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Also bought my dad a car there.
There aren't that many 2008 Forester's left, and there are increasing numbers of 2009's hitting lots. Dealers are now test driving them and trying to sell them. You can go ahead and put up the 09 Forester website ANY time now.
Also, no dealer around me has any brochures yet. That'd probably be helpful too!
About time.
What sorts of sounds can I expect the Turbo engine to make during acceleration and deacceleration?
I have heard some slight "moans" from the XT after it does a gentle acceleration and its speed stabilizes. I assume that is some sort of waste gate or other airflow management?
Yup me too and I agree that deleting the temp gauge was a mistake. As to Mike's point about the idiot light, you still had that in addition to the temp gauge.
-Frank
Bob
Different strokes for sure. I hate auto CC and always use the manual override option.
-Frank
Is there supposed to be a plasic cover or shield in that area? I see screw and clamp holes for fastening one in place.
Previous gen Forester's are the same way but you'd really have to work at it to get your foot up under there to kick something.
In a similar vein, my wife has accidently popped the hood release with her foot several times when getting out of our other car
-Frank
right now my AC's on auto and does nothing until the "cold" indication goes out. The manual says this is normal.
What does change are available features (auto AC, leather / power seats / additional speakers and/or sound controls), and capabilities (more power, better sound, better interior climate control, more positions to seats).
This is different from many other manufacturers (most apparently, Detroit folks) who stick fancier trim or interior decoration onto models "higher up" in the chain. The Chevy Malibu is an example: you get more chrome and decoration as you move up the model chain
Does this smack of an Engineering approach to design? The fancy trim does nothing to improve the vehicle's capabilities.
I don't have any Subaru bucks you have discussed here. I definitely need one of those credit cards. I will most likely wait a few months before getting the '09. Hopefully Subaru will come up with some incentives after the '08's are cleared out. My 2001 Trooper is still rock solid with only 59,000 miles. I really will hate to let it go when the time comes. It does not have 4WD but I don't need it here in Florida anyway. I have never taken it off road except for a dirt parking lot where it performed admirably. :shades: Unfortunately, I checked insurance rates. It would cost an extra $950/yr to keep the Trooper on the policy.
Paisan, you used to be on the Trooper forum, no?
Ouch wrt the Buzzard - best wishes that the shop gets your ride fixed up right!
Hopefully the deer in our neighborhoods don't decide to jump out when I go by at night! :surprise:
http://www.sover.net/~cbrandon/cbrandon/moose.html
-mike
PS: Wanna sell your trooper?
Its obvious to me that Subaru used the CR-V as its price point and packaging competition.
The Forester 2.5X Premium compares to the CR-V EX AWD, and the LL Bean compares to the EX-L. Price wise, they are literally within a few hundred of each other. The CRV EX AWD is going for invoice, give or take a few hundred $23,000...which is exactly the same as the Forester 2.5x Premium. Now at that price point, I think the CR-V wins in terms of feature content--the CR-V comes with a much better radio and a few other little bells and whistles.
And the higher end, the CRV EX-L AWD goes for right around $25. We'll see what the LL Bean Subie goes for. The EX-L CRV comes with a 270 watt stereo system, so it beats for the Forester in that department. The auto climate system is a bit more sophisticated, with digital readouts also...I think its fair to say the interior is a bit classier.
So my conclusion is that in order to stay competitive, Subaru will have to sell these for a little less than Honda's pricepoint...which should mean discounts on the Foresters.
-hood struts
-mute button on the steering wheel controls
-manual and sport modes on the automatic
-rear fold out tray and cup holders
-front and rear wiper de-icers
-more horsepower and torque
-weighs 180 lbs less
-true AWD
-greater ground clearance
-better rear visibility
-greater cargo accessibility
-more passenger room
-Radio Data System
-four setting heated seats
Instead, I would say that the '09 Forester is a serious threat to the CR-V and Honda should be nervous.
