too dark and show dirt easily (opposite of the interior, I guess). Keep the black, red, silver, add Sea Mist Green, Timberline Green, and White Frost Pearl from the Outback colors, which IMO offer a better selection.
I think the White Frost Pearl in particular is a very rich, expensive looking paint. The type that Mercedes charges $500 extra just for choosing the color.
I'm a new member and in buying process. Between CRV and Forester, but leaning towards Soobie more and more.
So, any Canadian experiences when it comes to price paid and negotiations. Does anybody know an invoice price and how much discount are dealers willing to give. Also, I find Freight/PDI a little bit steep (comparing to the CRV its $1350 vs. $850)
I'm looking into X model but XS will do for comparison. Also, what is good source of aftermrket parts and accessories in Canada or willing to ship to Canada.
I tried this before and it didn't work, so here is Rev "B".
On the X trim, the following colors, Aspen White, Cayenne Red, Platinum Silver, Woodland Green, Ice Blue, and Black Java Gold with the black cladding. I'd also make 4 Wheel Disc brakes standard across the line as well as the all weather package.
Economies of scale, with the same equipment used across the board should minimize the cost increases.
I knew I was in a minority with the monotone, but I can live with it. For the XS, then, the following colors in addition to the X - SeaMist Green, White Pearl (replacing Aspen White), (good choices, Juice!) Dump the Sierra metallic. Add a nice Deep Burgundy
I'm with a Dark gray for the interior. It would be a darker gray than currently offered. One interior, an upgrade in material from the X to the XS, and leather available in all the XS models. Heck, make the sunroof standard on the XS.
Now you have 12 Configurations in the X and 28 in the XS for a total of 40. And everyone's happy.
Juice penned, Well, I see 16 color combos (including two-tone and monotone), 6 interior colors, 3 models (I'll count the premium package as a model), and 2 tranny choices, that's 576 variations for dealers to stock.
Well in the X trim, you have 6 colors but you don't, as far as I know, have a choice of interior color with exterior color. That's 12 configurations with automatic and manual.
In the XS you have 5 colors and two transmissions for a total of 10 configurations.
In the XS Premium you have 5 colors and two transmission choices for a total of 10 configurations.
03xngreen: i got my hitch from etrailer.com, it's a draw-tite and it fit no problem. just like Juice says, there are 7 bolts and you do have to move things around a bit. make sure you have a torque wrench and an extender, other than that, it's really easy to install it. class II is rated at 3500lbs/300lbs tongue which is beyond the X capability (2400lbs/200 lbs tongue) so this is what i got.
heyduke: great to hear about your X-mas tree offroad experience. i too wish for a less sagging end. i bought the larger springs to increase clearance and take care of the sagging. i am trying to convince a local shop to put them in for me in the next few days, so i will post pics then. we can keep dreaming about the lo gearing, as it will probably never make it to US... ;->
I should have also listed the Winestone color (there's your Burgundy), which I really like. It's my favorite red hue from Subaru.
I love the idea of making the AWP and 4 wheel discs standard.
I meant 576 possible variations. Everyone seems to want a differnet color combo, so I was trying to point out that it's not practical for Subaru to offer every color with every trim line and interior.
37 combos is a practical amount, so your 40 would also be practical.
For the hitch, good idea to use that extension. I have two 3" that I piggy backed. My torque wrench has a long shaft for leverage, else you'll need a breaker bar. I think the bolts were 17mm, make sure you have that socket size.
kajko: where'd you get the springs? iSR? The full set? $360 I think? I'm very interested to know.
Since there's still snow and ice around, I've been driving Sandy full time (the Miata is parked), and I'm truly appreciating how much I still enjoy her even 4.5 years later. I talk about trading up for a turbo, but giving her up would be like donating a kidney.
I'd go along with the monotone and the unpainted cladding as the two choices, depending on trim line. That Titanium cladding on the'01 Forester S didn't look too great, though it doesn't look bad on the Outbacks. Speaking of White, I don't like the look of the white on the Outback. It looks more beige than the white on the Foresters. That's the reason we didn't get my wife's '02 OB in white...it would have always looked dirty parked next to my white Forester.
Comments
So I visited the Edmunds pages that show incentives, but I didn't see anything listed, not even the 0.9% on the Outbacks, etc.
Where else can I go to get this info? Or, how often does Edmunds update their info? The Subaru site claims you must take delivery between Dec. 3 and Jan. 2 - leading me to believe that this promotion is only a couple of days old.
