Comments: 1-15, 16-22
Everything. It's broken down many times.
I had a bill for $1500 to fix the brakes when it should have been around $500. I noticed rusty brakes on the car after a few weeks.
I'm going to trade it in. IT IS A PIECE OF CRAP! I took it in a few inches of snow and it couldn't go up. It sucks.
Cars, even driven on snow, do not 'go up'. They are still only capable of being driven along the road. You expect too much.
I have had my Subaru for 5 years, and my mom has owned 3 of them. These cars kick butt. They may not be the most expensive or the most refined, but they are great value for the money. They will last a long time and have a great reputation for reliability, and the AWD cannot be beat.
It sounds like you had a bad experience, and that has overshadowed everything else about this car. Try a different dealer if you are not satisfied.
This car is the best all around vehicle we've ever owned. We even drive it in the Outer Banks (North Carolina's barrier island) ON THE BEACH. People in conventional 4X4's look at us like we are NUTS!! But we love it. We are keeping this car forever :) :) :)
I guess you didn't like it!
Snow is funny stuff - it demands a skillful driver. Even a GMC Jimmy will go in the snow.
Sorry about your luck! My first Forester was a 1999 L model, I loved it! But they came out with the 2001 Forester S with the moonroof and heated seats, and I had to have that one.
It helps if you have a good dealer. We had to go out of town to get my car. My next car will be a Subaru again. Don't give up on the Subaru, they're a great car, just go to another dealer, or contact the Subaru company, they do try to help.
The numbers don't make sense...
WHY make up such a story???
$1500 for a brake job? AT 20,000 miles to boot?
You took quite a "ride" if you really paid this!!!
Most Subaru brake linings that I've seen last around 60,000 miles (96,000 KM).
Bad in the snow??? tell me another one... My Mom's Forrester will pull almost any 4x4 truck backwards!! You say there 20,000 miles on the car?? Hmmmm, just about the right mileage it might take for a bad driver to make set of tires bald...
Next time you feel the need to "slam" a car pick one that may have REAL problems, not a top-rated car like the new generation of Subarus. At least SOMEONE might believe you!!!
You wrote:
What things have gone wrong with the car?
"Everything. It's broken down many times.
I had a bill for $1500 to fix the brakes when it should have been around $500. I noticed rusty brakes on the car after a few weeks.
Distance when acquired
250 kilometres (155 miles)
Most recent distance
32000 kilometres (20,000 miles)
I'm going to trade it in. IT IS A PIECE OF CRAP! I took it in a few inches of snow and it couldn't go up. It sucks."
This is the biggest load of crap I have heard, the car has broken down many times and it gets bogged easy in the snow, not even a Land Rover would keep up to a Subie in the snow so I suggest you sell it to someone who will actually appreciates the performance and reliability of one the best vehicles ever made.
You got taken on the brake job!!! I just replaced my front brake pads for the first time at 59,000 miles. It only cost me 19.99 for the pads, with a lifetime warranty on them. Nothing else needed to be replaced or repaired.
I just traded my 1999 Forester S in on a Toyota truck. Was I dissatisfied with the Subaru? No Way! It was just not the idea vehicle for North Alabama. We average 1-2 inches of snow each year. The increase in tire wear (due to the AWD) and the mediocre fuel economy were unnecessary, If I lived in the snow belt, I would drive nothing but a Subaru.
The car never gave a bit of trouble, just expect to replace the tires at 20,000 mile intervals and if your average fuel economy exceeds 22MPG, consider yourself lucky.
This has been the only SUV I have ever driven that didn't feel awkward, It actually handles quite well.
Evergreen, CO -- I own a '98 Subaru Forester with 62,000 miles on it. I've had chronic brake issues (I believe the newer models have a more robust braking system). I also just found out that ALL FOUR struts are blown out and need replacement... total cost, over $1200. I bought a Subaru for it's supposed reliability and toughness. The one thing it does do well is go through snow (with studded snow tires it's even better). Next time, I'd buy a Honda for reliability and American made for toughness. Subaru's are just plain wimpy vehicles. Timmy B.
I see that there are a lot of people on this site that love the Forester. I really like the car. But I do not know a lot about repairs. My 2000 Forester has 37000+ miles. I am being advised to replace the brakes and all four tires (4/32). Bridgestone is giving me a really hard time about replacing the tires, they want to pro rate them and I pay the majority. As a single mom, this comes as a big expense just before Christmas. Any suggestions.
I have a 2003 Outback and it is absolutely awful in the smallest bit of snow, it fishtails and it is dangerous. But it handles so well in the rain, I am pretty sure it is a defect with my particular car, as it is so out of line with the rest of the car's performance. Anyone else having unusual problems in the snow or ice with the Outback?
I have a lot of experience driving in snow and other 4WD or AWD vehicles, something is wrong with my car, anyone else out there have the same thing? The dealer just hooks it up to the diagnostic and if it doesn't come back with codes, they say it's fine, they don't care, any suggestions?
I have been pleased with the handling of my 2001 VDC outbackboth in snow and rain. However the brake rotors have been reground three times in 37,000 miles due to warping. Subaru says we know we have a prblem, but I can't get them to pay only the instalation charge while I have agreed to pay for the rotors and pads upgrade. It appears to me either subaru has poor rotors or the brake design simply cannot handle the weight of the outback platform.
Thanks for the information about the fuel cap, cause my check engine light just came on for the first time.
This actually happen right after I filled up my gas tank.
Subaru first timer.
Forester 99.
G.M. ONT, CANADA.
I have to agree that the Forester is a piece of crap! Brand new 2000 Forester and only 50,000 km and we need a new clutch. Subaru takes no responsibility. The car lost its pep after the first year (15,000 km) Continuous problems with reverse gears, clutch shuddering, check engine light faulty, squeaking brakes. It's not a safe car to drive. To those people who just love their Subaru's -- just wait a little -- it will fall apart.