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2014 Subaru Forester

138 messages,  Last post on May 20, 2013 at 11:22 AM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

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

Messages Page 2 of 14

#8 of 138 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 138 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 138 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 138 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 138 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 138 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.

#14 of 138 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [tyguy] by ateixeira

Jan 26, 2013 (12:24 pm)

Replying to: tyguy (Jan 26, 2013 7:30 am)
That's cool, then. CVT for when you feel lazy, manual select when you want it.

#15 of 138 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [tyguy] by rsholland

Jan 27, 2013 (7:13 am)

Replying to: tyguy (Jan 26, 2013 7:30 am)
Everything I've read states towing has been reduced across the board too.
 
Bob

#16 of 138 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [xwesx] by rsholland

Jan 27, 2013 (7:19 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Jan 25, 2013 11:52 pm)
Where did you hear about different towing for manuals? Everything I've read has stated all Foresters have reduced towing.
 
Bob

#17 of 138 Re: 2014 Subaru Forester [rsholland] by xwesx

Jan 28, 2013 (11:12 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jan 27, 2013 7:19 am)
They probably have. The difference being that with the CVT, it's probably a necessity with the reduced tow rating without risking damage to the transmission. With the manual, it's no problem, but why would they want to push out different tow ratings to confuse the issue? Manufacturers are going for the simple/safe route on everything in this litigation-crazed world.

Messages Page 2 of 14

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