I got a 2001 RS Sedan this last November and since they came out I've had a terrible itch for the performance of the WRX. Im not fond of the "Neon" type look of the WRXs and I think that the new Foresters look tits. I think I finally started looking fondly on the Foresters when they switched from the tri-color tail lights to bi-color. I think a Black Forester S with tinted windows would look like the shiznit. I've got a few questions...

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Is the paint on the Foresters the same crap that's on the Imprezas? I've had mine since last November (8 months) and I already have a couple chips on the front of the hood that've started to rust.
Is the AT on it the same as on all the other models? How does it drive compared to the MT in respect to the AWD? I've heard the power transfer with the ATs is pretty annoying. Does the weight of the Forester help it?
What are the dimensions of the sunroof? I looked at one with it at the dealership today and it was ENORMOUS!!!
Does anyone have any numbers on the ground clearance of the Forester compared to the WRX? The Forester is 10" taller than the WRX but I'm curious how much is ground clearance and how much is interior space.
Is the defroster looking thing in the rear driver's side window the antenna?
Does anyone have the auto-dimming rear mirror? How well does it work? How long does it take to darken?
On the Premium Package they say it has gold-trimmed wheels. I got my nose about 6" from the wheels on a Premium Package Forester and all I saw was silver.
What are the stock dimensions of the alloy wheels that come on the Forester S?
Have I asked too many questions? :)
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Thanks a bunch!

Answers:

1. About the same. I have a couple of chips, but only at the rear windows. Yes they rust quickly. I used sandpaper to get rid of the rust and then a couple of dabs of touch-up paint.

2. I think it is fine. No problems or complaints, other than the occasional resistance to downshift at wot. My wife's '00 RS sedan is AT as well, and I don't mind it either...

3. Not sure the numbers. It doesn't say in the '01 Forester pamphlet. You are correct. It is ENORMOUS!

4. Not sure the ground clearance of the WRX... Basically the Forester suspension is the identical suspension in the RS, only with about 1.5" more spring / strut height and about 1.5" of lift with an aluminum spacer thing. Thats all... So I would guess its about 3" more than the WRX if it compares to the RS.

5. Yes. It only comes that way on the S I think. I know my '99 L has a good ol' fashioned antennae on the right front fender the way it should. It gives me great reception, too...

6. Sorry. Don't have it. Couldn't see spending $200 + for a mirror that doesn't automatically make me look better or answer wishes or something... :lol:

7. Gold TRIMMED. Look again... but this time focus your attention on the inside edges of the spokes. Everybody together now...
OOOOOoooooOOOOOoooooHHHHhhh!
AAAAAAAaaaaaaaAAAAAAAaaaahhhhh!
What a gimmick, huh? :lol:

8. I believe they are 16 x 7 with a 40 or 45 offset. The tires are 215/60R16 mud and snow type radials.

9. Yes. :rolleyes: But questions are good. Ignorance is excusable, but only once. ;) Continue on this, your path to enlightenment, Grasshopper... :lol:

See ya. =o)

1) paint is crap like the imprezas I don't know if everyone has a problem but I had like 3 or 4 chips and swirll marks galor.

2) auto is nice shifts smooth, I think its the same as all the other models.

3) sunroof dimensions ummm real big its well over 4square feet.

4) I think the lowest spot is like 7" off the ground, its a curve in the exhaust, but most of the clearance is like 7.5". Interior space in the front is great back seat is real cramped, I swear that my L has more rear seat room. Tall ceiling so lots of rear cargo space.

5) yup in glass antenna

6) auto dimming mirror when it gets dark out it can sense the lights behind u and it darkens, doesn't help much when people leave their high beams on, but works good for lows

7) the wheels do have a gold tone to them especially on the sides

8) 16" by 7" i believe

hope this helps, feel free to correct me;)

Hepcat,
1-yes
2-yes..although haven't driven a mt in a while
3-not sure of the actual size, but you can have all your passengers stand up in it
while fully opened.
4-clearance is 7.5" and it's got lots of room
for even a full suspension bike inside with
the front wheel off. Or.4 passengers plus
me.
5-yes that is the antenna.
6-sorry no mirror..yet :D
7-the gold is soooo very subtle..back up and
you'll notice it.
8-wheel size is 16x6.5 with tire size
215/60/r16
9-no....now buy one dummy!
I love mine! wanna trade for a weekend?
~ferretboy coming out of closet..RS envy :lol:
here...just a subtle hint..buy buy..buy!

