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Wagons Subaru Crew Subaru Forester 2009 Subaru Forester
3657 messages, Last post on Nov 26, 2009 at 8:32 PM
You are in the Subaru Forester Forum. Your Host is kcram
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Replying to: p0926 (Dec 27, 2007 1:57 pm) Telescoping wheel is good because I feel like my wife sits too close to the steering wheels some times. You're supposed to have 12" space there, I believe. Clearance has been stated at up to 8.9". My guess is the XT model will have a bit less, but still over 8". Still, that's best in class. 4EAT for the auto tranny. This is the only significant "miss" in my opinion. As for the competition, all those listed and a few more. Forester may stand out with fuel economy (base models) and performance (XT models).
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I like what I have seen of the Japanese 2009 Forester so far. However, I would like to talk about the options that seem to me that every country where a vehicle is sold offers options to maximize the dealer/manufacturer profits. For example if someone wants to include xenon/HID in the vehicle this option only comes as part of a very expensive package (e.g. Outlander Sun & Sound Package + Luxury Package). Similarly, even if fog lights are wanted you can have this option only by buying an expensive package (e.g. Nissan Rouge Premium Package), and so on. This tendency has to be stopped or regularized to prevent dealers or manufacturers from exploiting costumers. This tendency is not only with the two previous manufacturers above mentioned but is in almost all the car manufacturers. For example to have the intermittent signal light (indicators) incorporated in the mirrors in a Mazda CX-9 you need to buy the top of the range vehicle and it is not an option for any other less expensive Mazda vehicle trim. I wish the options for this new Forester could be fully independent without being pre-conditioned with other ones. For example an option should be for the navigation system, an option for the xenon/HID lights, an option for the moonroof, an option to upgrade the sound, and an option for the heated leather seats. Fog lights, repeaters or mirror sign lights, roof rails, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, privacy glass, heated driver and passenger mirrors, controls on the steering wheel, engine immobilizer, skid plates, and anti-theft alarm system should be standard and not an option. Equally, for example with the size of the wheels, an option should be offered to order the bigger size wheels that generally are mounted on the top of the vehicle range. For example in the Forester two wheels sizes are given the 215/65R16 and the 225/55R17. These wheels/tires are mutually interchanged without affecting the wheel speed sensor or TPMS and the vehicle suspension system. Moving from 215 to 225 affects the Speedo difference by 0.973% too fast and the diameter difference is 0.97%. Why do customers have to buy the top of the range vehicle just to have bigger wheels/tires?
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Will Kia Borrego 7-seats compete with the Subaru Forester 5-seats? Would someone comment why he/she will buy a Forester instead of a Borrego? If the MSRP is similar (close to the $30,000) what could your criteria be to select one instead of the other?
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Replying to: batman47 (Dec 28, 2007 9:40 am) |
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Replying to: batman47 (Dec 28, 2007 9:41 am) The Borrego should be a lot bigger, and would probably compete with the Tribeca. I agree with dstew that a company as small as Subaru has to standardize option packages in order to gain economies of scale. Even Toyota, with all its volume, still forces you into packages. For instance, to get AWD, you must get run flat tires. To get a GPS Navigation unit, or worse, a backup camera, which is a safety option, you have to get leather on a Sienna. Why? What does leather have to do with any of those? To get a DVD player, you're forced in to the premium sound system. Also, even though lots of options appear to be a-la-carte on the menu, they just don't build them that way. You get what they make, unless you special order, and some regions even limit what you can special order, believe it or not. So it's not just Subaru. |
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Replying to: batman47 (Dec 28, 2007 9:40 am) Even your abbreviated list of standard features would be unacceptable or unnecessary for some. For folks who are barely able to afford a Forester, those features may put it out of reach, or force Subaru to list a higher "base model" price than a more bare-bones competitor, thus losing the shopper looking for the cheapest price to get into a small, reliable SUV. Skid plates would be unnecessary cost & weight for the majority who never take their Forester off pavement. Folks who live in warm climates would probably not use or want to pay for heated mirrors. Roof rails could be a bad item to XT owners who take their Foresters to the track or to folks who prefer the wagon look to the SUV look, since the rails increase wind noise, weight and center of gravity while decreasing aerodynamics. Many people don't like tinted privacy glass (and I'd rather have it done aftermarket so it can be whatever color & level of tint I prefer). Leather-wrapped steering & shift knob? Many would rather spend that money on mudguards, cargo nets, all-weather mats, etc. That said, I'd like everything on your list (except the privacy glass) on my Forester. My only point is that it's too hard to please everybody and too expensive to make everything a stand-alone option. No package they offer will be perfect for everyone.  I'd like to see leather, the giant moonroof, HID and audio systems each be standalone options regardless of trim level... and package them all together at a discount for someone who wants them all. Expect an engine immobilizer to be standard equipment. It now is on all other Subies. You can order larger wheels from your dealer's parts dept. Lots of folks prefer the smaller wheels for driving in snow and they should be easy to get rid of on one of the enthusiast forums or maybe even to sell back to the dealer. Granted, it's extra work, but you can get what you want that way.
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Replying to: jeffmc (Dec 28, 2007 8:04 pm) Tinted windows behind the B-pillar will be std on the 09 Foresters. -mike |
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| Are these ok for dirt roads? Sounds dumb, but what I mean is if I buy one, and I would wait for the new one if I were to buy, how sturdy are they? You can take almost anything on 4 wheels on a dirt/gravel road. Repeatedly. And it will get you to work and the store fine afterwards. If you don't mind headlights going out, tires going flat, windows not closing all the way, dashboard, rear window, and rear cargo rattles and squeaks. Etc, etc.... When I go most anywhere into the hills from the Greater Seatttle-Tacoma area, the Subarus are thick. I can't afford $30,000 +. I need a reliable car that I don't need to turn around when the road to the day-hike turns to gravel. But, I drive around 30,000 miles a year. and want a quiet pavement ride, too. I'm used to boring conservative Toyota reliability. I am not 100% sure of any purchase, as it wouldn't be the smartest financial move. Have been thinking about it anyway, and the '09 Forester looks just fine! | |
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Yes, it's regrettable, in my opinion, that Japanese auto manufacturers are drifting to the package deals for options. Not that long a time ago, even Subaru offered pretty much a-la-cart options in Japan. But indeed, there is money to be made in packages, and once the auto makers have tasted the sweetness, they do not want to go back. And some of us are being forced to pay for what we do not want. Either that, we have to forego what we really want. |
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I am new to Subie. please tell me, does the Forester presently have or will it have an Auto trans that will have a manual mode similar to the shiftronic in the Santa Fe, Nissan Rogue, and Vw Tiguan ? I am looking foward to this new Forester, however i really enjoy the manual mode in my VW Passat as well. Thanks for any information.
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