Subaru Forester - thoughts? (1 Viewer)

[General Tso]

I'm thinking about getting a new SUV to serve as a second vehicle for the winter. This one looks like a winner in a lot of the areas important to me:

- safety (teenage son)

- good in snow (live in CT snow belt)

- storage (just bought a house so I'm constantly needing to buy and transport new things)

- gas mileage (45 minute commute to work)

The only drawback is the vehicle looks a little... boring? Not really too big a problem there as my second vehicle is the opposite of that.

Any recommendations from you guys? Also looking at the Honda CRV, Mazda CX-5, and maybe even something larger like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

 

[Parrothead]

excellent small SUV

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

 

[IC FBGCav]

I got a 2014 CRV EX and love it. It is ranked high in consumer reports. The Forester is ranked high too.

 

[AcerFC]

I love mine. 8 years old in May and going on 142,000 right now with almost zero problems til late.

Mine needs a new catalytic converter. Trying to decide if I should use the 1500 on a new car.

 

[IC FBGCav]

Cherokee's all have bad reviews.

 

[AcerFC]

I love mine. 8 years old in May and going on 142,000 right now with almost zero problems til late.

Mine needs a new catalytic converter. Trying to decide if I should use the 1500 on a new car.

I will say that my wife does not like it at all. She thinks it is a little tight in the passenger seat as well as the back

We are looking right now at things like the Mazda CX9, BMW X3, Honda Pilot and Honda has a new HRV coming out.

 

[Da Guru]

Rented a Forester for a week while on vacation last year that only had 10K miles on it. A little disappointed it was a rattle trap.

 

[boots11234]

I looked at the and the outback. I like the look of the outback better and the loaded version is awesome. Looks mor sporty then the forester imo. If you want to save a bit get fwd only and buy snow tires. I have a little Honda Fit and it is awful in snow. Bought snow tires and rims from tire rack (didn't have to pay for tpms that way) and it is now a beast in the snow.

 

[AcerFC]

Rented a Forester was a week while on vacation last year that only had 10K miles on it. It was a rattle trap.

I dont know what this means

 

[Jaysus]

Why are you looking at that over the Outback?

 

[AcerFC]

Why are you looking at that over the Outback?

I would imagine bc it is a little cheaper

 

[General Tso]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

 

[Jaysus]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

I am actually at a point in my life where I think a station wagon is the ideal vehicle for my family, the Outback is pretty high on my want list as a result.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

 

[General Tso]

Why are you looking at that over the Outback?

Good question. Gas mileage maybe?The Forester got off-the-charts ratings on Consumer Reports. It was far and away the highest rated SUV in any size or category.

 

[Jaysus]

Why are you looking at that over the Outback?

Good question. Gas mileage maybe?The Forester got off-the-charts ratings on Consumer Reports. It was far and away the highest rated SUV in any size or category.

It has been a bit since I looked, but I thought that the Outback was the MPG leader in the Subaru family (save for the Hybrid Cross teck or whatever that is) - it even beat out the hatchback as I recall.... but like I said, it's been a while.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I've been driving an Expedition for almost 10 years now, and I was looking at either a Forester or Outback as a replacement. I want something that can cope with snow, but my kids are old enough now that I don't need to drive a gigantic hauling-things-and-taking-14-hour-road-trips vehicle anymore. Plus, I'm not paying $50K+ for another full-size SUV. I'm probably a year or so away from making the switch though.

Surprisingly, the Forester and Outback are very similar in price, at least for the loaded versions.

 

[General Tso]

Cherokee's all have bad reviews.

I know. Unfortunate because I love the way they look. My ex has one and she raves about it.

 

[bushdocda]

I have a 2012 it's nice, wish I'd sprung for some more bells and whistles.

If you're cool with the size it's a great vehicle. I will move to something bigger in a few years I think.

 

[shadyridr]

Proud owner of an 09 Forester and then i traded it in for a 14 forester. I love it

 

[AcerFC]

Proud owner of an 09 Forester and then i traded it in for a 14 forester. I love it

Manfredi?

 

[shadyridr]

I typically get 32mpg on the highway

 

[shadyridr]

Proud owner of an 09 Forester and then i traded it in for a 14 forester. I love it

Manfredi?

haha first one yeah

 

[AcerFC]

Proud owner of an 09 Forester and then i traded it in for a 14 forester. I love it

Manfredi?

haha first one yeah

got mine there also. 3500 under msrp

 

[IC FBGCav]

Cherokee's all have bad reviews.

I know. Unfortunate because I love the way they look. My ex has one and she raves about it.

I understand, I always trust my ex's to look out for my best interest too.

 

[shadyridr]

They do have catalytic converter issues. Mine had it and that's why i traded it in (although that was still covered under warranty)

 

[beavers]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

Let me help you out here ....

