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Subaru Forester (up to 2005) - READ ONLY

18028 messages,  Last post on Nov 02, 2006 at 7:19 AM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Wagon



Messages Page 1754 of 1804

#17522 of 18028 Re: 2004 Forester with 79K miles [goncst8] by kavoom

Mar 25, 2006 (7:40 am)

Replying to: goncst8 (Mar 21, 2006 6:10 pm)
I am on my third Suby, an 04 Forester (Feb 05 purchase). That year has gotten great ratings on reliability and best small SUV for the year if I am not mistaken.
 
My last Subaru a 99 Outback "Sport" went 147K miles before trading in. I put One set of front brakes on, one timing belt, maintenance and one set of replacement tires which they left two on when I got rid of it.
 
I traded and got 2,500. But heck, I needed a new clutch, another timing belt, another set of tires, brakes and a body fix on the front right quarter panel. I was figuring around 2K for all of that over a six month period.
 
I got a killer deal getting it in 05. They are selling used ones with 19K miles for almost what I paid new. I tow a pop up camper (1,800 lbs)like a dream.
 
Oh and the dealer sold mine, I talked to the buyer before and I see his daughter tooling around in my old Suby occasionally with a big smile on her face.
 
Yes, suby's are worth it, I've always gotten my money's worth...And even the looks of the Tribeca's are growing on me.

#17523 of 18028 Girlfriend just bought an 06 automatic by kavoom

Mar 25, 2006 (7:50 am)

Oh, I forgot to mention, my girlfriend who was ambivalent about mine new, just bought a new 06 two weeks ago. The safety ratings are what got her and the 04's were at the top of small SUV safety in 04 and the only ones not needing a tip over label as I understand...

#17524 of 18028 Re: Is a Subaru really worth it? [mnf] by once_for_all

Mar 25, 2006 (10:00 am)

Replying to: mnf (Mar 24, 2006 8:55 pm)
I have 50k on my '03 XS Forester, zero problems whatsoever. I still have 10k left on my OEM Geo tires even. Average tank mpg is about 27-27.5 (20% city).
 
So is it worth it? So far it is a great car. I wish it was a bit quieter. Part of the noise is due to the OEM tires, the other part due to window sealing.
 
Maybe the question to ask is would you buy another? Emphatically yes.
 
John

#17525 of 18028 Re: Is a Subaru really worth it? [mnf] by erikwi

Mar 25, 2006 (2:16 pm)

Replying to: mnf (Mar 24, 2006 8:55 pm)
I've had really good luck with VW's but I'm starting a new job April 1 and getting it to Greensboro will be even harder if I have any problems. Plus with the way my GTI likes to spin tires on wet pavement, if it snows I'd have a hard time getting home. That's 2 reasons right there why to get a Forester. I've looked back over previous posts and gotten good info and I've talked to people that have Outbacks. None had anything negative to say about Subaru or the dealer for that matter.
 
I will say this though. I did a search on various websites for used Foresters and only found 4 within 100 miles of my house. I guess people hang on until the wheels fall of!
 
I would like some real world data though. What kind of fuel economy do you see? Any problems with pinging or spark knock on regular unleaded? I've read about piston slap and engines that rev themselves up. Is that a common problem?
 
Thanks!

#17526 of 18028 Re: Is a Subaru really worth it? [erikwi] by 204meca

Mar 25, 2006 (5:30 pm)

Replying to: erikwi (Mar 25, 2006 2:16 pm)
03 Forester XS, manual, 28K; 23-24mpg 70% short city trips, 29-31 mpg highway (I drive with a light foot), regular fuel, no pinging, reasonable power, only 1 problem ("cold clutch judder" that affected a few 03, replaced entire clutch assembly under warranty), no complaints. Piston slap apparently a problem on pre 03 models. I got it for the AWD, towing 2,000 bass boat & felt it was the best combination of reliablity, overall low operational cost, and comfort. It is a great car for what I needed.

#17527 of 18028 Re: Is a Subaru really worth it? [204meca] by erikwi

Mar 25, 2006 (6:07 pm)

Replying to: 204meca (Mar 25, 2006 5:30 pm)
I had a friend who had an early Subie, I think it was just called a Subaru GL sedan. That was back in the before they were AWD. Ed told me one time that all he'd ever done was brakes, water pump and thermostat, and spark plugs. Car had 100k+ on it when he was sideswiped on the highway and totaled it. He went out and found another just like it.
 
Thanks for the info. The 06 Forester is sounding better and better!

Messages Page 1754 of 1804

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