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Forester Turbo in 1 year - READ ONLY

476 messages,  Last post on Jun 27, 2003 at 9:37 AM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Engine, Wagon

Messages Page 1 of 48

#1 of 476 Forester Turbo in 1 year by steve281

Nov 12, 2002 (4:49 am)

Hi people,
 
  I'm considering buying a 2003 Forester or waiting 1 year for the Turbo model. Can I get some opinions? I live in Boulder Co, and need some kind of car now. I drive safely- and safety is my priority, not speed, so I wonder if in certain specific situations if I'll have more lattitude with the turbo model such as: when I'm merging onto the highway, or when I'm the second car about to make a left-hand turn when the light turns green and have a split second to do it, or a split second to weave through traffic. Will I do better in these 0-20 or 20-65 mph situations with a turbo with regard to my quick response and therefore safety? The flip side is will the turbo display somewhat of a lack of control and therfore be counterproductive toward safety- not to mention possibly overheat sometimes and be a mechanical burden? Is the current Subaru good, or lacking in such response?
 
           Finally, if it seems that I should wait a year before making that big purchase is it best to a. lease for 1 year until then b. just buy a new Forester and trade up c. buy a used and trade up. Safety-wise the 03 is clearly better than the prior models, I think, however, I wonder if I'd take more of a "bluebook" hit by not going with a used model temporarily?
 
           Thanks so much folks, you know quite a bit on this board
               Best wishes
                  Steve

#2 of 476 Forester Turbo in 1 year by lspiva

Nov 12, 2002 (12:00 pm)

Steve. Take for a test drive a current model of Forester and you won't be disappointed.
 
I tested 2003 WRX Turbo and found it way to light for the turbo. I had the same point like you are, safety comes first. (Note that Forester turbo will have identical turbo as WRX). So I bought 2003 Forester XS Premium with AT. Driving on California freeways with its uphill entrances sometimes take a split second delay, but I am always able to enter the freeway traffic with a speed of 50 MPH or even higher. Engine of current Forester is nice and cruising on freeway is easy. Driving at 70 MPH is a pleasure.
 
I took my Forester for a few time already to Lake Tahoe (about the same alttitude as Denver, CO) and never had problem. Engine was rev at 3500 RPM with 4 adults and 1 child on board, plus about 100 lbs of luggage.
 
Hope this will help you in making a right choice. Good luck. Leo

#3 of 476 Re: Forester turbo will have identical turbo as WRX by rsholland

Nov 12, 2002 (12:06 pm)

Maybe, maybe not.
 
Forester turbos overseas have had re-tuned WRX engines, with better down-low power, but less maximum horsepower. There also a persistent rumor of a 2.5 turbo that may go in the Forester.
 
Bob

#4 of 476 by ateixeira

Nov 12, 2002 (2:30 pm)

Depends on what engine they use.
 
A small turbo, like the 2.0l in the WRX, may lag a bit and actually make a heavier Forester less safe than a 2.5l in quick response situation. A turbo has to spool up, you need a load and revs to make power.
 
We're hoping for a 2.5l light-pressure turbo, and that would be perfect. In that case I'd say wait, but forced induction works wonders at altitude, and you're in Colorado!
 
The turbo should arrive in June, it's not worth buying a new car to keep for 7 months. Buy a beater, or something that could become your 2nd car next year.
 
If you decide against a turbo, get an XS model for the rear LSD and rear disc brakes with EBD, for added safety. All models have ABS, AWD, and side air bags that even protect from head injuries.
 
I love my '98 Forester, and I keep saying I'll get a turbo when they come out, but it'll be hard to part with mine.
 
-juice

#5 of 476 Steve- Turbo Forester, cont'd by steve281

Nov 13, 2002 (12:58 am)

Thankyou so much people,
 
   Thanks, I'm grateful for your feedback. Believe it or not I wouldn't even want to be in a vehicle without side airbags, so which would be less expensive, just buying an 03 Forrester and trading up to a Turbo- that's if it seems like the right Turbo, or leasing? How much would each cost for 1 year- the loss in cash I'd take selling a 1 yr. old 03 Forrester if I decide to trade up to an 04, vs. leasing 1 year and turning it in? Do I get from you people that the 03 will be adequate for most in city and merging situations?
           thanks
                steve

#6 of 476 cont'd-to juice, or anyone else by steve281

Nov 13, 2002 (3:02 am)

Dear Juice,
 
   I don't understand about forced induction- are you implying that because of the altitude even the lighter 2.0 turbo would be effective in colorado- or that a non-turbo engine would be fine here as a result of that? The bottom line is that is the currently designed Forrester going to do fine in the situations I delineated anyway..I don't pass very much on the highway, It'll be more city driving, though boulder has many incity expressways where you'll drive 55, and also merging? Also, in an article recently appearing here from somone who writes for car magazines and takes photos, didn't she imply the turbo wouldn't be available until late 03 or early 04..are you fairly certain I could purchase one by June?
          Thanks again
              Steve

#7 of 476 re: Turbo at altitude by bluesubie

Nov 13, 2002 (6:47 am)

A turbo doesn't run out of "juice" as much as a normally aspirated engine does at high altitude.
 
-Dennis

#8 of 476 Depreciation of the 03 Forester by lspiva

Nov 13, 2002 (7:39 am)

Steve. Base on my knoweledge of the vechicle values, I would expect that 03 Forester will lose approximatelly $6K to $8K in one year alone from the out-the-door price. If you need a car for just one year, $6K to $8K lost is way to much (at least more that I would want to pay). Honestly, I never saw any exct information when Forester Turbo will arive in US automarket (it could be July 03 or even later). It all depends on a sales of the current 03 Forester model. If sales result will be brisk, Subaru may potpone release of the Turbo verion for another few months and instead of June-July 03, they might decide to go for October-November 03. Believe it or not, I would not want to buy a Turbo version of the car (just my previous unplesant expirience with my previous Volvo 740 Turbo Intercooler).

#9 of 476 Turbo pro/con by steve281

Nov 13, 2002 (7:58 am)

Dear Ispeva..and all others,
 
   Thankyou for that feedback. Can I assume that you had mechanical/repair difficulty with your turbo? Is this something that happens with them frequently? I wonder how the existing Forester Turbos have fared outside of this country..it brings me back to the first point- is a Turbo
going to be a plus for normal driving situations, or not really, and in fact potentially cause problems?
    
          Thanks again..this is influencing whether I pull the trigger any day on the purchase
 
              Steve

#10 of 476 by ateixeira

Nov 13, 2002 (9:17 am)

Steve: maybe you can find a slightly used 2003? They have side air bags that even protect the head.
 
Or get a basic X model for about $20 grand or so, that'll probalby only lose $3 grand in resale in a year. An XS Premium, for about $24 grand, will probably lose $4-5 grand in value. Of course this depends on the deal you get now.
 
My '98 was purchased for $19.2k, and I see current prices 4 years later for $10-12K or so. So I think Leo's numbers are high. Maybe $6-8 grand off MSRP after a year.
 
Turbos have a blow-off valve that let off an excess pressure, you even hear a "PSST" when you shift. At altitude, the air is thinner, so the turbo makes use of more of that pressure, since more thin air will fit. You'll hear less of a "psst" but not lose any power.
 
A normally aspirated engine will be gasping. A 165hp Forester may feel more like a 125hp Forester. Which will still get you up that hill, just don't plan on passing much.
 
-juice

Messages Page 1 of 48

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