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2014 Subaru Forester

woodenarchwoodenarch Member Posts: 1
edited December 2013 in Subaru
I didn't see a post about the new 2014 Subaru Forester. What do you guys think? This might be the one I end up buying. Not for sure how I feel about the design of the front end vents. I will have to see in person.
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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Design is edgier than the last one, but what may seem edgy now will blend in as it ages, I'm betting.

    32mpg highway for an AWD model sounds good to me.

    We only have 30k miles on our 2009, else I'd be thinking about trading up.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Styling (outgoing model is better looking) and reduced towing (1500 vs 2400) are minuses. Everything else is a plus. It will sell very well I predict.

    Bob
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    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.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Visibility should be better for parking. The Impreza I test drove was great.
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    The Impreza I test drove was great.

    If you don't mind sitting on the floor. :P
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited January 2013
    Compared to a Forester, sure.

    Hey, the 09 Forester passenger sits too low!
  • 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.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The 6 speed manual Premium has the AWP but not the moonroof, per one review.
  • 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.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    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.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited January 2013
    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!
  • 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.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's cool, then. CVT for when you feel lazy, manual select when you want it.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Everything I've read states towing has been reduced across the board too.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited January 2013
    Where did you hear about different towing for manuals? Everything I've read has stated all Foresters have reduced towing.

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    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.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    That doesn't make sense. The CVT-equipped Outback is rated to tow 2700 pounds. In other markets the CVT-equipped Forester, etc. can tow ~ 4K.

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    Well, then it really doesn't make any sense. Do they eliminate all the dash gauges that are useful for things like towing (oil temp, coolant temp, etc) in other markets as well?

    I still suspect it boils down to being a liability issue. After all, the vast majority of owners will never tow anything with it anyway, so why encourage it for that use?

    I towed my Escort with my Forester a couple of times, which was probably about a 2,800# load (between dolly and car), and the Forester had absolutely no problem with it all, so I would have no reservation about doing the same with a 2014+ Forester if I had one.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • tklientklien Member Posts: 20
    Just got a O.T.D. price for the 2014 2.5i touring with nav..with rear bumper cover and splash guards also 2 year free scheduled maintenance..$ 31605.00 (6% sales tax doc etc. all inc.) Any suggestions or opinions...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You are the very first 2014 I've heard of. Are they in stock, or are you pre-ordering?

    I'd be surprised if you got much discount at all...
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    A Forester in $30K range. What is this world coming to? :cry:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The new XV is bigger than my 98 Forester. Much more passenger space, at least.

    Saw an Equinox at the auto show for $39k. Loaded Durangos and Explorers were $50k.
  • tklientklien Member Posts: 20
    Pre-order..... March 1st. or so will be initial shipment, and full compliment end of the month... how you been ax man....
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good. Bball season is in full swing and I coach 2 teams, so that's been taking up all my time. My daughter plays on a 2nd team so I took today off to watch her play! :shades:

    Would be cool if you got the very first one.

    Our 2009 was first year, but not among the first. If you recall, they launched the LL Bean model at first, and a couple of months later renamed it the Limited (which we got) when the deal with LL Bean was dissolved.
  • tklientklien Member Posts: 20
    Sounds like it's all good. The price they gave me also included the miror with the compass...Don't know why they limit the interior colors on the Tubo's. Might of considered one but my last two vehicles.Subies( have been black. )int.
  • krellu7421krellu7421 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2013
    Received an e-mail yesterday.A dealer in NJ said the first week of march will be getting a large shipment of 2014 foresters.Thought I might mention this in case anyone is interested.I was going to get a crosstrek LTD loaded,also had considered a 2014 forester touring 2.5 xi also loaded.Then I suddenly I
    decided on a 2013 impreza 5-door LTD loaded,because of the epa 27/36.
    I think I made a great choice.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats on the Impreza. :shades:

    Let's see who the first new Forester owner is.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    Well, it's the cheapest of the three and rated for the best fuel economy, so those are two bonuses right there! As long as your happy with the purchase, I think you hit the trifecta. ;)

    Congrats.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • doc96doc96 Member Posts: 1
    outdoor price 28300 limited
    option ...splash guard and rear bumper cover
    what do you think?
    Its pre-order
    x man???
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You'll be the first - no one to compare it to!
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    Brand new model. If you get it at or even a little under invoice, I'd say that's a pretty good deal. What's the MSRP on that car?
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • tkay2tkay2 Member Posts: 51
    For comparison.... my msrp $ 30820.00 w/nav -1500 =29320.00 included is 2 yr free maintenance... this does not inc. options tx etc...
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    edited February 2013
    Looking just at the MSRP, invoice will be approximately 94% of that ($28,970). So, basically you paid about $350 for the maintenance agreement when comparing against invoice. I'd say you did fine as long as you use the agreement to its potential.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • tklientklien Member Posts: 20
    Thanks for your input. Also when you get the 2 yr. maintenance pk. (free or other wise) inside the packet is a 500.00 coupon for a future purchase. I have one from a prior purchase and additional subie bucks.( pretty good marketing on their part) at least this is in Mi. Now waiting for the build.
  • mrgoodwrench70mrgoodwrench70 Member Posts: 8
    This is my quote on a Forester Premium CVT with the following options. I live in Virginia...I was told this was under invoice...

