2014 Subaru Forester

xwesx

@mikeanddawn said:
you simply don't know anything about Subaru products.

So, is it okay for me to chuckle a little bit at this comment? I swear I'll keep the snickering to a minimum.

rsholland

@mikeanddawn said:
you simply don't know anything about Subaru products.

Hmmm... Post numero uno Mike. Off to a good start.

Bob

imaginary

@saedave said:
As an owner of the 2014 XT I would suggest you test drive the XT enough to be sure the rather stiff ride over frost heaved roads does not bother you. It does NOT ride as well as my previous 2010 XT. It stops much better; handling is superb and interior noise under acceleration is greatly reduced.

Yeah, I never liked the stiff rid on my 2012 Subaru Forester XT. It's made me dream of an adaptive suspension (obviously luxury) competitor since I don't really trust aftermarket.

kurtamaxxxguy

Given that Forester is one of Subaru's most popular models and that nearly all "pro" auto reviewers have panned its Nav/Interface, why would Subaru not want to incorporate some, if not all, of the Legacy/Outback Nav improvements in a future Forester refresh?
Wrt '14/'15 Forester XT ride, yes it is "stiffer" (more road aware) than the '09 XT, but '14's rear suspension does not pogo or bound over speed bumps - one bump and that's it. A lot less rattling back there too.

rsholland

@kurtamaxxxguy said:
Given that Forester is one of Subaru's most popular models and that nearly all "pro" auto reviewers have panned its Nav/Interface, why would Subaru not want to incorporate some, if not all, of the Legacy/Outback Nav improvements in a future Forester refresh?
Wrt '14/'15 Forester XT ride, yes it is "stiffer" (more road aware) than the '09 XT, but '14's rear suspension does not pogo or bound over speed bumps - one bump and that's it. A lot less rattling back there too.

And to that point, every report I've seen to date on the new Legacy/Outback navigation has been very positive. Every one has stated it is a huge step up from what Subaru has offered to date.

Bob

kurtamaxxxguy

FYI those pondering Nokian all weather tires for their 2014/2015 Forester XT's will discover that Nokian's now providing the WRG3 SUV, quite different from the previous WRG2. Nokian claims better performance in bad weather, especially on ice, and given NW weather towards icy roads, I upgraded. WRG3 tread's directional w/ more polished grooves, different tread compound, elimination of the small protective rim next to the wheel rim. So far on dry summer roads tires handle and ride similarly to the WRG2, with slightly more tread noise.

dcm61

If anyone is looking for floor liners for 2014 or 2015 Forester ...

I just bought a set of Husky Weatherbeater Liners from Amazon.com for $102.48 (lowest I've seen them was $138.xx).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EE8K4XM

If you want them, RUN ... don't know how long the price will last.

I was going to get Weathertech, but didn't like the lack of coverage under the gas pedal and over the left foot rest. Husky covers those areas.

xwesx

And, that price is GONE! LOL $153 when I clicked the link.

dcm61

It lasted longer than I thought it would ... it was still $102.xx at Noon EDT.

When I ordered it said 11 in stock and I watched it slowly go down to 1.

Liners are scheduled to arrive on my front porch on Friday, 10/3.

kurtamaxxxguy

Does anyone know exactly what Subaru plans for the 2015 - 16 forester refresh? I understand the infotainment system will be upgraded to that used by the 2015 Outback and that there will be some interior refinements (more noise insulation, "piano black" something or other). Just curious: I like my '14 XT save for its phone/navigation support and a bit of "ruff edginess": might be worth a trade if the upgrades are significant.

dcm61

2015 has been out since May 2014, so no refresh. 2016 ?? - most likely similar to the 2015 Impreza refresh.

2016 2.5i CVT needs paddle shifters (and they should retrofit to 2014 and 2015). It is unsafe to drive in the snow/ice without being able to control what "gear" you are in. L(ow) doesn't cut it.

Yes, Wes, a 5/6 spd manual doesn't have the control issue. But, my bad left leg/knee can't handle a manual daily driver.

Michaell

dcm61 said:

2015 has been out since May 2014, so no refresh. 2016 ??

2016 2.5i CVT needs paddle shifters (and they should retrofit to 2014 and 2015). It is unsafe to drive in the snow/ice without being able to control what "gear" you are in. L(ow) doesn't cut it.

Agreed - the Outback 3.6R we're waiting for has the paddle shifters - wife will need to understand how to use them instead of the "+ / -" on the gearshift of her last few cars.

xwesx

Hahahaha... thanks for the nod! In all honesty, though (having owned both MT and Auto Subes), if I'm crawling through deep snow or trying to extract a stuck vehicle, I'd much rather have the auto tranny. If there was a low range in the manual, well, that would just be blissful (even though I might use it only a dozen times a year or so)!

I test-drove a Ford Flex last week, with which I'm considering replacing my Fiesta, and that clearly has no manual option. But, the standard 3.5L V6, while quite peppy even without the turbo option, doesn't have paddles or any "manu-matic" control option. It felt... awkward, like I was forgetting to do something. I even felt a little nervous every time I slowed down. LOL But, the car was really nice to drive: responsive, great handling, sure-footed. I want one... only in the turbo version with paddle shifters! If non-turbo had paddles, I'd likely go that route.

