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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 59 of 62

#577 of 617 Re: 1999 forester towing? [thecat] by ateixeira

Jun 07, 2007 (7:30 am)

Replying to: thecat (Jun 06, 2007 5:51 pm)
Well, the bottom line was Subaru didn't offer a minivan.
 
The Tribeca was close, very close. The new 3.6l H6 is very nice and really makes it a lot more fun than the van.
 
But...remember I also have the Miata. So we were looking for a family/trip car. I was outvoted 3 to 1.
 
I think if I had to drive just one vehicle, I would have picked the Tribeca. It's smaller, more nimble, more fun around town. The van would feel clumsy in city traffic.
 
But I don't - I have the Miata to commute in the city. So getting a van was the practical choice for suburbs/highway driving only.
 
Don't tell anyone, but it's not so bad, I actually like it!
 
Drove to the beach and the wife sat in the back seat with the kids, watched The Sound of Music on a 12" DVD screen we had put in.
 
I had total peace and quiet the whole way.

#578 of 617 Re: 1999 forester towing? [thecat] by rsholland

Jun 07, 2007 (7:41 am)

Replying to: thecat (Jun 06, 2007 5:51 pm)
Hutch, he's still got the Legacy wagon, so he's not Subie-free.
 
Bob

#579 of 617 Re: 1999 forester towing? [rsholland] by ateixeira

Jun 07, 2007 (7:58 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jun 07, 2007 7:41 am)
And more than a few Subaru Bucks ready to be spent on (hopefully) the 2009 Forester when it arrives.
 
The changes to the 08 Impreza are very encouraging - longer wheelbase, ultra-compact rear suspension, and nicer interior. If the 09 Forester gets similar upgrades that's what will replace the Legacy.

#580 of 617 forester in the mud by thunderboot

Jun 08, 2007 (8:33 am)

I have heard a lot of people talk about how well the forester performs in the snow but how about in the mud and dirt.
 
I live in Texas and wont be seeing any snow; however, I will be crossing some mud, water, and unpaved roads. I am considering the 2007 Forester X.
 
Any experience with this car offroad?
 
by the way...this is my first post here, although I have been poking around for a few days. I have got lots of great info. so thanks!
 
Also...anyone know if a large size plastic kennel fits in the back of the forester with just one or none of the seats down?
 
Thanks again,
Aaron

#581 of 617 Re: forester in the mud [thunderboot] by ateixeira

Jun 08, 2007 (10:13 am)

Replying to: thunderboot (Jun 08, 2007 8:33 am)
I would take it with you to the dealer when you go for test drive. Nothing like an actual test fit.
 
The cargo area is nice and boxy, though, so unless you have a Great Dane I bet it will fit.
 
I was one of the few that took my Forester off pavement, and it was fine in the sand. Only did light trails, mostly farm roads and stuff like that, no boulder hopping.
 
I think as long as your expectations are realistic, it will do fine. The angle of approach is not that good - there is a long front overhang and your bumper may scrape if the terrain has lots of ups and downs.

#582 of 617 Re: forester in the mud [ateixeira] by kavoom

Jun 09, 2007 (4:45 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 08, 2007 10:13 am)
Short of a full 4WD, they are substantially better than anything else. The Australians swear by them. Their AWD is different than others as in it's AWD all the time. There.
 
I've been off road "as you described" and my Forester's have been great.
 
http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/Kavoom/
 
They are not, however, heavy duty off road. If you are worried, there are modifications starting with the pretty inexpensive differential protector (bout a hundred bucks) and under plates that can further enhance your experience.
 
Try Forester.org if you want to ask serious questions.

#583 of 617 Re: forester in the mud [thunderboot] by thecat

Jun 09, 2007 (9:41 am)

Replying to: thunderboot (Jun 08, 2007 8:33 am)
One of the things that caught my attention when I was shopping for a vehicle back in 98-99 was a review by consumer reports on the Forester. They tested a variety of "SUV's" and were amazed at, and subsequently selected as the top pick, the Forester. One comment that I remember was "it did amazingly well in deep mud and soft sand". That was a 98' review and the AWD system has been improved since then. Most notably adding a limited slip rear.
 
I can tell you I drove mine through some ridiculous stuff and never got stuck. Just don't high center it .. and you're fine. Drove mine on the beach near Ocean City MD in very soft sand with a little air let out of the tires .. and some absolutely absurdly deep snow .. did fine.
- hutch

#584 of 617 Re: forester in the mud [thunderboot] by dstew1

Jun 10, 2007 (12:05 am)

Replying to: thunderboot (Jun 08, 2007 8:33 am)
The Forester is a blast in the dirt and light mud; just don't take it rock-crawling and you'll be ok. As far as water crossings, anything under a foot or so and you should be fine, as long as you know what you're doing. Also, two tires companies are starting to make off-road oriented tires in sizes that will fit the Forester now; the General Grabber AT 2 and Yokohama Geolander A/T-S.
 
If you want some detailed answers w/pictures, head over to subaruforester dot org or offroadsubarus dot com (sorry, but it's generally been a no-no to paste links to other forums on this message board). Both of those are great sources of information and everyone is usually extremely helpful and friendly.
 
Doug

#585 of 617 Re: forester in the mud [thunderboot] by p0926

Jun 11, 2007 (10:32 pm)

Replying to: thunderboot (Jun 08, 2007 8:33 am)
I've got the largest size plastic kennel and I'm pretty sure it will fit sideways with both seats up. However, the fit's so tight that you can't open the kennel door so Fido can get in or out. Lengthwise, you have to have both seats down because the strut towers intrude from the sides.
 
-Frank

#586 of 617 Re: forester in the mud [p0926] by jerseymom8285

Jun 17, 2007 (12:17 pm)

Replying to: p0926 (Jun 11, 2007 10:32 pm)
I see that this thread has been going on for a very long time. However my question is the very one that started it all. I am looking at the Foresster vs the Rav 4 and am very torn as to which is the better vehiclke. I am coming from a minivan so downsizing for sure, but we no longer have the need to haul kids back and forth to college.
I would like a small SUV, love the Tribeca and Murano but they seem too big and too pricey. So we have so far narrowed it to the rav and the Foresster.
Can anyone who has recently gone through all this give me a better idea of the cars and which and why they chose it?
 
I have to make a decison in the next week or so as for right now I am car less. My beloved minivan saved my life in a car accident a few weeks ago. So for now I am begging for rides everywhere I need to go.
 
Thanks so much~Happy Dad's Day.

Messages Page 59 of 62

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