Post by: JeffRaines on April 27, 2017, 02:04:24 PM
Currently I'm driving a '15 Tacoma with the access cab... I like my truck, however with the recent addition to my family and we're planning on having another... I've found that riding with a kid and my wife in the truck is cramped to say the least. I couldn't imagine sitting over there for a 4 or 5 hour car ride. I've thought about trading in and getting the double cab, but the cost of these things is getting rediculous. I wouldn't be willing to pay more a month than I currently am, and getting the bigger one even used would put me over.
I realize they're typically tree hugger mobiles, but I've been toying with the idea of getting a Subaru. It would probably be cheaper a month on top of having more room and getting better gas mileage. I was wondering if anyone here has any experience using them for hunting?
For the record, so far in my hunting experience I haven't had any issue getting where I want to go in my truck with stock tire size and no lift.
Post by: Special T on April 27, 2017, 02:11:15 PM
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Post by: Alchase on April 27, 2017, 02:12:26 PM
The ground clearance of a stock F150 4x4 is 9.4 inches.
The ground clearance of a stock Subaru Forrester is 8.7 inches.
They are good vehicles
Post by: Mfowl on April 27, 2017, 02:13:47 PM
Post by: JeffRaines on April 27, 2017, 02:19:12 PM
I love Subaru wagons. The best forum for deciding the good bad and ugly on them is the Ultimate Subaru Message Board USMB tons of great knowledge and used it extensively when I HAD my Bratt.
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I did some googling and found a few anecdotes regarding hunting use but nothing close to home... at least from what I could find. I'd like to hear from some folks about using them around here/ID/MT
Post by: h2ofowlr on April 27, 2017, 02:36:28 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 27, 2017, 02:42:34 PM
Post by: Special T on April 27, 2017, 02:48:06 PM
What kind of info do you mean? What kind of price range? The older ones can be purchased cheap, can fix most anything with a hard harbor freight metric wrench set, vice grips, 2 specialty sockets and adjustable plyers. I'm betting a gen 3 87ish to mid 90s can be had for a few grand and you could keep your truck. I don't have a lot of experience with the newer ones but everyone raves about them. Cable chains and a 4k lb winch you can go anywhere.I love Subaru wagons. The best forum for deciding the good bad and ugly on them is the Ultimate Subaru Message Board USMB tons of great knowledge and used it extensively when I HAD my Bratt.
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I did some googling and found a few anecdotes regarding hunting use but nothing close to home... at least from what I could find. I'd like to hear from some folks about using them around here/ID/MT
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
Post by: 3boys on April 27, 2017, 03:09:28 PM
Post by: 724wd on April 27, 2017, 03:45:17 PM
My family car is Toyota Highlander and there is a huge difference in driving comfort. I also only average 21 mpg but I drive it pretty hard so your MMV.
what year is your highlander? my wife has an '06 and the road noise is BAD! worse than my '05 tundra. but her radio is better so we just crank it... ;)
Post by: 3boys on April 27, 2017, 04:02:37 PM
2012 I do have better tires on it as well so maybe that's part of it.My family car is Toyota Highlander and there is a huge difference in driving comfort. I also only average 21 mpg but I drive it pretty hard so your MMV.
what year is your highlander? my wife has an '06 and the road noise is BAD! worse than my '05 tundra. but her radio is better so we just crank it... ;)
Post by: greenhead_killer on April 27, 2017, 04:14:48 PM
Post by: bobcat on April 27, 2017, 04:26:30 PM
Post by: irish52084 on April 27, 2017, 05:04:22 PM
They're not difficult to work on if you like to do the work yourself. Much better than my civic or maxima and miles ahead of my old ford truck. Lol
Post by: Dan-o on April 27, 2017, 05:26:28 PM
Her favorite car ever.
Post by: fowl smacker on April 27, 2017, 06:20:46 PM
Post by: Rob on April 27, 2017, 07:26:58 PM
The only odd thing is that there is a pause when you shift from park into gear of about 1.5 seconds. Takes some getting use to.
I have hunted several times out of it and it does well. I got a 6x6 300 class elk rack into the vehicle too! I take it skiing and it has never once felt bad on slush, snow or ice.
I need to upgrade my truck so I will likely be turning it in this year. If I could afford both I would keep it. My wife has a 2014 Forester and she loves it! We just swapped over from the lease to buy it.
Take them for a test drive, see how they feel. Make sure the pause from park to being in gear does not drive you nuts!
