CelticHarpie

Well, I've been converted. After looking at a Foresters for the last 3 years, I finally took the plunge. I bought a 2013 2.5X Premium, Manual Transmission. This is the first time I actually got exactly what I wanted on a new car, right down to the color (sage). I am a harpist (I play the Irish lever harp) and my car serves as the "band transport" for the Irish trio I'm in, so cargo loading and space was a must.

I had been putting off getting an SUV for a long time, mostly because I refuse to give up driving manual transmission. Thankfully, Subaru still makes MT here in America. (Don't get me started on this insipid idea that all Americans want automatic only. Most manufacturers seem to go with this thinking.)

I will be taking a road trip for Christmas with my two dogs and I'm looking forward to getting lots of great information from all the forum members!

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2013 2.5X Premium MT

aFrenchspeakingTexan

Your car is EXACTLY what I want. The color, the transmission, so jealous!

caramelmarx

Nice. It's worth the extra effort and wait to get exactly what you want.

CelticHarpie

Thread Starter

I live in Kansas and they had to go to Nebraska to get it. I felt a little bad as my sales guy had to drive up himself, but I did appreciate the fact that they got me what I wanted.

The all-weather package was definitely a must (I don't have a garage). I've already taken advantage of the heated windshield wipers, and my seat warmer is on all the time!

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2013 2.5X Premium MT

20forester13

Congratulations on your new Forester, Ive often wondered how musicians transport their harps, is it hard to fit in the Forester? , and how delicate are they? , do you need to tune it each time you transport? As for your dogs.... Irish Setters or Irish Wolfhounds?

Duderotomy

Welcome to the forum from Niagara Falls!

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07 XT - VF43'd
02 S
03 Outback H6
98 S - H6/Ver.8 swap
90 Nissan Skyline GTS-t

VR4Legacy

Welcome to the forums. I agree 100% with your sentiment towards manufacturers and their MT mentality. You can't get a new Crosstrek, Forester, or OB with a MT AND a Sunroof. And no MT in the XT?!?!

Car and Driver is trying to lead a revolt
Save the Manuals! Official Headquarters – Car and Driver

Enjoy your Subaru :)

Loscaldazar

Welcome! Enjoy the Foz!

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2003 Forester 2.5XS Mod Journal

CelticHarpie

Thread Starter

Lever harps are typically much smaller than the pedal harps you see in orchestras. Most pedal harpists need vans to transport those instruments. My harp fits wonderfully in the Forester. I have to put down one of the seats. Here's a picture of my band, you can see that the harp isn't quite so big:



It weighs about 30 lbs or so, but it has a fully padded case to keep it safe. They are a little delicate, but mostly they are just unwieldy to carry. You do have to tune it after you travel, but that's just part of being a harpist.

As for my dogs, one is from Mexico (he's a mutt) and one is a cocker spaniel. I would love an Irish Setter or a Wolfhound! I did give the Mexican rescue an Irish name, though: Malachy.

VR4Legacy: My Foz has the moonroof. It's standard on the premium. So you can get the moonroof and MT. At least for this model year!

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2013 2.5X Premium MT