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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 350 of 1804

#3487 of 18028 Conducted my own Forester crash test! by kittythedog

Dec 08, 2001 (1:05 pm)

I posted this story on the wagons board, but it should be here, too. I was driving a 1998 Subaru Forester with 75,000 miles on it.
 
On October 13 I was hit by a girl who lost control of her car and crossed the freeway median. We were both going about 70mph. She pretty much T-boned me, with our drivers side front bumpers having first contact, then she swung around and hit my door. I was just driving in the left lane, and couldn't avoid her.
 
Anyway, my car ended up almost all the way on the feeder after amazingly crossing 3 lanes of the highway without hitting anyone. My husband (passenger) had 7 broken ribs on the left side, a cracked sternum, and his left lung collapsed. I had multiple pelvic fractures (mostly on left side), shattered sacrum, and a couple of broken bones in my right foot. The airbags had deployed.
We're both okay now, after lots of hospital time and physical therapy.
 
Needless to say we are lucky to be alive, and grateful for the Subaru's safety. It was totaled, sadly. I came to these boards because I am looking for a new car. I am considering another Subaru, but I am really disappointed with the poor gas mileage. But who knows, I may end up with one. I really loved that car, and it did a great job of keeping us safe.
 
Susannah

#3488 of 18028 re: crash test ... by tidester

Dec 08, 2001 (1:58 pm)

kittythedog,
 
Thank goodness you survived that horrendous ordeal and for sharing your story with us. Welcome back!!
 
tidester
Host
SUVs

#3489 of 18028 kittythedog by scirocco22

Dec 08, 2001 (6:22 pm)

Susannah-- Posted a quick response over on the SW "introduce yourself..." board. I'm hesitant on posting any of my opinions on this board anymore.
 
--'rocco

#3490 of 18028 New Forester on the way... by jwg7

Dec 09, 2001 (12:03 am)

My wife and I are anxiously awaiting the delivery of the Forester (white S+,AT,w/lthr) we've had on order. We're both very excited, but have some questions that some of you may be able to answer, or at least shed some valuable insight. Any input is greatly appreciated.
 
1) How comfortable is the rear seat in the long run - really? We spent some time back there with our four year old Son, and found that while it's tighter than our old wagon - it's not torture. But that was only a long test drive. What about access with infant and booster seats, other passengers, and extended trips?
 
2) Accessories. We ordered the rear spoiler, gauge pack, cabin air filter, and armrest. Although we never saw the spoiler on a white Forester it was on others on the lot and (to us that day, anyway) looked sharp and integrated. I've since seen photos and became concerned that it looks like a tacked-on, needless affectation (which I suppose it is - although the dealer SWORE it would help clear the rear window of rain and dust). Does it look good on white? Don't hold back... (I'm looking for someone to make us feel good about this accessory choice). As for the other accessories, any input or advice is welcome and appreciated.
 
3) Although the Forester is based on an automobile chassis, how well does it handle abrupt emergency maneuvers as well as fast sweepers such as highway on-ramps where you're trying to build speed but also negotiate a curve? During our test drive I took the ramps pretty slow, respecting that it was a brand new vehicle that I wasn't too familiar with from a handling standpoint and had no intention of buying that particular one.
 
I apologize if this posting is too long (it's my first ever). Thanks!

#3491 of 18028 'rocco by tidester

Dec 09, 2001 (1:08 am)

I don't understand why you'd be hesitant to post there or here! Go for it!
 
Besides, I have it on high authority that SUVers are more friendly than station wagoners!
 
tidester
Host
SUVs

#3492 of 18028 jwg7 (still can't access profiles!) by armac13

Dec 09, 2001 (8:51 am)

I can respond to only your last two queries.
 
I do think the spoiler is a useless affectation, but I love the rear deflector!! It has made a world of difference in terms of rear visibility since I had it installed. Don't care for the looks, but it sure works.
 
