Opinions on 03 Forester?

[Guest bratman2]

Family and I are flying out to Co. this July and are considering buying a 2003 Forester X with 5 speed to drive back to NC. Anybody got one and are you real happy with it. Appreciate any opinions that Forester owners may have and also is the clutch issue been worked out for the 2003 models? Thanks, Glenn Taylor.

[Guest lothar34]

I've got a '98. I probably couldn't tell you anything about it that you haven't already read or don't know from owning other Subies.

[Guest ferret]

Glenn, I'm sure you will get a FLOOD of answers if you post this questions on the Edmunds Forester board....

townhall-talk.edmunds.com...3@.ee94fe5

[Guest bratman2]

Thanks ferret I might give that a try. Actually all I know about Forresters is what I have read because Subarus are not common around here, except for my 87 Brat and daughters 93 Legacy. Nearest dealer is over 65 miles away. I figured in Co. we will be surround by dealers for Subarus and if we get a good deal on one we wouldn't have to rent a car to drive back in. Thanks, Glenn Taylor.

[Guest ForesterX]

I bought an '03 with a 5 speed early last November. Favorite Subaru yet (Number 6). It drives well and the ride is fine for longer jaunts. I do at least an hour each way to clients daily.

The 5 speed makes up for being a little low in power. A downshift cures most issues.

Clutch issues have been supposedly fixed with a new assembly in the recent 2003's. Some early models (mine) got the old parts and are being retrofitted by Subaru under warranty.

We liked mine so much my wife sold her 2002 Outback and bought an '03 auto!

[Guest mehwolfy]

I've had an 03 2.5 x 5 speed since november too. I don't think it's under powered, but then I don't drag race it.

 

The AWD is very effective: better than 4wd.

Mileage is good, not great, but better than most.

Ride is very nice: it softened up a bit from the test drive.

It tows very well. I've had 1500 lbs on it many times.

Plenty of cargo space.

Plenty of passenger space in the back.

No problems yet and we've got a little over 12k miles.

 

Take the plunge if you can get a good deal.

 

-M

[Guest lothar34]

Oh. If you're really big and/or heavy, the seats might be a little uncomfortable. And the Outback has more room if you're hauling stuff. I think the Forester is the best in its class though.

[Guest bratman2]

Thanks all, I knew I would get responses here straight from the horses mouth. Just got our tickets last night and can't wait to go, first time I will see my oldest daughter in 5 months. Wife just happened to pass one in another city and liked the way it looked. Tired of her mustang. Glenn Taylor.