Kurt, I haven't heard anything about updates for MY16 on the Forester.

kurtamaxxxguy

xwesx said:

Kurt, I haven't heard anything about updates for MY16 on the Forester.

Our local Subaru dealer told me the infotainment system change would show up within 3 months (late spring, 2015) to bring Forester into line with the other Subarus. They mentioned other tweaks were coming but were not sure what those would be.

CNET claims 4G connectivity is coming to some of the '16 Subarus this year, but did not mention specific models.

rsholland

We will likely know something at NY auto show, which is in early April.

xwesx

Seems like Subaru prefers to debut new technology in the Outback before other models. In that vein, it was refreshing and surprising that the FB engine family wound up there last. Perhaps they will refresh the technology across the board simultaneously this next MY; it could certainly use it!

Not that I should care, really. I don't tend to take advantage of it anyway!

I chuckled to myself about a link in another thread regarding automotive reliability ratings. The largest subset of owner complaints had to do with "infotainment" systems. In particular, bluetooth pairing of phones! LOL If that's the worst I can expect, now is truly the golden age of motoring!

rsholland

xwesx said:

Seems like Subaru prefers to debut new technology in the Outback before other models. In that vein, it was refreshing and surprising that the FB engine family wound up there last. Perhaps they will refresh the technology across the board simultaneously this next MY; it could certainly use it!

Not that I should care, really. I don't tend to take advantage of it anyway!

I chuckled to myself about a link in another thread regarding automotive reliability ratings. The largest subset of owner complaints had to do with "infotainment" systems. In particular, bluetooth pairing of phones! LOL If that's the worst I can expect, now is truly the golden age of motoring!

The '15 Legacy Limited dealer loaner I had paired my iPhone and contacts effortlessly.

xwesx

Notch one for the Subaru! I am happy for youPhone.

kurtamaxxxguy

Just curious if other '14 series Forester XT owners have had issues with carbon buildup within the engine? I've seen quite a bit of black soot around my XT's tailpipes, but have not had engine after-run or missing that usually comes with carbon buildup. Oil consumption remains very low.

FYI the '16's do have the new Nav/Audio interface from Outback (CU likes interface, some sites report washed out screens), but apparently Eyesight remains a BW camera system (not the new color camera setup on Outback/Legacy).

saedave

My 2014 Forester XT has the same black soot around the tailpipes, but has no after-run. In very hot weather there is a very slight hesitation from idle with initial heavy throttle. In cold weather there is no hesitation and noticeably better performance off the line. I suspect the safety software that protects against throttle overriding the brakes is the culprit. The lag is minimal in comparison to similar software my VW Passat W8 had to protect its undersized transmission.

Now if the ride quality only matched the good performance of engine and transmission, my 2014 XT would be significantly better than the 2010 XT it replaced! Those 18" wheels are style over function.

dcm61

saedave said:

Now if the ride quality only matched the good performance of engine and transmission, my 2014 XT would be significantly better than the 2010 XT it replaced! Those 18" wheels are style over function.

I think the ride is affected more by the sport suspension than the 18" wheels.

I have the same 18" wheels/tires on my 2015 2.5i Touring and the ride is pretty decent ... firm, but not harsh.

kurtamaxxxguy

Apparently there's a TSB regarding the '14 Forester XT related to valve noise. If at around 900 - 1000 rpm you hear a "tin can drum" tapping from your engine, its left side could have valve problems that requires a major valve rebuild (including custom machining of replacement parts per Subaru bulletin). My engine has the problem and it's estimated at 10 hours of service time. Fortunately it's under warranty and I'm told a loaner will be available.

xwesx

kurtamaxxxguy said:

Apparently there's a TSB regarding the '14 Forester XT related to valve noise. If at around 900 - 1000 rpm you hear a "tin can drum" tapping from your engine, its left side could have valve problems that requires a major valve rebuild (including custom machining of replacement parts per Subaru bulletin). My engine has the problem and it's estimated at 10 hours of service time. Fortunately it's under warranty and I'm told a loaner will be available.

Ah, very sorry that you're experiencing this, kurt. Thank you for sharing the information, and good luck with the repair!

kurtamaxxxguy

During TSB repair, Subaru dealer tech told me my '14 XT's engine's left side valves were badly worn. Took two weeks to pull, then strip the engine down to the block to get to and fix valves, replace a page worth of parts, check right side for wear (all OK) and reassemble. Took 1 followup to get everything right, but so far engine seems to be running ok.

xwesx

Was there any feedback on the cause of this premature wear? I'm glad to hear that it seems (so far) like they got the repair right!

I'll be taking my '10 in for both head gaskets and a transmission issue in about three weeks.

kurtamaxxxguy

xwesx said:

Was there any feedback on the cause of this premature wear?

No mention of cause, but it affected some '14 and '15 turbo engines.