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Thank you for visiting the Subaru Web site and for your message. The information provided to you by your Subaru dealer is correct. The current iPod Interface is not applicable to your 2009 Forester 2.5XT Ltd model.
The stereo system in our 2009 Forester 2.5X and 2.5X Premium Package models is from a different manufacturer than the system in our other 2009 Forester models, including the 2.5XT models. The system in your Forester is not compatible with the current iPod Interface. We are working on an iPod Interface that will be compatible with the stereo system in your Forester. I have been advised that this should be available for purchase this summer.
Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance.
Sincerely,
John J. Mergen
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer/Dealer Services Department
My first thought was that this resolves the issue, but since this is a different response than comet48 got as to the same system (in the LL Bean and the XT Limited), I think I'll just wait for them to work it out this summer.
It's actually more than a wash--it's substantially in favor of the Forester. According to fueleconomy.gov (the government's official gas mileage site), a Cherokee with the 4.0L six got 14 city, 19 hwy, with an annual fuel cost of $3384; the Forester XT gets 19 city, 24 hwy with an annual fuel cost of $2742 (annual fuel cost is based on several assumptions re city vs. hwy driving and fuel prices that may not be how Lucy drives, but at least the comparison is apples to apples).
I can understand her not wanting to come to Jersey!
According to the Subaru website, all Foresters sold here are, in fact, PZEV rated.
Len
My dealer contacted me and told me my vehicle, build around Jan 8 or so, was not affected by the recall. And given it's gone over 1000 miles without knocking sounds, perhaps it will be fine. Its noises are a flap of the (I think) air pump valve after startup, and the overhead creaks (where the latest trick of applying silicon lube to all the cables and inner upper roof surface is waiting for verification - I__despise__creaks :mad:
I was also surprised by this and was hoping for the 5EAT. MT just had a base model comparison in which the Forester placed 1st. Based on their data it has the highest RPM in top gear.
Top-gear revs @ 60 mph:
CR-V - 1900 rpm (5AT)
Rogue - 2000 rpm (CVT)
VU - 1900 rpm (4AT)
Forester - 2450 rpm (4AT)
RAV4 - 2200 rpm (4AT)
-mike
X: Automatic (and in LL, Automatic Sportshift 4speed):
1st 2.785, 2nd 1.545, 3rd 1.0, 4th 0.694 reverse 2.272; final 4.444
XT: Automatic SportShift 4speed:
1st 2.785, 2nd 1.545. 3rd 1.0, 4th 0.694, reverse 2.272. Final 4.111
Note XT's final drive ratio is lower. This explains why the Turbo keeps its engine revs down at freeway cruising speeds (at 60 mph, I see around 2K revs.).
Motor Trend claims the XT gets from 0 to 60 in about 6.6 sec, ..vs.. 9.9 sec for the X series. They also remark that the turbo is a twin scroller, and doesn't have the usual turbo rush (latter seems true for me).
You will use more fuel with the XT. I have yet to break 20 mpg with mine, though nearly all my driving's on local streets with plenty of traffic lights. At least the engine doesn't burn oil :shades:
And as for the magic foam, tkay, a lot of that went away in lieu of silicone lube on the wiring harnesses in the roof (wires like to move around up there and they kept rubbing the roof or the plastic light housing). Once it warms up here I'll know whether or not the new setup works.
What exit?
I guess a certain person who called your engine a lemon now has his foot in his mouth.
Exit 82 on the Garden State Parkway. If you are interested, go to their website, and print yourself out a $250.00 coupon. It'll pay for your gas and tolls! Seriously, though, it's probably only a few hours away for you.
Len
Edit: Toyota does use a shorter final drive for its AWD Sienna, compared to the FWD model. So it's likely they do the same for the RAV4.
Make sure you read the whole review, though. You might miss some highlights:
* most lateral grip (tied)
* most HP
* lightest
* best ride
* best visibility
* 2nd best braking
* most ground clearance
* tightest turning circle (despite AWD)
* most balanced weight distribution
* highest towing capacity
* most headroom front and rear
* most front legroom
* 2nd best figure 8
The funny part was this:
this rare thing called "great outward vision."
So true! :shades:
And (perhaps :confuse: ), big vehicle sales, along with gansta specials, are doin' fine down there.
Seriously, good visibility is great to have (if nothing else, to help avoid the "fools") and the '09 Forester stacks up very well there.
You build a car with terrible visibility to the rear, then market a $2000 Navigation system with a backup cam! Win-Win!
Subaru was guilty, too, on the original Tribeca. It's much better now.
http://www.ukipme.com/engineoftheyear/winners_08/2_25.html
Thanks for your help!
