The wifey wants a new Forester.....

[325e '87]

So, I drove the wifey up to Greenville, SC to test drive a suburu forester. She likes it and my daughter likes it.

Does anyone here have any info? The model is set for a redesign this fall. She likes the CVT even after test driving a manual 6 speed. It’s a torquey motor (4 cyl box) and rode well enough.

Just throwing this out there. Our 2008 expedition has 150k on it and we don’t need the size anymore. Opinions appreciated. (She wouldn’t let me look at the pre owned bmw and Vw stuff right down the road). I’m seeing if she can find a ford, Ive had good experience with the super duty trucks, I run them to 300k and sell them for a good chunk 6 years later.....

[Matt-B]

I’d say pass , just my preference

[Powling]

If its due for a redesign this fall, then I would hope they are trying to get current models pushed off the lots to make room for the new model. Perhaps good leverage for getting some more money off?

[Stanley Rockafella]

Just throwing this out there. Our 2008 expedition has 150k on it and we don’t need the size anymore. Opinions appreciated. (She wouldn’t let me look at the pre owned bmw and Vw stuff right down the road). I’m seeing if she can find a ford, Ive had good experience with the super duty trucks, I run them to 300k and sell them for a good chunk 6 years later.....

If you've had good experience with Ford, stick with 'em.

IMHO, the Subaru's are highly overrated. Once the warranty runs out, prepare to bend yourself over the service desk.

A decent set of snow tires on a RWD or FWD vehicle will give you years of trouble free, low maintenance service life for thousands less.

[george graves]

I've had a good experience with a ford Explorer. Shouldn't have let that car go. The gas you'll save downsizing will not make up the cost difference BTW. Common mistake.

"Let's take a loss on the Audi, and get a Prius!" Ok, but the $4k loss is like 3 years worth of gas. Or something....

[dlmrun2002]

Subaru...I've had good luck with them. The motors are bullet proof, minus the generation (4th or 5th?) that had bad head gaskets. The 4wd sytem is also one of the best out there.
The bad.... they rust out real bad. I have a 2002 Subaru Impreza Outback 184xxx miles, original starter, alternator, rear brakes (yes!) axles (all 4). But i can hardly jack it up since it is rusted out underneath. I wouldn't hesitate to get a new one though. Like the Cross Trek.

dlm ny country

[e30davie]

ive got a 2011 forestor, and i had a 2000 wrx...

Id have no hesitation buying any subaru EXCEPT the first generation of diesels. Unsure if that's a wise choice. But by now they'd have that sorted surely.

CVT though, thats gotta be weird to drive - i have no comment on CVT. In theroy it should be great, unsure how it goes in reality.

[jgilber0]

I have a 2015 Forester base model and I like it. It’s nimble, reasonably comfortable, accelerates nicely with the CVT, and has great visibility. It was inexpensive and it gets great gas mileage.

The 2.5L normally-aspirated motor sometimes is reported to have excess oil consumption problems. Mine has been OK, although it does consume a quart in 7,000 miles.

Other than radio Bluetooth issues, which Subaru fixed for free even after the warranty expired, my Forester has been completely flawless for 27,000 miles and over three years in service.

I don’t like the limited towing capacity (can haul a Miata, but not an e30), and the ride is not all that smooth (nor quiet) compared to more expensive cars. Otherwise I am very happy with it.

Overall, a good car that I would recommend.

[325e '87]

Appreciate the comments, much obliged.

[Poorhouse]

We owned a 2004 Forester 5 speed from 2006 to 2017. I really liked it, honest, basic transportation. The 2.5 was entertaining with the 5 speed. We had to do head gaskets at 140k, otherwise no issues.

Figured we would buy a new one when shopping last year. Didn't like the new one at all. Felt like an uncomposed turd, even with the 6 speed. Ended up with a VW Alltrack instead. Did everything better than the Forester. With the huge price discounts it was quite a bit cheaper too.

Hope it is as reliable...

[nando]

personally, I would never buy a Subaru again. CVT?

[mrsleeve]

if you must have import small cross over....... Toyota highlander

this is all

[Motorsports]

To me they feel like tin cans, if it were my money ill get a Toyota Rav 4. Could easily drive it for 300k

[325e '87]

I have talked her into looking at the rav4, I think it would be perfect for her.

[MR E30 325is]

Definitely recommend a Toyota over a Subaru. Wife has a 2016 Crosstrek, fully loaded, and it's a nice car for road trips and driving around town, for what it is. Not an award winner in my book, but it gets the job done well.