Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Wagons Subaru Crew Subaru Forester 2009 Subaru Forester
3630 messages, Last post on Nov 06, 2009 at 12:19 PM
You are in the Subaru Forester Forum. Your Host is kcram
Sorry all. I think I need to go to bed. The number that popped up didn't include the destination charge.  ...I'll have to check further when I have more sleep! Ah, well it was a nice thought!
|
|
No what you mean. Have to read the fine print. Around here a few a the gas stations are posting gas prices $3.59 (small print CASH ONLY
|
|
|
I'm a big fan of the new 2009 Forester. However, after doing some research, I see that a used 2004 Lexus RX330 is about the same price as a new Forester. Without getting into the buying new vs. buy used age-old discussion, I was wondering from a pure product comparison basis, how would you compare these two. The way I look at it, with Lexus renowed reliability, it's reasonable to compare these two directly. Looks like the RX330 is a bit larger, better refinement, better towing capacity. The Forester has better fuel economy and perhaps a better AWD system. With about $25K to spend, just wondering whether to opt for the Forester or Lexus.
|
|
|
Replying to: skeleton (May 12, 2008 3:30 am) IMO, the engine, drivetrain, or AWD shouldn't factor into the equation unless ski resorts are your favorite winter destinations.
|
|
|
Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (May 11, 2008 5:11 pm)
|
|
|
Replying to: pgb0517 (May 10, 2008 12:50 pm)
|
|
|
Replying to: jeffmc (May 12, 2008 11:17 am) Also, can someone check where the spare tire is to see if there is trailer pre-wiring there? Take a pic if possible. Finally, 3rd and final, promise, can someone take a picture of the guage cluster with the FWD light turned on, please? It might light up when you first turn the ignition on (or you might have to insert the FWD fuse). |
|
|
|
|
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/forester/forester2009photos2.html shows the lights of the Forester instrument cluster and where the AWD light is. |
|
|
Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (May 12, 2008 3:18 pm) You can insert a fuse to disengage the rear axle when you get a flat tire there, or when you are towing the vehicle behind a motorhome on a dolly. Basically someone refuses to believe the Forester is capable of going to FWD mode, but it is - if you insert the FWD fuse. I believe there is a light on the panel that lights up when the fuse is inserted. I wonder if it comes on in the test cycle, or if it only comes on when you insert the fuse? 
|
|
|
Replying to: kdshapiro (May 12, 2008 4:21 am) Really the value these "SUV/CUV" vehicles provide is fundamentally good cargo capacity, higher ride with the ability to handle some more difficult road conditions whilst providing all this on a comfortable platform. This is by definition a SUV (or more recently, a "CUV"). If we look at the gamut of SUV/CUV's in the $25K price range, new or used, there is quite the selection. With any comparison, value is always a key factor and for those of us pragmatists, really the main criteria. From a value perspective, when you factor in purchase price, maintenance costs, fuel costs, insurance costs and resale value against what utilitarian features and capabilities the vehicle has (overall "utility"), we should be able to evaluate what are good purchases and what aren't. These can be somewhat meaningful as I would expect "utililty" can be non subjective. Subjective concerns like luxury features, styling, overall acceleration, or anything that doesn't improve on the vehicle's utilitarian capabilities is not to be factored (otherwise this discussion would resort to a subjective discussion very quickly). One caveat, however, is safety. Some SUV's are notoriously unsafe. Vehicles with apparent safety concerns should be highlighted and others with safety excellence, like the 2009 Forester, should be recognized. So from a "new" vehicle perspective, I see the 2009 Forester ranking very high (if not the highest) in the $25K price range. However, if we factor in used vehicles, I see that older vehicles like the RX330 are an excellent value with plenty of cargo room, good resale, maintenance costs but with slightly higher fuel and insurance costs. Another comparison could be a used 2005 BMW X3. I would expect it to be higher in maintenance, fuel, insurance and maintenance and not provide much more utility than a 2009 Forester. As such it would rank much lower in overall value. Looking for other impressions on older, upscale vehicles like Toyota Highlander, Acura MDX, Infiniti FX, Mercedes ML350 or even the domestics that have great utility but suffer from higher maintenance, higher fuel costs and lower resale. What's the best "bang for the buck" so to speak?
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Wagons Subaru Crew Subaru Forester 2009 Subaru Forester
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Subaru Forester
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
