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Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester

1581 messages,  Last post on May 10, 2010 at 6:35 AM

You are in the Mitsubishi Outlander Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Car Comparisons, SUV

Messages Page 126 of 159

#1249 of 1581 Re: AWD systems of the Subaru Forester vs. Acura MDX [kdshapiro] by ateixeira

Feb 19, 2010 (10:23 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Feb 19, 2010 9:43 am)
Want to hear something real wild?
 
In 2002 my wife had to choose between a BMW sedan and a 2 bedroom condo at the beach (a downpayment on it, anyway).
 
The condo had a lot more leg and head room, plus 2 entertainment screens.
 
The Bimmer had more horsepower (~190 IIRC vs. zero) but that wasn't enough to sway her from the much larger windows and running water in the condo.

#1250 of 1581 Re: AWD systems of the Subaru Forester vs. Acura MDX [ateixeira] by kdshapiro

Feb 19, 2010 (11:17 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 19, 2010 10:23 am)
But the condo couldn't transport you and your wife in style down the interstate at 90 mph. 90mph vs 0. :shades

#1251 of 1581 Re: AWD systems of the Subaru Forester vs. Acura MDX [kdshapiro] by ateixeira

Feb 19, 2010 (11:25 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Feb 19, 2010 11:17 am)
Yeah but it's a little more comfy to sleep in.
 
Plus, resale value has gone in the right direction (it's worth more than we paid, even after recent price drops).

#1252 of 1581 Re: AWD systems of the Subaru Forester vs. Acura MDX [kdshapiro] by imaginary

Feb 19, 2010 (1:00 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Feb 19, 2010 9:43 am)
I know they're not direct competitors; I just wanted to compare them anyways because it'd be a nice change to only have to eat an oran-ple instead of having to eat both an orange and an apple to accomplish the same things.
 
I wasn't looking for luxury at all when I stumbled upon the MDX. I'm still not looking for luxury. I am, however, looking for convenience and comfort from the Subaru Forester like second row heated seats, a power rear door, 8-10-way power passenger seat, a better navigation system, and some other stuff I can't remember off the top of my head. Since the Subaru Forester couldn't offer that, I got curious if other vehicles offered those amenities but didn't sacrifice utility at the same time. I know there are some after market solutions to my desires. However it'd be nice for a change when I don't have to put together a big puzzle using different and almost completely unrelated puzzle pieces.
 
Regardless, I still love the Subaru Forester. Just, if only...

#1253 of 1581 Re: AWD systems of the Subaru Forester vs. Acura MDX [ateixeira] by imaginary

Feb 19, 2010 (12:51 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 19, 2010 11:25 am)
You couldn't fold down the seats and maybe have some cushioning material laid out beneath two sleeping bags? That sounds kind of comfortable to me. Not exactly a king sized bed but it's mobile like a 20" laptop.

#1254 of 1581 Re: AWD systems of the Subaru Forester vs. Acura MDX [imaginary] by kdshapiro

Feb 19, 2010 (1:34 pm)

Replying to: imaginary (Feb 19, 2010 1:00 pm)
Now I understand thanks for clarifying. I've kinda grown tired of my Subaru. Although it's been reliable, meaning nothing more than routine maintenance:
 
- the moonroof has developed a whistling noise, but no leaks.
- I've grown tired of the noisy interior.
- I want radio controls on the steering wheel.
- There is a slight coolant leak. No dripping on the floor but the coolant is disappearing somewhere.
- I have the infamous engine click of death in the winter.
- I want the fifth/sixth gear in the transmission.
- One of the bearings or the belt is starting to get a little noisy.
- Every once in a while the thing decides to burn some oil. So for about 30 seconds or so I see smoke out of the tailpipe on an occasional basis.
 
There are things I like about the car, but the annoying things are really grating on me. I've already decided to run the car into the ground before getting a new one.

#1255 of 1581 Re: AWD systems of the Subaru Forester vs. Acura MDX [imaginary] by ateixeira

Feb 19, 2010 (5:09 pm)

Replying to: imaginary (Feb 19, 2010 1:00 pm)
What does an MDX cost nowadays? After discounts, I mean.
 
