[Peter J]

It is a pretty color...I like it, wife wouldn't. She has some weird prejudice against light green I'm curious if you checked if heat was ducted to rear foot well? I'd be surprised if it wasn't.

[stlrman]

Thanks Peter, yeah it seems there is air blowing underneath the seats.

[persisting1]

If I was getting a new car, it would be a Subaru. They have always caught my eye. It seems like they are the best kept secret in the industry. Somewhat of a cult following for people who enjoy getting in their cars each morning.

[Doublej]

stlrman,

How's the sound system? Which one do you have? Any plans for aftermarket work on it?

[twitch54]

Although I use a K&N filter, I don't believe a 17HP increase, at least not with a stock air intake and exhaust system.

Steve

exactly, no way just a K&N gives that kind of HP increase to a stock N/A Subaru !

FWIW, the wife's 2010 Forester has been puuuurfect so far, also I was told the Forester is the 'numero uno' choice in the Lesbian community, no, my wife is not a lesbian ……..

[James Romeyn]

K&N filters are not really about increasing power, they're about maintaining very close to original airflow much longer than dry paper filters as they get dirty.

Steve

Paper filters get dirty then are replaced.  Metal mesh filters require maintenance in the form of cleaning and re-oiling with special filter oil. 

Two filters, A = paper, B = metal mesh.  Exact same air flows through both filters, exact same dirt.  The dirt blockage of air flow is exactly the same in A and B, no different. 

A professional BMW (Bimmer, not Beemer, look up the difference) mechanic said oily particles can possibly detach from metal mesh filters, thus fouling fuel injectors. 

I suspect OEM prefer paper air filter over metal mesh air filters because it's more sensible to periodically replace a filter rather than perform maintenance and risk fouling injectors.  A dirty paper filter simply slows air flow and minimizes power.  An overly dry (needs oil) and/or dirty metal mesh filter also slows air flow and minimizes power, but adds risk of fouling injectors.  It's a net negative IMO.     

If time is money (it is), and the cleaning fluid and special oil and the metal mesh filter itself is costly, an OEM paper filter might be more cost effective.  I'd check if warranty mentions anything Re. metal mesh air filter.   

Clean paper vs. clean/oiled metal mesh filter result in the same power IMO.   

[Maritan]

I've got a 2005 Subaru Forester that I absolutely love. With about 132k miles on it, I'm finally going to change the clutch out and only because I feel like the throw out bearing is getting ready to give out. There's no slipping yet.

I plan on keeping this car running as long as I can. My wife has a two door 2007 Civic Si that we'll be selling within a year or so. We're looking into either an XV Crosstrek (perfectly sized car with ground clearance adequate for light off roading when going hiking/ backpacking with and without our dogs) and the recently announced Mazda CX-3.

The only reason we haven't jumped on an XV yet is that it is pretty anemic in the engine department. Both my wife and I love driving both our cars because they're both stick shift and relatively fun. It's getting really difficult to find a new car that has a fun engine with a stick shift. "Champagne problems." 

[Doublej]

...
The only reason we haven't jumped on an XV yet is that it is pretty anemic in the engine department. Both my wife and I love driving both our cars because they're both stick shift and relatively fun. It's getting really difficult to find a new car that has a fun engine with a stick shift. "Champagne problems." 

Huh? There are plenty out there.

All of the major manufacturers still have fun cars with manual transmissions. Honda Civic Si, pretty much anything VW, BMW, Audi, Mustangs, Camaros, Vettes, the list goes on and on.

[RDavidson]

Huh? There are plenty out there.

All of the major manufacturers still have fun cars with manual transmissions. Honda Civic Si, pretty much anything VW, BMW, Audi, Mustangs, Camaros, Vettes, the list goes on and on.

You hit the nail on the head. Manual trans can be found more commonly on sports/muscle cars and European cars (and still are somewhat of a special order). They're becoming harder to come across otherwise. Gone are the days you could go to the Honda dealer and find a (non-Si) Civic, let alone an Accord with manual trans.

[jtwrace]

Although I use a K&N filter, I don't believe a 17HP increase, at least not with a stock air intake and exhaust system.

Steve

I'm quite aware of what the purpose and the reality of them are and the alike are for.  Thanks but I was responding to the post above. 

[adydula]

Here's mine....2015 Wax/STI........manual 6 speed, and lots of techie adjustment goodies... handles like stink and get me really wired looks being a male of a young 66yrs!!! Ha!!!



Alex

[Peter J]

Paper filters get dirty then are replaced.  Metal mesh filters require maintenance in the form of cleaning and re-oiling with special filter oil. 

Two filters, A = paper, B = metal mesh.  Exact same air flows through both filters, exact same dirt.  The dirt blockage of air flow is exactly the same in A and B, no different. 

A professional BMW (Bimmer, not Beemer, look up the difference) mechanic said oily particles can possibly detach from metal mesh filters, thus fouling fuel injectors. 