I'm especially interested in the Forester, but my hubby is leaning towards a Legacy. So these sorts of incentives could be important in our decision making process.
Thanks,
Tamara
Bob: the roof rack is a Yakima RocketBox. I looked at a few between 16 and 20 cu ft, and the cost to size ratio was best on this 16 cu ft model because of an REI sale ($280). there is a model which i almost ordered called Yakima LoadRanger 20, but when i went to a local store, it turns out it only opens less than a foot on the side! you couldn't slip a sleeping bag through there and your ski boots would have to go in sideways...
That vehicle is no threat to the Forester, by the way. I drove a 140hp FWD model, and it was slow, slow. LOUD engine, too. It would be even slower with AWD.
It was well assembled but materials were very cheap, maybe a step up from Suzuki but two steps down from Subaru. Ride and handling were nice, though. But that's spoiled by road noise and engine racket.
-juice
Yeah, I did lose my high beams, but it's not that big of a problem. There are a couple manufacturers who make dual beam H4 bulbs that would keep the high beams, but I couldn't justify spending an extra couple hundred dollars for something I'll use for a few minutes at most. What brand HID's did you get? Compare them to the stock bulb and look at how they line up. Hopefully you can make it work. See this webpage
http://www.hidkits.com/tab_main_focus.htm
I'm planning on adding some driving lights anyway to compensate for the loss in highbeams. I saw a really nice custom made light bar on a WRX last month. I'm gonna try and find out if he can make one for the forester.
Kajko,
I had the same sagging problem on my car, I had it loaded up with two bike and a roof rack on the top, and the inside filled to the ceiling with stuff. After a 1500 mile trip, I think my shocks are dead. With all that stuff on my car, I was only getting 19-20 mpg.
Greg
Today I got a chance to drive my new Forester in the snow by taking my daughter to work. The plow had piled a foot of snow or more in front of the driveway. Piece of cake! The Spudmobile drove beautifully on the snowy, slushy, icy streets. I wasn't real impressed by the wiper heaters, but I'll give them another chance. The heated mirrors are absolutely fabulous.
I like this car more and more all the time.
Have been starting to sing the old Queen song, "I'm in Love With My Car."
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/roadtests/2002/december/0212_roadtest_baja.xml
Enjoy, and try not to laugh too hard!
burnsmr4
Bob
-juice
My old '87 Mitsubishi Montero, a 5 speed with Goodyear Wrangler A/T tires, didn't handle snow this well even in 4 Low. It had higher ground clearance, so it would probably work better in deeper snow, but otherwise, the Forester would be my choice.
I'm definitely sold on the Forester/Blizzak combo. My wife didn't take her '02 Outback out in the snow, so I can't compare the two. But I'm sure her car, with the Blizzaks on, would do just as well. Ahh, yes, the Beauty of All-Wheel Drive!
Len
I am interested in the 47mm Nudge bar but $400+ seems too expensive for me.
ducktapeguy,
Keep us post if U found any nudge bar for forester.
In the worse case, I may just drill holes in my OEM brush guard to have the driving lights installed.
Michael
When things got really dicey and traction was lost, the Forester kept its composure and was very predictable and easy to control. It also regained traction very quickly.
As I drove I was happy that I chose the full-time AWD Forester over the part-time 4WD CRV - the Subaru system is fantastic. My co-worker traded his 4WD Explorer in on an '03X this Fall and said the Forester's AWD is far superior to the 4WD system on his old Ford. He calls the Subaru's snow driving charactreristics "supernatural." I agree.
After Thursday, I can't see driving anything but a Subie. If you're on the fence and snow driving is part of your life, go with a Subaru.
The Forester seats are hard, but harder seats are more comfortable for most people on longer drives. The newer Forester seats seem somewhat less adjustable than the older ones, but if you keep trying, you may find a more comfortable adjustment for longer drives.
The recommended setup from Tire Rack for a Forester S is 205/70/15's on steel rims.
Snow driving - We've had our Forester for 2 1/2 years and this was the first somewhat heavy snow we've had in that time. My wife complained of the side sliding of the car around turns, but it just took a few times of losing control and being able to regain it in seconds before she realized the real benefits of AWD.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I also went with the 205-70-15s on a set of steel wheels from a Forester L. I agree that the narrower tires should work better in snow. I put them on the car just before the snow, and I removed them the following day, since all the roads were clear by then, and I want to minimize their use on dry pavement.
Len
Michael
I don't turn the volume up much at all on the radio/CD, but I get a buzz or vibration that seems to be coming from the door speakers.
