jon38iowa

Consumer Reports. December, issue page 6.

? Can you actaully feel the power difference between the basic version of each?

I think the Big Three should merge, and make the best cars and trucks on the planet! Or least, equal to Subaru.

My employer provides me a work car. Recently I was given an '05, Loaded Camery and it was the most uncomfortable car I have ever riden in! The seat had more adjustments then any car I have ever seen, but it made no difference. The head restraint were permantly tilted in slightly, so my upper back could never completely go back without craning my neck. I was very happy when they gave me a chevy! Shocking as that sounds, I'd rather drive junk, then be miserable.

Did anyone notice the most recent issue of CR? The legendary Toyota, due to issues with three models(2007), has now slipped to # 3. Subaru has now taken the #2 slot behind Honda.

I Lived in CA, and I remember. I drooled when the poster showed the used CA Subaru for $750.00. Around here, for that price, that look ready for the crusher!

It sounds like a minimum of $ 1500. not counting the engine. That would add another 1-5K depending on which method you opted for. I know this first hand; as of now I am into my Forester for $10,000., just in repairs(not counting tires and upgrades). This, over the past three years. The car runs and looks great, but it is only worth maybe $3000.00, if I am lucky. Looking back, It would have been wiser to trade it in on a newer Subaru and make a car payment.

I think it looks well worth the price, just in parts. My 2cents

I say don't mess with Success: Stick with what you have been using. I use the Castrol part synthetic. When I took the valve covers off, it was shocking how clean the heads were. Just my 2 cents

Indeed: These vibrations can be really hard to track down. Mine does the very same as yours. About a month ago shop #1 recommended I take it to a Transmission shop, because to them it felt like, "torque converter." I took it to transmission shop #2 which then looked over and test drove to inform me it was,"in the engine." It spent two weeks at shop #3 where this very knowledgeable mechanic, could not find anything significantly wrong, though he did mention there was some,"play in the drive shaft." And something about the Splines at the end of the drive shaft looked worn. Even this he said," might not be the cause." I had the fuel injectors replaced because they were do for it anyway, moreover, it helped the performance dramatically, but did nothing to eliminate the vibration.

My 2.5 looks like it just came out of a box. I treat it at the car wash ( my cleaners), then let the high pressure do its magic.

I like simple green too, but for really dirty engines, I've an employed a product called Awesome. It works great and is faster at the job.

I've been using a product called Rust Bullet. It not only stops any rust in its tracks, but also, it creates a tough, durable coating. I am told it is so effective, it is used on Navy ships. It is some work to: Put the car on ramps, and basically paint the underside of the car, however, so far the undercarriage shows no new rust whatsoever. Additionally I bought the chemical Dryer additive- this allows for much faster drying time.

I have had great success with Casterol 10w30. I change it every 3k and it looks like fresh oil even then. Doesn't burn or Use any measurable amount between them. I used to buy after market filters, but now I order from Subaru. They don't cost substantially more, and I have noticed they are heavier and look better made to me, than many after market filters.

Amen! The point may have already been made, but one must quickly assess the given situation: Obviously, if swerving means going off a cliff or hitting an on coming car head on, then smashing into the deer would be preferable. Having a lead car can give one a false sense of safety. Example: Last year on the Highway I observed a deer nearly walk out in my path ( no time for any reaction) and seconds later, the van behind me hit head on. Pretty scary if ya ask me. The fog lights Subaru Are famous for are awesome. Generally here in Iowa, if you see one deer, you will likely be looking at many more in the vicinity if not closer. I watch along the highway shoulders(at night) and can usually spot em by the reflection of their eyes- kinda resembles a flashlight. 23 years of driving here, so far the only creature I've hit was an unfortunate Barn owl, couldn't get stopped in time.

Yea, and sometimes the State has to resort to calling on the hunters to thin em out. A Joke- the deer horns! The troopers say don't waste your money.

I have had consistent success with Subaru Parts For You. Over the last two years I have probably spent $2000. on parts and not one single glitch or problem. I find their prices reasonable, though not the absolute cheapest.

Here in Iowa, where we have a heavy deer population, I have seen more then once: Where one has rolled over the hood, and smashed through the windshield killing the occupants. No, unless I am in a semi, I am swerving- Away from traffic if possible. I have a near miss, once year at least. Luckily no accidents so far.

t. These were used up to and including 1999MY, except maybe Forester got the phase II sohc in 1999MY; not sure /QUOTE] Indeed there was a mid year change for Forester; My '99 has the sohc.

I have had very similar experience with my Forester; About every three months I have to add some coolant to the over flow, but never the Radiator. This has been this way since day one, and both before and after complete engine rebuild. Come to think of it, my Mercury was the same way. John

Another question: what do you guys recommend to clean the cloth seats that have heaters? They should clean fine. As long as a person doesn't get wild with the cleaning solution. That is, extraction method works great. I've Done it several times to mine, with no problems.

Mine had a really bad heat shield rattle, all it took was a large clamp to hold it tight. No more problems,and only a few bucks.

It might be cheaper in long run, and less risky to rent a truck. just my 2 cents.

And I would add, even going to a high end store like Napa, doesn't always equal OEM. I bought their $55.00 set for my Forester, which worked fine until the first time I had to remove them. Only a year old, they tore apart like a rubber band, and in contrast, the OEM originals were still in perfect shape at 8 years old. Live and learn:)