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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 358 of 375

#3569 of 3747 I think this thread topic should be updated to "2009+ Subaru Forester" by xwesx

Oct 12, 2009 (12:10 pm)

Post topic, plus I installed my winter tires over the weekend.
 
I managed to find a set of 16" silver-painted steel wheels from a 2007 Forester on which to install the tires. I like them! They look pretty good on the car, but the smaller rim size, combined with the winter tires, makes for a much smoother ride. They are even somewhat quieter than the stock tires, though there is a subtle hum at highway speeds due to the open block design of the tires (Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice, P215/65R16).
 

#3570 of 3747 Re: I think this thread topic should be updated to "2009+ Subaru Forester" by rsholland

Oct 12, 2009 (12:44 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 12, 2009 12:10 pm)
The steelies look good. I prefer them to the wheel covers now used on base models.
 
Bob

#3571 of 3747 Re: I think this thread topic should be updated to "2009+ Subaru Forester" [rsholland] by xwesx

Oct 12, 2009 (12:53 pm)

Replying to: rsholland (Oct 12, 2009 12:44 pm)
So do I. They are simple (no covers) and easy to maintain. Apparently, Subaru offers an optional 16" alloy wheel for the X; it is too bad they do not make that wheel optional for the Premium as well. I would prefer that both my sets of wheels were 16" rather than having the 17" wheels for summer use.

#3572 of 3747 Re: I think this thread topic should be updated to "2009+ Subaru Forester" [xwesx] by ateixeira

Oct 13, 2009 (11:27 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 12, 2009 12:53 pm)
I like styled steel rims better as well.
 
That thing looks ready for winter.

#3573 of 3747 Re: I think this thread topic should be updated to "2009+ Subaru Forester" [ateixeira] by xwesx

Oct 13, 2009 (12:34 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 13, 2009 11:27 am)
Hahahahaha; yeah, dirt and all!
 
Oh, man. Speaking of "ready for winter," my neighbors cleared a swath between the subdivision road and their driveway, which includes a couple of steep grades, in preparation for sledding once the snow flies. The terrain is kinda rough, but I am so terribly tempted to take the Forester over it. The only thing holding me back, other than the car's only being two weeks old, is that the angle of approach is pretty dramatic and once I get down there, there is no easy way out if the car cannot make it on its own....

#3574 of 3747 Running on the beach by 26cars

Oct 15, 2009 (7:32 pm)

Wondering if anyone out there has been on the beach with their Forester (or other Sube awd). I have taken my past SUV's (Explorers/Expedeition/Ranger) out on the beach around Cape Cod & Plymouth, MA, but they had low range (seldom needed, however). The trails are mostly firm pack to somewhat loose sand; I had my Forester on a short stretch of beach to launch kayaks a few weeks ago and it seemed ok, but I don't want to get stuck. Any input appreciated!

#3575 of 3747 Re: Running on the beach [26cars] by ateixeira

Oct 16, 2009 (9:03 am)

Replying to: 26cars (Oct 15, 2009 7:32 pm)
I took my 98 Forester on the beaches of the Outer Banks, a couple of years in a row. Several times, too.
 
It was a hoot. Back then it only had 7.5" of ground clearance, but it's light and with tires aired down to 18psi is floated well above the sand.
 
I actually drove by a HD diesel pickup who has forgotten to air down his tires.
 
The new Forester has wider tires, more than an inch extra clearance, and much better approach and departure angles. It should be fine so long as you don't stop in soft sand or go too crazy.
 
Drive smoothly and definitely wash the undercarriage when you're done. Salt water causes rust, big time. All the full-time beach rigs I saw were rusty.

#3576 of 3747 Re: Running on the beach [ateixeira] by rich28

Oct 16, 2009 (3:43 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 16, 2009 9:03 am)
I bought an '09 Forester to replace my Dakota 4wd that I put a ton of money into after driving it up the beach in OBX 3 times, once thru deep water for a week because the roads to the house we stayed at were very flooded. I went back this year and chickened out and rented a jeep because I didn't want to ruin this car. I'm still curious as to how it will do on the beach in the deep ruts, though. Maybe I'll wait till it's older before I give it a try.

#3577 of 3747 Re: Running on the beach [rich28] by volkov

Oct 16, 2009 (4:34 pm)

Replying to: rich28 (Oct 16, 2009 3:43 pm)
There's a you-tube video out there somewhere of guys comparing the sand performance of a new and last gen Forester. Try searching for it. I think we may even have linked to it here.

#3578 of 3747 Re: Running on the beach [rich28] by 26cars

Oct 17, 2009 (9:52 am)

Replying to: rich28 (Oct 16, 2009 3:43 pm)
Interesting parallel- I traded a '99 Ranger 4x4 for my Forester, had gone all thru it except clutch which was next. At 153K it ran perfect and used no oil. Then cash-for-clunkers hit and I caved in to it- how could I turn down $4500 for a truck worth maybe $2000? A real shame to see a vehicle with life left in it go to the crusher, but I had been wanting a small SUV and would have been a fool to pass on a once-in-a lifetime deal. So far the Forester seems a good choice, though I hope it proves heavy-duty enough- I use my SUV's as they were intended, also maintain them faithfully. Time will tell. I'll post after I take it on the beach.

Messages Page 358 of 375

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