    2014 Subaru Forester Premium CVT
    Your color Choice
    All Weather Package
    Auto Dimming Mirror with Compass and Homelink and Approach Lighting
    Rear Cargo Tray

    MSRP $26,889
    Discount Price $ 24,845
    Processing Fee: 299
    VA 3% Tax: 754.32
    DMV Title: 10.00
    DMV Filing: 10.00
    DMV Tags: 40.75

    Out the Door Price: 25,959
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Seems good for the first one on the block. Did that dealer have them in stock already?
  • mrgoodwrench70mrgoodwrench70 Member Posts: 8
    Not this dealer... But a dealer in Richmond , Va got 14 yesterday....
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Fitz is listing 4 in stock on their web site, so they are trickling in now. They have 2 dealers, and each store has 2 (all auto Premium models).
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited March 2013
    One yesterday and one today (my daughter is in the market, and it's on her short list).

    Very similar to our '13 Forester in terms of trim and content.

    Good:
    • Seemed a bit more nimble and more fun to drive than our car.
    • Steering definitely is better.
    • More interior room for rear passengers.
    • Driver's door armrest better located (higher).
    • Seat heater switches much better located.
    • Center stack selectable graphic (outside temp, mpg, etc.) interesting, although I don't fully understand all the choices and what they convey.
    • Seemed quieter and more refined than our car.
    • CVT much better than old 4EAT.
    • Good outward visibility.

    Bad
    • CVT needs paddle shifters (paddle shifters come on turbo models only).
    • Cruise control indicator way too hard to find and see. This really needs to be changed!
    • Don't like the bar-graph fuel gauge.
    • Not wild about the instrument cluster. The one in our '13 Forester is better (large center speedo, large easy to read fuel gauge).
    • No green indicator light for headlights when on.
    • Door grab bar interferes with power window switches access.
    • Reduced tow rating (1500 vs 2400).
    • Angle of approach slightly worse than outgoing model
    • '13 model has better exterior styling. Too many fussy styling gimmicks on new model that just don't work.

    Bob
  • tklientklien Member Posts: 20
    Have gotten a better price...31677. OTD...option are compass mirror, rear bumper cover, wheel lock, luggage cover, cargo net. This includes 6% sales tx. 2014 Forester Touring
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Did you buy it?
  • tklientklien Member Posts: 20
    Yes Sir X-Man .... they said 3 weeks...Hopefully this weather in Mi. will get better....this date last year it was 82...go figure...Don't know if I could have done much better price wise..!!!!
  • smokey100smokey100 Member Posts: 26
    I just test drove the new 2014 Forester. The ride was great, the handling was good, but the rear view camera is useless. It's on the small information screen instead of the larger radio/navigation display. It's too small and too far away. The infotainment system is a mess too. With so many other good choices in the segment, it's a shame that they didn't get this right. It wouldn't have cost much more.
  • tklientklien Member Posts: 20
    Smokey, can you elaborate on the info system...
  • smokey100smokey100 Member Posts: 26
    tklien,

    First let me say I was talking about the radio in the Touring edition.

    I went back to check out the Forester today and I asked the salesman for a demo of the radio. We tried to dial in a specific station that I listen to but he couldn't. It's just too complicated. We tried the buttons on the steering wheel as well. It's a failure on several levels, it's dangerous to use while driving, the graphics design of the on screen interface is terrible, and it's completely contrary to what the Subaru brand stands for. I gave the back up camera a second chance. Not only is it small but it's far from the driver which makes it effectively even smaller.

    After checking out the Forester more closely and doing another test drive, I test drove the new Rav4. IMHO (maybe not so H) the Rav4 has nicer lines but the Forester drives much better. Even thought the hp is similar the Forester feels peppier and more planted. The radio in the Rav4 is much easier to use. It has big buttons along the side. For me the dash design is a toss up, the Rav4 is more designed, maybe over designed but the Forester is still boring. The faux leather on the dash in the Rav4 is too thin and cheap....and gimmicky.

