We Were Wrong!! An Old Subaru Forester is an Excellent, Affordable Camping Rig
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- BID ON THIS EXACT CAR HERE: www.tflbids.co...
In this video we go over the transformation of Brendan's Subaru Forester and why they make excellent camping rigs!
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#Subaru #Forester #overland
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Best design ever. The interiors seemed cheaper at the start, but they have really held up over time. Subaru should make this compact wagon form factor again. They have as much space in them as a modern RAV4, but ride and handle like a car. They have ground clearance and the roof line is low enough that a cargo carrier is fairly convenient. Once you replace the first head gasket with a multi-layered steel one it's no longer a concern. Do it when you do the timing belt.
Good to know about the multi layered steel now i might just focus on building this rather than buying a Land Cruiser or a sequoia
@@therealsolo23 definitely. I just bought myself a gen 3 Forester and will be doing a bit of work on it to do some off-road travel - bull-bar with winch, lift kit, bash plates, extra lighting, and a simple camping fit out.
230 000km on mine and i still do long trips, go offroad, ride in sand dunes. Fully loaded. Just been servicing her really well since i got her.
235,000 miles on mines and same thing. I abuse mine. Check my channel.
I just put mine back on the road after an accident I had about 10 months ago. A little rough around the edges still but it remains a very good car, everything works on it (except the ac that is. I have to reinstall the ac comp. belt, reconnect the ac lines and recharge the system) It's still running strong at 246,000 miles. I just took a friend on a trip this weekend and we had to pass farm equipment while climbing up a hill on a two lane road. I got the engine up to 6200 RPM and it just blew the dust off the slow moving tractor!
@@kevingallineauii9353 heck yea, I do the same. Funny you mention a/c, my compressor locked up 2 days ago on my weekly drive to az. The blower motor went at the same time… hopefully motor resistor and compressor and I’ll recharge it myself. She’s been holding 💪 otherwise!
I have 3 Subaru's. My Forester 250K miles, my daughter's 195K miles, both 2008. My wife's 2001 Outback 328K miles. Just have to do basic maintenance.
I have an 09, I've dirt tracked it, snow thrashed it, and put 30k miles on it in less than 2 years, full synthetic royal purple every 3k miles, it's got 215k miles, absolutely love the thing
Have a 2005 XS forester and love it. Bought it with 50,000 miles on it and have put 125,000 miles on it with no serious issues. Love the AWD and the higher wheel base. When it snows instead of shoveling out of my parking spot I just plow right through. These 2nd gen Foresters are great all around small SUV’s. Hope to put 300,000 on mine.
I have a 2017 Forester (SJ). They are super comfortable, economical, and capable daily driver that you can take anywhere.
I put all terrains on it as well. I've used it for hunting and driving miles on forest service roads with zero issues. Its short wheel base helps out A LOT. And still get 30+ mpg highway easy (unless your going over the speed limit). You can fold the rear seats down to fit a full size air mattress in the back to sleep. The only thing to be desired is a few extra horsepower.
Over 30mpg? Seems pretty crazy. These stock are 26 ish. I may buy one soon
@@j_mars_cars I drive really conservatively. If you get on it, you'll get around 26.
The side rails in the trunk area is for a rare net that goes across, only holds like 10 pounds of stuff so like a few shirts or a jacket, the long compartment in front of the rear seat is for an umbrella
Love that car and appreciate how you guys dont just play with the upper end stuff. Great vid, Tommy!
my dad had a 2002 fozzy that he drove until 2 years ago and had 160k miles on it. loved that car so much
I had the XT version. How about 0 to 60 in…5.4 seconds😳. I put BGFs on mine. No alterations. I could go mud holing on the weekends and run with the sports cars on the at to work. Still miss it. Mine also came with the weather ban radio. Too cool of a car. Quirky and fun.
Nice
The rails and hooks in the cargo area are for vertical cargo net attachments. Cargo nets can be purchased aftermarket or at Subaru dealerships and fit many models of Subarus.
Came here to find out about this, thanks!
2006 Subaru Forester XT limited AT 205k miles, 5 years ownership. Good condition. I had a 2007 MT Forester before that. Your's seemed kinda rough, frankly. Good on tfl for fixing it up.
did you change the timing chain and if so at what miles? new owner of an old subaru lol just curious thanks
@@muddywaters-c6l Yes, timing BELT / water pump changed 2 years ago at 195. Just sold the XT last week with 209k. I'd recommend doing the full timing belt job every 90k or about every 7 years. Get it done if you don't know.
