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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 27 of 63

#254 of 617 Re: Forester v RAV4 - I'm leaning Forester [pretzelb] by kumari

Apr 14, 2006 (8:46 pm)

Replying to: pretzelb (Apr 14, 2006 6:55 pm)
I was in EXACTLY the same boat as you a few months ago. Drove a truck-based SUV for 11 years (Mazda Navaho - same car as the Explorer Sport). My former cars had all been sports cars, so I was ready to get rid of the truck that I hated from the day I bought it! (Got it for the doggies - car-based SUV's weren't available when I bought my truck.)
 
Test drove the RAV-4 (4 cyl only - the 6 wasn't out yet), Honda CRV, Mitsubishi small SUV (forgot what it's called) and the BMW X3. Like the RAV-4 and Forester the best ---- THEN drove the Forester XT and it completely blew me away! The RAV is a very nice car, but it didn't corner as well as the Forester (lower center of gravity) and I personally hated the busy double-decker dashboard. The RAV only came with a standard sunroof and the Forester's sunroof is GIGANTIC - like driving a convertible. The Forester also has a rear hatch that opens "UP", not sideways, like a door. This came in mighty handy when I was unloading heavy cases of water curbside for my mother. If I had bought the RAV, I would have had to close the door each time, or walk completely around the car several times to unload. I can't imagine trying to get in the rear of the RAV if someone parks on top of you at the rear!! I also test-drove the 4 and 6 cylinder Toyota Highlanders and thought the 6 cylinder was a VERY nice ride (and had a hatch which opens upward). They had several that were available as "certified" used cars with full warranties - very clean and nice - perhaps another option for you if you need the cargo space and want to continue to ride high, like in the Explorer.
 
I LOVE my Forester turbo! Plus, Subaru appears to be more negotiable than Toyota on their prices (got mine for more than $2000 under invoice), but you must consider the proximity of the dealership to your home. In my neck of the woods, Subaru and Toyota are located within a few blocks of each other. I would have also checked out KIA, Hyundai and Saturn, but the dealerships were far away from my home. Also, by the time you add on all the goodies to Toyota that Subaru includes in their Premium package or XT turbo model, the Toyota costs a lot more than you would think. Get all the brochures and go over them at home, marking the things you like/need. It made my choice much easier. The web-based programs on the car sites are not really accurate at this, so I had to do it the old-fashioned way.
 
Hope this helps!
 
Samantha

#255 of 617 Re: Forester v RAV4 - I'm leaning Forester [kumari] by pretzelb

Apr 15, 2006 (8:03 am)

Replying to: kumari (Apr 14, 2006 8:46 pm)
I am probably the only Subaru shopper who has not driven a turbo. Part of me is afraid I'll like it too much but since I find the base engine fast I'm not sure I even need it. It actually works in my favor since I know I'd be happy with either the base Forester or the base 4c RAV4 and I can avoid a lot of features and price creep with adding things here and there. After this is all over I may try to test drive a turbo just to see what the fuss is about.
 
I have at least committed to the best apples to apples I can with these two and limited myself to the base Forester and a base 4c 4wd RAV4. Pricing comes out close with my credit union deal (though I begin to wonder if I could beat that with some haggling at Subaru) but the RAV4 seems a bit ahead on base looks and features.
 
Thinking about during a morning jog I keep coming back to this being an unfair comparison. It's almost like trying to compare a pickup to a 4d sedan - they are almost totally different vehicles. Both are great but the main difference is all size related. The RAV4 has more passenger and cargo room and a better view of the road. The Forester handles better mostly because of what it gives up in inside room and elevation.
 
In the end the thought that the Subaru dealers are not close by (yet - one might be coming near me) almost tips the scales. This is about as silly as letting the stereo tip the scales since you really shouldn't expect either car to require a lot of time in the shop. This is how I drive myself crazy and why I only buy cars every 10 years!!

#256 of 617 Re: Forester v RAV4 - I'm leaning Forester [pretzelb] by kumari

Apr 15, 2006 (9:37 pm)

Replying to: pretzelb (Apr 15, 2006 8:03 am)
I have no doubt you'll get a better price on a base Forester than on the RAV-4, but only if you deal quickly. Subaru is giving promo prices on the Forester all over the country. You may even be able to get one for under $19,000. Check out Fitzmall.com and then use those prices to negotiate a price in your area. I find that I'm not really missing the extra large cargo space of the Explorer and I love having a great-handling car. I guess it depends how often you really need to schlep that much stuff around! Also, since you're used to a top opening rear door, I don't think you're gonna like the RAV-4's side opening rear door.
 
