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Comments
Additionaly it will be alot easier to sell then the MT model. Not everyone drives a stick.
Additionaly it will be alot easier to sell then the MT model. Not everyone drives a stick."
And not everyone wants an automatic. It is all about personal preference.
However, If you had a manual 911 you will have an easier time selling that over an automatic 911.
Subaru apparently sold very few of those, and dropped the option for '09.
....and frankly, if one wants a sports car from Subaru, why not get the '09 WRX or STI ? They're aimed at the track / rally loving enthusiast.
Today I test drove the manual and the gas milage was amazing at approximately 31 MPG. Wow.
The Turbo was a blast to drive and seems to ride much better with the 17 inch tires. Gas milage was about 22 MPG and I was very enthusiastic in my driving style.
There are no silver or red tubos within 500 miles so I will probably go with the manual premium model for an MSRP of $25,100 minus the discount of course. I want to buy the Spark Silver or the Red Pearl. I am not a fan of dark colors for Boise Idaho given the dust here.
Thankyou again for your feedback and I wish you the best with your Forrester.
Brandon
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Thank you for taking the time to contact Subaru of America. The trailer towing capacity of your 2009 Forester is 2,400 lbs with trailer brakes.
Frequently, the differences in trailer towing capacity between our vehicles and Subaru vehicles offered in other countries, such as our Forester models and the UK Forester models, relates to the different regulatory bodies of the countries where vehicles are driven. In the U. S., there are body rigidity standards that relate to towing capacity that are stricter than some (most) other countries. So, the 'rules' are different for towing. Also, Subaru of America wants all of its vehicles to maintain Passenger Car Safety Standards, including the Forester and Outback model lines. Therefore, we need to have them viewed under the body rigidity standards established by the department of transportation for passenger cars.
I am making the assumption that you would like a higher trailer towing capacity for our Forester models. We will forward your messge to our Product Planning Department for their review and future consideration. We hope to continually improve our products and appreciate your message.
Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance. If you need any future assistance, please feel free to contact us again.
Best wishes,
xxxxxxxxxx
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer/Dealer Services Dept.
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Bob
No word yet as to when we will get them.
No doubt imperial gallons for that rating. For the U.S., the numbers would be significantly lower.
= 40/46 US Gallon
= 6/5 L/100 km
Unless they are comparing the Forester with a high dollar Porsche Cayenne I don't understand the criticism in those areas.
The same senario's been posted today (8/25/08) in the Edmunds Straightline "daily driver" blog (somebody who had previously hated a Buick Enclave because it was "mushy" when compared to an Evolution, has changed its tune and appreciates the Enclave for what it is).
It took me at least 10 test drives in different cars, and driving Forester XT twice, before I made up my mind.
Bob
Also don't forget that when they do the ratings, it's based on local driving conditions.
I'm fairly sure that in the UK, they don't have nearly as many super-highways with tractor trailers doing 80+mph, steep grades like we have here, etc. etc.
From someone who tows often, unless you are very experienced in towing, one should tow about 75-85% of the max to leave a margin of error.
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
What makes the XT work so well is the sum of its parts--it's a great balance of performance and utility. Ignoring one of these completely while unfairly minimizing the other makes it easy to write a bad review, but it's worthless to the reader.
many thanks
I have not picked up my new X-limited yet (just got a call from the dealer that it has arrived ....2 months after placing the order). One of the first thing ill do is keep an ear out for the rattles.
Then again, do you really _want_ to be connected to the road when crappy road quality and a bunch of potholes/expansion heaves start pounding your car?
I've identified this formerly called "steering columm" buzz as something else.
It is a low pitched buzz that you can hear when turning vehicle left or right, and the HVAC fan is running. Turn off the fan and the noise vanishes.
However, two unusual aspects of the noise is:
It changes density/frequencey, but __not__ its timber or pitch, as the HVAC fan is sped up or slowed down.
Another way to think of it is something striking a tiny gong. The gong never changes pitch, but the striking frequencey increases as the fan speed goes up.
My guess is it's a switching power supply feeding power to the blower motor. As the fan speed is increased, the power pulses to the fan (each pulse the same pitch) are spaced closer together to increase power to fan, and also increase the density of the buzzing.
If it were something hitting the fan blades, or a motor bearing issue, the pitch would change as a function of the rotational speed of the fan motor.
Comments? :confuse:
They wrote a very tasteless review of the 2006 Subaru Tribeca, and Subaru responded by banning them from its press fleet.
Subaru was not alone, BMW also banned them from their press fleet vehicles, in reponse to the same review (good for them).
I'm sure they simply have it out for Subaru.
Freedome of speech is one thing, but being downright offensive to the point where even other manufacturers have to ban you from testing their products is quite another.
JC: congrats.
That photo with the gold Forester looks good. Tinting the windows really does wonders for the overall look.
Kurt: glad to hear you validated your decision when it came to Forester vs. Outback.
MT vs AT: its the age-old argument. Get what fits your needs. You won't ever convince a MT fan to go auto. Meanwhile, if you commute in heavy traffic and/or have a lot going on in the car (think kids in the back), that auto really comes in handy.
Both are able to break 30mpg, so can't complain about that. The MT defaults to a more even 50/50 split, but the auto AWD can be proactive while the viscous coupling reacts quickly. The MT is quicker, but not by much. I think I'd rather have an AT for towing up a wet boat ramp - no clutch slip.
