I recently moved to WA. I have Camry and was immobile this winter. So looking at AWD options came across Forester. But during review I read something about Oil consumption and engine imploding, having problems around 100k miles. I'm spoiled by my Camry. I have had it for 15 yrs with only oil changes and basic maintenance. I have till Nov to make my decision. I'm also looking at Lexus 350/450, infinity qx50.
I'm looking for certified forester. Would appreciate ur inputs.
Hi and welcome from a sunny Norfolk England
You have definitely picked the right make and model not to get stuck in winter, if your used to Toyota interiors then I think you will feel at home in the Subaru, all I can say is go and sit in one, take it for a test drive to help make your mind.
It might be something as simple as not being able to adjust the seat or the steering wheel to your taste that could spoil the driving experience.
One thing for sure, you've landed in the right forum, full of freindly and super helpful people with a huge wealth of information available for free.
Just my two cents, had a 09 WRX, 05 STi, a GTi, and a 02 Volvo as past cars. My fiance and I are also moving to WA and I just bought a Forester XT. Were loving it. I took it on a camping trip recently and it was fantastic on the trails and I'm loving commuting in it!
You may want to consider that the premium brands-Lexus and Infiniti typically require premium fuel. I'm not certain about the exact models you mentioned, but it's something to consider. The current price spread is about $.50 per gallon, but if you don't drive that much or looking at an XT, the point is moot.
I would go with an XT . The trade off in gas for me is about $40 a month , just a little more in maintenance and insurance but the fun and smile on my face is well worth it . Power when you need or want it .
Just a quick "You'll be very happy" with a Forester XT.
Back in Aug 2016 I bought a new 2017 red FXT (the one pictured at left).
In mid June 2017 I have 12,560 trouble-free miles on it.
It has been a total blast and so far it is the fiercest car (FXT = 250 hp from 2.0 liter) I've ever owned. Never been happier. I think you'll feel the same.
Both you & your wife will like the Tractability (I mode), Visibility & Maneuverability. You will like what happens in S and S# performance mode. Win/Win
Wife has a 2017 Forester 2.5 Touring. Fantastic auto and we don't mis not buying the XT with the turbo motor. Mpg has be fantastic. Last 700+ trip We averaged close to 36 mpg. That is with a lot of stop and go traffic in Yellowstone.
FYI, we really like the 2017 model over the 2016. CVT mapping is better, and is much quieter over the last model year.
No to much droning in the 2017 2.5i . Older Subaru's yes.
The qx50 is not really comparable. That vehicle is built more for the road and the occasional snow fall.
With whatever you do, get snow tires. Seriously, a Camry with winter tires will perform as well or better than a Forester with all seasons in snow up to about 4 inches (the underbody clearance of a Camry).
A Forester will do better than your other two choices, but it's not going to be as nice driving or as well appointed. If it's in your budget to hit up luxury cars, you should look at a Lincoln MKC - you'll get most of the snow performance of a Subaru back, and get the luxury of the Lexus or Infiniti.
Or, option B: get a winter beater. Pick up something cheap, 10+ years old, that does well in snow, and put snow tires on it. Drive it maybe once a month over the summer, and drive your three season car every couple of weeks in the winter. A lot of us in the snow belt do it, for a few reasons:
Your nicer summer car doesn't rust much over the winter, and it reduces the miles so it lasts longer
You're not paying the AWD gas mileage penalty, which can be as much as 4 MPG on some models, year round just to be able to drive in the winter
If someone dings your winter beater, who cares!
You can get cloth seats, seat heaters, and cold weather packages, while skipping them on your summer car
Gives you a second car - this should be obvious, but you can have a large SUV that can tow/haul for the winter, with something like a Mustang for the summer. And if one needs service, you have a backup.
A Forester will do better than your other two choices, but it's not going to be as nice driving or as well appointed. If it's in your budget to hit up luxury cars, you should look at a Lincoln MKC - you'll get most of the snow performance of a Subaru back, and get the luxury of the Lexus or Infiniti.
@jec6613 I would not recommend considering a Lincoln MKC. Check Consumer Reports review and ratings. At that price point you are better off with an Audi Q5. I test drove an Audi Q5 and many other SUVs and settled on a Forester XT Touring for far better value and functionality for my needs. Agree on winter tires. Set your Forester up with Michelin X Ice or Blizzaks tires and you will have a very capable winter ride.
