1998 Subaru Forester Consumer Discussions

2009 Subaru Forester

Re: Anybody used 75W90 synthetic gear oil? [samirataustin]

Written by: ateixeira on Aug 15, 2008 08:11 AM

Synthetic: go for it. I noticed slightly smoother shifting when I swapped to synthetic gear oil on my 1998 Forester, though it had no impact on my fuel efficiency. I would stick with 7500 miles as the interval, though, at least while you're under warranty, for that specific reason - you have to comply with Subaru's intervals to remain under warranty. Read More...

Repair Manual Questions

Repair for '98 Subaru Forester

Written by: texaswild1 on May 03, 2008 03:20 PM

Other than All Data, is there a repair manual out there for a 1998 Subaru Forester? Read More...

2009 Subaru Forester

Re: 09 Impressions [jeffmc]

Written by: ateixeira on Mar 18, 2008 08:24 AM

4 of those de-contented accessories fall in to a $400 or so package. So even if we include that, the base price is down $800. I think they basically tried to align the content with what Honda and Toyota offer on their base models. Back in 1998, my Forester has roof rack cross bars, fog lights, cargo cover, cargo liner, bumper protector, etc, yet the CR-V and RAV4 lacked ... Read More...

Crossover SUV Comparison

Re: New Forester [aviboy97]

Written by: ateixeira on Mar 17, 2008 09:57 AM

Indeed, and I was able to test drive one last week. I really liked it. Here's my write-up (including my nit-picks): ateixeira, "2009 Subaru Forester" #441, 13 Mar 2008 11:27 am What makes it stand-out among the compact crossovers, IMO, it how user-friendly and space efficient it is. You sit higher in this new one, and see everything, with narrow pillars and a generous ... Read More...

2009 Subaru Forester

2009 Subaru Forester X Premium w/SportShift

Written by: ateixeira on Mar 13, 2008 11:27 AM

Finally got a chance to get behind the wheel. First thing I noticed is that it felt familiar. Despite growth in each dimension, it's still a Forester. I felt at home, having owned the a 1998 model for 9 years. Still miss it, come to think of it. Visibility is fantastic. Narrow pillars plus a huge green house give you a panoramic view, one made even more obvious when ... Read More...

Re: '09 Forester accessory brochure pdf [rsholland]

Written by: ateixeira on Mar 12, 2008 07:52 AM

I agree, but.... I think there was too big of a price gap between the 2008 X and X Premium models. It was a few grand. The bigger rebates on the X model made that gap hard to justify for many. Now that step is a lot smaller. Or you have an intermediate step, if you will. X, X Premium, X Premium AWP. I don't get why you have to wait for June to get the AWP, though, given they make ... Read More...

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester

Re: Outlander vs. Forester [ateixeira]

Written by: chelentano on Feb 14, 2008 03:16 PM

>> Audi Quattro cannot do a max of 0/100 to 100/0. Audi uses a Torsen limited-slip center differential with a bias ratio of 2 to 1. By design, the limit of that system is 33/67 to 67/33. It's just plain wrong. Even if the bias ratio was 9 to 1, it would be 10/90 to 90/10. A Torsen is completely incapable of sending 100% to one axle. It's just impossible by design. That’s ... Read More...

Re: Outlander vs. Forester [chelentano]

Written by: ateixeira on Feb 13, 2008 11:30 AM

That NY Times chart is riddled with errors. Scary that they even published that. Audi Quattro cannot do a max of 0/100 to 100/0. Audi uses a Torsen limited-slip center differential with a bias ratio of 2 to 1. By design, the limit of that system is 33/67 to 67/33. It's just plain wrong. Even if the bias ratio was 9 to 1, it would be 10/90 to 90/10. A Torsen is completely ... Read More...

Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

Re: will buy new Subaru Forester 2.5x premium tomorrow [ateixeira]

Written by: geeta on Jan 01, 2008 02:31 PM

Well.....call it bad luck or good luck, but I did NOT get the subaru premium 2.5x. The dealer would not budge. I went up to 21,300 on a lovely gold one, and he looked at me as if I were nuts. Since he would not come down one dollar, I never even got the chance to bid the 21,500 as planned. We were one thousand dollars apart. It was tense, and I walked out, and he did NOT come ... Read More...

2009 Subaru Forester

Re: 2009 Forester goodies [batman47]

Written by: ateixeira on Jan 01, 2008 08:12 AM

I would shop elsewhere if you really need to seat 7 people. The Forester won't offer that option, and the RAV4 and Outlander's 3rd row is positively tiny. The seats Mitubishi uses remind me of the ones in the bed of the Subaru BRAT, i.e. more of an excuse for a seat than a real seat. How safe could kids be with their heads mere inches from the rear glass? Seriously, get ... Read More...