I know what you're going through and commiserate - I, too, only get cars every 10-15 years or so! I love my Subaru, but I'm sure the Toyota is a great car as well - especially if you need more cargo space. Don't rule out the Highlander - it has a rear door which opens up and is more like what you are used to AND has more cargo room than the RAV.
 
Good luck!
 
Samantha
 
P.S. probably not a good idea for you to drive the Turbo - I got hooked!

#257 of 617 Credit Union by ateixeira

Apr 19, 2006 (2:09 pm)

I like the idea of no-haggle prices.
 
You might also find some dealers that offer that, for instance in MD I use fitzmall.com, and they have both Subaru and Toyota franchises.
 
Funny thing is, they have a location in Gaithersburg where they are back to back! Drive both and decide right there, on the spot, with prices known up front.
 
Good luck choosing, either way.
 
-juice

#258 of 617 Forester and Gay by monobo

May 07, 2006 (8:57 pm)

I was split between the RAV4 and the Forester. I looked at Hondas, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Toyota and Pontiac. I narrowed it down to the two above. I was leaning towards the Forester until my neighbor told me it was synonymous with being Gay. I goggled it and found lots of articles that said the same thing. I just put a deposit on a RAV4. Look into this if it matters to you. If it does not be comfortable with guys flirting with you.

#259 of 617 Re: Forester and Gay [monobo] by steve_ HOST

May 07, 2006 (9:19 pm)

Replying to: monobo (May 07, 2006 8:57 pm)
Funny, GayWheels.com has reviewed a lot of cars, but no Subarus yet (oops, guess the B9 is a truck/SUV there). Note that their data pages are powered by Edmunds.com, so heaven forbid what people think of us posting on here.
 
That site also lists Toyota as a gay friendly brand btw.
 
Steve, Host

#260 of 617 Re: Forester and Gay [monobo] by slazenger

May 07, 2006 (10:07 pm)

Replying to: monobo (May 07, 2006 8:57 pm)
I was leaning towards the Forester until my neighbor told me it was synonymous with being Gay.
 
Which part of the country are you from? FWIW you have put down deposit on a chick car Just to be safe, you might want to consider GM/Ford v8, 4x4 truck so that gays don't hit on you.

#261 of 617 Re: Forester and Gay [monobo] by tazereli

May 08, 2006 (9:20 am)

Replying to: monobo (May 07, 2006 8:57 pm)
Well...that has to be the most asinine thing ive ever heard of. My wife and I have a Forestor (2002) and i'll tell you one thing. I wouldn't trade it for any Boreyota in my lifetime. Ive driven pretty much all recent Yota's and all I want to do is go to sleep. Not one, (except the MR2 and Celica) holds a candle to the forester's handling, character, and AWD system. Not that the celica and MR2 matter any more since Toyota killed the only 2 models with a pulse.
 
Just my $.02.
 
Kyle

#262 of 617 RAV4 by ateixeira

May 08, 2006 (9:27 am)

The above post is right, the demographic data has RAV4 owners as overwhelmingly female. I guess you'll have to have a sex change operation. LOL
 
Who cares what other people think? Is that really your primary criteria for vehicle selection?
 
Martina did a commercial for the Forester, so it has been associated with Lesbians. Who cares?
 
Perhaps you should join the Dodge boys that sponsor the neanderthal Lingerie Bowl.
 
-juice

#263 of 617 Re: Forester and Gay [monobo] by p0926

May 08, 2006 (1:07 pm)

Replying to: monobo (May 07, 2006 8:57 pm)
This really doesn't deserve a response but I couldn't resist
 
Actually it's not the Forester but Subarus in general that have a reputation for being popular with the gay & lesbian community. Possibly because if this, Subaru used Martina Navratilova as their spokesperson for a time. Subaru has also been known to advertise in gay oriented publications (not sure about Toyota).
 
In addition to the above, the following are also commonly held beliefs about Subaru owners:
 
a. Subaru owners are generally well educated with their demographics skewed towards the technical professions (I.e. engineers, teachers, etc.)
 
b. Subaru owners like to be different (no not that way) and value function over form.
 
c. Subaru owners also value performance, reliability and utility.
 
d. Subaru owners appreciate the active safety benefits provided by full-time AWD and the best-in-class (Forester) crash test scores.
 
e. Subaru owners are more physically active than the general population and enjoy outdoor pursuits.
 
f. Subaru owners are more likely to be dog owners.
 
As for me, while admittedly I’m an out-loving dog-owning computer geek who enjoys the power, utility and reliability of my Forester XT… I’m also secure enough that I don’t worry that someone might presume my sexual preference based solely on the vehicle I drive
 
-Frank

Messages Page 27 of 63

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