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Comments
Have you test driven the OBS? How big was the smile on your face? That's how I like to decide.
I actually test drove one a while ago. Nice alloys, seats, and the structure seemed real solid. It wasn't really any quicker than the Forester, and the carpets and sun visors are still a little cheap. But for the price, were else can you get 165hp, AWD, ABS, wagon, etc?
If I had to replace my Forester today? It would be really tough, but now I'd be leaning towards a WRX wagon. At least until I see the 2004 Forester.
-juice
I can see where you're coming from. If I had to replace my Forester today, I would consider looking at other models too. Since you're plunking down more money, why not go for something different?
The OBS may be a good choice. It certainly has more zip than the previous model and has similar functionality to the Forester.
Like juice, I'd lean towards a WRX wagon given the current line-up.
Good luck shopping!
Ken
My condolences on the accident. Glad to hear you walked away safely. There's isn't much that I can add to the discussion except to say that the current Forester might be worth reconsidering if it wasn't at the end of its model run. Each year from 98-02 has added more content, with the 00-01 redesign being the biggest change. There are a few things on my '00 that were either not available or extra cost options on the 98-99s, and the 01-02s got even "more better."
Without knowing what the '03-04 Foresters will bring and given that you need to get into another vehicle soon, one of the Impreza wagons may be your better bet.
Good luck,
Ed (occasional $0.02 added to Subaru Crew)
Ken
The only change I've made is that I no longer use FRAM filters. Stick with OE Subaru, Purolator, Champion Labs, or Car & Driver (found at Target). An oil filter study circulated recently and FRAM and Pennzoil filters were poor quality.
-juice
Mike
Ross
-mike
Rgds,
Jack
http://mag-x.com/scoop/forester0109/index.html
an evolution but looks pretty good to me.....hope there's a wheelbase stretch to gove some more back seat room!
I don't want the L (seat material is like burlap!), I'd probably spring for the S w/ premium package.
Also is the Forester redeisgn for next year(2003) OR the year after that? If they're changing chassis to increase the wheelbase, I might wait.
Thanks!
-mike
The latest info on the next Forester has it debuting in August 2002 but no solid details yet on what it will look like or how big it will be.
-Frank P.
Now go be good to yourself and buy a Subaru!
Dave
Sunny: if you can, wait for the new one. Should be improved, with more room. Currently, I'd go with the Forester if you have 0-1 kids, Legacy with 2 or more.
I like that sketch of the 2003 Forester. Looks faithful to the original concept (small and fun), yet more aggressive. I hope we get the scoop, because that would mean a turbo! 2004, supposedly.
-juice
Now it does. :-)
Ken
That is a publication from Japan, so the hood scoop reflects what they offer overseas.
-juice
...at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/subaruchat.html
Thanks,
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Ross
-Frank P.
I agree it's just a sketch to give you an idea of the direction of the redesign. Looking at it again, the profile is far too similar to the current Forester. It almost looks like a face-lift of the old one. Or like an artist sketched the old model with a few changes he knew about (headlights, taillights) thrown in.
-juice
Ed
You'd asked during the chat 'bout replacement battery. I couldn't get the name out at the back of my head. Bad of me not to know what's in my OB.
Anyway, I'm using the OPTIMA battery with good results over the OEM (and it's about 2" shorter too).
http://www.optimabatteries.com/products/starter/index.asp
Check it out.
-Dave
I like it, but it could be more cutting edge. The sketch of the 2001 Forester, which turned out to be completely wrong, was better looking. More RX300-ish, minus the alien-like styling cues.
-juice
1) grafted on taillights from either the Highlander, Escape, or Nissan Quest
2) drew on parts-bin Legacy GT wheels
3) drew on parts-bin WRX or Outback foglamps
The front bumper is too tall and devoid of contour.
I guess my expectations would include more emphasis on fender bulges a la WRX, a bolder grille/front end treatment, and shorter front/rear overhangs. The more I think of it, the more the current Forester actually reminds me of a scaled down Land Cruiser (FJ80) and I would continue along the "little FJ80" theme. Beyond the badge, lower body cladding and nostril-like hood scoop, there is really no Subaru corporate identity to maintain.
There's not enough deviation from the existing model in the drawing for me to get worked up about it. Some quality sleep may be in order for me.
Ed
I think the actual production version will have more changes than appear in the sketch. I agree that the artist used the current model as a basis and tossed in rumored changes.
-juice
Ken
- hutch
I went with the BFGoodrich Control T/A M65 tires since even though they weren't the top rated tires, they were rated good for wet/snow/ice traction based on C.R's tests, and had good overall performance. Winter performance (from last season) seemed to reflect CR's high score, and I was very impressed. The only down side to this was that there was so much grip that I couldn't do any proper donuts! ;-)
For more information about tires, check out the Tires, tires, tires discussion topic in the Aftemarket & Accessories message board.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Good point about the Tire Rack surveys. One should look at the rightmost column and check the "miles reported". The higher the cumulative miles, the more data on a given tire. While the results are still subjective, it does help to know that the numbers reflect the opinion of many.
Ken
--'rocco
--'rocco
Thanks,
Greg
Greg
Joe
Greg
My wife has BFG Comp T/A VR4s on her 626, and they're OK. Far better in snow than her OE Potenza RE92s, that's for sure, but still not great.
I'm happy with my Nitto NT460s but would not recommend them for snow. The tread really lasts and they are quiet, plus handling in wet and dry is good.
-juice
--'rocco
--'rocco
Greg
--'rocco
Joe