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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 48 of 62

#468 of 617 Re: VDC, VSC. Re: Rav 4 Forum [kdshapiro] by andrelaplume

Jul 20, 2006 (7:05 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Jul 19, 2006 10:00 am)
I keep getting the feeling I am offending folks here. Remember I almost bought the Foretser. For me it was a size and wife issue. After driving each within minutes of each other I realized the cars were now in separate classes and we wanted a larger vehicle. The B9 on the other hand....well I think its better compared with the 2006 RAV than a Lexus or Acura, perhaps not the 2005 RAV though. In fact folks are likely doing so and buying the RAV. I'd go so far as to say someone might by a loaded Forester or Outback over the B9. I do not see it competing (at this point) with a Lexus or Acura or BMW. Sales likely will demonstrate this. Still, it is its first year and if Subaru drops the price a bit perhaps it can steel some sales. I see more new 06 RAVS on the road than B9s which have been out longer. Of course I see more Foresters on the road than anything else!
 
As far as dusting the RAV, well those extra .5 seconds are nice to quote but most folks won't notice that on a test drive. The Forester is a tad quicker than the RAV I am told but we found one no better than the other. I recently saw an Outlander and was in Tuscon. To me these are more comparable to the current size Forester. BTW, the Forester (obviously) is better choice in terms of quality, safetly etc.
 
FT AWD vs PT AWD. Sure its likely better on paper. We'll see though if its more effective than the RAVS PT AWD this winter I guess. I admit I have some concern as my 96 FT AWD RAV never had an issue in the snow--even with bald tires at one point. I am hopefull the PT AWD is just as effective since the CRV has had it for some time and I have seen few complaints. Milk use to come in glass bottles. Glass may be better than platic but its just as effective to sell me my milk in a plastic conatiner.
 
Volkswagon is a luxury car? Around here they have a rep of being fun to drive but mechanically challeged. I would not consider them above a Toyota, Subura, Honda or Nissan.
 
I think I am done posting here as I have not really seen anything new added to the discuusion nor do I really have anything ew to add. Sorry to those I offended. For those shopping these models just do yourself a favor and drive both one right after the other. I'd even wait a few months and try out the new CRV. The 2006 Forester and 2006 RAV are both refined, safe and offer adaquate acceleration. You likely won't go wrong with either. The determining factor will likely come down to size and price. Good luck!

#469 of 617 Re: VDC, VSC. Re: Rav 4 Forum [andrelaplume] by kdshapiro

Jul 20, 2006 (7:57 am)

Replying to: andrelaplume (Jul 20, 2006 7:05 am)
"I keep getting the feeling I am offending folks here."
 
We're talking about cars, everybody has a viewpoint. Agree or disagree we can still talk about cars. I don't believe I offended anyone talking about my perceived strengths of the Forester vs the RAV4, why would you believe you offended anyone talking about the RAV4 perceived strengths?
 
Each car has the edge in some areas and lags in other areas. You get to pick your best compromise and prioritize what is important to you and ignore what isn't important.
 
The Forester though has the overall edge in performance and handling (my priority), the RAV4 has it in space (your priority). Everything else is a toss-up.

#470 of 617 Upscale by ateixeira

Jul 20, 2006 (1:35 pm)

That was a bad word to me, I didn't want Subaru to go in that direction. Thankfully they're coming out with more basic models with a little less equipment and lower prices. They were beginning to forget who their long-time customers were.
 
Even for VW, it hasn't been a clear-cut success. The VW Rabbit starts at just $15k now, probably being sold at a loss. And VW is working to find a way to make the next generation even cheaper to produce.
 
andre: no offense taken, but I know how you feel, I got the same response in the RAV4 thread when I said the rear gate opens the wrong way.
 
-juice

#471 of 617 Re: Upscale [ateixeira] by andrelaplume

Jul 20, 2006 (2:08 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jul 20, 2006 1:35 pm)
just did not want to offend...I actually got a wealth of info from these forums and they do help a great deal in a myriad of ways....what are these new Subs coming out...I mean 20.5K out the door for a Forester X is pretty cheap already...though it includes a generous rebate.
 
I wish the Legacy would get a bit longer....wider...I really want AWD but would prefer a car over a SUV....the Camry stinks in the snow and rain....

#472 of 617 Re: Upscale [andrelaplume] by jeffmc

Jul 20, 2006 (2:17 pm)

Replying to: andrelaplume (Jul 20, 2006 2:08 pm)
Rumor has the next Legacy getting a little bigger, and the next Impreza being built off the current Legacy platform. There's occassional talk of the need for a flagship sedan based off of the B9 Tribeca's platform... maybe that's what Legacy will become. Nothing substantial, but just lots of talk so far.
 
As far as cheaper Subarus, they're coming out right now! Nearly every '07 Legacy and Outback has a substantially lower invoice than '06. There's even a new Outback Basic which is about $2500 less than last year's cheapest Outback - that's quite a price difference, and should allow a few more folks to get in to the brand who otherwise wouldn't. It'll also be good for folks who use their Outbacks in rough conditions and don't want to beat up a more expensive car.

#473 of 617 Re: Upscale [jeffmc] by andrelaplume

Jul 21, 2006 (8:05 am)

Replying to: jeffmc (Jul 20, 2006 2:17 pm)
I predicted dropping prices. Now hopefully they can eliminate the rebates. Lets just hope the new Legacy is not priced like the B9!

#474 of 617 Re: Upscale [andrelaplume] by ateixeira

Jul 25, 2006 (12:16 pm)

Replying to: andrelaplume (Jul 20, 2006 2:08 pm)
the Camry stinks in the snow and rain
 
My sister was choosing between a Forester and a Camry, and on the day she test drove them it was raining.
 
I don't have to tell you which one she bought. She thought the Camry just felt loose, less in control.
 
-juice

#475 of 617 Re: Upscale [ateixeira] by andrelaplume

Jul 25, 2006 (1:34 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jul 25, 2006 12:16 pm)
Yes. Prior to the Camry I had smaller FWD cars. I never had any real trouble or felt unsafe with them. The Camry spins its tires when it first rains and is bad in the snow. I have been told larger cars (Accords, Taurus etc) fair worse in the snow due to there size....not sure if its true or not as I have never driven anything this bif before. The Legacy would be an ideal car for me next time....if gets a little bigger..but not fancier and costlier.

#476 of 617 I made my purchase today by ktyrone

Jul 25, 2006 (3:16 pm)

I just wanted y'all to know that I purchased a 2006 Subaru Outback Si today. When I was on the forum, it was between a Forester and a Rav 4. After test driving the Forester a couple of more times, I decided that I really felt more comfortable in the Outback. If the truth be known, if Toyota had had a station wagon, I probably would have purchased it. I had to drive my new car an hour and a half home today and was very pleased with it. I now feel like it's going to take me a month to read the book about all of it's 'stuff'. But I will. The Outback was an itch I had to scratch....we'll see if I am still scratching a few years down the road. Thanks again to y'all for all of your help. I still love Toyotas.

#477 of 617 Forester X 19K by kavoom

Jul 27, 2006 (4:18 am)

>>I mean 20.5K out the door for a Forester X is pretty cheap already...though it includes a generous rebate.<< Try 19K for 06's.

Messages Page 48 of 62

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