Ask the Car People.SM


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 538 of 1803

#5371 of 18028 2003 Forester! by ateixeira

Apr 03, 2002 (8:39 am)

I wonder if the "new car stench" will still be standard equipment on the 2003 models?
 
94k? 122k? 215k? I hope that kind of durability is also standard!
 
Impressions from a long-time 1998 Forester L owner and big Subaru fan after finally seeing it in person and sitting in one (pardon the cross post from Future Models, but this is big so I had to share):
 
Pro:
* looks sharp in person, red is nicer than photos
* padded elbow rests on doors
* nicer headliner, you were right Patti!
* much, much nicer sun visors, but still not lit
* nice padded dash material, texture, feel
* aluminum hood
* 3 cargo nets
* AWD logo on side instead of cheap sticker
* side mirror and C pillar painted, not flat black
* better position for seat heater switch
* much better cup holders, but could be lined
* more comfy and supportive seats, ratchet to raise/lower
* most important: NO COST CUTTING
 
Con:
* one model on display had no mud guards? two did?
* roof rub strips are gone, now it's flat instead of having creases
* not that much roomier, 3 kids -> go with Legacy
* not much more cargo space, but was good before
 
So no big surprises, but it's generally slightly better at almost everything, so the overall package is much improved. I'd buy one in a second. I'd also suggest waiting for the 2003 if you are shopping now, it's worth it IMO.
 
-juice

#5372 of 18028 by ateixeira

Apr 03, 2002 (8:40 am)

By the way, the 2003 Legacy GT gets VTD AWD and Shiftronice! That means maybe we'll see that in other models soon.
 
-juice

#5373 of 18028 215K! by jei

Apr 03, 2002 (8:49 am)

NYPaul - Great news about that '99 with 215K. My '99 with 94K is a young'un by comparison. The Forester is our Long Trip car + I commute 75 miles a day.
 
Y'all keep an eye out for other high mileage Foresters. Graham - Any high milers from Australia?
 
John

#5374 of 18028 by kens

Apr 03, 2002 (10:30 am)

Whoa! 215K!? That's pretty amazing. I was feeling proud about reaching 70K soon on my 98. Guess I have a LONG way to go.
 
Ken

#5375 of 18028 mtngal and Exhaust Leak by entropy5527

Apr 03, 2002 (11:27 am)

The exhaust leak is from a broken joint just before the first catalytic converter. I hit a tree stump (acutally hit it hard enough to put the front wheels 3" in the air and high centered on the stump) chasing a tornado on a forest service access road. The output from the exhaust system still measures good from a smog check, however. I am actually surprised I didn't do more damage. I tored the water shield off the underside, put a big dent in the oil pan, and the exhaust leak. I love the abuse these cars will take!

#5376 of 18028 by ateixeira

Apr 03, 2002 (11:59 am)

Chasing a tornado?
 
I can understand that people would want a little excitement at work, but HOLY COW!
 
-juice

#5377 of 18028 Changing the oil -- some basic questions by burnsmr4

Apr 03, 2002 (1:09 pm)

Folks,
 
I get my first oil change at my dealership free in 2-3 weeks, so this question is for later. What's involved with removing the scuff guard to get to the oil filter? Does the oil filter angle mean that removing it will send oil all over suspension/exhaust parts underneath the car? My 1999 Mercury Cougar V-6 did that. Stunk to high heaven.
 
Thanks,
burnsmr4

#5378 of 18028 entropy5527 by mtngal

Apr 03, 2002 (1:37 pm)

Wow! That's a great recommendation, getting high-centered on a stump! The only time I've been high-centered with the Wrangler was last year when I tried to drive through just about 3 feet of snow (fell in one night). I got high centered on the snow/ice buildup under the frame - couldn't go forward or backward until I dug the snow out from under the frame (and this is with 4x4 and a LSD).
 
Now I'm getting really excited about test driving one.

#5379 of 18028 by ateixeira

Apr 03, 2002 (2:05 pm)

The oil filter points straight down. One good tip I've used was to poke the bottom of the filter with a screw driver, so oil drains out before you remove it.
 
Another was to put a diaper around the filter and remove it, so the oil is absorbed by the diaper.
 
-juice

#5380 of 18028 High Milers by grahampeters

Apr 03, 2002 (3:20 pm)

G'day
 
I have to admit that after almost three years, I only have 72,000km, about 40,000ml on my Outback. This is a welcome relief as I was previously doing 30-36K miles when living in England.When I was buying, I als asked various owners about longevity. Same response as you folks get. The standard Subaru owner line is
 
"Well, we have only had this one for three years and 100,000km but of course the previous two did 225,000km and 175,000km. Actually we wonder why we got rid of them because they were still going great and would have been good to keep for .....(insert name of deserving relative). Of course the Outback/Forester is much comfier and we are bargaining on changing it at 200,000km"
 
Actually, this was such a common response that I took to wondering whether Subarus marketing campaign was built around employing ordinary folk to hang around services stations, schools and parking lots, spreading a standard Subaru tale.
 
However, when I wait to get my Subaru serviced, I am amazed at the number of people ther getting routine services on 200,000km plus vehicles. I believe that regular servicing is critical to their longevity.
 
Cheers
 
Graham

Messages Page 538 of 1803

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement