2003 Subaru Forester Consumer Discussions

Subaru Forester Engine Issues

Out of Warranty, Out of Luck? Part Three.

Written by: champ8 on Nov 10, 2008 06:09 AM

Just thought I'd update on my 2003 Forester with the leaky head gaskets. Called Subaru and they kindly agreed to pay HALF the cost of replacing the gaskets, even though the warrantee extension only applied through the '02 models. Apparently the 03's are not entirely free of the problem. I was very happy with the agreement, since I was sure I'd be out of luck completely. ... Read More...

2009 Subaru Forester

Re: 2009 SUBARU FORESTER [amiller1]

Written by: kurtamaxxxguy on Nov 07, 2008 07:31 AM

If you are used to larger vehicle then you might want to wait for Venza, which is more like Camry-based SUV and much bigger than Forester. Subaru supposedly addressed the engine gasket issues around 2003. Read More...

Subaru Forester Engine Issues

Out of Warranty, Out of Luck?

Written by: champ8 on Oct 08, 2008 02:33 PM

Just found out from my local mech. that my 2003 Forester has a leaky head gasket (drivers' side). Because of the head gasket issues prior to 2001, I called Subaru customer service, but because my forester's got 125,000 miles on her, the guy said "tough luck" (just paraphrasing). He said I should first get a dealer to officially diagnose the prob and then Subaru ... Read More...

2009 Subaru Forester

Re: gripe (suggestion for improvement)... [bikerguy3]

Written by: leo2633 on Sep 02, 2008 06:36 PM

Well, that's a change from our current and former Subarus (2001, 2002 and 2003 Forester and Outbacks), all of which have headlights that go off automatically when the ignition is switched off (if they were left on, that is). Len Read More...

Subaru Forester Transmission Questions

Re: 2003 forester with manual and drive train problem [paisan]

Written by: dchesson on Aug 03, 2008 09:32 PM

Thanks for the help! I've replaced a clutch on an old 1958 VW Bug and a 1968 Squareback before. Is a Subaru clutch job something a shade tree mechanic could handle or is it best left for the pros. I've found several web sites with clutch kits for about $250. What do you figure the labor for the job would run. Read More...

2009 Subaru Forester

Re: extended warranties [pgb0517]

Written by: irollit on Jul 12, 2008 00:00 PM

Thank you for the clarifications. I purchased the 2009 Forester based on reliability and safety. My daughter's 02 Forester has not had any problems at all and she has over 100,000 miles on it. I like your Subaru bucks idea. I will look into getting a card. We made a bad choice with the last car we purchased. It was an 01 Volvo Cross Country. Consumers Reports rates ... Read More...

Subaru Forester Tire/Wheel Questions

Re: New tires for 2003 Forester [casecom2]

Written by: p0926 on Jun 02, 2008 02:21 PM

Never heard of the Exaltos so can't help you there. However, you are indeed correct that Subaru's recommend psi is to blame for your tires wearing faster on the outside edges. Subaru not surprisingly determined that a lower psi resulted in a better ride (but to the detriment of uniform treadwear). IIRC, I kepy my Geolanders at around 35 psi which was approx halfway ... Read More...

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester

Anyone remember the Justy?

Written by: kurtamaxxxguy on May 13, 2008 01:20 PM

This was Subaru's first try at a CVT. They had a lot of problems with that trans and discontinued the vehicle after a very short time. So even if Subaru came out with another, better, CVT, I would not touch it for at least a year to allow them to work out the inevitable bugs. FYI, Saturn's Ion, in 2003, introduced a 5 speed Auto trans from Aisin. That thing never worked ... Read More...

Re: Test drove the Forester 2.5XT today [kdshapiro]

Written by: blitzkrieg79 on May 13, 2008 10:17 AM

The symmetrical AWD and boxer engine makes the center of gravity in the Forester lower. The reality is AWD/4WD have been around for about 100 years, but Subaru includes AWD with every vehicle. We can go back and forth back and forth and so far all the tests show that Outlander has a slightly better ski pad number so I would say handling is about the same. From most of ... Read More...

Re: Test drove the Forester 2.5XT today [chelentano]

Written by: kdshapiro on May 13, 2008 04:23 AM

Handling: Forester 0.78g vs Outlander 0.80g .. Where it counts, around curves, and in the straightaway the Forester would dust the Outlander. You keep posting these videos of Foresters circa 2002 and 2003, Need I remind you of how easy the Outlander 2007 gets stuck in the mud. The larger cargo volume and heavier chassis are amenities I don't need. I already have ... Read More...