I know you mentioned it being in between a wagon and an suv/crossover. I remember the old Paul Hogan, aka, Crocodile Dundee commercials where he would declare the outback as the world's first Sport Utility Wagon
Oh yeah, I remember those. Obv he forgot about the GL Wagon before it and the old AMC Eagle.
Ah, the heated wiper park. One of my favorite Subaru features. Never a stuck blade in the winter. I'm really surprised a feature like that never became a common feature on cars. Subaru even made it easy to get. Basically if you had the heated seats, you had the heated wiper park.
I don't see the new ones having heated windshields anymore, But anything except the base models have heated seats standard now.
@@rturner4205 they still have the heated wiper park, but the grid has been hidden for more uniform look
That might be it. I work at a Subaru Dealership but own a 2001 Forester. Mine has the heated windshield, Didn't know if it was still available. I know heated mirrors are common to see.
Hey Guys, I hope you are reading our comments as I want to say Great Job! You Guys are showing real World Class videos since you've expanded your program to include Special Guests and special topics like purchasing not so expensive 4X4 vehicles and enjoying them off-road. Many Thanks...
We do! Thanks!
I have a 07 forester manual original everything has 270k miles now, head gaskets replaced at 120k. It will be my forever beater.
My father bought a 1983 Subaru GL wagon in 1983. It got us through the swamps of Louisiana, snowy Germany, Californian deserts, Italy's Mediterranean climate, and finally Texas' deserts (He was US Air Force). He sold it to a college kid. Over 200,000 miles on it, carborated, manual transmission, 2 decades of service. I now have a 2018 6MT Forester.
The manuals of this generation, down here in NZ actually came with a dual range box but my 4EAT crawls really quite well even if its shifting isn't the smoothest on road. The biggest problem with all Scoobies from this era are the frameless doors - really easy to break into, which is a bit of a drawback if you want to park it with your camping gear while you go off hiking or something. Oh, and I hang my dog towel on those little rails.
With the right tools, a car thief can break into any car. I have a tool kit that makes it possible for me to get into just about any car. Takes some time yes, but i can do it.
Watching this video, I just realized just how similar everything is between this vehicle and my Volvo XC70 from this same era. Even down to where the rear cupholders are located.
I think that cargo area looks very well thought out and functional. And in my opinion their good use of interior space is what should be done with a crossover. Maybe it's a good thing I don't have the money cause I'd be very tempted to bid on it. Then if the wifes van broke down she'd be upset at me for getting a standard shift. Her amputation makes it impossible for her to work the clutch and gas at the same time. Seems like it would be handy for a daily driver and maybe some light camping.
Subaru won’t come out with something outta left field that will WOW YOU. However they, rather than constantly reinvent the wheel , they’ve came up with a niche market and perfects the items and options that scratches those itches for that audience
rear seat cup holders are located in the back of the center console. the door you see at 5:57 flips down with 2 spring out cup holders.
Plus the armrest means four cupholders for just the rear seats
I have the 2008 xt sports model. Best car i've ever owned. Great content!
2006 Subaru Forester X 5 speed same exterior color w/ grey interior. 250k mi. Holding up very well daily driver. I definitely need to take it out off road more.
If the head gasket hasn't been replaced yet with those high miles, it's only a matter of time before it goes out. If you get an old forester, you really should get the turbo one with the stronger head gasket.
Talking from a lot of experience here..The turbo EJ's are a bigger headache and prone to rod knock. You're better off buying an NA and replacing the head gaskets with the turbo EJ gaskets. Night and day easier to maintain and abundant parts available everywhere.
Head gasket issue was fixed starting in 2006
@@markciritella9163 negative ghost rider. They changed suppliers and redesigned it, but it’s far from fixed. I replaced hundreds of head gaskets in 2014-2017 2.5’s over the years.
@@markciritella9163 then why does my 2009 OB have leaky heads at 111k miles??
My 09 stock head gaskets went to 204k. The exhaust side failed
We had the 06 Forester till 2020. It was a great vehicle. We ended up with a new 2022 Forester Sport which is even better. The Forester is such a great vehicle.
Parts everywhere, every junkyard has plenty. Last of the mechanical ones, some say the best. Great project car for someone wanting to wrestle some spanners. Can do ALMOST everything.
When I lived in the U.P. of MI, I had a 98 Plymouth Grand Voyager with the heated windshield wiper strip. Godsend in an area with so much snow and ice.
Nice video, nice restoration. For the back seats you have an other set of two cupholders, on the back of the arm rest, in a small drawer, I wonder how you don't know about that. just below the actual armrest, the part you flip over and showed those cup holders. The one I'm talking about is near the central tunel.
