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2011 Subaru Forester

134 messages,  Last post on Feb 02, 2012 at 11:28 AM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Wagon

Messages Page 13 of 14

#121 of 134 Clutch, transmission, rattles by djaecks

Nov 01, 2011 (2:12 pm)

I currently own a 2002 Forester (purchased Dec, 2001), and am thinking about buying a new 2012. Does anyone have an opinion on the clutch and/or manual transmission? In 2002 Subaru had a lot of problems with clutch "chatter" (aka shudder, shutter etc.) to the extent that my dealer replaced my clutch for free. (They also said the new clutch would only be better, not great, and they were right, it still chatters on occasion, but doesn't shake the car as bad.)
 
So how is the new clutch? Does it engage smoothly in all weather conditions etc.?
Is the transmission as "notchy" as the old ones? (I also own a 96 OBS and 2000 2.5RS which my kids drive, the trannys are all about the same, but the 96 has a good clutch.)
Finally, how are the new ones for rattles? Especially after driving on dirt roads.
 
Any opinions about the new cars would be appreciated as those things are hard to judge on a test drive.
Thanks,
Dan Jaecks

#122 of 134 Re: Clutch, transmission, rattles [djaecks] by xwesx

Nov 01, 2011 (3:21 pm)

Replying to: djaecks (Nov 01, 2011 2:12 pm)
The clutch is fine on the 2010, so I think 2012 would be a safe bet, too. The transmission is probably similar to what you're used to, if not exactly the same. It's not buttery, yet it works just fine.
 
Rattles. Oh, dear. Let's just say that you should expect them to develop within the first couple thousand miles, but one visit to a competent dealership will do the trick. Every 2009+ I have been in has front door rattles (driver and passenger) but, once addressed, they have not come back. I will say that my 2010 is far less rattle-prone than the 2007 and 2008 Outbacks I briefly owned. The 2007, especially, nearly drove me insane - and that was after coming out of a 200,000+ mile 1996 Outback!
 
I think you'll enjoy it. Compared to the 2002, the steering is going to feel lighter and it will have more body roll, but with copious improvements in every other department.

#123 of 134 Re: Clutch, transmission, rattles [xwesx] by djaecks

Nov 01, 2011 (7:27 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Nov 01, 2011 3:21 pm)
Sounds good, thanks for your help!

#124 of 134 Re: Clutch, transmission, rattles [djaecks] by ateixeira

Nov 02, 2011 (11:58 am)

Replying to: djaecks (Nov 01, 2011 2:12 pm)
My brother's 2011 does not chatter like the gen 1 model did (98-01). Nothing like it at all.

#125 of 134 2012 wheels and tires by robert142

Nov 02, 2011 (2:11 pm)

I notice that the 2012 has 17 inch wheels and slightly slimmer tires. Has anybody driven one of these and do you notice any change in the ride. I would think that the lower profile tires might bring a choppier ride. Also worry that lower profiles might be less resilient on potholes, etc and could lead to rim damage. Thoughts anyone??

#126 of 134 2011 Forester Transmission Slip by tomasdelsol

Nov 04, 2011 (2:05 pm)

My 2011 Forester is 10 months old or so with 12k miles. I've noticed the transmission "slipping" when I slow down to take turns. I slow down, make the turn, put my foot on the gas and the transmission will hesitate and suddenly engage and the car will lurch forward.
 
Is this a common issue with this car?

#127 of 134 Re: 2011 Forester Transmission Slip [tomasdelsol] by aatherton

Nov 04, 2011 (4:58 pm)

Replying to: tomasdelsol (Nov 04, 2011 2:05 pm)
Yes, it is normal behavior for the 4EAT automatic transmission. You caught it downshifting between gears and rushed it. It is one of several annoying behaviors of this transmission.

#128 of 134 Average real city mileage for Forester? by searlait

Nov 30, 2011 (9:58 am)

What's the average mileage y'all are getting for city driving in your Foresters? I just bought a 2012 and am hoping it will get more than the 19 or so the gas calculator in the dash is saying...

#129 of 134 Re: Average real city mileage for Forester? [searlait] by ateixeira

Nov 30, 2011 (11:29 am)

Replying to: searlait (Nov 30, 2011 9:58 am)
Mixed around town driving we tend to get about 24 mpg or so.
 
Let it break in, the numbers should improve.

#130 of 134 Re: Average real city mileage for Forester? [ateixeira] by dcm61

Nov 30, 2011 (3:46 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 30, 2011 11:29 am)
To add a footnote ... your 2009 has the "less efficient" EJ25 vs. 2011/12 FB25.

Messages Page 13 of 14

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