I have a Forester here in the Wisconsin frozen tundra. I can tell you that I borrowed it to my son when his vehicle was in for repair. Now, I'm waiting for the new Forester's to come in so I can buy one and my son has told me and several other people that he wants to buy my current Forester. He said when he used it for a few days and we had one horrible winter storm for several days he was so unbelievably impressed with how easily it handled and he never even felt like he was in deep and slippery snow.
At the same time, I currently have my 2003 Forester and I live next door to a car repair shop where I am friends with the owner. In conversation, I told him I was going to get a brand new one for the simple fact that I've had no problems but I was concerned about the age of my Forester and if parts would be available etc. etc. He simply laughed and said OMG, don't even give that a thought. I have Foresters that I work on with over 160,000 miles and they still do just fine. (I have 62,000) on my 2003 but I still want to give myself the present of a brand new one soon.
You won't be sorry with a Forester in any weather. Donna
I have a Forester here in the Wisconsin frozen tundra......
....At the same time, I currently have my 2003 Forester and I live next door to a car repair shop where I am friends with the owner. In conversation, I told him I was going to get a brand new one for the simple fact that I've had no problems but I was concerned about the age of my Forester and if parts would be available etc. etc. He simply laughed and said OMG, don't even give that a thought. I have Foresters that I work on with over 160,000 miles and they still do just fine. (I have 62,000) on my 2003 but I still want to give myself the present of a brand new one soon.
You won't be sorry with a Forester in any weather. Donna
Your car is still a "baby" in mileage terms... LOL even 160k is barely broken in.
I also live in Wisconsin - north central area. My 2002 Forester has about 230,000 and still going strong. With good upkeep and maintenance, they can easily last 350-400 thousand miles, or more.
As with most cars - take care of it, and it will take care of you. Don't let maintenance slide, if it is due for something, do it!
As for the AWD aspect - imho, nobody does AWD as well as Subaru does..
I agree with Menel...Tires! See my comment above "assuming well maintained tires...." Now back to the original poster's question @forester79 regarding considering a Forester:
* I believe the Forester is a well designed, exceptionally safe compact SUV that does most things very well and is a phenomenal value;
* You can rely on Consumer Reports - they use statistically sound methods and conduct the most comprehensive survey of automotive reliability. There is no nationally mandated database of vehicle reliability. Here is a link describing their methods: Car Reliability FAQ | Answers to Reliability Questions - Consumer Reports
* AWD typically has a cost and MPG penalty. Subaru has done a good job of remaining competitive on both counts in it's segment. Given the choice between AWD and FWD, or RWD - especially in the snowy regions of the country - I would go with AWD. Again, get really good snow tires and you stack the odds considerably in your favor.
* The following video produced by Subaru was the final data point I used to make my decision. This details how they developed the current Forester platform (2014 - 2018). The section about visibility at about 2.5 minutes in was very impressive:
* If you want to have some real fun - get the XT turbo version.
You can have a $2000 set of tires on your car but when your brake line ruptures between the fuel tank and it's shield (because of corrosion on soobie's) that two thousand dollar set of tire aren't going to amount to nothing when you need to stop the vehicle. The next most important thing would be it's safety features (seat belts, air bags)
safe driving is about saving your life and the lives of others... not about getting up that hill in a snow storm.
^^^I agree...a brake job, at most, shouldn't cost more than $400 per axle to either replace or turn rotors and all install new high quality pads. Not sure where the poster came up with $2500 to do a brake job...unless they are all gold plated. My 2001 Honda Accord is still on its original set of struts and shocks with 160K miles. If anyone has to replace rear springs or any suspension part every 2-3 years than all I can say is that your shop was taking HUGE advantage of you. You can easily get 10+ years unless you're off roading your Avalon:wink2:
What did P.T. Barnum say when he created the circus?????
Ok, now that we settled that the guy probably, no likely, got ripped off, back to the OP's question. My 2017 XT Touring has been the most trouble free car in my first 7 months, 10,000 miles of ownership that I have had ever had. I got the crystal pearl white with saddle brown leather, Eyesight, and everyone that has ridden or drove it just says "wow!"
Best in class safety, versatility and overall value. And absolutely a joy to drive in both city and highway traffic, and in rain, sun, snow and sleet. Coupled with high resale value, below invoice pricing and below market finance rates, what more could you ask for?
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