2003 Forester (MT) brake pedal woes

[Charles Gillen]

To get rid of my 2004 Civic Si, whose ride was too harsh for my 71-year-
old bones, I swapped it for a 2005 Accord for my wife so I could grab her
2003 Forester with manual transmission.

The Forester is quite as much fun to drive as the Civic Si, and more
comfortable, but I'm having trouble with the brake pedal. When I mash it
down my size 12 foot also hits the gas pedal... with a nasty roar when
I'm trying to brake. I've somewhat adapted by cocking my brake foot at a
slightly uncomfortable angle but am beginning to wonder if the brake
pedal is set too low.

The Forester has not been driven much (only 12k miles) and never been
back to the dealer for a checkup. Is the brake pedal height adjustable?
I don't believe brake wear or fluid loss is the culprit... perhaps the
Japanese simply have narrower feet :^(

Any comments or advice welcome.

BTW, I absolutely do NOT miss the Civic Si. Even without turbo, our
Forester zooms very nicely. On a recent long highway trip my Garmin GPS
navigator recorded a max speed of 94.1 in a passing situation. I highly
recommend the Garmin 2610.

 

[Edward Hayes]

My 2000 Forest and I with my 14 EEE shoe doesn't have a problem. I do
use my right foot for both accelerator and brake pedal. I have an AT
so maybe the pedal spacing is different. ed

 

[Blair Baucom]

I have had this happen to me also with my size 9.5 foot in a 2005 Forester
XS with the manual transmission. Normally it occurs when I am wearing boots
that are wider than narrow shoes.

The Japanese do have shorter feet, but just as wide. I have gotten more use
to it, and just have been more careful about foot placement.

Blair

 

[Tom Reingold]

Yeah, the pedals seem close together. Sometimes, when my right foot is
on the brake pedal, I go for the clutch pedal with my left foot, and I
accidentally press my right foot, causing me to brake harder than I mean
to. It doesn't get out of control, but still, it's unexpected. I am
adjusting to it, though.

Tom

 

[Charles Gillen]

I have had this happen to me also with my size 9.5 foot in a 2005
Forester XS with the manual transmission. Normally it occurs when I am
wearing boots that are wider than narrow shoes.

Many thanks to Blair and the two other persons who responded. Guess I'll
just have to be careful where I put my foot. Also, I'll ask the dealer when
my car is next serviced.