2005 Subaru Forester

2005 Subaru Forester questions and answers

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Q: 2005 Subaru Forester or 2004 Mazda Rx-8?
Both cars are in my price range, but I wanted to know what everyone thinks.

A: Totally different classes of vehicle! What're you looking for? I drive an '04 RX-8 that I love, but even grocery shopping can be a pain cause the trunk is small...traveling with anyone tall or heavy can be tough cause the passenger seat foot well is kinda small, as is the back seat. But if you're looking for something fun, it's going to be perfect. I don't usually have more than one person with me so it's great, but I like the extra seats if I need it. Maybe you can post us what kind of criteria you have...oh, and your RX-8 won't be taking you through rugged terrain (though I have been surprised with what it's put up with so far) unless you put on different wheels. Doesn't particularly do well in ice/wet/snow. ;o) I love my car and would buy it all over again - these are just the little things you may overlook.

Q: 2005 Subaru Forester in New England: what kind of tires should I put on?
The car gets fairly low usage, 10,000 miles a year or less. I live in Boston, so they need to be able to handle snow, ice, and rain and all that crap. I drive fairly conservatively, no real speeding or anything like that, and mostly use the vehicle for local driving, with the occasional highway trip. For tires, I'm looking at 215/60R16, and am going to replace all 4. What should I be looking at for prices, and specific models and brands? I'm not looking to cheap out on totally on this, but I'd also rather not be spending $150+ a piece on these things. Any recommendations, and for those in Boston, and place I should visit specifically? (Boston/Dedham/Needham area)

A: If you are a conservative driver like you say, I would go with a set of Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread, tires. Both of my parents have a set on their Camry and Sienna mini van and love them. We live in Minnesota and they work great in the winter and summer. Reasonably priced for the size you are looking for as well. I'm assuming most of the other suggestions you will receive will be aimed toward an all season performance tire, but I think this is the best bet.

Q: Brake Pads and Rotors for 2005 Subaru Forester?
I need to replace the rotors and brake pads on my car and after calling around I've been told I can get Wagner pads for $47.99, Duraplast for $26.99, organic for $23.00 or go all out and get ceramic pads for $54.00. The car has fifty-five thousand miles on it, so I want this to be last time I have to do this. Should I go with the ceramic pads? Also, should I get the best rotors $84.00 "top of the line", other rotors were quoted between $28.99 to $53.00.

A: Brakes are too important to take chances with go for the best of both products ~~

Q: Fuel Economy for a Subaru Forester 2003 - 2005.?
I was just after the L/100km or MPG for the automatic transmittion Subaru Forester 2003, 2004, or 2005. All models if possible, X, XS, XT. I'm after true economy that you have measured in the city and the highway, not the ideal rates. While I'm here, how do Forester's perform on the Beach with soft and hard sands? Thanks. Also, what do you think of the Forester, I'm in the market (obviously).

A: Last question first - I'm a subaru lover but the Forester has never done it for me ... looks like a brick or a stack of bricks. I find the 2 litre versions sluggish, the 2.5's reasonable and the turbos great but a waste of a turbo putting it under some bricks. Sand? Haven't tried it but I've pulled a fair few small SUV's/RV's (depending where you're from) off of beaches with my Landcruiser. That comes down to tyres (width and right deflation) and clearance. Put wide tyres on and run them at 12-15 psi and your Forester should be OK on even, firm sand. I wouldn't want to try any sand dunes though and stay above the tide line in case you get stuck (unlike a Mitsubishi Colt I pulled out of the incoming waves once!!!) Economy. Well on highways in the 2.5's you should get around 10 litres/100km and in the turbo's about 11-11.5l/100. It goes up by about 20% in light city driving. I'm a fairly gentle driver most of the time. My WRX is currently getting a consistent 10.6 in a 50:50 blend of highway/small city but the Forester is bigger, heavier and squarer. Enjoy - I just think they're ugly but otherwise a great car.