I could have sworn that the rear defrost button triggers that heated wiper area. 215k miles on my 2007 Sports XT and still going strong
We have a 2.5 year in my wife’s Impreza. It’s best in the top end of the range 4000-6000. Can be quite fun to drive if you keep it up there.
I have a 2001 with 230k miles on original motor and transmission and it runs great 👍. I lowered it on 17×8 wheels and it was fun in the corners. Now I'm lifting it and putting 215 mud tires on it to go outlanding in. It literally has no leaks and only now starting to get them rust spots. I and repainting car rattle can style but addressing the rust first.
Throw a light all terrain tire in a slightly bigger size on like the Yokohama geolander G015 A/T and you have a perfect mix of daily drive and “go have fun in the woods” capability. The MPG drop should be very negligible. If you really want to, a 2 inch lift does wonders too. Only thing is you might have issues with CV boots tearing prematurely, but if you’re willing to replace one once every year or two then the benefits of the lift are more then worth it. May even be less frequent if you’re not very rough on your vehicle.
Might need to stand back a bit more than 10ft for it to look great, but hey, it’s still a massive improvement.
I am currently repairing my 2005 Outback XT manual. I have to pull the headliner and fix the sunroof drain so it stops leaking and then pull the carpet and get the mold smell out. I have new brakes and rotors to install and find the vacuum leak to get power back. It also need some paint as well. It has a 1” lift and slightly larger tires.
Caution! Rust free and with good engines these are good machines. Especially the higher spec ones like this. Mine is a base model with 325,000 km in Australia. 2nd owner from 90K. Never expected to get one because they're not proper 4WDs but it was the right choice in 2013 and it's been amazingly good ever since.
But, these was a lottery with engines due to the head gasket issue. Mine uses a little oil but has never dripped. Plenty need expensive fixes or an engine swap. Which can be surprisingly cheap depending on you and your location.
And rust - if there is rust in the body, I'd want to see the underside in detail. Maybe still worth it if you are happy to learn and willing to swap bits between successive cars.
One cool feature on these Foresters is that you can wire up a switch to turn on AWD manually, kind of like x-mode on newer Subarus. Just don't use it on dry pavement or you'll break things... Also the LL Bean edition came with a limited slip diff on the back.
Tommy living his best life. He has grown up so spectacular I’m so proud of you tommy
I agree he went from that annoying kid on the show to an entertaining guy.
I like how compact it is. It is very small but it still has AWD and Ground Clearance for dealing with the snow. It's the perfect northeast city car as it is capable, without being too big to parallel park or drive down narrow streets. Currently, no car offered by Subaru offers this combination. The Outback is huge, the Forester doubled in size, and even the Crosstrek is still big compared to this small Subaru. What I like most about this set up is that it offers a lot of the benefits of an SUV, without the compromises if you live in a tight urban center. The Impreza is almost similar in size, but it does not have the ground clearance offered here. The sedan is fine, but it is not as capacious
Ha, keep it topped off with oil. Yeah, I kept telling my daughter that and whataya know, she didn't. My 2007 Forester now has no oil leaks or burning due to the new reman engine it has! I just hope I get it back from her after college, love that little SUV!
you missed the other cupholders in the back below the ones that flip out from arm rest.
I had a 1998 manual Forester S that was fantastic, but was taken by head gaskets at about 160k miles. Really should have just put the money in and fixed it.
Now have a 2021 Forester Sport, and it's a great car. Also has that huge, not-quite panoramic sunroof.
I just bought a week ago a 2002 Subaru outback legacy AWD man what a fun car
Rear cup holder is actually behind the center console towards the floor of the rear. Flip the panel out and collapsible cup holders pop out. Unsure why in the later years they removed the center console storage and instead added the cup holders
There's centre console storage and rear cup holders in my 2006. The main problem is that positioned where they are, they quickly get stomped by kids in the back.
@@sd3457 in early models (2003-2005 usdm), the lid to the center console was even more storage. Maybe it's because the latch to hold it closed would break all the time.
Definitely understand the kids stomping. Another interesting detail is the door pockets on the 2006-2008 usdm are plastic. Early models it's a mesh net.
The rails on the sides of the cargo/trunk area are for hanging towels and other equipment or for an optional rack that could fit between the rails. Unfortunately, the rack doesn't appear to be available anymore.
Reliable vehicle, the issue with SF and SG models were interior rattling. Can drive you crazy.
Honestly, my f150 has been having a door rattle for years, and I just stopped noticing / caring.
