Topic: 2009 Subaru Forester Spotted!

[Trainman]

Stopped by the Kelowna dealer on the way home for a quick spin/look.

They have 3 used, an X, XS and XT.  I did not drive any of these after sitting in the XS.  Not enough rear seat room for the family and the pricing seems a bit off for used when compared to the new ones.  The XS, which is the trim line I would want for used, was an 07 with about 40,000 km.  Priced at $25,000 asking.

So I looked at the 09 X and Touring.  No LTD or Turbo available on the lot.  Turbo's are in very high demand and they do not expect to have any more for awhile.  And LTD is of no interest to me.

The 09 is very nicely built, good solid sounding doors, no tiny, hollow sounds anywhere.  Materials on the Touring seem to be pretty decent.  Controls seem logical.  Much more room in the back half of the vehicle than the older version.

A quick drive in Kelowna traffic shows it to be peppy enough, handles fine but I really need a longer try in it under more varied conditions to make a final call.  I noticed National Car Rental has few out of the Prince George airport, so I may try to rent on for one of my business trips in early September.  That will be a much better test.  And no salesman to be watching over me   

Some good news is that they told me Pathfinders are holding their trade in value a bit better than most other SUV's right now, although I still won't get much for it   

So overall, I have now eliminated a used Forester and the 09 is looking promising.  If I do rent one, I will post more thoughts.

[ggweci]

So overall, I have now eliminated a used Forester and the 09 is looking promising.  If I do rent one, I will post more thoughts.

Thanks for the initial impression... would love to hear a full review if you do in fact get to rent one for a "full" real world test. 

[airbalancer]

The rumour for the TDIforum, is the rumour from another forum, is that the diesel is coming out in May 2009 . But there is another rumour that the Forester is not getting the diesel
The person who moderators this forum  for Subaru, can they please comment, we know YOU are out there

[ggweci]

The rumour for the TDIforum, is the rumour from another forum, is that the diesel is coming out in May 2009 . But there is another rumour that the Forester is not getting the diesel

I'm really hoping that the first rumour is true.  May 2009 as a 2010 model would be a great introduction for the diesel, and they could throw in the 5AT from the Legacy/Tribeca.

[carcrazy]

The rumor I heard is that the 4 A/T will be replaced with a CVT soon.

[ggweci]

Stopped by my local dealer to finally check out the Forester in person.  I was very impressed, as was my better half.  We had just left Honda after getting an oil change on the Civic (while we waited we were inspecting the CRV extensively).  We will probably be looking at a "cute" ute to replace the P5 in a year or so, and these two were the top contenders.  After last night, it looks like the Forester has the definite edge.  We were both impressed with the visibility all around vs the CRV and all other features were pretty close.  There were a few things that really stand out for me on the Forester vs the CRV:

1) Much better AWD system
2) Much better bang for the buck.  ~32K get's you a loaded Forester, while the same price only gets you the mid-level CRV
3) That huge sunroof!... we were blown away by it.  Seems like you're driving a T-top.  I think that alone (plus the great visibility) may have sold my wife   

We did find that the cloth material in the Touring model rather cheap, even though it was called "premium", but we would probably go for the Limited for the extras (leather, HID, 17" wheels, auto climate control, etc).  Overall, we were pleasantly surprised with this new model over the old version.  I had read all the reviews, but it was nice to see it in person.  Next year, when we're closer to the purchase, will be the time for the test drives and closer examinations.