Oh... I hit my first deer ever while driving my outback last winter too! I outside Wenatchee and doing 40 when I hit it and while the deer did 5K in damage, no one was hurt, and I drove the on to our elk hunting place, did the hunt, shot my cow, packed it up in the car, drove home and then continued to drive it for a week or so while we got the insurance taken care of and an appt. made.
Post by: Fl0und3rz on April 27, 2017, 07:36:35 PM
Post by: bracer40 on April 27, 2017, 08:08:21 PM
FWIW I'm driving my first Subaru and can't believe I didn't discover them sooner. Bought a '16 Forester a year ago December. Pushing 45k. I spend a lot of time on the road and love everything about the car. Had it up and down the Manastash for many scouting and hunting trips. Handled great in 8" of snow covered 2-track during the late season and been over the pass numerous times in the sketchiest conditions.
Hauls a utility trailer filled with elk camp just fine too. Get about 30mpg.
Post by: bobcat on April 27, 2017, 08:10:50 PM
Post by: rasbo on April 27, 2017, 08:30:20 PM
Post by: Dhoey07 on April 27, 2017, 09:29:10 PM
Before I bought my truck, I had a 2002 wrx that I would take bird hunting and fishing.
Post by: syoungs on April 27, 2017, 10:48:34 PM
we have a 2015 cross trek that does awesome,great gas mileage,awesome on snow and ice..it does have the road noise,which isn't really a problem for us..The eastside is lousy with these cross treks,super good rig for us..no kids though
My wife seeing this car last summer pert near cost me a pile of money lol, I really like these things though, wouldn't have been to upset if she decided on getting one
Post by: Dan-o on April 27, 2017, 11:42:32 PM
It is truly incredible.
My wife's Forester has X-MODE........ Crazy good.
Post by: JeffRaines on April 27, 2017, 11:54:03 PM
Forgot to mention..... when you your Subaru, get X-MODE:
It is truly incredible.
My wife's Forester has X-MODE........ Crazy good.
Wow. That thing will definitely go further than I'd ever take it
Post by: Dan-o on April 27, 2017, 11:58:17 PM
Post by: Fl0und3rz on April 28, 2017, 06:01:37 AM
It was pretty comical to watch people with their "AWD" spinning, sliding sideways as they discover physics, and then turning around in defeat. The stopped start on a hill is actually a pretty realistic test.
Post by: Miles on April 28, 2017, 06:04:56 AM
The wife and I own a 3 year old outback and really like it.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on April 28, 2017, 06:35:52 AM
Forgot to mention..... when you your Subaru, get X-MODE:
It is truly incredible.
My wife's Forester has X-MODE........ Crazy good.
That's hard pack snow, try that in wet snow. :chuckle:
Post by: Fl0und3rz on April 28, 2017, 07:16:51 AM
I encountered this situation in an unimproved camp site in the Forester.
It's the same argument for lockers. It's an improvement over earlier iterations or base features. It will never be a lifted jeep or small pickup with front and rear lockers.
Post by: dog on April 28, 2017, 07:40:03 AM
Post by: BNAElkhntr on April 28, 2017, 08:12:11 AM
Post by: Rob on April 28, 2017, 08:19:28 AM
Post by: jackelope on April 28, 2017, 08:31:32 AM
I like the idea of a Subaru, but I don't like the idea that it's almost normal for them to blow head gaskets.
:dunno:
Post by: Rob on April 28, 2017, 08:37:27 AM
Post by: Fl0und3rz on April 28, 2017, 09:13:52 AM
I'd do it again.
Post by: baldopepper on April 28, 2017, 10:00:24 AM
Post by: Dan-o on April 28, 2017, 08:00:13 PM
Forgot to mention..... when you your Subaru, get X-MODE:
It is truly incredible.
My wife's Forester has X-MODE........ Crazy good.
That's hard pack snow, try that in wet snow. :chuckle:
They are AWESOME in wet snow.
Post by: Skillet on April 28, 2017, 08:15:50 PM
Is this some sort of code for experimenting in college?
Post by: Taco280AI on April 28, 2017, 08:20:40 PM
Post by: Dan-o on April 28, 2017, 08:50:15 PM
My experience with Subaru is that they're usually the slowest drivers on the road and love to park their cars in the left lane. Especially in bad weather.
That's funny...... Mostly because I think I've noticed the same thing.
Post by: Redstar on April 28, 2017, 08:53:52 PM
My wife has a 2010 Impreza we bought new. Also been a great car. High 20's for gas mileage. But the head gasket is starting weep a little oil, we're at 70K miles. Northwest Rally Sports does the work I don't want to. They'll be putting in the multi layer metal STI head gasket once the leak starts getting worse.
