2009 Subaru Forester

Replying to: volkov (Dec 13, 2008 11:42 am)

Another web site, TheTruthAboutCars, felt because the XT has a turbo, it's supposed to be a track demon, then slammed it because it behaved more like the practical CUV it is. Their favorite CUV's the Acura RDX, which handles and rides like a go cart. To each their own, I guess

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• samiam_68 (Dec 13, 2008 3:04 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 13, 2008 12:04 pm)

Hi, Kurt,
 
Just thought I would check to see how the snow is coming down in Oregon. It has just started snowing here and they expect the storm to stick around til Wednesday(with really cold temps )...it looks like a pretty big storm on the satellite.

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• kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 14, 2008 11:20 am)

Replying to: sgloon (Dec 14, 2008 12:12 am)

The snow is here and more is coming. I-5 is already closed by a truck wreck. Apparently the rain froze and snow fell on top of it....worst possible surface.
 
That artic cold front's really wierd....it's doing a zig zag over Portland and the main bulk of it's not over us yet. It will be and will get very cold for some time.
 
I'll be going out to play in an hour or so, but want to let those who had to leave the apartment complex leave first. It'll be no fun playing tag with those summer tire tuners in the apartment parking lot.

I've been driving the '09 XT awhile in 1 - 2" snow and some ice, mostly in deserted parking lots and roads to get the feel of this car in winter.
 
What I learned wrt XT's winter weather driving:
 
1. Accelerate hard in a corner and the XT will swing its tail out. Drive easy and it stays pretty neutral.
2. Brake in a corner and XT just drifts (assuming wheels all have equally bad traction). If ABS turns on, it's remarkably quiet.
3. One side of car on asphalt and other side of car on snow did not induce wheel-spin during acceleration. In fact the drive system seemed pretty much seamless unless I pushed it hard per above.
5. The WRG2's work well on snow, less well on ice ( XT definitely slid a bit when there was ice underfoot). However wheel spin was brief - the car never failed to start or stop moving.
6. Snow and Ice build up fast in the mud flaps and front/rear edge of wheel wells.
Some other cars I saw were much worse.
7. Snow melts on the hood.
8. Wipers, defrosters and defoggers do a good job keeping mirrors and affected windows clear.
9. If you have the rear bumper guard cover, you will have to be careful about keeping snow buildup off of it or you will not be able to open the rear hatch.
 
I'm trying the Prestone Snow block spray to see if it helps keep stuff off of those problem areas.
 
After my drive, I learned that ODOT had for today mandated chains be used on ALL Portland OR roads !! I did not have chains on the Forester (though my trusty Auto Socks were ready if needed) and I did not see chains on other vehicles save tow trucks and ambulances. At least those Nokian WRG2's are winter rated !
 
By comparison, my former '04 Malibu Maxx FWD with GW tripletreads in winter:
1. Ran wide if accelerated in turns
2. Spun its front wheels a lot
3. Went nowhere if both its front wheels spun on ice.
That car would have probably gotten stuck today. Not the XT.

Replies to this message:
• kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 14, 2008 6:27 pm)
  • xwesx (Dec 15, 2008 11:58 am)
    • kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 15, 2008 12:14 pm) and 2 more...
  • sgloon (Dec 15, 2008 2:47 pm)
• Panos (Dec 17, 2008 6:43 pm)
  • billwv (Dec 19, 2008 7:56 am)
    • Panos (Dec 19, 2008 9:45 am) and 13 more...

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 14, 2008 3:45 pm)

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• xwesx (Dec 15, 2008 11:58 am)
  • kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 15, 2008 12:14 pm)
    • volkov (Dec 15, 2008 12:49 pm) and 1 more...
• sgloon (Dec 15, 2008 2:47 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 14, 2008 6:27 pm)

Replies to this message:
• kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 15, 2008 12:14 pm)
  • volkov (Dec 15, 2008 12:49 pm)
    • kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 15, 2008 1:12 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Dec 15, 2008 11:58 am)

Replies to this message:
• volkov (Dec 15, 2008 12:49 pm)
  • kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 15, 2008 1:12 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 15, 2008 12:14 pm)

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• kurtamaxxxguy (Dec 15, 2008 1:12 pm)

Replying to: volkov (Dec 15, 2008 12:49 pm)

Good to know.
Another reason why I change oil frequently and use a proven additive (not that STP stuff) to reduce friction and oxidation. Coking turbos are not for me !!
 
FYI my servicing dealer told me that at 7000 miles, switching to Synthetic would cause more oil to be burned. Not sure if that would foul the plugs or not, so for now it's high grade conventional and the additive.