[1TSX]

Stopped by my local dealer to finally check out the Forester in person.  I was very impressed, as was my better half.  We had just left Honda after getting an oil change on the Civic (while we waited we were inspecting the CRV extensively).  We will probably be looking at a "cute" ute to replace the P5 in a year or so, and these two were the top contenders.  After last night, it looks like the Forester has the definite edge.  We were both impressed with the visibility all around vs the CRV and all other features were pretty close.  There were a few things that really stand out for me on the Forester vs the CRV:

1) Much better AWD system
2) Much better bang for the buck.  ~32K get's you a loaded Forester, while the same price only gets you the mid-level CRV
3) That huge sunroof!... we were blown away by it.  Seems like you're driving a T-top.  I think that alone (plus the great visibility) may have sold my wife   

We did find that the cloth material in the Touring model rather cheap, even though it was called "premium", but we would probably go for the Limited for the extras (leather, HID, 17" wheels, auto climate control, etc).  Overall, we were pleasantly surprised with this new model over the old version.  I had read all the reviews, but it was nice to see it in person.  Next year, when we're closer to the purchase, will be the time for the test drives and closer examinations.

If you are going to get the Limited, might as well move up to the XT.

[ggweci]

If you are going to get the Limited, might as well move up to the XT.

Yeah, that would be nice to get the extra power, but I'm not a fan of paying the fuel penalty + premium gas.  If only Subaru borught over the Boxer Diesel version, I'd be sold.  Tons of torque and great mileage.

[carcrazy]

The Forester will get a CVT in a year or two not a 5-speed AT.

[Trainman]

If you are going to get the Limited, might as well move up to the XT.

Yeah, that would be nice to get the extra power, but I'm not a fan of paying the fuel penalty + premium gas.  If only Subaru borught over the Boxer Diesel version, I'd be sold.  Tons of torque and great mileage.

Check out my thoughts on the 09 Forester here: http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,59107.0.html .  I need to update it as it now has 8,100 kms (or about 1,000 kms per week so far    ) with no issues.

Also look here for more info, including a long thread on the reported diesel:    http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/.

[ggweci]

Check out my thoughts on the 09 Forester here: http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,59107.0.html .  I need to update it as it now has 8,100 kms (or about 1,000 kms per week so far    ) with no issues.

Also look here for more info, including a long thread on the reported diesel:    http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/.

Oh, I've read all your comments and am staying on top of the updates.    Keep 'em coming.  They are very helpful.

And I'm also on the SF.org site all the time.  Don't post too much, but read almost everything on the 2009 models.

So, let me ask you, how do you find the cloth seats on your Touring model?  We (more so my wife) were pretty turned off by them.  Subaru calls them "premium cloth" but they seem to be anything but in the short time we sat in/felt them.

[Trainman]

Check out my thoughts on the 09 Forester here: http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,59107.0.html .  I need to update it as it now has 8,100 kms (or about 1,000 kms per week so far    ) with no issues.

Also look here for more info, including a long thread on the reported diesel:    http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/.

Oh, I've read all your comments and am staying on top of the updates.    Keep 'em coming.  They are very helpful.

And I'm also on the SF.org site all the time.  Don't post too much, but read almost everything on the 2009 models.

So, let me ask you, how do you find the cloth seats on your Touring model?  We (more so my wife) were pretty turned off by them.  Subaru calls them "premium cloth" but they seem to be anything but in the short time we sat in/felt them.

I will try to keep the updates going (here I am in a $130/night hotel and having to PAY for internet.  Gesh...)

As for the fabric, I think its a stretch calling it "cloth", it seems to be some high tech stuff.  Very easy to clean, very slippery too.  Suites what I use my Forester for vs the leather.  It is standing up well so far, but its early days.  They stay cool in the heat (I have the light coloured cloth, not the black/gray) but are cold in the cold.  But the seat warmers fix that pretty quick.

I am really impressed with the power of the 2.5 normally aspirated motor, it has lots of go power, even up steep hills with the beast filled with 4 and enough luggage for 6 days (we just came back from LA/Disneyland and had to drive up the OK Connector).  Have to be willing to rev the motor though, 4,000 RPM is a good spot, ie 3rd gear at 110 kph   

[ggweci]

Thanks for the opinions on the "cloth".  We would probably pay the premium for the leather (+ all the other options) if we go this route.  Unless of course, Subura puts in a nicer cloth material for 2010.