Tomiki1

Forester thread would be nice. I have a 2003XS. Best car I've ever owned and first SUV. Wouldn't trade it for anything else.

Depends on your point of view. I can think of far better things to do with $210 let alone $1000 for a "fun factor" than to pay more for already overpriced gas. Anyone who wants to contribute to the oil companies already outrageous profits are free to do so. I don't need a turbo and refuse to waste money for excess power that I will never truly need.

It's auto

What Subaru did is change the exhaust system to increase the ground clearance 0.6 inches on the base models, but the XT actually has a little less ground clearance than the non-turbo models. I found that a mid-range model gives a good bang for the buck. Significantly better options than the base, but none of the high priced gas issues or lower ground clearance that the XT has.

What the rangers are saying is that there is not enough ground clearance for soft sand, but that contradicts what I've heard other people say.

Michelin Pilots are great. Had BF Goddrich Traction T/A's but took them off. They were really bad in the snow. Love the MIchelin's and probably won't buy anything else.

I have a 2003 Forester XS and was thinking about upgrading but decided not to. The XT needs premium fuel and with gas prices continuing to climb............... Also got the specs, brochure, etc. from the dealer and doesn't seem to be worth the extra cash. It has slightly less ground clearance than the base models, and the 2006 models have all gained a little extra horsepower and torque. I'll probably keep mine until it dies and then get another model equivalent to the one I've got. Best car I've ever owned. First Subabru and I won't buy anything else!

Just wondering if anyone has some experience driving an unmodified Forester on beaches. I've heard some people say they are great in the sand, but the Park Rangers where I want to drive it (Assateaque Island) say that they get stuck too often.