Love Our New 2004 Forester, but...

[Jim Knoll]

Just got a new 2004 Forester here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. This
is the second one added to our 1999 Forester. We got the X model in
Blue. Very nice car.

But we are still getting used to the remote locking system. Noticed that
there is no key slot on the passenger side. The other night my wife
couldn't find the driver side button to open the locks. It is not
lighted and should be. I pulled out my remote and hit the button. The
car was running and the remote open would not work. A safety feature I
guess. My wife was getting frustrated. Finally, she turned on the map
light to see the all door lock release on the drivers side. If she might
not have found that I would have had to use the key on the drivers door
to enter the car. What is suppose to be a convenient lock and safety
system was a real headache for a time. I suppose once one gets familiar
with the location of the drivers side lock release, opening the door
locks will be second nature. During the learning curve, however, it is a
real pain. I suppose the drivers side lock release is lighted in the XS
version ; - )??

Other than the lock pain, this car is wonderful. We got the auto trany
after both of us driving sticks for the past 20 years. What a joy now to
not have to shift in traffic. And the autos of today are very solid
shifters. The 1999 is a stick and it does have the slight cold chatter
problem although I am driving that car mostly now and have adapted to
its little challenge. I can really tell too the diference in the more
solid and stable suspension of the 2004. Can't wait for five or more
years to pass and trade in the 1999 for the 2009 Forester.

Don't hesitate to buy a 2004 Forester. They are great vehicles!

Cheers,

-Jim

 

[Rory]

Saw a spot about car theft on television the other day that mentioned many
manufacturers are moving to no key slot on the passenger side in an effort
to reduce auto theft.

In North America, since we park on the right side of the street (assuming it
is a 2way street), the thief has to try and jimmy the door lock in full view
of traffic (driver's side), rather then having the bulk of the vehicle
blocking the view of his crime...

 

[Jason]

I suppose once one gets familiar
with the location of the drivers side lock release, opening the door
locks will be second nature. During the learning curve, however, it is a
real pain. I suppose the drivers side lock release is lighted in the XS
version ; - )??

The lock switch is in the same place on my '03 Forester XS Premium as
it is in my '00 Legacy GT: On the driver's side door above the window
switches. Just gotta get used to it.

No, it's not lighted on the XS or premium, although the window
switches are, gotta go from there.

Enjoy your new Suby!
~J

 

[Brian Wasson]

But we are still getting used to the remote locking system. Noticed that

there is no key slot on the passenger side.

I own a 2003 OBW, but I rented a Forester in Oregon last weekend and
was amazed by the fact that the only key-operated lock on the entire
car (at least that I could see) was on the driver's door. I must have
spent five minutes looking for the lock on the rear hatch before
giving up. The rental did not come with the remote, so it made opening
up the rear hatch, etc., a bit of a process.

 

[James]

But we are still getting used to the remote locking system. Noticed that
there is no key slot on the passenger side. The other night my wife
couldn't find the driver side button to open the locks. It is not
lighted and should be.

After a few days/weeks/months, you and your wife will know the switch
by touch. It has a "bump" for lock and a "dip" for unlock. Anymore,
I find it without hesitation.

I have a '03 XS with premium. Like it more & more everyday!

James
'03 Subaru Forester XS-P
'03 Infiniti FX35
Santa Fe, New Mexico

 

[James]

It has a "bump" for lock and a "dip" for unlock.

Ooops! It's a "dip" for lock, "bump" for unlock. Just like the
keyless remote.


James
'03 Subaru Forester XS-P
'03 Infiniti FX35/AWD/Tech
Santa Fe, New Mexico