Considering '09 Forester

[berettafan]

Getting ready to turn in the last leased vehicle i will ever babysit and unless they give me a better deal than the buyout i signed up for i'll be getting something else. Wife would be main driver (her turn for a newer vehicle) and to my surprise we are considering a new Subie. Drove the Outback and found it very nice inside though somewhat underpowered and tight. Then we drove a Forester and the fit was perfect. Nice big sunroof, comfortable seats (limited), etc.

I really don't like the noisy little motor (only thing that sounds worse than a subie motor is a mazda rotary) but the darn thing just seems to make a lot of sense.

Does anyone own one of these new Foresters? Opinions on the value of going turbo? Looking at maybe $27k for the turbo limited or about $2k less for non turbo. REALLY don't want to spend $27k.

Also considering '06 V70. Truthfully i'd like a VERY sporty sedan with a big trunk that i can get sideways in once in a while but wife is not terribly interested in sedans coming from a grand cherokee.

[Jim Richards]

Don't you have to be a dyke to own a Subie wagon?

It sounds like a good fit for what you're looking for. Unless you'd like to get an Audi [ducking].

[berettafan]

well were i a woman i most certainly would be gay so that part makes sense!

i'm repair shop averse so audi is out of the question.

[VincentVega]

A friend had one a few years ago and it was nice. Not sure if it's the same model, but it handled nice and had some scoot. There were a ton of engine mods for the turbo motor, if that's your thing. If you are sold on a wagon there arent many other options I would consider.

[Steve Carlton]

Does the motor sound funny from inside the car or just outside? My Legacy sounds fine from inside. Sometimes they sound like they're running with a fouled spark plug as they go by, especially if they've been modded. Check the Subaru website under Shopping Tools > See Special Offers. Locally there's a 4.9% APR and a lease program. The Turbo might have a minimal lease payment difference, although that's not likely. Probably requires premium fuel and gets worse mileage, too.

[HardDrive]

Our friends had one and loved it. They racked up over 100k on it with no major problems.

[ChkbookMechanic]

The new Legacy's are nice and Subarus in general are tanks. You can do lots of stupid things to them and they'll keep on running.

[jyl]

Too bad the WRX STI Station Wagon is so ugly.

[aap1966]

We've got a 2006 turbo, driven mainly by my better half.
Best car I've ever owned.
Big enough for 2 adults and 2 kids even on interstate trips (Brisbane to Sydney..1000km..600mile..twice a year), small enough to be nimble, fast enough to almost always win the traffic light grand prix, subtle enough not to attract the cops or boy racers.
Great handling, especially in the wet.

Oxygen sensor failed under warranty, easy fix. Otherwise great build quality.

Take a turbo for a drive.
(I still remember the expression on my wife's face when I said "trust me, just floor it" and she did)
Would buy an 09 turbo tomorrow if funds allowed.

[TWork]

We had an '05 XT and I absolutely loved it. Everything you need in a car, nothing you don't. Never had a single problem in 40k miles. Plenty of power and handled reasonably well. All wheel drive made inclement weather a breeze. Had to get rid of it for an automatic and the wife mandated a hybrid. I've got my share of toy cars, so we had to get her one she wanted. :-)

[id10t]

Friend got one a few months ago. Loaded, less than $24k but not much... great cars. What you got against the sound of a boxter style engine?

Anyway, for best price call AAA (get a membership fi you have to - worth it). Tell them what you want, they'll find a dealer for you and you can get it for ~ 2% over dealer cost. My buddy got his for 1.75 over cost...

[TimT]

I have an 08 WRX which I picked up in April. know have 15K on the clock. Its a great daily driver... and pretty friggin fast.. plus 27 mpg highway.. (hand calculated)

pony up for the turbo engine.

My brother has had Subarus for 20 years or so.. he never mentions any problems. I have some friends that own Subarus, and really never hear any complaints...

[Gogar]

Won't someone find that "MY PARTNER AND I LOVE OUR FORESTERS" spoof ad? I can't find it.

[Jim Richards]

Uhhh, why?

[VaSteve]

I rode right seat in one for a Street Survival course. I didn't drive it, but I didn't like the seating position. Too high for a car, too low for a truck.

[Vipergrün]

I've got an 06 Impreza Sport Wagon and love it. Good mileage, good utility, peppy, and reliable.

[carnutzzz]

The non-Turbo is a dog. The turbo is quick but spendy.

Why not a used 5-series wagon?

[JeremyD]

Forester, Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander were our top three. We ended up with the Highlander - although the Subie is a great car.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Gogar

Won't someone find that "MY PARTNER AND I LOVE OUR FORESTERS" spoof ad? I can't find it.

Here you go..