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

 

[General Tso]

Shady - is the cargo space adequate? Seems like it would be. Any recommendations on features? Do you have the I drive thing?

 

[General Tso]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

Let me help you out here ....http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

is it a big lesbian vehicle? Or just a spoof on a TV show? First I heard of that.

 

[General Tso]

Has anyone tried out the Mazda CX-5? It's getting great reviews as well.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

Let me help you out here ....http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

is it a big lesbian vehicle? Or just a spoof on a TV show? First I heard of that.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

Let me help you out here ....

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

Way to explain the joke. <_<

 

[Tom Servo]

I will say that my wife does not like it at all. She thinks it is a little tight in the passenger seat as well as the back

Do you like big butts? Do you like them round?

 

[Tom Servo]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

Let me help you out here ....http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

is it a big lesbian vehicle? Or just a spoof on a TV show? First I heard of that.

OH COME ON!!!!

 

[Card Trader]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

Let me help you out here ....http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

is it a big lesbian vehicle? Or just a spoof on a TV show? First I heard of that.

 

[Redwes25]

I've been driving an Expedition for almost 10 years now, and I was looking at either a Forester or Outback as a replacement. I want something that can cope with snow, but my kids are old enough now that I don't need to drive a gigantic hauling-things-and-taking-14-hour-road-trips vehicle anymore. Plus, I'm not paying $50K+ for another full-size SUV. I'm probably a year or so away from making the switch though.

Surprisingly, the Forester and Outback are very similar in price, at least for the loaded versions.

Love my Outback. It is a 2012. Car is awesome in snow/winter.

 

[shadyridr]

Shady - is the cargo space adequate? Seems like it would be. Any recommendations on features? Do you have the I drive thing?

I never had an issue with Cargo space although I only have one kid. What is the I drive thing?

 

[Niles Standish]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

Let me help you out here ....http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

is it a big lesbian vehicle? Or just a spoof on a TV show? First I heard of that.

At least in CO that's the reputation. Then again every 3rd car here is a Subaru.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

Let me help you out here ....http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

is it a big lesbian vehicle? Or just a spoof on a TV show? First I heard of that.

OH COME ON!!!!

 

[Wooderson]

What's the bad ### second vehicle you mentioned ?

 

[Card Trader]

What's the bad ### second vehicle you mentioned ?

Miata

 

[DCThunder]

Do Subarus come with Darwin magnets and "Ready for Hillary!" bumper stickers factory installed or are those an extra cost option? What about the COEXIST stickers?

 

[saintfool]

subarus are pretty solid cars. my dad had been a subaru guy until he retired and wanted a big SUV. i had a subaru legacy wagon '06 for a little while and it was good as wagons go. my mechanic says that subarus are "good until they aren't". repairs are expensive but they hold their resale value very well.

 

[jabarony]

Consider a U.S. brand? Or at least a Subaru built in the U.S.?

 

[General Tso]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

Let me help you out here ....http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

is it a big lesbian vehicle? Or just a spoof on a TV show? First I heard of that.

OH COME ON!!!!

I still don't get it. Big giant "whoosh" with that one. I must be getting old.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

Let me help you out here ....http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

is it a big lesbian vehicle? Or just a spoof on a TV show? First I heard of that.

OH COME ON!!!!

I still don't get it. Big giant "whoosh" with that one. I must be getting old.

 

[VA703]

I have a 04 impreza with 140k. No issues just standard maintenance. Hoping I can get it to 300k

It handles well in the snow

 

[Parrothead]

Great for taking your Standard Poodles to the Lilith Fair.

Oh God you just touched a nerve on what's holding me back from any of the small SUV's. All I can think about when I see them is soccer mom. Part of me wants to go bigger and more masculine and screw the practicality of it all. But ai did that last time and ended up buying a car that is totally impractical for my situation. I'm a freaking mess when it comes to buying a car...

The image I am thinking of is not typically associated with a "soccer mom", though I guess many of them do adopt these days.

Let me help you out here ....http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/01/02/lesbians_and_subarus_why_do_lesbians_love_outbacks_and_foresters.html

is it a big lesbian vehicle? Or just a spoof on a TV show? First I heard of that.

OH COME ON!!!!

I still don't get it. Big giant "whoosh" with that one. I must be getting old.

I enjoy the free seafood taco bar at the dealer when I go for service..

 

[General Tso]

What's the bad ### second vehicle you mentioned ?

Miata

Good guess! Lexus convertible. It was my midlife crisis purchase a few years ago. Love the car, but it's terrible in the snow and I get pulled over all the time in it. I had to go to remedial driver training last year and I'm on probation. Too many speeding tickets.So now instead of being chased by cops I'm going to be chased by lesbians...