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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 261 of 376

#2594 of 3747 Re: Would you buy a Subaru Forester again?? [amiller1] by bigfrank3

Nov 08, 2008 (10:31 am)

Replying to: amiller1 (Nov 08, 2008 9:14 am)
We currently have 2 Foresters and since 2001 have had 5. These all have been the most reliable and trouble-free vehicles we have owned, and since we have each been driving more than 40 years have owned a lot of vehicles. My wife's first Forester (2001) is still in the family and has continued to be without any issues. My brother has a Forester (2008) as does one of my wife's cousins (2002) , and her other cousin has a Legacy. None of us have had any real problems, and have come to expect that excellent value and service from Subaru.
 
We live in New England and have never had more competent vehicles for our Winters. We have a long driveway, about 100 ft., that rises to the street. Before our Subarus we had a hard time getting out to the street if there was more than a few inches of show. Now, we just drive right out to the street with no fanfare, even with 8" to 10". The AWD coupled with very good ground clearance makes for an excellent combination. I also have a 4WD truck (Tundra) and it sits most of the Winter. If there were 15" of snow I would take the truck but outside of that the Forester gets the call. The Forester is especially good with changing road conditions, snow, bear, then ice. It just takes it all in stride. No white-knuckle concerns.
 
My wife currently has a 2005 and she will be up next for a new vehicle. She will not consider anything other than another Forester. She has been very critical of every vehicle she has owned but never has complained about her Foresters. That tells me a lot about the overall value and performance, especially since she is a bean-counter and things tend to be only black or white.
 
I hope some of this is helpful, and good luck with your decision.

#2595 of 3747 Re: Would you buy a Subaru Forester again?? [amiller1] by saedave

Nov 08, 2008 (10:34 am)

Replying to: amiller1 (Nov 08, 2008 9:14 am)
I own a 2005 Outback six cylinder which is giving me superb service. But if I were buying today, I would choose the Forester which is shorter for parking yet has more interior room than my Outback...and also gets better fuel economy. The Forester also has about a 2" higher seating position for a better view of the road ahead. I believe the rear hatch opening is also higher which would have made loading my new snow blower easier.

#2596 of 3747 Re: Would you buy a Subaru Forester again?? [amiller1] by kurtamaxxxguy

Nov 08, 2008 (11:26 am)

Replying to: amiller1 (Nov 08, 2008 9:14 am)
Well there's a ton of info on these forums.
 
Briefly recapping, you get more cargo room, nicer trim, better sound system, and a Limited slip Diff in the '08 Outback. You get better fuel economy, responsiveness, at-limit handling, rear seat room, ease of entry/exit, and tighter turning radius in the '09 Forester.
 
Wrt reliability, I've owned many first year cars and the '09 Forester, though it has glitches (some rattles, a few recalls for early production XTs), has proven far better than others (Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Chevrolet).
 
If you go by Consumers Union, Subaru is not the best in reliability, but that appears due to pre-'03 models having some serious engine glitches. Their ratings suggest you'll get 5-6 years out of a Subaru before serious problems arise.
I expect to keep mine for 4-6 years.

#2597 of 3747 Re: Would you buy a Subaru Forester again?? [bigfrank3] by amiller1

Nov 08, 2008 (1:19 pm)

Replying to: bigfrank3 (Nov 08, 2008 10:31 am)
thanks so much for your feedback, and yes it has helped!! I will let you know what I decide as it is a difficult decision, well for me it is. I do like the 2009 Forester and would love to try a Subaru. thanks again for the information believe me it has helped.

#2598 of 3747 Re: Would you buy a Subaru Forester again?? [amiller1] by kurtamaxxxguy

Nov 08, 2008 (1:31 pm)

Replying to: amiller1 (Nov 08, 2008 1:19 pm)
No worries, though I made one mistake...the better sound system applies to the '09 Outback which claims to use Harmon Kardon components. The '08's are not as good in that area.

#2599 of 3747 Re: Cargo net installation problem [fschoeffler] by fschoeffler

Nov 08, 2008 (2:11 pm)

Replying to: fschoeffler (Nov 07, 2008 8:35 am)
I found the answer (with pictures) to my problem on another site:
 
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f139/09-forester-side-cargo-net-how-inst- all-40353/

#2600 of 3747 2008 Forester 2.5XT Turbo M5 by mec77

Nov 08, 2008 (4:56 pm)

Do I need to use premium fuel or can I use regular 87? Are there down sides to the engine?

#2601 of 3747 Re: 2008 Forester 2.5XT Turbo M5 [mec77] by kurtamaxxxguy

Nov 08, 2008 (5:23 pm)

Replying to: mec77 (Nov 08, 2008 4:56 pm)
Subaru requires 91 octane for the turbo, except in an emergency situation where for a short time (1 tank or less?) you can use 89 or 87. You will get less power from those as the engine will retard spark to avoid detonation. Use low octane for very long and you will either get a CHECK ENGINE warning (requires a trip to dealer to reset), or your engine will possibly overheat.
 
You also must change the engine oil every 3750 miles. If you do not, Subaru will invalidate your engine warranty (their warning to me was ALL CAPS).
 
If possible you should drive both X and XT and see if the X's aspired engine has enough power for your needs.

#2602 of 3747 Re: 2008 Forester 2.5XT Turbo M5 [kurtamaxxxguy] by mec77

Nov 09, 2008 (7:07 am)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Nov 08, 2008 5:23 pm)
Thank you. Unfortunately after asking the salesman what gas it uses, and being told several times regular I filled the tank for the first time, with 87, then saw the premium only on the inside of the tank door. I bought used with low miles, no owners manual, though I have requested and received a 2005. Lots of help.

#2603 of 3747 Re: 2008 Forester 2.5XT Turbo M5 [mec77] by bigfrank3

Nov 09, 2008 (9:49 am)

Replying to: mec77 (Nov 09, 2008 7:07 am)
If you activate my.subaru.com with your VIN number you can get the PDF version of your owner's manual from there.

Messages Page 261 of 376

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