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Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4

617 messages,  Last post on Nov 05, 2008 at 3:00 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, SUV

Messages Page 15 of 62

#137 of 617 by ateixeira

Nov 07, 2004 (9:06 am)

You were silent about the bumpers.
 
Hey - you're the one promoting "full disclosure", not me.
 
I share information I think is relevant and current. The head gaskets are not - I've already explained why.
 
So you are breaking your own rule.
 
Wheel bearing design was changed for MY2003, and failures weren't that common anyway. Once again, Subaru covered that under warranty, without a fight.
 
Since we're focusing on weaknesses, why does the RAV4 have a payload of just 760 lbs? I mean, you can't even carry 4 male adults in there, normal sized guys anyway.
 
You are talking about issues that Subaru has addressed on the Forester, things from the past that were covered or improved, or both.
 
I am talking about issues that still exist with the RAV4. Let's summarize:
 
* very low payload
* weak bumpers
* cargo door opens wrong way
 
Toyota refuses to address any of these. They are still issues now, November 2005.
 
-juice

#139 of 617 by ateixeira

Nov 08, 2004 (9:06 am)

You're right Pat, and I'll apologize to whoever else is reading this thread for hijacking it during the argument.
 
For the sake of keeping this thread alive I'll only rebut statements that I think are false.
 
-juice

#140 of 617 Issues? by suvshopper4

Nov 11, 2004 (5:12 am)

It doesn't make sense for me to continue to debate with someone so overzealous as to equate common mechanical failures with the fact that a compact vehicle "only" has the capacity to carry four 190-pounders (two of whom don't have to be contortionists to get into the back seat).

#142 of 617 by ateixeira

Nov 11, 2004 (8:22 am)

They weren't that common.
 
Our family has 5 Subies with the 2.5l, with 2 heads per engine that's 10 head gaskets and all have been just fine.
 
None of us are worried about it.
 
You scare tactics would have us think that at least 6 of them would have failed by now. Sorry to disappoint you.
 
-juice

#143 of 617 by kdshapiro

Dec 12, 2004 (2:44 pm)

"very low payload
* weak bumpers
* cargo door opens wrong way "
 
No issues and the RAV4 got my nod over the Soobie. The 0% didn't hurt either.

#144 of 617 Re: [kdshapiro] by p0926

Dec 13, 2004 (6:51 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Dec 12, 2004 2:44 pm)
The 0% didn't hurt either.
 
Which brings up an interesting point, how big a part does the financing play in your purchasing decision? I suspect that Toyota, Honda and Subaru buyers a less influenced by the perceived deal than they are by the features of their vehicle of choice. Otherwise, everyone would own an American brand with their seemingly endless multi-thousand dollar rebates AND no-interest fiancing. Oh and yeah, I got 0% on my Forester too but I would have still bought it regardless.
 
-Frank

#145 of 617 by ateixeira

Dec 13, 2004 (11:54 am)

It's smart to offer financing instead of rebates because they draw in consumers but don't necessarily hurt residual values the way rebates do.
 
-juice

#146 of 617 Re: [p0926] by kdshapiro

Dec 13, 2004 (12:20 pm)

Replying to: p0926 (Dec 13, 2004 6:51 am)
Financing was a big part of this. 0% plus the safety features plus the gas mileage made the difference, plus the looks. Oh yeah, thanks to Edmunds for providing the facilties to walk in an informed consumer.
 
Although not considered in the decision was the reliability. Subaru at this time is not offering 0%. But nonetheless the Forrester came up in conversation. If Toyota hadn't been offering 0% it would have been on to the next one.
 
My requirement was a vehicle, 0%; limit 30K OTD, and I was prepared to go from manufacturer to manufacturer until I got something that fit the bill. The fact I got something way under the limit is a big plus.

Messages Page 15 of 62

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