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Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

2755 messages,  Last post on Dec 01, 2009 at 5:41 PM

You are in the Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences Forum. Your Hosts are car_man & kyfdx

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




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#274 of 2755
by ateixeira
Apr 19, 2004 (7:51 am)
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Let me preempt this by saying I would not have accepted a jerky auto with 150 miles on the odo, either. I think you did the right thing by leaving.
 
It could have been the other dealership's property, so their insurance would not cover your test drive. Still, how can you buy a car blindly like that?
 
Our experience was different. My wife's Legacy was also a dealer swap, but they did let us take it on the highway. We took I-270 for a couple of exits. It was delivered without any flaws.
 
Get a sitter and take your time, drive several cars until you find one that feels perfect. You could try the other Fitz location, since it's close by.
 
The nice thing about no-haggle is you can spend your time finding the right car instead of finding the right price. So take that time and enjoy the experience. Don't feel pressured to buy right then.
 
Good luck.
 
-juice
#275 of 2755
XS v. X by jlk
Apr 19, 2004 (7:55 am)
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I am trying to decide whether to purchase XS or X. I could forgo some of the additional features in XS but there are some that I don't know what they are. Therefore, I hope someone here can help me. What is EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)? Since the car is already equipped with ABS, does EBD really improve the braking? What does a limited-slip rear differential mean?
 
My last question, sometimes I do need to travel on a hilly road, will either of the model be capable to climb on few steep slope? Or I need to look into the XT model?
 
Greatly appreciate for anyone input.
#276 of 2755
by ateixeira
Apr 19, 2004 (8:00 am)
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EBD distributes the braking power, so for instance it might send more to the front wheels, or even more to one side if you're turning.
 
In practice? The brakes on the Forester have always been good, even before they added EBD.
 
The rear LSD will send power side to side on the rear axle, for better grip when it gets slippery. That might climb that steep hill if it is snow covered, for instance.
 
The XT will help a lot in high elevation. Where regular engines are wheezing, turbos just bleed off less boost at each shift and don't lose nearly as much power.
 
But honestly, get the XS for the all-weather package, get the XT for the fun of it. Those are the real reasons to spend the extra money.
 
-juice
#277 of 2755
by p0926
Apr 19, 2004 (8:22 am)
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Just to reinforce what Juice said, it's doubtful you need the XT (the standard 165hp is plenty for most driving situations). Both EBD and rear LSD add an extra degree of handling capability but the base Forester is still a competent vehicle. So unless you want the XS's cold weather package, the X might be your best choice. Even though it's the base model the X still comes with lots of features standard and really is a good bargain.
 
-Frank P.
#278 of 2755
X value by ateixeira
Apr 19, 2004 (9:32 am)
Reply
True, like side air bags that protect your chest and head, AWD, ABS, power everything, full-size spare, 16" rims, CD player, etc.
 
-juice
#279 of 2755
XS v. X by jlk
Apr 19, 2004 (10:05 am)
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Juice and Frank, thank you both for your valuable inputs. The EBD and LSD are the two features that draws me to look at XS. However, after understanding what they are and for, I think I can settle for X.
 
Is there any option for X that this board could suggest and you think is practical to have?
#280 of 2755
by ateixeira
Apr 19, 2004 (10:18 am)
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I have a whole bunch of accessories:
 
Air Filtration - good since I have asthma
Cargo Net - so groceries don't roll around
6 CD - got mine out of a WRX, slightly used
Premium sound - no worth the price, IMO, go aftermarket
Moonroof - mine is aftermarket, pop-up, but get power
Trailer hitch - OE one plugs right in to harness
Bike rack for hitch - carries 2 bikes without touching vehicle
 
I have probably 20 others. What where you considering getting?
 
-juice
#281 of 2755
Also by p0926
Apr 19, 2004 (10:25 am)
Reply
The cargo tray helps protect the cargo area and "most" people prefer the armrest extension. I would normally recommend the bumper cover but since the X's bumpers aren't painted it's not as important.
 
-Frank P.
#282 of 2755
by ateixeira
Apr 19, 2004 (10:32 am)
Reply
Good points, try the armrest because your height is important in determining if you'll like it or not.
 
Cargo tray is great, my carpet still looks new ('98 model).
 
-juice
#283 of 2755
Option for X by jlk
Apr 19, 2004 (12:36 pm)
Reply
Since this is my first time getting a Forester, I don't have any particular option in mind. I think the car has already equipped with all the basic elements that I need. Armrest extension, maybe. Wheellock, since I'm not getting alloy wheel, don't need.

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