I suspect OEM prefer paper air filter over metal mesh air filters because it's more sensible to periodically replace a filter rather than perform maintenance and risk fouling injectors.  A dirty paper filter simply slows air flow and minimizes power.  An overly dry (needs oil) and/or dirty metal mesh filter also slows air flow and minimizes power, but adds risk of fouling injectors.  It's a net negative IMO.     

If time is money (it is), and the cleaning fluid and special oil and the metal mesh filter itself is costly, an OEM paper filter might be more cost effective.  I'd check if warranty mentions anything Re. metal mesh air filter.   

Clean paper vs. clean/oiled metal mesh filter result in the same power IMO.

James, I'm gonna assume you're talking about K&N filters when you say "metal mesh". While there is indeed a mesh screen that covers the actual filter media, it's purpose is not to filter but to retain the gauze filter fabric and perhaps give it some form-abilty. The bit about fouling the injectors just has no basis in truth. The only thing the injectors have traveling through them is fuel...and that fuel certainly hasn't been through the air filter. To foul an injector externally would be extraordinarily hard, if not impossible. In all my years wrenching I've never encountered such a thing.

I suppose one could argue that the oil in the gauze could foul a spark plug, but in all honesty the amount of oil that could be potentially induced via filter pales in comparison to what gets by rings and valve guide seals. Bottom line, I don't buy your wrench's analysis. It's curious to me that people put so much stock in the "bimmer mechanic". What makes him any different than the Subaru mechanic? All similar systems, no?

As to cost effectiveness of K&N, that's another subject entirely. I've been on and could still argue either side of that fence, so it mostly boils down to marketing and what people are willing to spend  their money on.

[bregez]

I suppose one could argue that the oil in the gauze could foul a spark plug, but in all honesty the amount of oil that could be potentially induced via filter pales in comparison to what gets by rings and valve guide seals.

The air filter oil has been known to have negative effects on the mass air flow sensor element.  The oil can accumulate on the sensor element.  Not a big deal if you go in and clean it on regular intervals.

[sebrof]

The only reason we haven't jumped on an XV yet is that it is pretty anemic in the engine department.

Yeah, that's a pretty big car for a 2.0L motor. I might have bought one over the Outback had it come with a 2.5.

Both my wife and I love driving both our cars because they're both stick shift and relatively fun. It's getting really difficult to find a new car that has a fun engine with a stick shift. "Champagne problems." 

My 2012 Outback came with a manual, the only one on the lot. They did away with the manual in 2013 I believe. Sadly I do not believe I will be able to find a suitable car with a manual in 5 or so years when I look to buy a new car unless a mid-life crisis steers me towards a sports car. My wife's Legacy has the paddle shifters, but it just ain't the same. Not even close, really.

[DaveC113]

The air filter oil has been known to have negative effects on the mass air flow sensor element.  The oil can accumulate on the sensor element.  Not a big deal if you go in and clean it on regular intervals.

Exactly, that's the only down side. Just don't over-oil it when you clean it and clean the MAF with electronics cleaner every once in a while.

I have a Cobb fabric filter on my WRX with a Cobb cold air intake system. Together with the exhaust and tuning it makes a massive difference, the car spools up like a turbo diesel (super-fast and right off idle) and sounds like a semi when the turbo is coming on line. The car is a torque monster with these mods... 

adydula, not sure about your dealership but mine is fine with me going up to Cobb stage 2 mods without voiding my warranty... it's a huge improvement, I highly recommend it! 

[Maritan]

Huh? There are plenty out there.

All of the major manufacturers still have fun cars with manual transmissions. Honda Civic Si, pretty much anything VW, BMW, Audi, Mustangs, Camaros, Vettes, the list goes on and on.

Right. As RDavidson pointed out, you can get all the cars you listed with manual transmissions - even if you do have to special order them. For people like me that haul dogs almost everywhere, I'd like something a little more practical size-wise but not be forced to get an automatic. That said, the VW Sportwagen might be an option, but the wife is against a pure station wagon, and the ground clearance might not be enough.

Sebrof - That's right. The Outback would be the perfect car for us, but there isn't even the option of a manual anymore. Irritating.

[stlrman]

Doublej , the sound system is pretty darn good, way way better than our last  Imprezza.
The premium system package would have added a few more thousand.
   The car is plenty quick , and is very fun to drive!!  I don't plan to touch anything to upgrade it.
I do plan on getting winter matts for the floor boards.

[BobM]

Subaru has to have one of the best customer satisfaction ratios in the business. We bought an Outlook in 2012 and just absolutely love it. What other car do you see on the road for 15-20 years, where the owners say they will never get rid of the car and it has no problems?

[Ron D]

While not an owner of one I have vacationed in northern Idaho the past few summers and Subarus appear to be the vehicle of choice in this area. You couldn't throw a ball in any direction and not hit one. Must be a testament to their functional ability in all seasons.

[mcgsxr]

I don't own one, but believe them to be good cars.

Neighbor has a Forester he is happy with.  Best friend has the 2015 STi sedan with wing delete and it is a lot of fun.  6 speed manual, and go cart handling.