    I want the features of the Touring edition Forester but the radio and back up camera are so bad they might actually be a deal breaker.
  • laszlo9laszlo9 Member Posts: 36
    edited March 2013
    I just bought the 2014 Forester XT Touring. Have about 500 Km on it. Before this I had a 2007 WRX 5 speed and before that an Outback sport. So to say I know why I bought Subaru again. There are few cars can beat the surefooted all wheel drive of a subie. Driving standard most of my life it was a big decision to go over to automatic but my wife had a hip replacement and the WRX was very low to get into.
    Coming from Europe my driving pattern is far off of the North American norm. Love driving in snow storms and ice.
    So my pros and cons after a week of driving.
    There is a suggested break in period of a 1000 Ml or 1600 Km. During that time one should NOT use the paddle shifters or cruise control and the X drive. I guess for the CVT to have a proper workout.
    Concerning the radio. It is just a simple setup: turn the dial (right knob on the radio) to the station you want, press and hold any of the numbered buttons untill it beeps. You can set up your favorite's one after the other. That is it. From then on you can shift station and change volume on the steering wheel. It is simple. DONT BOTHER with menues.
    First what I like:
    The engine is sweet. It is the new WRX machine. Quick with lots of torque. (I'm still being a good boy and running it according suggested pattern like, NO over 4000 RPM yet).
    Runs at a bit over 2000RPM at about 75 Ml/ Hr.
    The whole car is super quiet, there is no vibration at all (the engine supports are liquid)
    Lots of room front and back. I'm 6.2 and have a lot more space than I would need.
    Easy to get in and out because the doors open wider. The moon roof is great.
    I had no chance to hear the double exhaust at this point.
    Most likely it could use better tires but tracks well and cornering is typical to Subaru's surefooted way. It is not like the WRX being a taller box, but the low center of gravity make things work.
    I like the backup camera even though I wear glasses. Better than nothing.
    Now what I DONT like.
    No Coolant Temperature Gauge just an Idiot Light. No fuel Gauge but a digital bar readout.
    The upper display is like a bloody text message center that I found it totaly useless. The major focus is the fuel economy on it and it is approached from different angles. For most you need engineering degree to figure out. Some could be usefull for the mechanics for servicing etc. I disabled most of it but a few it would not let me. I will see if I can get those later.
    I would like to have: coolant, transmission, turbo temperature, turbo boost, fuel gauge, electrical values etc. on that. If you are a fuel economy minded person get a Prius and not a car with a turbo charger on it.

    Laszlo
  • smokey100smokey100 Member Posts: 26
    Thanks for your take on the radio.

    I'm very interested in what kind of MPG you get. I've checked Fuelly.com but no one has reported yet.
  • smokey100smokey100 Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2013
    laszlo,
    I read your comment again and then looked at pictures of the radios offered in the Forester. The one you're describing is not the one that comes in the Touring model, at least not in The States. I checked the Subaru Canada site since you mentioned kilometers so I guessed you might be Canadian. It looks like Subaru changed the naming convention between Canada and The States. In Canada the Limited is the top of the line and includes the navigation system. In The States, the Touring model is the top of the line and includes the navigation system. You wrote " turn the dial (right knob on the radio) to the station you want, press and hold any of the numbered buttons until it beeps." The touch screen nav/radio does not have a right hand knob or numbered buttons. Although I have not tried it, the radio you describe sounds like it functions the same way most radios do. The one I'm taking about is the touch screen nav/radio which is the same one that's used in the BRZ, the same one that has gotten panned and called the worst in the business. That's a shame because I really like most everything else about the Forester.
    smokey100
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    This Forester is way too bulbous for my tastes, vs the '03 that I own. I need a newer, quieter car, but I am gravitating towards the XV.

    Seems like most manufacturers go through mission creep of this type. Yes it sells cars to a new audience, but some of us end up getting creeped out of a re-purchase.

    John
  • laszlo9laszlo9 Member Posts: 36
    Yeah-eh, Smokey I'm in Canada but originaly I'm Hungarian and there is my different driving habbits come from. That actually sucks. Why would they do a stupid switch like that. Just to create confusion?
    Well, go back to the radio. Yes it is a normal radio that I have been driving with for decades, and like the Flintstone's stione axe it work like a charm all the time. I did not pick the Limited or Touring in the State side because I could not justify the cost for the return. I have a perfect Garmin GPS and the rest is just X-mas decoration.
    Having WRX before to me performance goes ahead of frills and that is why I picked the simpler Turbo model. Actually this clip was the final decision maker with me. It is written 2013 on the clip but it is the 2014 model:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CEVet095GI&playnext=1&list=PL944551F8247B8004&fe- ature=results_main
    I live close to the US border and we deal with lots of snow. This was the real selling point and not full leather seats or bunch of cameras.

    Laszlo
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