Good Subaru (Forester) forum?

[MBeige]

We recently took delivery of a 2011 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited and wanted to join a forum, but I'm clueless as to what are good ones (like this) and which ones to avoid.

The color is dark gray metallic, I don't know of a name to give the car yet. The car came with leather gray interior, moonroof, cargo area cover (tonneau cover?), HD radio w/ bluetooth, and 17" alloys. This way I can finally park my 300D!

Car drives great so far. Suspension and seats are not as stiff as the ones in the CR-V. Rides more like a car than an SUV, which makes it more comfortable and more compliant. The AC controls are a nice touch - it has both manual and automatic settings. Something us old MB enthusiasts will probably love

The shift gate is also like the one in the MB's with the option to go sport mode (manually shift gears while in D). I kept comparing the build quality to the MB's and it doesn't hold a candle to them, but time will tell if it holds up well.

[leathermang]

Look for ' ultimate subaru ' something or other...
Shawn Watson the owner...

[cscmc1]

I'm looking for a decent forum as well (just got a WRX). Best one so far is http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/, but there appear to be a lot of Boy Racer types there... par for the course, I suppose.

Good luck!

[leathermang]

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/

Members: 47,833
Threads: 84,926
Posts: 1,027,633
Top Poster: pleiad7 (19,179)

[Jim B.]

http://www.subaruforester.org/

It's more matter of fact than enthusiast oriented (the wrx sti crowd goes for that stuff) but is very very comprehensive. It seems to me that buyers of these vehicles are extremely intelligent for the most part.

Subaru used to be a niche AWD market. It is now a mainstream brand and very successful and popular.

The factory and dealer support I have gotten has been amazingly good and responsive. Better than Mercedrs Benz by far, and VERY high tech oriented


The Subaru forum mentioned above by met is I believe a cousin to www.subaruoutback.org which I belonged to ever since I bought a new 2008 Outback 2.5i Premium in nautical blue and silver back in 2008 brand new..

In April 2011 I bought a new Outback 2.5i Premium in ruby red Metallic and have rnit 5,500 miles already - including a trip to your area.

It is sensational, I love it.

The 2.5i engine is a LOT peppier than my old 2008 but that is partially brcause of the CVT transmission I bought it with. The continuously variable transmission is a much better automatic than ones previously and the gas mileage goes waaaay up (29 mpg highway with the Outbacks) as opposed to just 21 mpg with the manual.


I was told that the Foresters don't come with these yet because the warehouses are still full of the regular automatic transmissions but when they are all gone, the CVT transmissions will ber available for model year 2012 in them.


Whiloe the build quality may APPEAR to be better than Mercedes Benzes of today, in reality it may not be, as the frequency of repairs on Subarus may be among the best ot ANY new cars around these days and for day to day reliability and overall durability as well as dollar per mile economy they are among the bes around, and even are pretty safe, with a passenger safety cage and air bags that go down from the roof in a side impact.


The all wheel dirve feature really gets it done in bad weather, bad roads and snow and slush, without drama. I finally got rid of my 2009 Grand Marquis when it was April up here and the car was getting stuck in snow evey day!!!

The Ouback has grown in size to an SUV and is as heavy as my 560SEC and is Motor trend SUV of the year in 2010 and 2011.


The Forester is a very capaple and competent automobile for all reasons.


I don't know which So Cal dealer you got it from, but make friends with the parts and service guys at your dealer.

You should get 10-15% off parts from your dealer, and you can bargain and price match for factory and dealer sold accessories.

Take a GOOD look at the Foreste accessory brochure.

There are some worthwhile accessories in there. The tweeters and subwoofer they sell, for instance, upgrades the sound to the level of, or better than, the Harmon Kardon sound system for hundres of dollars less, and it is a quick install.

Get the black HD floor mats for the front at least for you to keep the carpets in as mint factory condition as your beautiful old Mertcedes.

Wisely chosen accessories are I think a good idea, though with moonroof and leather you have a top of the line loaded one I think.

One of these days I should drive to the OC again and meet at Spectrum Center or somewhere with you to check out our 2011 Subies.


I installed a 3 way splitter in the powert point plug receptacle,inside the console, on mine, and into this I have plugged in my Garmin Sat Nav and Valentine 1 radar detector, that are on suctions low in middle of the windshield but portable into the Mercedes; and the third thing I have plugged in is a on the go cell phne charger, so I am ready to go anywhere at a moment's notice.


I have found the Subaru's dash pretty user friendly but would prefer oil preessure, water temp and battery charge gauges rather than the idiot lights.

You will love the visibility out the Forester, it is commanding.

Look into a Chase Bank Mastercard partnered with Subaru. They have a "rewards" progam where you redeem points in $100 coupons earned by you, for use in parts, service and even towards a new Subaru.. DOING THIS GOT ME A LOT OF CHEAP AND FREE GOOD ACCESSORIES ON BOTH MY '08 2008 and 2011 Outbacks.