I think Acura has interiors nailed down pat. I'm not a fan of the big chrome schnooze, but I've seen some aftermarket body color ones that look better. It also is more tame if you get a silver car because it blends in.
 
I'm not a fan of OEM Navi - any of them. Spend $2 grand and you can't do what a $250 Garmin can do (how 'bout a custom POI database to alert you about speed cams?). The updates are seldom and cost what an entire portable unit costs.
 
I read that Nissan will market a built-in with a backup cam for $400 - now you're talking. I'd still be concern about the frequency of map updates, though.

#1256 of 1581 Re: AWD systems of the Subaru Forester vs. Acura MDX [kdshapiro] by imaginary

Feb 19, 2010 (10:46 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Feb 19, 2010 1:34 pm)
I've driven a variety of Toyota vehicles but only just that. I'm ready for AWD. I'm tired of driving 4x4 and FWD vehicles up here in Colorado. Either I have to deal with the gear binding or trying to get a running start. I've been looking at the Subaru Forester since 1998. I know the common problems that are in the Subaru Forester. The only thing that might start to get annoying over the years are the rattles. Most of the other stuff I've already dealt with in the Toyota vehicles I've driven.

#1257 of 1581 Re: AWD systems of the Subaru Forester vs. Acura MDX [ateixeira] by imaginary

Feb 19, 2010 (11:43 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 19, 2010 5:09 pm)
Not sure what the price tag is after discounts. I haven't bothered to look around seriously for an MDX.
 
It's nice having everything there so it's under warranty by Subaru compared to an aftermarket product. Besides having to choose which aftermarket product is the correct one, I just like everything to be from the car manufacturer when I buy it. Just that kind of flow and consistency. Maybe a bit of OCD there but oh well .
 
Oh, I'd rather have an in-dash navigation GPS than a hand-held just because it's there in the car hooked up to everything. Plus the screen size is bigger. That's a big plus.
 
I haven't heard about that concerning Nissan. I was never really interested in the style of their vehicles or the kind of vehicles they have. The Leaf looks interesting but I'd rather opt for the Honda FCX Clarity if I ever thought about alternative fuel.

#1258 of 1581 Re: AWD systems of the Subaru Forester vs. Acura MDX [kdshapiro] by fushigi

Feb 20, 2010 (7:27 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Feb 18, 2010 8:56 pm)
Wow, I walk away for a day and the post count explodes. I'm glad for the discussion.
 
I think it's the rare bird who actually cross-shops AWD systems. For most people not in extreme snow climates these differences in AWD are all theoretical. Even the worst of AWD systems can get a driver from point a to b in a decent amount of snow.
 
I agree 100%. Let's be honest. There are those who buy AWD systems for off-roading. They will look at the systems in detail and probably not opt for any of these vehicles as they'll opt for a body-on-frame truck over a car-based CUV/SUV.
 
Then there are those who want AWD for performance/handling. That's the Audi Quatro crowd as well as the WRX/Evo types. Engine performance matters more than the transmission's mechanical details. I'd probably toss the Infiniti EX in this group as well.
 
After those groups are "the rest of us." We're the everyday buyers who live on the snow belt, drive on the beach, live in rural areas with mud/gravel roads, or do mild off-roading (like said mud/gravel). Ground clearance matters. Getting traction matters. Split differentials don't. We buy the Explorers, Foresters, MDX/RDXs, RX, Outlanders, and so on. Both luxury and non.
 
For the rest of us, when there's so much snow on the ground that you're debating the merits of AWD systems, you probably should not be out driving. Even if your AWD system is up to snuff, the '82 Firebird in front of you ain't goin' nowhere fast and you're stuck behind 'em. And also, the AWD systems may help you get going and VSC will help keep you going in the direction you want, nothing will help you stop on icy roads except the 12 car pile-up in front of you.

Messages Page 126 of 159

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