The other issue with the 2010 Subaru, the fricken gas cap lanyard breaks! Shameless self promotion - I make replacement gas cap lanyards that are much stronger than the OEM version. If you're interested, check them out here: http://makerneer.com/products/
My 98 Legacy:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qEN4Bqkvrl07SLz9uZQfI3F4wQA9nnuBbzqaq0crMD-9uCyzbd_6JQhJajgA61omQAfRJidHkjb2oCQQfQuGcU_DXakP4PsFrq4bNOMQuWxUSE1Q3QAevOYWKCaTAKGU2fkZKMoCcI8cAUANhkjb0oMaBw36IuHpmpKRUba_vxqtXbRk8tx9Pw-uZWrz9oBeIqb88OL1hOhdC3bdvbb-uf1TxrL202r7weUJE36SdRA-DdASryxVV0z5svJKXTWJo5oxaR73cQ3yzh1YsEzCOEcx6M73ySgyZ13n0U3bVlf6QZPmX2EDMINfgm8zlzj-opawah0Bfs-nFPs-oWmdWP4-dOzehHVFo8rs3iq1sPkqqiMK21eV-UNPE1iZ7sJSPpsVNeeag-tiD8cuQW9ti1BtutNypcAT2b-BtHnI_5KEDlEUD_Jdw88_tUZydDaeDbcuWRAIf4gMzc0QfWGrRXOrmApp12eNapREoosy6kT-6d-i49gWLOag8ry7Zno5ty6UtMXqwAqzTOaAeSl5irI0lspQ0Xqmp8jgwAmPzLAm8JHmCM93vDC-sDFeKVZRIom6fvKmpWk9aTOLhv6RkPlAzMDJJ8e6V3nacjwNsT2_KKAFoQqE=w1628-h1215-no)
Post by: EmeraldBullet on April 28, 2017, 09:22:25 PM
Post by: bobcat on April 28, 2017, 09:31:49 PM
My experience with Subaru is that they're usually the slowest drivers on the road and love to park their cars in the left lane. Especially in bad weather.
That's funny...... Mostly because I think I've noticed the same thing.
What's really funny is that I just got home and driving down I-5 tonight I was in the left lane in my Chevy Silverado and had THREE Subarus fly past me on the right. This was only in about a 10 mile stretch of I-5. So.... from that I wouldn't say they're the slowest drivers on the road!
Post by: Fl0und3rz on April 28, 2017, 10:19:56 PM
Post by: jackelope on April 29, 2017, 07:35:41 AM
If you have a slow oil weep, try replacing the valve cover gasket, grommets, and spark plug boot seals. Easy and less than about $40 for the set, IIRC.
That'll work well if the valve cover gaskets are seeping. Won't do squat if the head gaskets are leaking.
The head gaskets are known to leak coolant internally in the engine on them. Subaru at one point had a special policy warranty extension on them. I know this because I got my sister in law's done under warranty for her. I don't recall the specifics on them, but you guys with head gasket leaks should be looking into this.
Post by: bearpaw on April 29, 2017, 07:54:40 AM
Post by: Alchase on April 29, 2017, 08:19:25 AM
If you have a slow oil weep, try replacing the valve cover gasket, grommets, and spark plug boot seals. Easy and less than about $40 for the set, IIRC.
That'll work well if the valve cover gaskets are seeping. Won't do squat if the head gaskets are leaking.
The head gaskets are known to leak coolant internally in the engine on them. Subaru at one point had a special policy warranty extension on them. I know this because I got my sister in law's done under warranty for her. I don't recall the specifics on them, but you guys with head gasket leaks should be looking into this.
What years have the head gasket issue?
I thought it was the 2.5l from 2011 and older?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on April 29, 2017, 09:18:51 AM
If you have a slow oil weep, try replacing the valve cover gasket, grommets, and spark plug boot seals. Easy and less than about $40 for the set, IIRC.
That'll work well if the valve cover gaskets are seeping. Won't do squat if the head gaskets are leaking.
The head gaskets are known to leak coolant internally in the engine on them. Subaru at one point had a special policy warranty extension on them. I know this because I got my sister in law's done under warranty for her. I don't recall the specifics on them, but you guys with head gasket leaks should be looking into this.
Yeah. Should have been more specific. Those seals/boots are a common leak, as is the oil cooler. For sure, ID the source before throwing parts at it.
