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Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

3516 messages,  Last post on May 24, 2013 at 9:10 AM

You are in the Prices Paid - Buying & Leasing Experiences Forum.

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

Messages Page 264 of 352

#2628 of 3516 How to Remedy The Forester's One Major Weakness? by palefire

Sep 26, 2009 (11:29 pm)

I posted a "cold feet" message on this board a couple of weeks ago, and got a lot of encouragement to take the plunge. I did, and now own a 2010 Forester LTD.
 
I AM VERY HAPPY! I was worried I would regret not stepping up to Turbo, but I am not finding that too big a deal, it is a perky drive. Sitting in the car is a joy. I love the clearance, the ride... in short, as I said, very happy.
 
Except for the stereo. I previously drove a 1998 audi A4 with a Bose sound system. Not that it was the greatest thing, but the Subaru's sound system in pathetic. I thought the 'six speaker' upgrade that comes with the Limited would be cool. But it sounds like mud.
 
So my question is, if I wanted to upgrade the sound system, how does one go about it?
 
I know there are stores that install these crazy woofers in the trunk and whatnot. but where does one get a quality stereo and what should one get, and what should one think about paying?
 
This is probably ridiculously obvious. But I simply have never done it before.
 
thanks.

#2629 of 3516 Re: How to Remedy The Forester's One Major Weakness? [palefire] by evadoo

Sep 27, 2009 (10:45 am)

Replying to: palefire (Sep 26, 2009 11:29 pm)
BIG congratulations on your new 2010 Forester LTD! Mine should be arriving in the next week or two... exciting! I visited the dealership yesterday and saw NO Foresters... no wonder they aren't doing great deals up here... there are none in stock. Oh well... we'll see what financing offers they have next month and we'll hope for a low APR.
 
I'll be curious to hear what others say about the stereo. My Acura RSX was pretty decent but the road noise drowned out the stereo... the Forester is definitely quieter so a nice stereo would be great.

#2630 of 3516 Re: How to Remedy The Forester's One Major Weakness? [evadoo] by xwesx

Sep 28, 2009 (12:34 pm)

Replying to: evadoo (Sep 27, 2009 10:45 am)
Well, maybe I am just too used to the stereos in old, crappy cars, but I think the sound system is very nice. The bass fades off with road noise at speed, but the mid and high ranges are clear and crisp. I would think the six-speaker would help even more, along with the compact under-seat subwoofer. But, if it sounds like "mud" without the subwoofer, I doubt that would help the situation.

#2631 of 3516 Maybe by palefire

Sep 28, 2009 (2:08 pm)

I am being a prima donna and will get over it. Mostly I can't believe how nice the car is. It feels so solid and smooth.

#2632 of 3516 Re: Maybe [palefire] by ateixeira

Sep 29, 2009 (10:51 am)

Replying to: palefire (Sep 28, 2009 2:08 pm)
I have thought about swapping out the head unit for one with built-in GPS, though, specifically I'd like to get one of these Kenwoods with Garmin GPS built-in:
 

 
I'm more of a gadget geek than an audiophile. I want a GPS and maybe a backup cam more than improved sound.
 
Nice thing is the opening is Double-DIN, about the most standard size you will find. Just about anything will fit.

#2633 of 3516 Re: Maybe [ateixeira] by ateixeira

Sep 29, 2009 (10:57 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 29, 2009 10:51 am)
Out of curiosity, I looked up pricing:
 
$950 gets you a 6.3" screen with a free backup cam and install gear
$1000 adds Bluetooth
$1500 gets a 7" screen
 
All from Crutchfield.

#2634 of 3516 Re: Maybe [ateixeira] by carolina_guy

Sep 29, 2009 (11:12 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 29, 2009 10:51 am)
Kenwood DNX6140 with Garmin Nav system, Bluetooth capable, Sat Radio etc.
6.1 inch screen all for $755.49 at Amazon.com
You want something with a knob, you need to turn something down, you reach over and turn the knob down, with touch screen are you really going to turn down the audio quickly? LINK
 

 
For rear camera Kenwood CCD-2000 Rear-View Camera $199.
 
Sat Radio receiver and cables, add $80 Curtchfield.com">link title
iPod Adapter and Video $30
Steering Wheel volume control Jack $40
Cable Connector for all the wiring $10
-------------------------------------------------------------
Total: $755+$160= $815
 
That's cheaper than $1500 for something with .6 more screen size.

#2635 of 3516 Re: Maybe [carolina_guy] by ateixeira

Sep 29, 2009 (11:23 am)

Replying to: carolina_guy (Sep 29, 2009 11:12 am)
That's the one Crutchfield lists for $1000, but their price includes the backup cam and a harness+instructions, so pretty close, really.
 
Not sure how easy the install would be. I put a Dual radio in a 1993 Miata and their instructions were quite good, so I nailed it on the first try. I did have to crimp some wires together, though. Plus I definitely needed the harness they provided.
 
So $755.49 + $199 for no instructions and no harness? I'd lean towards Cruthfield, given I have experience with them.
 
That screen is 6.1", the bigger one is 6.9". I have buttons on the steering wheel to adjust volume (though come to think of it, that probably would require another adaptor and another $100 or so).

#2636 of 3516 2010 XT Limited by k2chad

Oct 04, 2009 (10:13 am)

MSRP $30517
Invoice $28310
Accepted offer of $27955
Took the 3.9% financing. Not a bad deal at all on a brand new XT limited. Car is fast too. Overall very easy buying experience.

#2637 of 3516 2010 Forester 2.5X Limited I think I got a good deal. by jtc1

Oct 04, 2009 (10:15 pm)

Just picked up a 2.5X Limited AWP, Racks, ect ect.
A pretty solid package and got out the door taxes and all for 25900. I feel fairly confident that I got a good deal. what does any one else think?
Cheers

Messages Page 264 of 352

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