If you are looking for a Trooper, I just noticed two nice 4WD models on ebay. One with low miles.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Isuzu-Trooper-S-4WD-SUV-2001-TROOPER-4X4-3-5-1-OW- NER-CLEAN-BUY-ITNOW-NO-RESERVE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6269QQihZ008QQitemZ180- 226113488QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Isuzu-Trooper-LIMITED-4X4-2000-EVERY-OPTION-MADE-- SUPER-NICE-99-NO-RESERVE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6269QQihZ016QQitemZ260223047- 761QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
I remember you were a regular on the Trooper forum. I think you mentioned you used to drive your Trooper up to 100mph? lol That was you, no? I have been up to 95mph, but only once when I wasn't paying attention on a long trip. I changed out the original Bridgestones for Costco Michelins which are much better for road driving.
But let's get real. Honda doesn't "need to be nervous." The Honda CR-V is the best selling SUV in America. It outsells some entire brands, like Mercury. Subaru is still a niche player--not taking anything away from the Forester, but its not even going to put a dent in CR-V sales. Nor should it be trying to.
First, CONGRATS, Kurt! You've really put a lot of time & energy into this research, and you've ended up with a fine ride. :shades:
Second, it's only a matter of time before aftermarket skidplates are available for the '09. You're lucky to be near a manufacturer... check out Primitive Racing, just around the corner in Tigard, OR. These guys make tons of equipment for all Subaru models. I've been tempted to get skidplates from them for my Outback. Drop 'em an e-mail or give 'em a call, maybe you can be their first '09. A full set should run somewhere around $300, I'd guess. Here's their website:
http://www.writerguy.com/primitive/
Post a photo of your new XT Ltd when you get a chance.
I bought my 09 Forester from Wentworth in Portland on Feb 28th (one of the first off the boat, I think!). I have the 2.5X model w/ Premium package. Topaz Gold color w/ black cloth interior. I've put about 1,000 miles on it (trips to coast and Mt Hood). The fit/finish quality is great (especially for new model). I love the manual xmission, big sunroof, privacy glass, ipod i/f, audio system (w/ steering wheel controls), fuel economy (28 mpg), instrmnt lighting, reclining rear seats, front seat adjstmnt/comfort, and many safety features. Plus there's a LOT of little features you don't realize initially (12V outlets, console cubbies, cargo hooks, accent lighting, trip computer, etc). The big things like AWD w/ VDC, visibility, handling, ingress/egress, etc are all well designed (though the variable assist steering is a bit light for my taste and took some getting used to).
I would definitely recommend the Premium package versus a stripped down base model - you get a lot for the extra $. [I wanted manual xmission so XT & LL Bean models weren't a viable option for me].
My only complaint so far is that the HVAC blower fan seems a lot noisier than it needs to be...(ducts & outlets are too small/restrictive for fan cfm?)
This is my first Subaru, and so far I am impressed. I'm even starting to understand why it is that Subaru owners become such zealots about their rides!
Wrt CRV .vs. Forester, yes the CRV has a nicer interior and more footroom for the driver. It also costs a little less. Rear Gate quality seemed similar on both - the Forester latches easilly though its closing sound is a little tinny. The rear opening in the Forester is larger than the CRT's.
In terms of responsiveness and handling, the XT Limited I tried ran circles around the CRV.
Also, if off-road capabilities are important, remember that the CRV got stuck on Catalina Island, while the Forester did not.
As for fuel economy, it's very early to tell but for me it seems to be around 21 mpg or so for mostly city driving, and includes several full throttle passing manuevers (I had to learn how the turbo actually responds ). The vehicle has 120 miles on it and needs 1000 or so to break in.
Jeffmc, thanks for parts info. As I live very close to Tigard I'll try to visit the people you mentioned when time allows.
That would explain what I saw in the Subaru test ground videos, when the Forester would frequently stop, spin its free wheels and then move forward.
Well, so long as the VDC does the job of managing traction in a seamless manner, that will be good enough. It may be possible to add Limited Slip Diffs at a later date, if they are really needed. Limited slip diffs do have drawbacks; frequent clunking sounds, some loss of power.