Let your needs decide for you. If you want something fun for light traffic and would rather pay less up front: manual. If you have a heavy commute and are constantly distracted by kids in the car, plus you have concerns about the number of buyers for the car when you sell it (93% of americans search for automatics), get the auto.
My 1998 model was a manual. It was the right choice for me at the time, I had no kids, and fun was a priority.
For 2009 we chose an automatic. The wife commutes in DC beltway traffic, so her left knee can take a break. At other times she's car pooling with 3 kids all over the place, and has enough on her mind, so she'd rather not worry about a 3rd pedal.
I think it was also the right choice for us at this time.
What seems clear is dem folks desire Go-Kart handling and ride quality. However, there was grudging admiration for Subie's composure on rough roads.
thanks
No full throttle acceleration, no jackrabbit starts, no continuous revving over 4000 rpm, etc.
For my area, On hot days (90 degrees or so), the "cold" engine light stays on for a very short time (about 1 - 2 minutes). For 50 degree days it takes about 3 - 5 minutes.
Once engine is warmed up, the light goes out, and the fun can begin.
Today I went to make payment for the car. However, when I looked at the invoice, the subwoofer was not listed. I asked the dealer if it was installed and he said that it was and they forgot to add the amount to the invoice. they added a charge of $209.
What I want to know is if there is a way that I can make sure that a subwoofer has been installed. I understand it goes under the drivers seat....but is it visible if I move the seat back? The car was parked in a small tight space and I could not open the door to look inside.
I just want to make sure that they indeed installed the subwoofer.
Thanks
If it is not on the window sticker, I highly doubt that your dealer installed it and forgot to include it in the car price.
Yeah you are talking to someone who tows a Go-Fast Boat behind my Armada and push the envelope in terms of the rated capacity. I couldn't imagine someone who hasn't been towing for years towing at the limit. I even white-knuckle it sometimes when a rig passes or I have to pass a rig.
Also as you said we drive 1000s of miles at a clip. Fatigue factor is also an issue. If you are in the UK, you probably won't be towing at 80mph for 800-1000 miles at a clip.
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
Phil
Rubber pedals may not be flashy but they are better - less slippery. Imagine wet soles on metal pedals.
I think you can get them as an accessory from the SPT parts catalog if you really like them.
I had the radio replaced today and I feel that the problem is still there. Subaru says that the sound from the rear speakers is muffled when in this mode and sometimes the rear speakers are very soft.. That doesn't sound right. Surround sound means that the sound should be coming from all around, not just the front. Also, in order to get decent sound from the rear speakers you either have to turn the volume up to 28 or higher or turn off the surround sound.
Any help I can get will be appreciated.
Phil
The ride home for me was not comfortable at all. The head rest was at an awkward angle and pushing my head forward. I was sitting in a learched position. When I got home I took out the manual and saw that the head rest needed to be elevated. The middle of the head rest should be aligned with your ears. Once I did that and played a bit with the 10 way power seat...it was perfect.
Spark Silver Metallic (really wanted Satin White Pearl, but hated the light gray interior), Automatic, Premium Package with the following-
All Weather Package
Aero Crossbars
Body Side Molding
Wheel Arch Molding
Splash Guards
Rear Bumper Cover
Fog Lights
Puddle Lights
Auto dimming Mirror w/ Compass
Cargo Tray
Luggage Compartment Cover
Dual Tailpipe Cover
Tweeter Kit
Ipod/phone Console Tray
All Weather Mats
My price: $24,556 + $120 service fee, tax, title and license
I really, really like it so far. I have gotten quite a few double take glances, and I must say, I feel pretty cool and unique driving it around Northeast Wisconsin!
Couple of minor gripes: Lack of lower back/lumbar support. Passenger seat is ridiculously low (I don't care, but wife probably will). Square cupholders--what were they thinking? All well documented problems on this forum and not enough to put me off buying one. One other thing is the blue engine light that comes on when you start it up...i'm apprehensive to drive until that light goes out--I believe that has been addressed in a thread on here also.
One thing I really like and would recommend as a cheap mod is puddle lights! They look really cool at dusk! What are some other things people have done mod-wise or added as an option that they like?
Overall, very impressed and has so far lived up to its hype.
Also keep in mind Subaru recomends a 1000 mile break-in; your owners manual will outline the details.
Thanks. Yeah, I think it was your post that I read on it previously. Is it on all '09 Foresters or just random, do you know?
BBT
Congrats.
Since this is our first new car since 1994, we're still getting used to all the wonderful features. But one feature is making me a bit paranoid: The red security indicator light flashes about every 3 seconds ALL THE TIME! Whether we're in the car or not. Whether it's locked or not. Whether we open/close the door with the key or remote.
It's making me nervous. Is it supposed to flash 24/7? Won't it wear on the battery? Or does it have its own battery, like a computer's clock?
I read the manual which explained why it was flashing. But it didn't indicate how we could turn this off, which makes sense when the car's in our garage for any length of time. It's just so weird that this thing incessantly flashes. But it's also weird that our last new car purchase was in 1994, so maybe our learning curve just needs to ramp up.
TIA for any advice/info.
- pye
[edited for typo, just 'cuz]