joybell

I agree on the 2.2L engine. I don't know of anyone who has a problem with those (1.8L was fantastic too)...but the 2.5L is another story. Hopefully the tendency to blow head gaskets has now been solved and I won't have problems with my 2003 Forester, but I would much rather have the more reliable 2.2L engine in it even if it has a little less power. BTW, didn't you "down under" have a 2L engine in the earlier Subarus? I have heard that these are also more reliable than the 2.5L.

Why a Turbo? The 2.5 has all the power you really need, and certainly a lot more than the 1.8L engines of my previous Subarus.

I had that problem too on our old Loyale wagon. I just had to make sure that after I slammed the hatch shut that the handle was completely pushed down. If it was sticking evenl slightly up it wouldn't open next time I unlocked the power locks.

I had a crack at it too.....and no email notification so I must be wrong. Oh well. I didn't even know what a grounding kit (this month's prize) was until I asked my husband. Sounds like a good idea since our Forester likes to spark us at times!

No, the dual range tranny is only available with the 2.0L engine and only in Europe and Asia. Also available only in Europe and Asia is the more "practical for dirty loads" Forester with the rubber cargo liner that reaches up the back seats. North American buyers don't seem to request these features through the dealers. Subarus for the North American market today are more geared to "power and luxury" than those in other parts of the world where "practicality" is a little more important. Source: Ray Thornburn, public relations at SOC.

Before I junked my 1993 Loyale, my brother-in-law removed the rear wiper motor assembly. He said it was solid brass and they don't make them like that anymore. I don't know if it would fit the newer Legacys, but maybe worth a try.

Which body parts of a 2003 Forester are aluminum? I had thought it was the hatch and the hood, but on another board I'm informed that it is only the hood.

The car is serviced regularly but not at a Subaru dealer. Dealers are few and far between and I cannot persuade my Mom to take it to a Subaru mechanic or let me take it, especially because since she doesn't smell the gas so in her mind no problem exists. The car is still as efficient with fuel as it always was. I can smell the fumes both inside and out of the car, but not consistantly. My brother drove it Christmas Eve and there was no smell. This has happened over a time period of about 2 months.

The last few times I drove my Mom's 1998 Impreza I noticed a very strong smell of gasoline. At first I thought that the gas tank was leaking but it isn't. Mom doesn't smell it (she is 81 so maybe senses aren't as keen!). She took it to her mechanic (not a dealer) who couldn't find anything wrong. Any ideas?