Anyone who has the Homelink based Auto-dimming Rear View Mirror:
What is the correct procedure to calibrate its compass ? :confuse:
There is plenty of room in the market for both vehicles. Its a given that the CR-V will do very well, but we don't yet know about the Forester. Certainly, Subaru hasn't done any marketing on the new one yet.
I think there are pros and cons to both, but my basic point is that I don't think there's any way the Forester will end up selling at a higher price point than the CR-V (except of course in XT trim). The CRV is selling at $23k for an EX and $25 for an EXL, so I would expect the Forester X Premium to be under 23 and the LL Bean to be under 25.
Of course, whenever there is a new vehicle, there's always a rash of people who can't wait for it and go out and overpay for it, but once inventories get up a little bit and that initial demand is satisified, we'll have to see what Subaru does. A dealer I've spoken with said that he's pretty certain there will be incentives on it pretty quickly. He also said that they are worried about the decontenting on the X Premium...their strategy is going to be to try to get existing Forester owners to trade into a new one, but in order for many to keep the same level of features, they'd have to get into an LL Bean, and he thinks that will be a tough sell in this economy.
That's exactly what I thought when I saw the content in the Premium package.
Yup me too and I agree that deleting the temp gauge was a mistake. As to Mike's point about the idiot light, you still had that in addition to the temp gauge.
-Frank
So now when the "blue" cold light goes off, you can put your heat on. Also if you have auto-climate control, it doesn't start to blow the air until the car is heated up.
I don't remember seeing a temp idiot light but I'll check when I start my LGT today.
-mike
-mike
That would explain what I saw in the Subaru test ground videos, when the Forester would frequently stop, spin its free wheels and then move forward.
Well, so long as the VDC does the job of managing traction in a seamless manner, that will be good enough. It may be possible to add Limited Slip Diffs at a later date, if they are really needed. Limited slip diffs do have drawbacks; frequent clunking sounds, some loss of power.
Well the VDC acts like an LSD by braking a slipping wheel and thereby sending the power to the other side of the axle. The LSDs in the subies (except the Spec B rear and the STi) are viscous fluid LSDs and will not lockup/transfer power as well as a truely mechanical LSD anyway.
-mike
Yup had it up to about 115ish on a regular basis
My dad has my 2000 Trooper now and has about 150k miles on it, so far so good with it!
-mike
-mike
I think the Forester may win a few hearts on the test drive, if people get the chance to push it. It's harder to win the battle on paper.
For me, what stands apart the most? One word: glass. Lots more of it. The moonroof is 3 times as big, and the windows are bigger. Visibility is better all around.
bikerguy3 and johnsora: congrats.
tkay: I think you noticed the same thing I did - the Forester's hatch has an electric latch, so it closes perfectly every time, no rattling.
Subaru actually took some stuff out to match the content of the Honda. I don't think the EX had heated seats, did it? Now the X Premium doesn't, either. Same with fog lights. Cargo cover. Cargo liner. Mud flaps.
Subaru took a page from Honda's book. I believe these are now add-on accessories, as they have been on Hondas for quite some time.
That's the problem for Subaru. And now the Forester Premium is woefully short of the Honda in the audio department--the EX does have a 6 disc, 160 watt system--double the wattage of the Subaru's and obviously 6 times as many discs.
I agree about the visibilty. I really like the basic design of the Forester and I think visibility is better than the Honda. Its still a niche vehicle, but for people like my mom I think its perfect, and it is a very well executed evolutionary design.
Does the single CD player read MP3s recorded on CD, at least?
My van plays those. You can fit almost 200 songs on one disc. Times 6 is 1200 songs. More than I own.
Having said that, audio has been a weakness for Subaru, supposedly the 2009 Outback is getting big improvements, so Forester may get them eventually.
Honda could add sound insulation to the CR-V, I supposed, but it already weighs more than the Forester does.
Let us know what you end up with.
-Frank
I've seen a lot of companies using Escapes (the really cheap 4 banger ones) and XL7s even, but never a CR-V.
Where was this? In AZ?
My parents got a base model Forester for an airport (Phoenix) rental when they came to visit last fall.
-Frank