Don't become biased without spending at least 6 months in the seats, then modify them if they are still uncomfortable. Tush-pressure may break them in to your liking.
-mike
That has been one of my gripes as well. I can understand having a limited color selection on the base model, but why oh why do they not have a Cayenne Red in the XS, only the XS Premium?
IIRC you can get every color except black in the X, but you can't get Cayenne Red, or Aspen White in the XS, and no Woodland Green, or Pacifica Blue in the XS Premium.
Cayenne Red XS
Just bought an ‘03 Forester X. Neat car. Great forum. Had a couple of questions. (Did a search and didn't see answers, but in case I didn't search correctly, please pardon if these have been discussed.)
1. What’s the best way to go for an alarm system? I saw one advertised at a few sites on the Internet for around $125. A Subaru logo is in the ad, but they don’t go into any details. Is this an OEM unit and does it have a “kill” function? Is it easy to install? Or, is there a better setup someone can recommend?
2. What's the hot tip regarding trailer hitches (what kind, where to buy). We'd be using it for a bicycle carrier. Are they easily installed? I noticed a discussion earlier in this thread, but couldn’t get to Juice’s links to check out the pictures.
Thanks in advance for any info,
Steve
If you get the OE hitch, lemme know and I'll e-mail pics that might help you. It's not hard at all, 7 bolts. You remove a couple of tow hooks and a vacuum canister from the fuel system temporarily. Just be careful to reconnect it all or you'll get a CEL.
I've heard the tweeter installation is easy. You just pop off the grid, it's prewired.
Paul: tires make all the difference. A rear LSD might actually help a bit. Your tail will kick out when the rear axle loses traction, like in a turn when you apply power. I love doing that, it's fun!
So the XS model may have a slightly higher threshold before the rears kick loose. But they still will if you try hard enough.
Even with lame-in-the-snow touring tires with a 460 treadwear rating, Sandy was unstoppable. :-)
-juice
Anyway, I hope that the new turbo will not be a luxury model in the way that the Outback 6 cylinders are set up. There is a market for performance without luxury appointments. We are not all of the James Bond mentality. I especially hate the idea of high power and cornering capability coupled with leather seats. Having driven a leather equipped Volvo on a racetrack once, I can attest to the difficulty in keeping the driver's rear end in place in the slippery seats while the car's rear end is engaged in spirited maneuvers.
That's not feasible. Let's put you in charge, what would you offer? Let's assume your budget is finite and you'd get fired if you either spend too much or don't please enough customers.
Who wants to play, just for fun?
-juice
The car has to be clean before you cover it - it's usually not. Then the inside of the cover gets dirty, and the cycle never stops.
-juice
Len
Len
My '02 S Premium 5 sp handled everything. The off road test started with a steep initial approach, climbing an embankment that I wouldn't have considered with any of my FWD, lower clearance vehciles.
Next up was a moderate climb on dirt through the trees. Nothing real steep, but there were some tight turns that required care to avoid trees and protruding branches.
The climb topped out, leading to a descent into a narrow valley that was more open, with a few beaver dams and ponds. The descent was steep, would have liked a low range so as to not have to use the brakes. Even in 1st, would have built up too much speed without braking. No slipping there, so the descent was smooth and controlled.
After getting the perfect tree and tagging it with my Forest SErvice permit it was time to go.
The climb up and out of the valley again made me wish for low range. I thought I'd take it slow and easy, but the climb was so steep that I would have stalled had I not backed off and descended. (Thought about disengaging the clutch and revving the engine to get the RPMs up, but opted instead for the more conservative approach).
On the second attempt, with a little momentum and not letting the RPM's dip too low, made it with no wheel slippage. In the steepest spot needed almost full throttle even at a slow, relatively low RPM pace. There were places that the road was deeply rutted, so had to straddle the ruts.
Overall, the Forester felt solid, up to the challenge, and inspired confidence. On my wish list, based on that experience, would be first a low-range opption (or a six speed with a lower low and a higher high). Next, though less necessary with the new transmission, would be more power. Another wish-list item, hough not related to the off-road eperience, would be the self-levelling rear suspension, since I've read here that it's provided in other markets. Don't have a hitch yet, but will add one and haul bikes that way and maybe pull an occasional trailer.
The other vehicles I saw down there were all more traditional, bigger SUVs.
Now that I've seen what my Forester can do, I'm ready to dig out all my old camping gear and get off road a little more.
Your way they'd have 7 color combos, 1 interior color, 3 models, and 2 tranny choices, that's 42 variations. But that may not leave enough selection.