410,000 km on mine!!! 2004 Forester XT
Amazing!! 123,000 km on my 2010 xt. Glad to see your xt with so many Kms. They say XT engines don't last long. Is yours the original engine?
Me too
Glad to hear it! I just bought an 06 xt with 183k
interior criticism is illumination .... with a sunroof there is very poor interior lighting. Try putting your key in the ignition at night... even adding kick panel lighting would be an improvement. We won't talk about road noise. However. your critique is well done an on point.
I would use the trunk handle bar to tie stuff down.
I still love this gen 2 Forester
Head case gaskets but I’m forever a Toyota older mile guy.I do like the forester though.2010 great year!
I love my sg forester. Still had lsd instead of electronic traction control stuff
I have a Subaru Forester I bought used from my dad I love it
The rear cupholders are in the cubby on the back of the centre console by the rear passengers footwell
it does look like a t-rex tried to grab some kids inside through the sunroof 😆
I absolutely LOVE my 03
There are more cupholders for the backseat passengers - in the middle console, popping out to the center tunnel...
This generation of Forester is IMO the best car Subaru has made.
the cup holders for the back seat where in what looks like an ashtray he didnt even hit it to see what it was just assumed the arm rest was for it, i own one.
Saying that these are reliable cars is a bit misleading... they have notorious head gasket issues that basically brick the car at that age.
Mine actually started leaking coolant externally from the left head. Cost me about $500 doing the head gaskets myself. Would cost thousands to have a shop do it. Steer clear unless you are mechanically inclined.
I have an 06 Forester which looks exactly the same as this one in the video, except no sunroof, RHD, and it has a wing. Been in the family for 9 years and nearly 70,000 kms, had no real issues that prevented the car from driving, apart from a nasty misfire in 2017-2018. Currently does have a leaky head gasket but still starts and drives just fine, no overheating or anything.
I was told the frameless windows were for safety, because window frames commonly got mangled up in wrecks and injured occupants. No idea if this is true...
My 2001 forester still pushing strong things last forever if you take cares of it
I use the rails in the back to secure cargo items with bungee cords.
TFL, Think you could do a review of the 1999-2004 Chevy Tracker 4 dr and how capable they are? Keep up the great work!
Is it possible to swap the fenders on this with a gen 2 so you can fit a gen 2 grill and lights and bumper on the gen 3?
Check out the Mtn.Roo Groups in your area. Ive got an offroad/camp 2005 Outback and its handled amazingly over a lot of different terrains.
Love your videos guys! Quick question, do you happen to know if this is stock suspension? I've got an '03 XS and would love to buy a set of General Grabbers, but I'm worried that they wouldn't fit without also doing a suspension upgrade. Thanks!
I believe it has a slight lift.
@@brendanao thanks for the response Brendan! Looks like getting a set of All-terrain tires is going to be a bit more $$ than I expected 😅
Tommy, good effort trying to get in Subaru’s good graces. Smart for you to keep admitting you were wrong and ask forgiveness.
Except he wasn’t wrong. Everything TFL called out Subaru on was factual and documented with video evidence. Subaru is NOT best in class as it pertains to awd ability or prowess. They also called it out on an unreliable and poor cvt which is absolutely true.
Subaru are crybabies
Question open to all: I just had my oil changed in my 2012 Forester and paid a couple hundred to go along with their recommendation to have them do a oil flush-whatever that is. It sure is quiet I'll say that much.
That cargo area is awesome.
How did these guys miss the cup holders in the back seat? Am a just different because i got the LL Bean?
so you pretty well replaced the whole ac system and now it works! who would of known,,
It didn’t have a clutch/pulley before
wow thats an amazing interior now
TFL, I’d be interested in a review of the 1999-2004 Chevy Tracker /Suzuki Vitara. Keep up the good work!
They already have a video up on this channel featuring a Chevy Tracker...
So what did you use for a CAT? The 1200 OEM or an after market one?
👏👏👏👏for what y’all are doing keep it up
My 03 gets me putting around town. The sub-frame is rusted. Cat needs replaced, rear shocks need replaced. overall pretty beat up and kinda hopless. Any advice? Sub-frame is the biggest concern.
If it's the front subframe, the rails are bolted in and very easy to replace. You don't even have to take the wheels off to do it. It may be tough to find good ones in a yard. I ended up buying new ones straight from Subaru.
@@WaynePittenger nice advice. I saw its only like 4 bots. I'm scared it's going to chip on the frame when I go to remove it they are so rusty. Need a welder hand. Anyways do know of any research or videos that would help me out with getting it done.
