Looking for 2004 Forester comments

[Bob]

Hello,

I'm looking for a replacement for my aging Honda and recently test
drove a 2004 Forester X. The local dealer has several that have
between 8K - 11K miles with automatic transmissions. I liked the car
very much, but after reading this group, I'm beginning to wonder
about several things. I'm hoping that some of you can comment on
whether some of the comments I've read are serious problems, or just
notes from some disgruntled owners.

The comments that seem repeated:

1. Paint chips easily
2. The body dents easily, especially the hood
3. Engines leak oil
4. Piston slap WILL happen
5. Windows rattle
6. Automatic transmissions that get confused or are hesitant to
downshift
7. The AC is weak (I live in S. Texas, so good AC is necessary!)


Are these truly concerns or just isolated complaints?

Thanks
Bob (remove NOSPAM) to reply directly

 

[Mike Bender]

Hello,

I'm looking for a replacement for my aging Honda and recently test
drove a 2004 Forester X. The local dealer has several that have
between 8K - 11K miles with automatic transmissions. I liked the car
very much, but after reading this group, I'm beginning to wonder
about several things. I'm hoping that some of you can comment on
whether some of the comments I've read are serious problems, or just
notes from some disgruntled owners.

The comments that seem repeated:

Hi Bob,

I've got a 2003 Forester X (close enough to the '04 that you'd never
notice the difference) and I think I can address some of these:

1. Paint chips easily

Yes, I've noticed this. At least it chips more easily than any other car
I've ever owned (including Toyotas, Fords and Volkswagens). In fact, my
daughter managed to chip all the way through the surface coats and primer
by simply being a little careless with the rear seatbelt buckle.

2. The body dents easily, especially the hood

Unfortunately, yes. I managed to pretty severely dent a rear door while
loading a rooftop carrier while on vacation. I've also had dents in the
hood and a couple shopping cart dents in the fenders. I'd have to say
that this was the biggest disappointment I've had with the vehicle. On
the plus side, dents have been easy to have popped out. In fact, I've
considered making an annual appointment with a local body shop that has
an employee that can make the dents all but disappear for about $25 each.

3. Engines leak oil

As I've only clocked up a little over 15K miles, I can't speak to long
term leaks. I did have one for a while when I changed the oil and I
didn't torque the drain plug sufficiently. I've been considering
installing a Fumoto drain valve so I can change the oil without raising
the vehicle.

4. Piston slap WILL happen

Can't speak to this although some in this group have written that the
pistons have been redesigned to prevent this.

5. Windows rattle

I haven't had this problem in the 20 months I've had the car. I
occaisionally had a sqeaking noise happen when raising or lowering the
rear windows, but I understand a judicious application of silicone
lubricant helps. I've also noticed that keeping the windows clean helps.

6. Automatic transmissions that get confused or are hesitant to
downshift

I've never noticed the behavior in my AT Forester. Of course, when I want
to drive in a spirited manner, I downshift it manually.

7. The AC is weak (I live in S. Texas, so good AC is necessary!)

While I find the AC adequate for summers here in PA, it might not be for
someone in your area. It definitely doesn't get as cold as the AC in the
cars I've owned previously (some of which could nearly make snow come out
the vents). Of course, this is the first vehicle I've had with R134a AC,
though, and I know they aren't as efficient as R12 systems.

Hope this helps.

Mike

 

[CompUser]

I've been considering
installing a Fumoto drain valve so I can change the oil without raising
the vehicle.

On a Forester? Surely you jest.


I change oil on my WRX without lifting it.

 

[Hal Whelply]

I've had my '04 XT for 14 months, 18,500 miles. Haven't experienced any of
the problems you mention, so far. As for the air conditioning, it seemed
quite adequate last summer in driving across southern California and western
Arizona deserts in excess of 100 degrees F. It's true, the automatic
temperature control is not the best in terms of maintaining a constant temp,
but it can cool when it needs to. The automatic sometimes (infrequently)
will shift a bit abruptly when it hasn't quite figured out what I'm doing,
but I don't consider this an issue. Bottom line: I love this car.

HW

 

[hippo]

I've been considering

On a Forester? Surely you jest.

I change oil on my WRX without lifting it.

I agree. Ditto my 99 OB Ltd & 91 Liberty wagon. Outback air worked
adequately in 39C (102F?) heat in Oz last week - humidity was over 60%.
Not the greatest but still cooled us both fine. Bonnet seems to be biggest
paint issue apart from clumsiness by passengers or shoppers. Buy a front
protector for the hood. For the shopeers? Install a very big dog and leave
the windows open perhaps? Cheers