2008/2009 Subaru Forester?

[steved]

Anyone have one of these? I'm looking at getting one in the next couple months...



Any thoughts?

 

[WCPoe]

The Forester is a Consumer Reports top pick. A friend of ours is on her third one, (gets a new one at each redesign), and has had excellent service with them. We may consider one when my wife's car is due for replacement. However, I can't relate any personal experiences, sorry.

 

[steved]

I look briefly at consumer reports (just the free view) and saw they seem to like the forester. We were wondering about that new PZEZ (?) engine and how it would hold up?

 

[Regcabguy]

I look briefly at consumer reports (just the free view) and saw they seem to like the forester. We were wondering about that new PZEZ (?) engine and how it would hold up?

Steve,my buddy's a VW/Subaru dealer. I'm a big guy(6'4") and with the power seat option in the 2009 Forester,it is extremely roomy and comfortable. The dealership is starving with this vehicle. Due to internet competition and long maintenance intervals the Subaru is not making much money for his store. The new interiors of the 2009 are much improved over the cheapy's in the past. If they didn't guzzle so much gas,the Tribeca would be my pick. It's so comfortable and self-driving I wouldn't be able to stay awake on a long trip. I can't comment on the pzez engine,but Subaru has a stellar record. Drive the turbo Forester for a thrill. P. S. Off-road accessories are available for the Forester also,i. e. skid plates etc.

 

[steved]

We are definitely going for the XT model (turbo)... even though its not the same, we have a SOHC 2. 5 in our outback that is adequate for that car, but not fun to drive. And since the wife is giving up her 2000 V6 mustang for this car, we need to have something at least comparable.



I'm hoping they provide a decent trade-in for the truck... at least pay it off.

 

[Regcabguy]

We've got an '05 Pilot that has been flawless aside from mediocre fuel economy. I'd love to trade it in on a Forester but my much more logical wife says no. It's paid off and total monthly cost of operation is not that high.

 

[steved]

We need something AWD for the winter months... the outback has performed flawlessly for the most part (even with 107k on the clock). We were (or should I say "I was") looking at the 3. 0R Legacy, but the power specs aren't as nice as the turbo 2. 5L... the reason I think we'll go with the XT 2. 5L Turbo...

We'll be trading my truck on it, then selling the Mustang (2000/v6/paid for) outright... both are useless when thinking "family" down the road...

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

I bought a 2000 Subaru Forester in 2000 for my wife. I know you are not interested in a 2000 but I respond only to let you know that it is quality all the way. The engine is amazing. A 4 banger (that idles as smooth as a 6) with the zip of a 6. That boxer style engine is similar to Air Craft engines in design. With only 50,000 miles we will keep it for a while yet. The all wheel drive is nice but could cost 1 or 2 MPG.

 

[steved]

Do you think the 4-popper is acceptable for traveling? Like mountains and such??

 

[Regcabguy]

Pilot deals.

Our 2005 Pilot EX (all 2005's) is AWD with a locking feature that holds to 18 mph. It hauls tail,but averages only 16-21 mpg. Pilots with our mileage(21,000) and condition(excellent) are retailing at Honda dealers here for $16,000. That's a lot of car for not much dinero. It seats eight if needed. When we figured $25,000 for a 2009 Forester XT versus the Pilot it didn't make sense to trade at this time. The additional cost would never payoff with 3-4 mpg. increase with the Subaru. Something to think about.

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

Yes I think so. Haven't used it in mountains but the way it moves out on level ground is impressive.

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

Obviously you have done your research. In 2000 I was out to get a safe vehicle for my wife to drive and gas at that time was not an issue. Were I looking right now I would agree with your findings.

 

[steved]

I've personally owned two subarus... an 89 XT6 and this outback.



I think in the current market, the only way I'm going to get the truck paid off is to buy a more expensive vehicle... the wife likes the Forester, that's another benefit! Do I potentially go upside down for a cheaper car, or do I stay upright with a car of higher value??



On a side note, there is a 08/09 C&C sitting at the dealer, 6. 7L, 4wd, 3500 or maybe a 4500... the price is just shy of $29k, which is $3k less than I bought my truck for 4 years ago...

 

[PatrickHansen]

I bought my wife a 2008 Forester in March and my wife just raves about it. I liked the accommodations in the 2009 better but my 5' wife preferred the seating in the 2008 so that's what we got. She's getting 27-29 mpg doing errands; we got just under 32 mpg on the open road while vacationing.

 

[steved]

Was that a turbo or non-turbo car?

 

[steved]

Well, this was interesting...



Drove a 2. 5L Forester (09)... wasn't really impressed... it wasn't much peppier than my 97 OBW... it was a nice ride, and very comfortable.



I wanted to drive a XT, but they didn't have any on the lot. So we drove the next best thing... a Legacy 2. 5GT (turbo)... WOW, WOW, WOW!!! I was grinning from ear to ear, and I wasn't even driving!!! I may have even giggled like a schoolgirl... that was a fun ride (my wife is a lead foot)! The wife is hesitant to pay the extra $$ for the XT, but I'm pretty much sold. Its got to be a 2. 5 turbo!!



If the Forester XT drives any where near the Legacy GT, we'll own one.

 

[Regcabguy]

Well, this was interesting...



Drove a 2. 5L Forester (09)... wasn't really impressed... it wasn't much peppier than my 97 OBW... it was a nice ride, and very comfortable.



I wanted to drive a XT, but they didn't have any on the lot. So we drove the next best thing... a Legacy 2. 5GT (turbo)... WOW, WOW, WOW!!! I was grinning from ear to ear, and I wasn't even driving!!! I may have even giggled like a schoolgirl... that was a fun ride (my wife is a lead foot)! The wife is hesitant to pay the extra $$ for the XT, but I'm pretty much sold. Its got to be a 2. 5 turbo!!



If the Forester XT drives any where near the Legacy GT, we'll own one.

Yeah,I'm with you on the XT. It's the only one I've ever driven. Real snappy.