Since this is a brand new car I believe to be of excellent quality and longevity, I want to keep it forever.

So at 2100 miles I had the ooil changed at Modesto Subaru, to Mobil 1 synthetic (chaqrged $66 for this) and this, not waiting until 3,700 miles as the local Subaru dealer suggested for din oil change intervals.

With the Mobil 1 synthetic from almost brand new, for this engine I plan to run it to 5,000 miles between syn oil changes.

Your motor is the same one, so I think you should consider this regimen, in this case.

You are going to really love that car.

It's a great daily driver. The 2011 Outback sales brochure encourages users to get out there and USE it.Not worry about boot scuff marks and such:


'NEW CAR SMELL SOON TO BE REPLACED WITH WET DOG WSMELL". <-------------- @ THAT !!!!

[leathermang]

JimB. that is just a subsection of the one I suggested.....
or Subsection... LOL

[Jim B.]

Originally Posted by leathermang

JimB. that is just a subsection of the one I suggested.....
or Subsection... LOL

He can also register for free with the company at www.mysubaru.com and have a free personalized maintenance log and axccessories section, to maintain a log of his car. This also gives notice of any recalls or other informnation of intertesat by logging on.


There is also a free factory Badge set up with high quality lifestyle icons you can select and install next to a small Subaru badge that indicates whether the car is your 1st 2nd or 3rd, 4th etc. Subaru, that looks very nice just below the factory chromed script badging on the hatch or tailgate or trunk of your new Subaru.


I will post the link to that if I can find it, but Psatrick casn call Subaru Program headquarters at at 1-800-779-6965f and ask how to requewst to receive his free Medallion and choice of different lifestyle icons.

Once ordered they arrive very quickly from Subaru..



(I chose dog, gardening, auto repair)

[MBeige]

Thanks for welcoming me to the Subaru group guys.

@Jim I love the response! Yes you're right this is for intelligent buyers, not a lot of Foresters around though the Outback was tempting too. Too bad it was out of our budget.

I'm doing my homework now (reading the manuals ) and getting acquainted with the car in general. This Friday I will give the Forester its first car wash and clay bar (sitting on the dealer lot doesn't help), after which I will remove the swirls and make it look really brand new. Been using it since Monday to work and so far have loved it. It does have a bit of disconnect in terms of steering input & feedback, as well as throttle input & feedback, but I'll get used to it I suppose.

The transmission is a 4-speed automatic and also needs getting used to. Yes, I love the visibility, it's much better than other models with "D" pillars so thick it basically enlarges the blind spots when backing up or changing lanes. Seats are very comfy, though I would have wanted the front passenger seat to have height adjustability. Tilt/telescoping wheel is a nice touch, but my wife doesn't want to drive it yet (fear of nicking the paint, etc) - so it's basically set to my preferences for now.

We ordered a trailer hitch to be mounted, and a trailer hitch mounted bike rack (good for 2 bikes). A spoiler just completes the look. Maybe a turbo version hood (w/ scoop)?

Can't wait to go on our first road trip in this thing.

[cscmc1]

Jim, thanks for mentioning the badge program. Here's what I found:

http://www.subaru.com/badgeofownership/index.html

Neat!

[MBeige]

Although I've been lurking around some of the forums you've mentioned I haven't started my own username yet (couldn't think of a name). Any suggestions?

However, I finally got the chance to drive the car off road so we've essentially baptized it as an off-roader. I've taken the car on two road trips already, one to San Francisco to visit close friends and the next to Pismo Beach (ATV-ing and camping out).





As a first time sand driver, I found the Subaru to be confident. It was mostly compacted sand and they did have equipment in case of emergency (brought a tow strap myself in case I overestimated the sand). The water was rising by the time our friends finished ATV-ing (I had to sleep since I drove the whole time) at around 2:30PM. We mostly saw large trucks and the usual custom off-roaders but also saw a Cadillac, a Honda Civic, a Lexus IS, a BMW 7er all on the sand.




I think my 300D would have done fine but I would not want to subject my diesel to the salty sand/water it was like a safari ride with the windows down and sunroof cover open. The only animals we saw were friends inside the car screaming at every 5-inch drop on the sand

[kerry]

It'd be pretty easy to pass as a lesbian on a Suburu forum. Give it a try.

[elchivito]

My kid just bought a 2000 Outback to replace the 240D in snow. It's a bit of a beater so we've had it out where it probably shouldn't go a few times already. I like it. Now he'll fit right in with all the granola crunching biology majors at school.

[Jim B.]

Originally Posted by kerry

It'd be pretty easy to pass as a lesbian on a Suburu forum. Give it a try.

When I lived in San Francisco up to 6 years ago they were famous for that.

This ad spoof proves it.








But nowadays they are popular with eceryone, they are mainstream vehicles.

[MBeige]

How funny, I didn't know about this commercial!