Post by: dyhardhuntr on April 29, 2017, 09:31:48 AM
They should have continued the Brat, I knew lots of hunters who owned those, including hound doggers and trappers.If that's the model with the truck bed on it they still do. My coworker just bought one. We have an '15 outback with the 2.5 in it and it has plenty of power and we average about 29-33mpg on highway. We also added a Yakima carrier for extra room. The road noise isn't too bad and it's comfortable. I drove it up in the gravel roads above salmon,id this summer and it did fine. During snow and ice you can't make that thing spin out. The x-mode is cool and works well plus the back seats fold flat for extra storage and they also recline back a little for those that want to sleep. It's been a great car. We've had a few recalls and the passengers window popped off the track but I've had worse vehicles that needed repair more often. Use the recommended 0w-20 oil and drive it!
Post by: Curly on April 29, 2017, 09:44:29 AM
Post by: ribka on May 03, 2017, 03:13:24 PM
I would never buy a Subaru
a FRIEND PURCAHSED A 2015 FORESTER AND IT BURN A QUART OF OIL EVERY 2k.
Dealer giving the run around for 2 years and says that is normal for a car to burn that much oil. She found out about the class action suit and brought to dealer's attention and obviously dealer knew as another customer was in the dealership complaining of the same and she overheard dealer knew of lawsuit and kept hush. Subaru wont return calls etc. Three dealers wont make right and Filing under lemon law now.
Post by: rasbo on May 03, 2017, 03:25:48 PM
http://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-settles-oil-consumption-lawsuit?page=1knock on wood,I bought a 2015 crosstrek brand new,25 k for mileage right now haven't used any oil,we love this rig..I have heard all the horror stories and pray ours stays good,lots of folks are buying a these crosstreks here in farm country,the folks we know haven't had problems either..maybe Subaru
I would never buy a Subaru
a FRIEND PURCAHSED A 2015 FORESTER AND IT BURN A QUART OF OIL EVERY 2k.
Dealer giving the run around for 2 years and says that is normal for a car to burn that much oil. She found out about the class action suit and brought to dealer's attention and obviously dealer knew as another customer was in the dealership complaining of the same and she overheard dealer knew of lawsuit and kept hush. Subaru wont return calls etc. Three dealers wont make right and Filing under lemon law now.
did something
Post by: bobcat on May 03, 2017, 03:32:20 PM
Post by: Rob on May 04, 2017, 08:29:09 AM
http://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-settles-oil-consumption-lawsuit?page=1
I would never buy a Subaru
a FRIEND PURCAHSED A 2015 FORESTER AND IT BURN A QUART OF OIL EVERY 2k.
Dealer giving the run around for 2 years and says that is normal for a car to burn that much oil. She found out about the class action suit and brought to dealer's attention and obviously dealer knew as another customer was in the dealership complaining of the same and she overheard dealer knew of lawsuit and kept hush. Subaru wont return calls etc. Three dealers wont make right and Filing under lemon law now.
Chevy told me the same thing on my 2003 Avalanche. Burns 2 quarts every 3-4K miles. That was considered "normal".
Post by: bearpaw on May 04, 2017, 08:28:41 PM
http://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-settles-oil-consumption-lawsuit?page=1
I would never buy a Subaru
a FRIEND PURCAHSED A 2015 FORESTER AND IT BURN A QUART OF OIL EVERY 2k.
Dealer giving the run around for 2 years and says that is normal for a car to burn that much oil. She found out about the class action suit and brought to dealer's attention and obviously dealer knew as another customer was in the dealership complaining of the same and she overheard dealer knew of lawsuit and kept hush. Subaru wont return calls etc. Three dealers wont make right and Filing under lemon law now.
Sorry to hear. We love our forester, our soon to be son-in-law has one and our neighbor has one they love. We'll probably all buy again, just today my wife and I were talking about it, she loves this car more than any other car she's ever had.
Post by: EmeraldBullet on May 04, 2017, 09:21:24 PM
Post by: Dan-o on May 04, 2017, 10:42:57 PM
It's never down enough to top off......
(I would be pissed if I bought a new car and it burnt oil like that.)
Post by: Happy Gilmore on May 05, 2017, 05:14:42 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 05, 2017, 05:21:03 AM
Post by: Fl0und3rz on May 05, 2017, 06:42:44 AM
I think at 170K-ish we are losing about a quart between oil changes.
