2014 Subaru Forester

[nisryus]

So back in August wife got herself a new 2014 Rav4. After a few months, her sister's old Rav4 has kicked the bucket. Much to my dismay, wife has agreed to sell the SUV to her with 'deep discount' - around 8k off what we have paid for. Now she is looking for a new SUV. Good thing is that I don't have to deliver the SUV to her sister until we got the replacement. Oh my wallet!!!! =[

We are planning to go back to Subaru again. This time we will try the 2014 Forester, since last time we only drove the 2013 model. One question her family has kept telling her is that Subaru has major head gasket problem and how she should get a Rav4 again (I told her no more Toyota this time.). I googled and found lots of reports but with older models. Has Subaru really addressed this problem? I guess since the 2014 model is so new, no one will report any serious problem until couple of years down the road.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Head gasket problems ended in the early 2000's. Though I think the 2014 or maybe 2013 has a new engine design that uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Technically a 2010-2012 model would be a safer bet, but I'd have no qualms over getting one of the newer models.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Head gasket problems ended in the early 2000's. Though I think the 2014 or maybe 2013 has a new engine design that uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Technically a 2010-2012 model would be a safer bet, but I'd have no qualms over getting one of the newer models.

Right, head gasket issues ended a long long time ago.

Curious - why would having a timing chain cause more problems than a timing belt?

 

[Kaido]

So back in August wife got herself a new 2014 Rav4. After a few months, her sister's old Rav4 has kicked the bucket. Much to my dismay, wife has agreed to sell the SUV to her with 'deep discount' - around 8k off what we have paid for. Now she is looking for a new SUV. Good thing is that I don't have to deliver the SUV to her sister until we got the replacement. Oh my wallet!!!! =[

We are planning to go back to Subaru again. This time we will try the 2014 Forester, since last time we only drove the 2013 model. One question her family has kept telling her is that Subaru has major head gasket problem and how she should get a Rav4 again (I told her no more Toyota this time.). I googled and found lots of reports but with older models. Has Subaru really addressed this problem? I guess since the 2014 model is so new, no one will report any serious problem until couple of years down the road.

Some good reading on the head gasket here:

http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/

Good comment by the OP from 2011:

The new Forester and Impreza use a DOHC chain driven engine. The gasket used in the 2003 to 2009 2.5l is officially no longer in Use by Subaru in production.

There are many many 2010 Outbacks with high miles already that we have seen come through the shop and have not seen anything close to the problems that faced the 2000 to 2002 that were under the WWP-19 campaign.

Ouch on the $8k hit. On the flip side, good job for taking care of family. If your SIL is in a crap situation, then you're doing her a huge favor helping her out like that, so good on ya!

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

$8k discount? Remember to remind your wife of this favour next time you want to get some new toys

 

[nisryus]

Kaido, thank you for the link. I think 2014 is a pretty safe bet.

Well, my sister in-law is not in problem. They even have enough money to added an extra room to their house, plus a completed renovation to the living room and kitchen. She is her sister, so wife just wants to be nice, I guess! o.o

Wish I can still have money left to buy new toys for myself after this! XD.

 

[Harrod]

Supposedly they started using timing chains on the Foresters in 2011, and in 2013 they also started using that engine in the Outbacks.

 

[Jumpem]

The Forester is the far better vehicle. A more capable AWD system, better crash test results, higher ground clearance, and higher fuel economy.

 

[BudAshes]

The Forester is the far better vehicle. A more capable AWD system, better crash test results, higher ground clearance, and higher fuel economy.

But... but... Toyota!!!

 

[fbrdphreak]

Curious - why would having a timing chain cause more problems than a timing belt?

It wouldn't. It should be more reliable, never needing replacement. But it's a revised engine design and early in its life cycle, so technically could be an unknown.

 

[HitAnyKey]

2014 Forester is a better upgrade with as was mentioned better AWD system. Make sure she thoroughly tests the CVT to ensure your comfortable with how it behaves. For most its not a problem but better to be safe than another 8K hit on a trade-in again ;-)

Too bad the RAV4 doesn't offer a V6 anymore. That would've been my pick. Anyway good luck.

 

[Kaido]

Kaido, thank you for the link. I think 2014 is a pretty safe bet.

Well, my sister in-law is not in problem. They even have enough money to added an extra room to their house, plus a completed renovation to the living room and kitchen. She is her sister, so wife just wants to be nice, I guess! o.o

Wish I can still have money left to buy new toys for myself after this! XD.

Yeah, for sure. Ah well. Take the hit and keep the wife happy I guess :biggrin: Exactly what Jumpem said:

The Forester is the far better vehicle. A more capable AWD system, better crash test results, higher ground clearance, and higher fuel economy.

The 2014 Forester was just named the Motor Trend SUV of the year:

http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/1312_2014_suv_of_the_year_subaru_forester/

It was the first vehicle to ace the new small overlap front test:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/deskt...of-13-small-suvs-tested-earn-top-safety-pick-

It also earned a Top Safety Pick Plus rating:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/subaru/forester

Real Auto Reports on Youtube has a great in-depth video review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA7C8bLL5yo

It has a lot of benefits:

1. IIHS TSP+ = safe car (knee airbags etc.)
2. AWD + high ground clearance
3. Great visibility (lots of glass for visibility)
4. Subaru reliability & resale value
5. Wagon = space
6. Lots of nice techie features (EyeSight, power liftgate, etc.)
7. Nice MPG for an AWD wagon (170hp 2.5i @ 32/24, or 250hp 2.0XT @ 28/23)
8. CVT = smooth driving

To me, the 2014 Forester is the ultimate go-to vehicle. Enough room that you can skip a truck, 32 MPG highway is good enough mileage for a main vehicle, great winter & offroad features with the high ground clearance & AWD, nice visibility for driving...can't really beat it! I'm pretty much set on upgrading to one once my Volvo starts flaking out :thumbsup:

 

[nerp]

The Forester is very solid. Wife drives a 2011. The milage is terrible and the interior is kinda drab and not as refined as you'd think but I understand the 2014 addresses those two complaints I have quite well. Aside from the fuel economy and interior, it has been very reliable and is a beast in the snow. You do feel planted in all situations. It also has carlike handling and feels nice to drive. For an SUV or whatnot, it feels no different than a decent car from behind the wheel.

 

[gus6464]

Kaido, thank you for the link. I think 2014 is a pretty safe bet.

Well, my sister in-law is not in problem. They even have enough money to added an extra room to their house, plus a completed renovation to the living room and kitchen. She is her sister, so wife just wants to be nice, I guess! o.o

Wish I can still have money left to buy new toys for myself after this! XD.

Just to play devil's advocate here if they have the money to do all that why can't her sister just buy her own car? Looks like she can afford a new RAV4. I know helping family is a good thing but taking an $8k hit for someone who isn't in dire need seems kinda crazy.

 

[desidude]

Hi friends,

I am in the market for a new compact SUV and had a chance to try out a Forester 2014. My girlfriend drove it, as she will be the one who is purchasing it. It was a premium model with the regular (not Turbo) engine.

The one she drove had cloth seats, but the one on display had leather seats.

She felt the short test drive she took was comfortable, but she is not a critic in any way, she may only be able to differentiate very bad from the rest.

The seating seemed comfortable, especially the passenger seat, which has a 10 way power seat and lumbar support, something she wants.

I found the interior to be a bit bare, i.e. it lacked any fancy interior trims, gadgets, apart from the backup camera which was small. I was surprised to see it had a CD player in there, which is standard.

The sticker price for the Premium model was around 25k.

We are thinking of trying out the Honda CRV and even considering the Kia Sportage due to its longer warranty and more technology in a comparable model.

Any thoughts on whether these competitor models are worth considering or any others we should look at?

If this seems like a thread 'hijack', then I apologize and will create a new thread.

Thanks,
desidude

 

[unokitty]

CRV is almost always among the small SUV class leaders. Certainly worth checking out.

Ford Escape also seems to be doing well.

Some people like the Mazda CX-5.

For value and warranty, and Kia could be interesting.

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[nisryus]

CR-V is a good choice, if she likes it. It is comfortable (to me). But for the price of a CR-V, you can get more options in with the Forester. Sportage is ok. Ride is not as smooth as the competitions. But like what Uno said, it has good warranty. But if you plan to sell it later, keep in mind that its resell value is much lower than Honda or Subaru.

Oh, just an update, wife changed her mind again and is looking at Ford Edge again.... sigh*

 

[Kaido]

Hi friends,

I am in the market for a new compact SUV and had a chance to try out a Forester 2014. My girlfriend drove it, as she will be the one who is purchasing it. It was a premium model with the regular (not Turbo) engine.

The one she drove had cloth seats, but the one on display had leather seats.

She felt the short test drive she took was comfortable, but she is not a critic in any way, she may only be able to differentiate very bad from the rest.

The seating seemed comfortable, especially the passenger seat, which has a 10 way power seat and lumbar support, something she wants.

I found the interior to be a bit bare, i.e. it lacked any fancy interior trims, gadgets, apart from the backup camera which was small. I was surprised to see it had a CD player in there, which is standard.

The sticker price for the Premium model was around 25k.

We are thinking of trying out the Honda CRV and even considering the Kia Sportage due to its longer warranty and more technology in a comparable model.

Any thoughts on whether these competitor models are worth considering or any others we should look at?

If this seems like a thread 'hijack', then I apologize and will create a new thread.

Thanks,
desidude

Having leased a Kia Soul, I would definitely go back to Kia. Way better quality than I expected! The Sportage starts at $19k, which is an awesome starting price, although the MPG is kinda crappy at 20/27. I wasn't really impressed when I checked it out (I liked the Soul better); if I remember right, the doors were kind of heavy, it felt a little too big, and I didn't really care for how I felt sitting inside it.

I did take a CRV out for a test drive, and while it was very nice, it was 23/31 MPG starting at $23k. I felt like I should have gotten a lot more car for the money; I thought it should have started at $19k at least. But you can't really go wrong with a Honda, the reliability & resale value is probably even better than a Subaru.

The Subaru Forester is a lot more spartan in terms of interior design & technology features. They are workhorses. Great visibility, lots of room, AWD, reliable, good resale value, lots of safety features. You pretty much get what you pay for.

 

[Kaido]

CR-V is a good choice, if she likes it. It is comfortable (to me). But for the price of a CR-V, you can get more options in with the Forester. Sportage is ok. Ride is not as smooth as the competitions. But like what Uno said, it has good warranty. But if you plan to sell it later, keep in mind that its resell value is much lower than Honda or Subaru.

Oh, just an update, wife changed her mind again and is looking at Ford Edge again.... sigh*

The Edge was on my list as well. Lots of cool features! My wife didn't like how big it was though. The Sport model got 19/26, which I thought was pretty good for the size.

The nice thing about the Internet & discussion forums is that you can hash through your choices & options as much as you want, because it's free :biggrin: Window shopping ftw! We've pretty much narrowed our next car choice down to the Forester - not that it has absolutely everything we want, but it has the safety, the visibility, and the AWD/ride height in a compact package we are looking for, so it's pretty much the most practical one for our requirements.

 

[nisryus]

Wife like the Edge because of its size. She feels safer if she gets into an accident with a bigger SUV. Strangely that I recalled when we looked at an Edge, back during the Austin Auto Show in April, she didn't like it much... x.x

 

[Kaido]

Wife like the Edge because of its size. She feels safer if she gets into an accident with a bigger SUV. Strangely that I recalled when we looked at an Edge, back during the Austin Auto Show in April, she didn't like it much... x.x

The nice thing is, it's not a big SUV like the Expedition, but it's not a small SUV like the Escape. It does feel big, but at least it's not enormous in a parking lot. A bit more reasonable than a minivan

 

[tortillasoup]

Yeah, for sure. Ah well. Take the hit and keep the wife happy I guess :biggrin: Exactly what Jumpem said:



The 2014 Forester was just named the Motor Trend SUV of the year:

http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/1312_2014_suv_of_the_year_subaru_forester/

It was the first vehicle to ace the new small overlap front test:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/deskt...of-13-small-suvs-tested-earn-top-safety-pick-

It also earned a Top Safety Pick Plus rating:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/subaru/forester

Real Auto Reports on Youtube has a great in-depth video review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA7C8bLL5yo

It has a lot of benefits:

1. IIHS TSP+ = safe car (knee airbags etc.)
2. AWD + high ground clearance
3. Great visibility (lots of glass for visibility)
4. Subaru reliability & resale value
5. Wagon = space
6. Lots of nice techie features (EyeSight, power liftgate, etc.)
7. Nice MPG for an AWD wagon (170hp 2.5i @ 32/24, or 250hp 2.0XT @ 28/23)
8. CVT = smooth driving

To me, the 2014 Forester is the ultimate go-to vehicle. Enough room that you can skip a truck, 32 MPG highway is good enough mileage for a main vehicle, great winter & offroad features with the high ground clearance & AWD, nice visibility for driving...can't really beat it! I'm pretty much set on upgrading to one once my Volvo starts flaking out :thumbsup:

FYI the purpose of knee airbags is to prevent submarining for either unbelted driver or for a driver who drives with their seat leaning back too far.

 

[Kaido]

FYI the purpose of knee airbags is to prevent submarining for either unbelted driver or for a driver who drives with their seat leaning back too far.

Looks like it's more designed to not smoosh your knees when you run into someone:

http://www.takata.com/en/products/airbag05.html

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv20/07-0274-O.pdf

 

[Jumpem]

The Subaru Forester is a lot more spartan in terms of interior design & technology features. They are workhorses. Great visibility, lots of room, AWD, reliable, good resale value, lots of safety features. You pretty much get what you pay for.

You are paying for an AWD system that is superior to the others.

 

[Kaido]

You are paying for an AWD system that is superior to the others.

FAR superior:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2gy_6Jbu9g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OzK-oRPCbs