So you wouldn't spend too much, but you might lose customers. I want monotone silver, light grey interior, so I'd get neither.
I say keep the unpainted bumpers and the monotone only, so no slate painted bumpers. Make all XS models monotone, in other words.
Also, I don't see why the X and XS need different fabrics. Offer only one in grey or beige, and leather in both colors. 6 down to 4.
And I'd change the color palette a lot. Most colors are too dark and show dirt easily (opposite of the interior, I guess). Keep the black, red, silver, add Sea Mist Green, Timberline Green, and White Frost Pearl from the Outback colors, which IMO offer a better selection.
I think the White Frost Pearl in particular is a very rich, expensive looking paint. The type that Mercedes charges $500 extra just for choosing the color.
-juice
texan5
-juice
I'm a new member and in buying process. Between CRV and Forester, but leaning towards Soobie more and more.
So, any Canadian experiences when it comes to price paid and negotiations. Does anybody know an invoice price and how much discount are dealers willing to give. Also, I find Freight/PDI a little bit steep (comparing to the CRV its $1350 vs. $850)
I'm looking into X model but XS will do for comparison. Also, what is good source of aftermrket parts and accessories in Canada or willing to ship to Canada.
I know it's too much for the first time,
kid
Any folks north of the border help out with the supplier names? I know Pat knows a few, but he has a Legacy GT and doesn't follow this topic.
-juice
On the X trim, the following colors, Aspen White, Cayenne Red, Platinum Silver, Woodland Green, Ice Blue, and Black Java Gold with the black cladding. I'd also make 4 Wheel Disc brakes standard across the line as well as the all weather package.
Economies of scale, with the same equipment used across the board should minimize the cost increases.
I knew I was in a minority with the monotone, but I can live with it. For the XS, then, the following colors in addition to the X - SeaMist Green, White Pearl (replacing Aspen White), (good choices, Juice!) Dump the Sierra metallic. Add a nice Deep Burgundy
I'm with a Dark gray for the interior. It would be a darker gray than currently offered. One interior, an upgrade in material from the X to the XS, and leather available in all the XS models. Heck, make the sunroof standard on the XS.
Now you have 12 Configurations in the X and 28 in the XS for a total of 40. And everyone's happy.
Well, I see 16 color combos (including two-tone and monotone), 6 interior colors, 3 models (I'll count the premium package as a model), and 2 tranny choices, that's 576 variations for dealers to stock.
Well in the X trim, you have 6 colors but you don't, as far as I know, have a choice of interior color with exterior color. That's 12 configurations with automatic and manual.
In the XS you have 5 colors and two transmissions for a total of 10 configurations.
In the XS Premium you have 5 colors and two transmission choices for a total of 10 configurations.
Plus a total of 5 Leather configurations.
My math comes out to 37...
heyduke: great to hear about your X-mas tree offroad experience. i too wish for a less sagging end. i bought the larger springs to increase clearance and take care of the sagging. i am trying to convince a local shop to put them in for me in the next few days, so i will post pics then. we can keep dreaming about the lo gearing, as it will probably never make it to US...
;->
great to hear about your experience!
I love the idea of making the AWP and 4 wheel discs standard.
I meant 576 possible variations. Everyone seems to want a differnet color combo, so I was trying to point out that it's not practical for Subaru to offer every color with every trim line and interior.
37 combos is a practical amount, so your 40 would also be practical.
For the hitch, good idea to use that extension. I have two 3" that I piggy backed. My torque wrench has a long shaft for leverage, else you'll need a breaker bar. I think the bolts were 17mm, make sure you have that socket size.
kajko: where'd you get the springs? iSR? The full set? $360 I think? I'm very interested to know.
Since there's still snow and ice around, I've been driving Sandy full time (the Miata is parked), and I'm truly appreciating how much I still enjoy her even 4.5 years later. I talk about trading up for a turbo, but giving her up would be like donating a kidney.
-juice
I'd go along with the monotone and the unpainted cladding as the two choices, depending on trim line. That Titanium cladding on the'01 Forester S didn't look too great, though it doesn't look bad on the Outbacks. Speaking of White, I don't like the look of the white on the Outback. It looks more beige than the white on the Foresters. That's the reason we didn't get my wife's '02 OB in white...it would have always looked dirty parked next to my white Forester.
Len
I've always liked the pearl colors, vs. metallic (which is still nice).
The White Pearl looks like it would disguise salt/dust perfectly.
-juice