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2009 Subaru Forester

3747 messages,  Last post on Oct 15, 2012 at 3:22 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Future Vehicle, Wagon

Messages Page 21 of 376

#194 of 3747 I like it ... I'll be buying by gouldn

Jan 24, 2008 (3:52 pm)

I'm a very occasional poster here ... I have an 01 S+ with 128K miles. Other than an unfortunate head gasket replacement at 107K, I have had nothing but good luck with the car. During my ownership, I also bought a 2005 Accord V6 Coupe, and much prefer the Forester ... yes it's slower, but two things really make it work for me: (1) turning radius (2) outstanding visibility. I strongly believe people don't pay enough attention to these attributes. The Accord has terrible visibility, which makes it frankly less fun to merge and park. The Forester is liking driving in a fish bowl, and I can park this thing in the tightest parking spots in downtown SF. I leave the Accord at home when going in to SF.
 
The newer smaller SUV's seem to be using 'stylish' rear quarter panel windows which cause a nice blind spot. I don't think they look that much better, why not allow the driver to see?? I'm glad to see Subaru didn't follow in this annoying trend.
 
So I need to test drive it to be sure the turning radius is as small as they say, but this seems like the perfect replacement for my 01.

#195 of 3747 Re: Package content [p0926] by paisan

Jan 24, 2008 (5:47 pm)

Replying to: p0926 (Jan 24, 2008 3:41 pm)
Worst case if anyone needs anything measured there will be an LLBean 09 Forester on the first leg of the 48hrs of Tristate. I will try to get as many pics of it on and off road
 
-mike
http://48hrs.info

#196 of 3747 Re: Package content [rsholland] by gocerygetten

Jan 24, 2008 (7:32 pm)

Replying to: rsholland (Jan 24, 2008 9:36 am)
I have a few questions on the new forester and I hope some one might know. Is a sunroof going to be in every forester but the base , and will there be more DARK interior colors avalable with exterior colors??? I think Subaru thinks all drivers are 5 foot 8 and wear a suit to work I am 6 foot 4 and work in a factory ( a very dirty factory) Would like a new Subaru but dont want a base model with tan interior. Might have to look at another brand because I cant keep this tan interior clean and would like more options than the base model.

#197 of 3747 Re: Package content [gocerygetten] by rsholland

Jan 24, 2008 (7:49 pm)

Replying to: gocerygetten (Jan 24, 2008 7:32 pm)
Don't know all model content specs yet. Subaru usually gives two interior color choices per model.
 
Bob

#198 of 3747 Re: Package content [ateixeira] by ecotrklvr

Jan 24, 2008 (9:53 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 24, 2008 12:50 pm)
Since you offered - I'd like to see how much room there is between the brake pedal top, and the bottom of the steering wheel.
 
I don't need you to take a tape measure or anything, but many vehicles make it tough for people with long legs to lift their right foot off the gas, and move it over to the brake, without hitting the bottom of the steering wheel with their right knee. Some cars are worse than others - I just sat in a '08 Outback Sport, and it wasn't too bad. But my Highlander is really bad. The steering wheel seems far away from my shoulders, and so, too close to my leg.
 
If there's a Turbo model, perhaps you could also tell us how much adjustability (fore and aft) there is with the telescopic steering wheel.

#200 of 3747 Re: Package content [ateixeira] by jay_24

Jan 25, 2008 (7:00 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 24, 2008 12:50 pm)
Some things I'd like to know.
  Width of the second row seat (is it wider?).
  Center seating position in the second row. Is it comfortable?
  With the second row folded, are there any gaps/holes (like old foresters) and is the carpet well fastened to the second row seat back? (unlike 01 outback)
 
I have 3 kids so second row space and comfort beyond just leg room is important.
 
For the leg room measurement you might want to measure from back of the front seat to the backrest of the second row seat. Otherwise just a small change in the seat cushion in the second row makes it appear like there is more leg room. Besides the seat cushion is ussually too short for my long legs anyway(6'4") and doesn't support far enough out.

#201 of 3747 Tape Measure Duties by ateixeira

Jan 25, 2008 (8:30 am)

OK, so let's see if I got this straight...
 
We all want to know rear seat space, from the back of the front seat to the rear seat back. Near the top, maybe around shoulder level or so, Frank? Hmm, maybe I'll do a video and put it up on YouTube. I think that might give people a better idea.
 
The test I usually do it sit behind myself, and see if I can move my knees. On the old one they would hit the front seats.
 
I will take photos with me in the seat as well. I'm 6', 30" inseam, about 205#, so a pretty good 80th percentile male for size. I'll put my 2 kids there, too, since that's how most people will use the seats.
 
My legs are not that long, just 30" inseam, though I wear my pants low. But I'll try to capture the pedal-to-steering wheel space as well. Do you want me to tilt the wheel all the way up? Telescope it all the way out? I believe the LL Bean that is there has tilt/telescope wheel.
 
I may go on Sunday. My daughter has a hoops game at 11am on Saturday, so it sort of splits the day in half, leaving less time. I have to check the hours.
 
gouldn: Subaru did with the 06-07 Tribeca, but they fixed that for 08, mostly.

#202 of 3747 Re: Package content [jay_24] by ateixeira

Jan 25, 2008 (8:34 am)

Replying to: jay_24 (Jan 25, 2008 7:00 am)
You were pretty specific so I'll look at your post seperately.
 
Let's see.
 
2nd row width, OK, from door to door, maybe? At elbow level, or shoulder level? We should be able to note a couple of inches gain there.
 
Center seating position - this is the LL Bean so it will have leather but it also has that arm rest/cup holder storage-bin thingy. I doubt the middle will be comfortable. I will try, though.
 
Frankly in my search for a comfortable 5th seat, the only vehicles that met that criteria for me were the Toyota Sienna minivan and the Ford Expedition full-size SUV, so we might be asking for too much here.
 
I'll try to remember to look at the fold-flat (how flat?) for the cargo and the gaps there, too.
 
I see what you mean about a short lower cushion on the seat creating an illusion of space, a trick many use on the 3rd row seats. That's why only kids fit.
 
Good to go, sounds like I have my work cut out for me.

#203 of 3747 Re: Tape Measure Duties [ateixeira] by ecotrklvr

Jan 25, 2008 (8:56 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 25, 2008 8:30 am)
The Steering Wheel stuff you wrote is spot-on - at the limit of adjustment for large driver.
 
Thanks.

Messages Page 21 of 376

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