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080507.013/bmw-wins-world-engine-of-the-year-award
What kind of things were you looking for?
The stereo opening is double-DIN sized, so the sky is the limit. You can get any of the best aftermarket GPS systems with a lot of features OE systems do not offer. That might more than make up for it.
Nowadays, they're not cutting and splicing, either. The double-DIN stereos fit with a stock look, and they use harnesses to plug things in. I've installed 2 double-DINs and one single DIN sized stereo myself but you could rely on a retailer like Circuit City if you prefer.
Let me post up one example:
Kenwood Excelon DNX8120
Features:
Plays DVDs
Garmin Navigation
big 7" screen
optional Garmin FM traffic receiver
XM Traffic/Weather ready
built-in Bluetooth
compatible with Kenwood iPod adapter, HD Radio tuner
compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls
$1500 from Crutchfield. Wait for a free installation special from Circuit City.
I know the Acura RL has traffic (RD-X, dunno?), that's why I specifically searched for one that had that feature.
That is the top of the line model, there are a few cheaper ones with fewer features.
I guess I just prefer aftermarket stuff. Instead of paying $2000 for a tiny 8" DVD screen on my minivan, I paid $900 and got 12". :shades:
The Acura, from what I understand, has an excellent AWD system. It also has a 5-speed automatic, whereas the Forester has a 4-speed automatic. The Acura's Tech Package is probably more sophisticated than the Forester's NAV unit. The Forester can tow more, if that's important. My guess is the roof rack load rating is also higher on the Forester.
Of the two you're comparing, I think it would be the better choice—but you'll probably end up paying more for it.
Bob
I'm trying to decide between the 2008 vs 2009 Forester. I have a great price on the 2008 and like the visibility, and that it is a little smaller. The cup holders are too small to be useable. I thought the seats seemed a bit hard after being in it for a while. Will they "break in" at all?
I'd like to hear any comments that 2008 or 2009 owners have pro or con about their vehicles now that they have had time to drive them.
If anyone has driven both versions, comments comparing them would be helpful as well.
Thanks!
...And yes, I've driven both the '08 and '09 models. In fact I've driven several '09s.
Bob
The Forester will give you slightly better MPG and better acceleration. The 2.3 turbo in the RDX has poor performance for the mass of the vehicle and very bad turbo lag.
If you want to spend more for the ultimate long trip SUV, the Lexus RX350 would me my choice.
if you're looking at the RX350, might as well look at the X5 as well.
The Leather Powered seats in the upgrade Foresters are also more comfortable than the base cloth model seats.
That appears fixed in the '09, especially with the up market Leather Power seats.
The '09 Forester is selling very well and the XT models may be very hard to find given a stop order had (has ?? - it may be lifted now) halted sale of the Turbo models earlier this year.
American Idol interface for the Forester? COOL! :shades:
There have been other comments on the forums about Subaru not honoring warranties because oil change procedures were not followed.
I'd suggest purchasers take Subaru very seriously on this, especially with the XT Turbo models which need oil changes around every 3K miles no matter _what_ oil you use.
also, can anyone tell me the different between the bean and the 2.5x? I know there is a price point different but I'm trying to find the big difference.
Thanks!
Seems like it will work on the 2.5x and 2.5x premium models only right now. If you go to this website you can read more.
http://www.subaru.com/ipod/index.jsp?from=glossary
Sure it costs 10% more, but you'll get that back in resale down the road anyway, and the whole time you own you'll be enjoying all the improvements.
That means heated seats, heated mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer.
The heated mirrors are especially nice. On my Sienna they barely work at all, and only serve to melt a little frost.
I rode along with Bob in his wife's Forester and they are soooo much better. They actually burn off rain, so even in heavy rain the mirrors stayed totally clear. I was amazed.
The catch? You have to keep turning them on because I think they go off on a timer.
Subaru is talking about bringing their new diesel boxer to the USA, but with diesel selling for $4.30 a gallon, I'm not impressed.
I have $900 in Subaru bucks burning a hole in my pocket, but unless Subaru does something to squeeze more miles out of a gallon on gas, I won't buy another Subaru.
The RDX is not selling particularly well right now so you can get a very good deal on it, so there's not a lot of real world difference betweeen the cost of a base (i.e., everything but nav) RDX vs. a loaded XT Limited. I had the RDX on an all-day test drive so was able to drive it on all kinds of roads--I would suggest you do the same before you decide.
2) The interface is more than just a jack--that you can get in the upmarket models (XT, Bean/Limited)--the interface allows you to operate the iPod from the steering wheel controls, including song change, etc., and turns the iPod on and off with the ignition.
The upmarket models have a different supplier for the audio system than the X and Prem. Interface for the upmarkets should be available at a later date.