On ramp and emergency handling is clearly superiour to the performance of the '94 VW Golf with Toyo tires that my '01 Forester replaced. I find it extremely stable and predictable, especially in the wet. I have inadvertently caused problems for people following me on on/off ramps. They have tried to follow my small wagon and have had to back off severely lest they lose control. Excellent control, particularly if you run slightly higher tire pressure (I use 34/32 currently). Hang around and enjoy your new Forester. It's a great car IMO.
 
Ross

#3493 of 18028 *gasp* ...where'd you hear that??? by scirocco22

Dec 09, 2001 (9:10 am)

tidester-- *lol* ...yes, that's probably true! Although I read this board regularly, I never really have felt part of this group. Because of the response I received after the last time I posted here, I hesitate to express my opinions again ...I get the feeling that the "old-timers" here resent my apparent know-it-all attitude. But I'll continue to read and maybe ask a few questions on the Subaru forums for a lot of good information can be acquired here. Thanx for your comments.
 
Now, with that said, it must just be too tempting ...I'm going to give Jeff a few of my opinions. *lol*
 
Jeff-- I "ordered" the gauge pack too. I was surprised when the dealer told me that they aren't put on at the factory and that I'd have to have a "dealer install" for that particular accessory so it ended up costing a bit more than the factory suggested price. Were you told that too? If I were to have to do it all over again, I might be tempted to go with after-market gauges ...the lighting at night doesn't quite match the instrument panel and the needles are washed-out making it just a little difficult to read. The daytime legibility is fine, though. But all-in-all, I still don't regret having the gauge pack installed.
 
My S+ is now about 4 months old and is feeling better and better as the miles accumulate. The engine is now loosening up quite nicely and the clutch is getting smoother too. It still has the irritating drivetrain lash but even that seems to be less noticeable. But to respond to your question #3, Jeff, although I haven't really had to maneuver in an emergency situation, I find that I'm quite surprised at how well the Forester handles. I seem to be driving it more and more like a sports car ...going through the gears and hearing that characteristic boxer growl is quite satisfying. I'm again surprised at the acceleration it has. There's no problem at all building speed on freeway ramps. And you'll find that you'll be hungry to find sweeping curves just for the fun of it. IMO, this vehicle corners relatively flatly and the awd makes it really hug the road in those sweeping curves when the pavement is wet. As others have stated before, I'm finding the car just seem to feel better as the miles accumulate. I'm certain that you, like me, will find both the handling and acceleration stellar for a vehicle of this classification!
 
Susannah-- To correct my response to your post over on the SW board: I believe that some domestic cars do have head curtains ...or so a friend told me after he read what I had written. I'll have to do some research on that just for my own curiosity for I know you didn't have any domestic cars on your list.
 
--'rocco

#3494 of 18028 Re: Crash by p0926

Dec 09, 2001 (9:35 am)

Susannah- Glad to hear both you and your husband are all right now. Sounds like you were banged up pretty bad but it could certainly have been much worse. What was the major cause of your injuries? Did part of the passenger compartment give way? What happened to the girl and her vehicle? Also, I see you were unhappy with your gas mileage. What were you averaging? I'm getting slightly over 27 mpg with a mostly hwy commute and am extremely pleased. What other vehicles are you considering?
 
-Frank P.

#3495 of 18028 by p0926

Dec 09, 2001 (9:55 am)

Rocco- You need to grow a thicker skin If you've been following these boards then you know that there are those who just like to argue but you've as much right as anybody to post your opinions. You certainly shouldn't allow yourself to be bullied off this forum just because one person chose to disagree with you. I can't speak about the other topics but by and large, us Subaru folks are an amicable bunch.
 
-Frank P.

#3496 of 18028 Forester starting problems by manning2

Dec 09, 2001 (9:56 am)

I HAVE A 02 FORESTER THAT WILL NOT START IN PARK ONCE IN A WHILE. I CAN ALWAYS START IT IN NEUTRAL. DEALER CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. IDEAS? THANKS

Messages Page 350 of 1804

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