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Strange that the Impreza 2.5i sedan gets a dual exhaust but the WRX hatch gets by with a single.
-mike
-mike
1.As others have mentioned, Subaru really needs to offer a 5spd auto or a CVT.
2.They should bring back a FWD version. The energy bill makes the AWD a bit of a liability. Back in the early 90s my FWD Legacy worked great even in the snow. The FWD would cost less, weigh less and have better performance using the same motor.
3.Subaru should consider selling a FWD model with the 2.0L motor. Removing the AWD and using a smaller engine should result in a 200 pound reduction in weight. My guess is that the vehicle would weigh about 3,000 pounds – something a 140 hp, 2.0L engine could handle.
4.Subaru might also consider a 1.5L turbo.
5.A diesel motor, I am not sure about. Around here gasoline is going for $3.10 and diesel is $3.55. I have seen the spread as high as 70 cents. The higher cost of diesel negates some of the fuel savings. A lot will depend on the extra cost for the diesel motor. We have also had shortages of diesel but not gasoline. If another longer shortage hits during spring planting or fall harvesting things could get ugly.
-mike
I will not advise to buy a FWD instead of a 4WD/AWD just because of saving of money. Rear wheel drive only or FWD only is not sufficient to avoid an accident on icing roads. I know what scaring is when the car starts to skid without control out of the road.
I wish the 2009 Forester price would not be higher than$24,000-$25,000. I wonder why the Forester is not in the top 10 SUV (2007)?
Toyota now owns a share of Subaru so expect to see HSD hybrids in the future. That, plus a CVT, plus maybe diesels, is how Subaru will meet future CAFE standards.
Also, remember that "35 mpg" ain't really 35 mpg. That formula uses the old, unadjusted EPA numbers, which are much, much higher than the numbers we see on the window stickers now.
For instance, Subaru's CAFE scores right now is right at 27.5mpg, yet if you look at the EPA combined numbers for even the most efficient models they are only low 20s.
You should be able to find a 2009 Forester for under $24k, Just don't load it up with every option.
Subaru's been holding prices down pretty well. I think you'll be able to get a Premium with automatic transmission for around $24k, and prices should start around $21k. (Good sales prices, not MSRP. )
-mike
It certainly appears that most vehicals that end up in the ditches are AWD or 4x4s. Probably due to driver error, but maybe a false sense of secuirty as well.
The only times AWD has helped me has been in farm fields in the spriing and winter where there is no traffic to deal with and twice on the highway climbing a hill at 5 mph during a snow storm in stop and go traffic. Some FWD cars with poor tires couldn't climb it.
I imagine AWD might also help if your driving like you stole it.
We got a FWD Sienna minivan, mostly because we still have a Subaru in our fleet, so I'll drive that when there is significant snow fall.
Any how, we got about an inch a few weeks ago. The Sienna struggled to make it up my driveway. And this was just one inch of snow! It stalled about half way up, the VSC made some ugly noises, then it dug in and fought it's way up.
I was shocked that a measly inch of snow gave it that much trouble.
My driveway goes up an incline, and with the long wheelbase, all the weight shifts to the rear axle.
I seriously doubt I could make it up my own driveway safely if we get 3" or more of snow, so I guess I'll park it on the street in those conditions.
We drove the Legacy later that night and you couldn't even tell there was snow on the ground. Night and day.
AWD is not over-rated, IMHO.
The problem is that too many drivers think AWD is the panacea for every situation and it clearly is not. That's why now-a-days you seem to see more SUVs in the ditch after a big snow or ice storm. The perception (fostered by the auto makers) is that a full-size SUV can go anywhere at anytime. So you get these "idiots" blasting down the snow/ice-covered or rain-slick road just as if it was warm and sunny. And then they're completely surprised when they try to stop quickly (while tail-gating of course) and lose control.
-Frank
* most of the vehicles out on snowy days are SUVs
* how do we even know if those SUVs were 2WD or 4WD
Actually, rolled over, you can see all the hardware, so nix that 2nd item.
True. Having an SUV does seem to embolden those drivers to venture out
* how do we even know if those SUVs were 2WD or 4WD
I have no doubt that there are SUV owners who assume that the mere fact that they're driving an SUV (regardless of whether or not its 4WD) gives them special powers
-Frank
Says the man in Alaska! :surprise:
And the easy access to that spare in the photo.
Think of all the benefits of rollovers!
Buffalo, in that particular storm, received more than seven feet in five days. I was there on day one of the storm. It had snowed for about 3-4 hours prior to when I got there and more than a foot was already on the ground.
I had my RWD BMW with all-seasons for a few winters and it handled just fine as well. Was it optimal? Heck no. My AWD Subaru with all seasons can run rings around the BMW and most cars with FWD. It's much more optimal than a FWD with all seasons.
The Legacy with ESC isn't letting it's rear end go anywhere.
Bob
-mike
Bob
-Frank
They've lost a bit of their "green" base already, and this could further erode their divergent base of loyal customers, which is always risky even if the brand sells more mainstream models in the short term.
Bob
-Frank
You can't drop your manual, especially not before your auto is competitive with the best. That's insane! :mad:
-mike
My 04 Forester XT has got a good resale value - so, as soon as they come in, I'm gonna test an 09 XT Limited Forester - if the 09 has less road noise (these California freeways are freakin' 3rd World) and is less creaky (my dash has rattled since day one - 3 tries and Sube Service still can't quiet it - rattle always comes back - so it goes) than my 04, I'm in.
Nothing else out there even remotely blows my dress up!
Got a good feeling about this update. XT Love!
http://vocuspr.vocus.com/vocuspr30/Temp/Sites/1571/aaf9bd827ea24b309ea3f21d98215- 0b4/2009_Forester_AAG.pdf
Forester Specs (preliminary)
http://vocuspr.vocus.com/vocuspr30/Temp/Sites/1571/154e899e90fc4a6b8441b6b6dd805- 101/2009_Forester_prelim_specs.pdf
DaveM (been lurking for the last couple of years)
DaveM (been lurking for the last couple of years)
Bob
I'll probably be going the the Philly show, but not sure which day.
I also thought about meeting the 48 hrs. of Tri-State crew at SOA headquarters on 2/1.
Subaru America has sent me this URL to inspect the new 2009 Forester
http://content.subaru.com/sub/misc/2009/forester/pdf/brochure.pdf
Please checks it.
You could pre-order this vehicle.
2009 Forester accessories. Where can I find information about this vehicle accessories?
SOHC (2.5X) vs DOHC(2.5XT) what will you recommend and why?