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2014 Subaru Forester

158 messages,  Last post on Jun 17, 2013 at 7:39 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Car Buying, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 17

#4 of 158 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [rsholland] by saedave

Jan 24, 2013 (6:05 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jan 23, 2013 8:40 pm)
Styling (outgoing model is better looking) and reduced towing (1500 vs 2400) are minuses
 
That reduced towing rating suggests a smaller margin in the new transmission design. With less than 10,000 miles on my 2010 XT, I certainly will wait to see how well that new trans holds up on the turbo.
 
The new window by the mirror on the driver's side is useful on tight left turns into narrow one-ways, but the styling is not as good as the 2010. It is possible that the new increased windshield slant will result in reflections from the dashboard in very bright sun.

#5 of 158 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [saedave] by ateixeira

Jan 24, 2013 (2:55 pm)

Replying to: saedave (Jan 24, 2013 6:05 am)
Visibility should be better for parking. The Impreza I test drove was great.

#6 of 158 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [ateixeira] by saedave

Jan 24, 2013 (3:09 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 24, 2013 2:55 pm)
The Impreza I test drove was great.
 
If you don't mind sitting on the floor.

#7 of 158 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [saedave] by ateixeira

Jan 24, 2013 (3:45 pm)

Replying to: saedave (Jan 24, 2013 3:09 pm)
Compared to a Forester, sure.
 
Hey, the 09 Forester passenger sits too low!

#8 of 158 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [woodenarch] by tyguy

Jan 25, 2013 (5:57 pm)

Replying to: woodenarch (Jan 22, 2013 10:33 am)
Subaru had me until I learned about the reduced towing capacity, lack of "gear" selection with the CVT, and essentially required sunroof on anything Premium and above. Three strikes and it's out. Actually, each the three is a deal killer for me.
 
If those aren't important to you, though, I think it's going to be an otherwise exceptional vehicle.
 
The XT vents are a little funky, but the normally aspirated versions will have a more traditional bumper.

#9 of 158 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [tyguy] by ateixeira

Jan 25, 2013 (6:07 pm)

Replying to: tyguy (Jan 25, 2013 5:57 pm)
The 6 speed manual Premium has the AWP but not the moonroof, per one review.

#10 of 158 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [ateixeira] by tyguy

Jan 25, 2013 (9:50 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 25, 2013 6:07 pm)
That's what I understand and why I added "essentially." I'm a fan of manuals and would buy them exclusively if I lived in Europe, but in the US, I worry about trying to sell used later. I'm guessing a very small percentage of sales will be manual. The packaging on the Forester is interesting. A turbo with no manual option, but available on the NA motor. No required sunroof on a Premium unless you opt for the CVT and then you have no choice on the mid level and higher trims. No paddle shifters despite the cheaper Impreza coming with them. Downgraded towing capacity despite using a drivetrain from the Outback that is rated much higher in towing, and a stiffer body that would theoretically be better for towing (brakes maybe???). I have no doubt it'll be a great success and excellent vehicle for the vast majority of people. Just not me. We'll enjoy our 2012 Impreza for one vehicle, but the other is now in question.

#11 of 158 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [tyguy] by xwesx

Jan 25, 2013 (11:52 pm)

Replying to: tyguy (Jan 25, 2013 9:50 pm)
Well, the nice thing about the manual is that you don't suffer the towing penalty of the CVT, plus resale isn't an issue unless you try to turn around and sell it soon after purchase.
 
I like having the moonroof on my X Premium (2010), but then it isn't a normal moonroof. I don't like the skinny little useless things on most vehicles; thankfully, the Forester has a massive glass sheet up there and it really opens up the interior of the vehicle.

#12 of 158 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [tyguy] by ateixeira

Jan 26, 2013 (6:42 am)

Replying to: tyguy (Jan 25, 2013 9:50 pm)
Which Impreza models get the paddles?
 
CVT may have been the limitation for towing. Wes beat me to it.
 
Crazy idea - make the moonroof standard!

#13 of 158 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [ateixeira] by tyguy

Jan 26, 2013 (7:30 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 26, 2013 6:42 am)
Impreza Premium models and above get paddle shifters. Only the base model with CVT is equipped with the "Low" mode that all Forester NA models get.
 
Wes, that's interesting about the tow rating with the manual. Everything I've read didn't differentiate between the CVT and manual, but rather said towing was reduced to 1,500 lbs across the board. Where did you find that nugget of info? Good find. I assumed the CVT is the Gen 2 found in the Outback, but if the CVT is the limiting factor, then that must not be the case given the Outback's much higher towing capability.
 
Sunroof is a deal killer for me for a myriad of reasons. I sure hope Subaru doesn't continue that standardization trend with other models.

Messages Page 2 of 17

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