Ferret> You got what I want. Nice and black. Is yours an S or an S+? From what I've read you can't get a standard S without two-tone (and can't get black, period). I'm hoping to buy, Buy, BUY!!! but I gotta wait a year or two. I got my RS < 1 year ago so the depreciation is kicking my ass for a little while. If we were closer I'd trade you my RS sedan for a week. :) I'm gonna have to go test drive a Forester this week.

Can you do me a favor and measure the dimensions of your sunroof when you get a free chance? I'm curious how it compares to my RS. Does the shade on it slide back independent from the glass or is it fixed? Does it have a lip that comes up to deflect some of the wind or does it drop right from the roof into the car? I'm extremely thankful I got the moonroof deflector with my RS but it cuts the dimensions by 1/3rd. My GF has a new Corolla and it has a little lip that pops up and does the same good as my huge deflector.

ForesterPerformance> How does the cabin of the Forester feel in comparison to your wife's RS? I feel like a wannabe since I have to lean about 6" to the right of center (of the seat) so I don't feel like the top of the door is 1/2" from my head (6'3").

Also, anyone buy their Subaru via Autobytel? How'd it go? I think I express my excitement too much so it's not easy for me to haggle. :)

independent sunshade for the sunroof!

missed a couple.
A metal deflector raises up when the sunroof is opened, allows just the right ammount of air in.

The sunroof is like twice as big as the RS, i'd measure the dimensions for ya but I cant:(

ferretboy a hood deflector would look nice on your black forester:D

The wheels are definitely 16"x6.5". That is something I checked very closely because I considered buying some, until I gawked at the prices. :eek: I went aftermarket instead.

Clearance is stated at 7.5", but the lowest point is actually the front cross member, at about 6.8". Stated clearance for the WRX is 6.2", but I'm sure it's closer to 5.5" or so (though I have not measured).

In the real world, you have plenty of clearance for all kinds of ramps and such, and almost never touch bottom.

The moonroof, as MotorWeek put it, is "big as the Texas sky".

That window antennae mentioned is now standard on all models. It used to come only on S models, but now they all get it.

Happy shopping. You two guys should trade cars! :lol:

-juice

juice,
hey are you from the yahooclub Forester? I think I remember you from there.
~ferretboy

ForesterPerformance> How does the cabin of the Forester feel in comparison to your wife's RS? I feel like a wannabe since I have to lean about 6" to the right of center (of the seat) so I don't feel like the top of the door is 1/2" from my head (6'3").

Well, Hepcat, it feels larger. Although the dash is the same, the roofline is definately taller. When seated in the RS, I have about 1" clearance to the roof. (I am 6'1") When seated in the Forester L I have close to 6" clearance. Much better.

It also seems to have more legroom, since the seats seem to be higher. ;)

Ferret> Can you post more pics of your black S?

Yeah, tinted black Foresters rule! :cool:

Too bad they didn't offer the Premium S+ back when I got mine in 98!

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1013602&a=12601901&p=46799542
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1013602&a=12601901&p=47108787

(20% Madico Metallic tint on all rear windows)

BTW, the auto dimming mirror works pretty well. My buddy has it on his Forester. Reacts pretty quickly.

Ken

Yep, that was me on the Yahoo club. Haven't been there in a while. I'll have to drop back in.

-juice

Well, I took a Forester S+ (SRP, leather) for a test drive yesterday and it was pretty nice. The AT was a little indecisive and kinda slow from the get-go, but I really liked the ride. I sit much higher in that than I do in my RS, which I miss from my Cherokee. I think I'm gonna take another Forester out after it snows (early November) and see how I like the AT compared to the MT.

I think I would be stuck getting one with leather because I think the upholstery on the doors looks kinda wierd with all the vinyl surrounding it.

Hopefully by the time I buy they're putting beige leather with the black Foresters, I like that a bit more than the grey leather.

Geoff
www.flat-four.com

:cool:

And Ken's too? My eyes aren't as good as they used to be but it looks like a BDP/slate Forester.

Ed

edit: Maybe ferretboy's and PKduck's too? Can't tell if it's all black or just the top. Man I'm gonna need bifocals before long :rolleyes: .

here ya go..

That's a 7.3 sqft roof panel !

Very impressive
Brad

http://www.theaskguys.com/%7Epics/love-it.jpg

WRONG FORUM

Haha. I was trying to figure out what the hell that had to do with the discussion.

I would delete it but it is a funny picture. :)

Aaron

yeah the forester S has got the monstrous moonroof. it's the mother of all moonroofs.

windnoise is a hell of a racket on the highway with it open, especially if ya got the roof crossbar too close to the front.