Q: I'm considering used Subaru Forester - looking for your opinion on this car.?
I'm considering 2003 to 2005 used Subaru Forester. I have automotive knowledge but never dealt with Subaru. I'm looking for a specific advise - what are the common problems with this car? Which model is more reliable - turbo or non-turbo and why? Thanks

A: get a hybrid, make informed choice about our environment and put some more money in your pocket by choosing a fuel efficient car.

Q: Subaru Forester Temp Gauge?
I have a 2005 Subaru Forester. There is no coolant leak that I can see, and the coolant level is fine. However, when I am driving the temperature gauge is going higher than normal. It fluctuates from where it normally is (half way) to about 3/4 of the way up while I am driving, and seems to be worse when I have the heat on and going up a hill. If I turn the heat off and am on flat ground it will go back to normal. Any ideas what is wrong? The car has 60,000 miles on it

A: Hi, that is weird, usually turning on the heat will bring down the engines temp. Have you checked the oil level? It is possible you have a thermostat problem or you may have an air flow problem to the radiator, but the symptoms you describe do contradict them selves. Is the coolant mixed at a 50/50 mix if you have a hydrometer it should read about -30degrees or +145degrees I am curious to see some of the other answers you will get. Good luck hope you get it taken care of soon;)

Q: Fuel economy of a Subaru Forester 2003 XT and X?
I was just after the L/100km or MPG for the automatic transmittion Subaru Forester 2003, 2004, or 2005. All models if possible, X, XS, XT. I'm after true economy that you have measured in the city and the highway, not the ideal rates. While I'm here, how do Forester's perform on the Beach with soft and hard sands? Thanks. Also, what do you think of the Forester, I'm in the market (obviously).

A: 12.4 l/km city and 9.41 l/km highway for the 5 speed 12.4 l/km city and 9.80 l/km highway for the auto

Q: how to bargain with car sales people?
I want to buy a 2005 subaru forester or a new one (basic features). I want to negotiate the cheapest price. What should I watch out for?

A: Dont bargain with car dealers they always rip you off go to cars.com and find a used car. look in classified ads on the newspaper.

Q: Subaru ABS - Too Sensitive?
Gary W Wrote.. I have a 2005 Subaru Outback. The ABS is too sensitive and will trigger going over bumps and snow. I drive other cars with ABS that aren't as sensitive. Changing tires, brakes and brake fluid hasn't helped. A couple of times, I thought I was going to crash while stopping after hitting a bump in the road. You actually have no brakes for a moment or more. In the winter, unless I press the brakes like there's an egg under my foot, I can slide through a stop sign in the snow. Anyone else here own a recent Subaru with this issue? Did you disconnect the ABS? Please don't respond if you don't own a Subaru. Gary: Subaru ABS brakes are dangerous in icy climates. Remove your ABS relay ASAP. You will love your brakes afterwards. I've done this with all of my subaru's (1995 Legacy 2008 Forester, 2008 Outback. Gravel and Icy roads demand some wheel lock for stopping power. Subaru brakes do not lock at all. Pull your ABS relay and you will love your brakes.

A: i've heard about this issue but i have never experienced it myself on my '02 WRX wagon. i am using kumho mx tires, brembo sport brake pads. if this happens to you, release the brake and press again and it should be fine. i believe this happens when you hit a bump and the wheel loses contact with the road, so you need to release the brake to let the ABS 'reset' and you should be back to normal after you press the button also, do you use snow tires in the snow/ice? maybe your tires just suck, and that's why you can't stop (because your tires can't grip the road, you lock up instantly under brake applicant)

Q: Should we buy a Subaru Forrester?
http://www.subaru.com/shop/model_consideration.jsp?model=FORESTER What do you think? We've been looking at Toyotas but this one seems like a better overall deal. Also should we buy it loaded or buy after market leather, tint, etc. = dealer says after market is better quality at lower price. Saw a 2005 Eddie Bauer package with low mileage for about the same $ as the new standard model (still in warranty). Advice?

A: I just bought one about 6 months ago, and I highly recommend it! It handles great, has a lot of power and decent gas mileage. Mine is a base model, but has everything I need. It can't hurt to do a bit of research to compare (I did)...read consumer reports/reviews. This car has a great reputation.