@@michaelmurray5746 Surprisingly, there really aren’t any decent videos on the Forester subframes. What I can tell you is there are 2 pieces held in by 6 bolts each. Make sure you get new bolts too.
Gas x is for people who have a hard time farting. Fart pains are real 😂😂😂
yeah, I've got an old forester I'll sell you, it has been the worst financial mistake I've ever made. Here is a tip, from 2011-2013 the FB25 engines were bound to fail. (ringland failure) don't believe me? Subaru had a program to replace engines, but it has ended. Mine has 85,000 miles on it and consumes about a quart every 150 miles now. It has never been low on oil, clean, low miles, but it needs a new engine :(
If you clean your EGR every 20k miles. You will never need a head gasket replacement. I bet you it's dirty. (It only takes about 15 minutes)That is why the cat was broken. Because it got over heated. EGR got stuck open.
They hired Brendan to buy and flip cars for the TFL coffers, I bet.
Did you guys flip the lighting yet or do you still have it?
I noticed your manual doesnt have a low range? mine does
Those are great until you get on the highway and the tired frameless window seals generate the wind noise of a 737. 🤣
Felt that! I have to put the music way up to not hear the wind! 😅
I replaced mine with an hour of work and maybe $100 in parts.
Question for the Subaru owners (and based on a comment in the video). my '09 Forester is throwing a O2 sensor code an check engine light and yes cruise control is disabled. but the stability control off light is also on. is stability control actually disabled when the check engine light in on? seems like a major safety feature to disable for a bad sensor.
any thoughts?
[no I havent tested it as yet with some rough driving]
Yes, both stability control and cruise control are all turned off when there's an issue with the engine. Check out the reason for the check engine light and fix it and all systems will return to normal.
@@sumai_m.h thanks. it's an O2 sensor so i'm getting it replaced next week. Just can't believe a major safety feature is turned off for a sensor. Otherwise I am LOVING my ride.
Nice, a manual Forester. Drive it as-is, or mod it up. Tan interior is best interior.
The rails are for luggage cover in the boot.
Reliable.. as long as you replace the head gasket every 50,000km
Mines about to turn 200,000 and its still on the original head gasket which just started leaking 🤷
Id love ya'll to attempt to off road my 17 manual forester, but in California.
That interior is in better shape than my 03 Toyota. The leather seats are very, very cracked :-(
This is great; get an affordable vehicle, fix it up, and auction it on your site
The rear cupholders are below the armrest, at least it is for me or is is just jdm?
The rear cupholders are there. Not sure how he missed this.
@@wvusmc I mean, he didn't know what the rail for the cargo cover was.
What aftermarket head unit is that?
Hi guys hope you can help me, i have the same car and issue with check engine light and crankshaft position sensor showing, i replace it and it runs well now but the light deosn’t go off, i tried using scanner or unplugging the battery but nothing works, the damn light and cruise control set are still there blinking… Any help please
you have to put denso crankshaft no after market
@@rubirosa6 but the car runs well, and the check engine light can not be erase from the memory… it is stuck with the old error on memory,
A Subaru low on oil? Who would have thought…
Camry for anything
They love to mark their territory.
Hey make sure it doesn’t catch fire.
The rails are to hold the (missing) rear hatch covet, that hides the trunk’s contents from prying eyes.
I get the point of the video. But I really have to question the decision to go with a used AC compressor.
If you need it to last a short period in the summer and vow to get rid of it in the spring.....Might make sense. If you're going to turn and burn (someone else) soon. Yep. The savings would certainly be useful in that respect.
The R&R and AC service shop cost is the same for new or used (some shops won't do used). The labor, incidental and supply costs will likely eclipse the cost of the compressor new (with a warrenty).
There are applications where a well sourced salvaged part can give you good dependable service for years. A used AC compressor might not be as stupid as a used wheel bearing. But still pretty stupid.
It may still outlast the vehicle. There’s time and a place, but with a vehicle this old, and cheap, I may have done the same. I do my own work mind you. Now if it were my 67 C10,,,, welll new old stock (NOS) is all I put into it, when I can. It’s also worth 5 times what the Subaru is worth…… . Unfortunately I have even MORE than that into it,,,, hahaha. You restore, restomod them because you love them, not to get rich!! It’s on its 3rd motor since restoration! The other two motors are in other vehicles I have. Went from small block 350, to big block 396 (40w actually) and back to small block 383. I’m happiest with the current fuel injected version with the recently installed 6 speed automatic. Not sure which project gets the old 700R4.
The paint job looks like a 6 year old sprayed it with a bomb can. Wow!
1st 🤪 HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY EVERYONE
Sad