Post by: JeffRaines on May 05, 2017, 12:02:03 PM
My first season of hunting was done in a Honda Fit, and I took that thing into some surprising places. Only got stuck twice - first time was able to push out, second time ran off the road and high centered it. I decided after the second time that a more appropriate vehicle would be needed... before the next season I bought my truck.
To be honest I'm more of a walk-in guy. In the Tacoma, theres only been a time or two that I have been 'under-gunned' getting somewhere. Those times were both deep snow, and to be honest I'm not sure anything outside of a big wheeler would've made it through that stuff. The rest of the time I haven't even come close to pushing the limits.
Post by: Special T on May 05, 2017, 12:42:48 PM
Thanks for all the responses. I went this past weekend and drove a few, they seem nice. Still not sure exactly what I'm going to do - I have a few dealerships working on quotes for trucks but I'm not sure how its going to work.Did the USMB help you narrow down what vintage Subarus to look for?
My first season of hunting was done in a Honda Fit, and I took that thing into some surprising places. Only got stuck twice - first time was able to push out, second time ran off the road and high centered it. I decided after the second time that a more appropriate vehicle would be needed... before the next season I bought my truck.
To be honest I'm more of a walk-in guy. In the Tacoma, theres only been a time or two that I have been 'under-gunned' getting somewhere. Those times were both deep snow, and to be honest I'm not sure anything outside of a big wheeler would've made it through that stuff. The rest of the time I haven't even come close to pushing the limits.
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Post by: yajsab on May 09, 2017, 05:29:58 PM
I have a 2005 with 140K and no issue.
Post by: JeffRaines on May 17, 2017, 11:40:31 AM
I ended up with a Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab with the long bed. Much more room for activities!
Post by: Mudman on May 22, 2017, 05:19:01 PM
Post by: 3boys on August 14, 2017, 07:12:39 PM
Post by: dog on August 15, 2017, 07:36:34 AM
Post by: lokidog on August 15, 2017, 08:59:26 AM
Don't remember the year but we just had to replace the radiator, split along the top, and timing belts are friggin' expensive. You don't have to worry about them with your truck.....
Post by: Mudman on August 15, 2017, 01:55:40 PM
Post by: bearpaw on August 15, 2017, 02:59:22 PM
My 2009 Forester with 160K blew up on Friday. Dealer can't say why but this is definitely the last one I will own. Price to repair a little north of 8K from the dealer and 2 independent shops. I drove it hard but I drive all my cars that way and this is a first for me. Car had regular service and the head gasket repaired. Not sure what to do at this point. Hate spending 8K on a car only worth that but if I do I hope I can drive it another 100K before something else major fails. This was a non-turbo model.
Get a used engine from a wrecking yard and have a mechanic install.
Post by: HntnFsh on August 16, 2017, 05:33:22 AM
I would be a bit concerned about possible other issues if I had a radiator split across the top. Could be just a radiator problem. Could be more.
Don't remember the year but we just had to replace the radiator, split along the top, and timing belts are friggin' expensive. You don't have to worry about them with your truck.....
Post by: lokidog on August 16, 2017, 02:37:09 PM
I would be a bit concerned about possible other issues if I had a radiator split across the top. Could be just a radiator problem. Could be more.
Don't remember the year but we just had to replace the radiator, split along the top, and timing belts are friggin' expensive. You don't have to worry about them with your truck.....
I think a solder joint failed.
Post by: Ghost Hunter on August 17, 2017, 07:16:18 AM
Post by: Widgeondeke on August 17, 2017, 07:45:32 AM
Our 2012 Forester XT (turbo) with 150K is still going strong. Been thru a couple of 'incidents' that required significant body work. Wife hit a deer, and rear ended while stopped at a light. Just towed a 22503# load back from MT a few days ago. 1st time with a trailer behind it. Only dropped mileage 4 mpg, and no trouble holding 65 over the passes.
:yike: :yike: I sure hope you added an extra digit in there. If a Forester can tow 22k, I need to bite the bullet and swap it for my truck that can only tow 12k :chuckle:
Post by: Ghost Hunter on August 17, 2017, 12:18:51 PM
Our 2012 Forester XT (turbo) with 150K is still going strong. Been thru a couple of 'incidents' that required significant body work. Wife hit a deer, and rear ended while stopped at a light. Just towed a 22503# load back from MT a few days ago. 1st time with a trailer behind it. Only dropped mileage 4 mpg, and no trouble holding 65 over the passes.
:yike: :yike: I sure hope you added an extra digit in there. If a Forester can tow 22k, I need to bite the bullet and swap it for my truck that can only tow 12k :chuckle:
:o Fixed it. :tup: