I ordered a 2004 Forester XT yesterday

[Michael]

My Impreza is 10 years old and it was getting time to buy a new car. I was going to buy a 2003 Forester but delayed the purchase decision for a few moths and then saw that a Turbo version was coming out for 2004.

I managed to get the dealer down to $500 over invoice. Not even close to how well I've done in the past, but it is brand new and most of the dealers I called were not very flexible at all on price ($1K over invoice). I would have shot for invoice or lower for a 2003 since the 2004's are arriving now.

I could have one much sooner except I want a Red one. I like red cars and settled for a non-red car with my Impreza. For 10 years I've driven what was second choice for my colour choice and I'm willing to wait the 6 weeks it'll take if they can't find one in the local area and need to order one directly from Subaru.

I got the automatic version, but not the premium version because I don't like sun roofs and I'm not that fond of leather seats.

Invoice is 24,042 (including destination) + I ordered the cargo nets + spotlight and the cargo mat, bumper guards and splash guards (got them at invoice).

Michael

 

[vi edit]

Ooooh turbo

Does that have the turboed 2.0L or 2.5L?

Should be a very fun ride!

 

[Michael]

"Built on the Impreza platform, the 2004 Forester 2.5 XT benefits from the engine technology introduced in the Impreza WRX STi with a new turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter boxer engine that produces 210 horsepower ? a considerable increase over the normally aspirated 165-horsepower version still utilized in the 2004 Forester 2.5 X and 2.5 XS models. But the real story here is torque. The new 2.5-liter power plant produces 235 pound-feet of torque (42 percent more than other Forester models) at 3,600 rpm. Subaru engineers tell us that this impressive torque figure, plus the boost in horsepower was achieved by increasing engine weight only 115 pounds over the normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, therefore preserving the Forester's previous handling characteristics. An Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system is also present to help the Forester reach its best fuel efficiency, while remaining a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV), and an Active Valve Control system (AVCS) works to optimize the engine's efficiency at all engine speeds. Aiding the engine-mounted intercooler is the functional aluminum hood scoop that provides fresh air to the engine. "

First Drive Review from Edmunds

Michael

 

[RossMAN]

Congrats, nice choice and kudo's for waiting a few months for the '04 model.

 

[vi edit]

Heh. The STi uses the same powertrain I'm sure. Nothing an ECU upgrade and maybe a boost controller can't fix.

280HP would make that a blazing fast little SUV.

 

[Michael]

I would have bought the WRX, but I have 2 young kids so I needed the extra cargo room.

My wife drives a '97 Outback.

Michael

 

[freebee]

Yeah, i too have been driving the lesbian car of america for the last 2 years.

Just crashed my forester 3 days ago. Getting it fixed soon.

 

[MrYogi]

Originally posted by: freebee
Yeah, i too have been driving the lesbian car of america for the last 2 years.

Just crashed my forester 3 days ago. Getting it fixed soon.

why is it called the lesbian car of america?

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: MrYogi

Originally posted by: freebee
Yeah, i too have been driving the lesbian car of america for the last 2 years.

Just crashed my forester 3 days ago. Getting it fixed soon.

why is it called the lesbian car of america?

Lesbians drive them.

 

[pukemon]

Originally posted by: freebee
Yeah, i too have been driving the lesbian car of america for the last 2 years.

Just crashed my forester 3 days ago. Getting it fixed soon.

I thought the Cabrio was the official lesbian car of America?

 

[Jejunum]

sweet! great car; my mom is gonna be buying an auto xt with leather

I am an impreza driver

Im quite impressed by subaru's use of the 2.5 turbo and the price the xt is set at...a detuned sti engine for 25k....

 

[LittleWolf]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis

Originally posted by: MrYogi

Originally posted by: freebee
Yeah, i too have been driving the lesbian car of america for the last 2 years.

Just crashed my forester 3 days ago. Getting it fixed soon.

why is it called the lesbian car of america?

Lesbians drive them.

Oh yeah. it is one of the most preferred cars for Lesbians....

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: pukemon

Originally posted by: freebee
Yeah, i too have been driving the lesbian car of america for the last 2 years.

Just crashed my forester 3 days ago. Getting it fixed soon.

I thought the Cabrio was the official lesbian car of America?

No.. it's the official homosexual car.

 

[SuperTool]

should have got the manual. It has that hill holder feature too.

 

[Michael]

I can't drive manual and don't feel like learning. I'll be 37 in a few weeks, I'm a little too old to pick that up. AWD is already pushing it for Pleasanton, but I do drive to Tahoe at elast once a winter.

Michael

 

[TallBill]

Forget the lesbian comment. My mom has the standard 99 forester and its a decent automobile. Getting rid of it next year, but theres been no beef. Im sure your model will be all the much better.

 

[Michael]

I don't care about the lesbian comment (sort of true, Subaru is a pretty progessive company and has been actively marketing to the gay and lesbian market since the mid-90's). Lesbians and I are in agreement about 2 things, we like women and we like Subarus. <grin>.

Michael

 

[KokomoGST]

Originally posted by: Michael
I can't drive manual and don't feel like learning. I'll be 37 in a few weeks, I'm a little too old to pick that up. AWD is already pushing it for Pleasanton, but I do drive to Tahoe at elast once a winter.

Blargh... too old to learn stick? Phooey... at least you're being honest with "don't feel like learning."

 

[BCskunk]

up

 

[Michael]

I've driven stick twice for an extended distance (road trip where the driver (i) broke his glasses and (ii) was too ill to drive (the flu)). I learned on automatics as that was the type of car my parents had. I have 20 years of driving automatic and I really don't feel like learning a whole new set of habits when I like automatic. I'm sure I could learn it is I wanted to, but I have pretty much zero desire to.

There isn't really much benefit to manual over automatic other than the initial cost.

Michael

 

[Michael]

Another early impression on the new XT:

Another "first drive" impression

Michael