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2009 Subaru Forester

3747 messages,  Last post on Oct 15, 2012 at 3:22 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Future Vehicle, Wagon

Messages Page 261 of 375

#2601 of 3747 Re: 2008 Forester 2.5XT Turbo M5 [mec77] by kurtamaxxxguy

Nov 08, 2008 (5:23 pm)

Replying to: mec77 (Nov 08, 2008 4:56 pm)
Subaru requires 91 octane for the turbo, except in an emergency situation where for a short time (1 tank or less?) you can use 89 or 87. You will get less power from those as the engine will retard spark to avoid detonation. Use low octane for very long and you will either get a CHECK ENGINE warning (requires a trip to dealer to reset), or your engine will possibly overheat.
 
You also must change the engine oil every 3750 miles. If you do not, Subaru will invalidate your engine warranty (their warning to me was ALL CAPS).
 
If possible you should drive both X and XT and see if the X's aspired engine has enough power for your needs.

#2602 of 3747 Re: 2008 Forester 2.5XT Turbo M5 [kurtamaxxxguy] by mec77

Nov 09, 2008 (7:07 am)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Nov 08, 2008 5:23 pm)
Thank you. Unfortunately after asking the salesman what gas it uses, and being told several times regular I filled the tank for the first time, with 87, then saw the premium only on the inside of the tank door. I bought used with low miles, no owners manual, though I have requested and received a 2005. Lots of help.

#2603 of 3747 Re: 2008 Forester 2.5XT Turbo M5 [mec77] by bigfrank3

Nov 09, 2008 (9:49 am)

Replying to: mec77 (Nov 09, 2008 7:07 am)
If you activate my.subaru.com with your VIN number you can get the PDF version of your owner's manual from there.

#2604 of 3747 Anybody installed an overhead DVD/ entertainment system? by samirataustin

Nov 09, 2008 (12:51 pm)

Has anybody installed an overhead entertainment system with built in DVD on their 2009 Forester? Saw some units online with both FM and IR transmitter. So theoretically they should only need 12V power and the door switch connection (for the built in dome light). Both should be available at the dome light on the Forester. BTW I don't have a moon- roof.
 
I plan to take out the dome light and investigate, wanted to see if somebody has already gone down this path.
 
Thanks!

#2605 of 3747 Satellite Radio by jopopsy

Nov 10, 2008 (11:06 am)

Hey Gang,
 
Debating getting the Satellite radio thing going in my new Forester. Dealer price for the Subaru branded unit is north of 300 beans (not sure about installation).
 
Has anybody tried a aftermarket unit that works w/ the stock Subaru head (no NAV)? Ideally I'd like something I can take in and out of the car so I can use it in more places, but I'm not sure you can buy something like that (at least, not with the head integration).
 
Anybody tackle this yet? I did a search but did not find much.
 
Thanks,
Jopopsy

#2606 of 3747 2009 Forester 10,000 mile update by fanatical

Nov 10, 2008 (3:29 pm)

Just turned 10k on the Forester LL Bean, no issues at all. Most of my daily driving is suburban roads, work, day care runs, shopping etc. The mileage has been consistent at 26.4 mpg which I'm pleased with. Changed the oil three times and rotated the tires. Oil changes are a breeze at home, just watch the little metal flat washer that is on the drain plug, you don't want to forget to reinstall it. Ride is smooth and I'm looking forward to trying the AWD in the snow. Love those heated seats/mirrors for the recent chilly mornings here in the Northeast. Very happy with this puchase!

#2607 of 3747 Re: 2009 Forester 10,000 mile update [fanatical] by amiller1

Nov 10, 2008 (5:17 pm)

Replying to: fanatical (Nov 10, 2008 3:29 pm)
it this your first Forester or Subaru?? I have been looking for a new vehicle and drove the Forester and CRV. I really liked the Forester but had a few concerns. But after reading that most of the issues the Forester had were in the past 2002-2006. So good luck with yours.

#2608 of 3747 Re: 2009 Forester 10,000 mile update [amiller1] by p0926

Nov 10, 2008 (5:56 pm)

Replying to: amiller1 (Nov 10, 2008 5:17 pm)
most of the issues the Forester had were in the past 2002-2006
 
Actually the Forester has only experienced two significant issues (head gaskets & wheel bearings) and then only from its introduction in 1998 to 2002. The 2003 redesign addressed both those issues and since then there have been no major mechanically issues.
 
-Frank

#2609 of 3747 Drove an '09 X today... by kurtamaxxxguy

Nov 11, 2008 (9:14 am)

...and noticed these differences wrt the XT:
 
1. Seat tilts as it lifts, which gives very little support to thighs unless you are willing to put seat way back, which means your arms are straight.
2. Steering columm only tilts, which makes it harder to get comfortable,
3. Engine is more responsive off the line than the XT is (I think the rear gear ration is different), but runs out of steam quickly. I'd be uncomfortable trying to pass anyone in this car.
4. X leans more in turns than the XT does.
 
Also noticed the small bump harshness again (that went away in the XT once I replaced the Geolander tires with Nokians.).
 
No rattles, though.

#2610 of 3747 Re: Drove an '09 X today... [kurtamaxxxguy] by xwesx

Nov 11, 2008 (2:10 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Nov 11, 2008 9:14 am)
I swear those interior rattles wait until about 5-7 days after you drive the car off the lot.

Messages Page 261 of 375

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