msb1766

Just pulled out the cabin air filter on my 03 Forester, Do I need to keep the bracket that clips around the bottom? Can I get a new filter from an auto parts store or is this a dealer only item?

bbottomley

There's been lots of discussion about this here. Basically you have three choices:

• The overpriced (~$35) replacement from the dealer.
• An aftermarket filter at about half that price that has just recently appeared on the scene. It's available at a chain called O'Reilly, but I don't know whether we have any of these in the East, or whether it's available elsewhere. Anybody?
• Make your own from a furnace filter. A typical furnace filter has enough material to make six of them for about $15.

Try the search function on a few of these terms and see what comes up.

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2003 XS Premium MT - 2005 Impreza 2.5 RS MT

frogstar7055

The cabin air filter just filters the incoming outside air?
Or does it filter the recirculated air as well?

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Frogstar7055

2008 Street Foz 2.5X
2001 Dirt Foz 2.5X
AWD....and not afraid to use it!

2.5x_sleeper

You can get all the information you need here Any cheaper, third party, cabin air filters available?

Bobby...

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2003 Pacifica Blue Pearl Metallic 2.5X 4EAT +AVO turbo kit!

ferret

Both .............. But it's purpose is not to 'filter' the air, but like any filter on any air handler. It's to keep the heating/cooling fins CLEAN and free from dust and contaminants. It prevents mold from growing and festering around the heater core and A/C evaporator.

In past vehicles, when you turn on the A/C after it being off a while, you would get a good musty smell coming out. You would ingest mold spores with every breath.

So it's main purpose is not to filter the air we breath directly, but keep the heating and cooling fins clean and clear from mold and leaves.

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04XSPP(7 Subaru's since 1978 All 5 sp)ILuvSubaru's

lfdal

Ferret - that's a good point. I never really thought about the benefits to the cooling system. I guess I've always been happy at the amount of accumulated crud that gets in there that doesn't dirty up the cabin, or my lungs.

So there's a number of benefits to maintain a clean cabin filter: the cooling system, no mold or general airborne crud to inhale, and a cleaner cabin.

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Larry D
08 OBW Ltd,
Missing my 04 FXT 4EAT

dwmoss

anyone ever order from o'reilly's online store

BrShootr

So I just got a 2004 2.5X w/o the "air filtration system".

Is it me, or all that this means is that I need to buy the actual filter and install it?

bbottomley

That's the story. I think they became standard on later model years, but I didn't get one with my 2003 either.

You need to bite the bullet and buy one in order to get the frame. (Or junkyard if you can find one!) Once you've got that, you can then use it as a base for the furnace filter approach if you care to go that way.

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2003 XS Premium MT - 2005 Impreza 2.5 RS MT

neoshi

Oh god.. I don't want to think of how mine looks... after 3 years.. X_X

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Ninja Turtle Orange Juice

bbottomley

Before and after pix available here. I think that was about two years' accumulation.

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2003 XS Premium MT - 2005 Impreza 2.5 RS MT

neoshi

Yeah, but something SMELLS in there too... like brine...

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Ninja Turtle Orange Juice

ferret

When reordering a cabin filter for my wife's Highlander, the supplier in Canada no longer has it on stock. When I sent an Email, they said they were not certain when/if they would get them in again. They were sourced from Israel and cost $8.95 before shipping. This is also where I was getting a replacement element for a Rav4 and snapping that into place in the Forester frame. It WAS $8.45, now $13.95 .... Good ordering & prices for our Canadian neighbors with vehicles they carry. (Orillia, On )

Toyota cabin filter

Then after further searching for a 'cheap' Rav4 filter C38188 puro number, I came across this site with an 03-08 Forester filter for $9.35 ....... So I have 2 on order .... and will update when I receive them. For you in SLC, Utah .... they are local.

New cabin air filter for a 2004 SUBARU FORESTER cheap, only 9.35

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04XSPP(7 Subaru's since 1978 All 5 sp)ILuvSubaru's

neoshi

$18 after shipping for me.. eh I figure spending $31 isn't bad on the OEM one for this time. Plus I needed some parts for my RSB. Maybe next time I'll hack a DIY one together.

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Ninja Turtle Orange Juice

frogstar7055

My 01 I've had for about 6 months and I have no idea what it looks like.
Gonna check tomorrow.

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Frogstar7055

2008 Street Foz 2.5X
2001 Dirt Foz 2.5X
AWD....and not afraid to use it!