Evidently you did NOT take the vehicle out for an extended test ride because if you did you would of noticed the petty things you are talking about.

Second, the base Forester is relatively cheap in cost. I had one, and compared to other vehicles in it's class, the Forester Base model came in at the lowest price among all the Base Model SUV's.

Three, yes, yes, yes return it before time runs out. You will not be happy with this vehicle the way you are describing your little idiosyncrasy's you are not happy with. Go look at other brands, you will be paying a little more, but in the long run you probably will be happier. Good luck.

 

The only dealers in my area did not allow me to take an extended test drive.. I asked <sigh> The sales person talked and talked in my ear the entire time and out of the 4 different SUV's that I took for a test drive this is what I liked the best. My largest and only issue that I cannot learn to deal with is the stupid armrest problem, which I could not discover without driving it for more than the 10 min the dealer let me take it out for. i was hoping for Oh they make an extended one to come up. <sigh> Guess I go see if i can return it.

 

Does that dealer have a trial period guarantee that will allow you to return it without penalty.....if not....you are going to take a big hit in the pocket.......hope it all works out though...

 

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f77/adjustable-armrest-163049/

 

Some cars have reprogramming steps you can do to change things like auto door lock behaviour. Not sure if this is true of the Forester, but it's worth some Googling.

Regarding the armrest, that's a caveat of the base model - most trims do have a sliding armrest. I don't know whether the sliding armrest lid is a part that can be ordered or not; you might try asking the dealer about it.

 

Easy Rider Pedal Extenders : Home

PedalMates (by CCI) - Adjustable Pedal Extensions

You can get pedal extenders, and you can retrofit the armrest probably but you may have a problem with the steering wheel being too far away. Anyway good luck

 

No disrespect intended but this thread is unbelievable.

 

>

 

I wish the pedals were further back! So I could move my seat forward for easier reach of the steering wheel and still be able to stretch my legs out.

I agree with the auto locks. Seems odd that they don't do so. Having to unlock the door to open it really isn't much of a safety issue unless you're on fire or sinking and panic so you aren't able to to think to flip a lever.

As to the armrest... well... if you drive the way your driver's ed teacher instructed you won't ever use the armrest while driving... Previously 10 and 2, but now more often it's 9 and 3 that are taught. 9 an 3 avoid the airbag hitting your arms and causing you to punch yourself in the face.
Or you can get one from a Premium or above model that has the slider.

If you don't have a cooling off or grace period to return it you're likely going to end up having to sell it to the dealer as a used car. It depends on their policy. Cars are excepted from the federal cooling off period that applies to many other items and I don't think any state has a law that requires it. A "lemon law," if the car is defective, but not for buyers remorse.

https://www.trustedchoice.com/insurance-articles/wheels-wings-motors/returning-a-new-car/ This has some decent information.

If the salesman was a total jerk, overly pushy, and especially if they have complaints about him they might be willing to do it just to avoid the risk of bad publicity.

 

as stated in the thread above you CAN add a sliding armrest. If that's your biggest gripe then that is easily fixed. As far as the doors auto locking, not sure why this would be a deal breaker unless you have kids. If that's the case you could always enable the child safety locks. Then if the car doesn't auto lock then you won't have to unlock it to get out.

 

Subarus do not auto-lock the doors when you put it in gear.

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbull....org/vbulletin/f76/doors-don-t-lock-automatically-when-moving-love-hate-199946/

There might be some aftermarket security systems that will allow you to set it up, but from the factory there is no way to enable it.

 

Some of the features that are wished for are standard in luxury vehicles. You bought a vehicle that is mostly utilitarian hence the low cost for the features you get. That being said you won't find a better value out there for an AWD vehicle and you won't find a better AWD vehicle (okay maybe the Audi Allroad or Toyota Venza when compared to the Outback but at a much price).

 

I don't know! Like i said I drive a lot of rentals, but if I actually get a top of the line vehicle most of the time it has been a Ford or Chevy. Otherwise the mid models i've mostly been in Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and very rarely a Honda. Most of the automatic "features" i've had to deal with have been on the American vehicles. I have no issues with them (i love push to start and it's unlock features) except that some of these things really can get grating some times. Like has been stated not every vehicle is going to be perfect and you have to take some annoyances over some things because the manufacturers can't please everyone. In my experience Subaru has been the best at this for me! Right now i'm driving a Kia SUV and I feel like ripping the radio out every day. At least they moved the gas door release from on top of the door speaker to a more obvious location.

 

At least they moved the gas door release from on top of the door speaker to a more obvious location.

Heh, funny you mention the gas door release. My mom was driving another family member's new Outback, and had to call me when she got to a gas station and for the life of her, couldn't find the door release.

Ironically, she drives a Cadillac that has literally the most insane controls and tech I have ever seen in my life. Want to use the infotainment system? Hopefully you remember the correct hand/finger gestures (wish I was joking...). Want to open the glove box? Good luck finding the button that is in no way near the normal glove box latch - hint: it's camouflaged among the myriad of other controls and buttons on the dash!

 

The five recent posts dedicated exclusively to the auto-lock feature are now happily residing among their friends in the Irreconcilable Differences thread dedicated to this subject.

 

My post was about making checklists of features when shopping for a car. Auto-lock was used as an example.

I understand the need for thread cleanup, but sometimes IMO this forum's moderators are too aggressive, resulting in disruption of conversations for no benefit.

 

My buddy bought a new M Class Benz. After a couple trips to their beach house they realized they hated it, too small and some other complaints. They returned the Benz and bought a new Lincoln Navigator...he took a beating on the Benz, but he is loaded so no big deal. My point being...do your research and take long test drive...drive it on roads you are familiar and ask for an extended test drive if the dealer will not agree just walk out. Cars are often the 2nd largest purchase for most people, don't do it in haste.

 

The slider armrest is available I found it very annoying. I would end up sliding it forward accidentally.

You wont find anything comparable with decent AWD for under 26000$

if AWD doesnt matter there are some decent FWD alternatives in the 24000$ range.

Most of them felt like I was riding in a bathtub unable to see well in any direction.

 

So one, just poke around; many people have added this sliding arm rest; The unintended sliding can be tamed by just adding more friction. I have an armrest cover because I needed more padding under the elbows, and that basically adds enough extra friction so sliding isn't an issue. That said, the OP should know (1) the armrest is pretty hard and (2) not well positioned for driving. Coming from the MPV where the armrests were perfection positioned for driving, this is at best an occasional rest rather than a place I can plant my elbows.

 

<Sigh> First you have to wonder if this thread is real or not. I really wonder.

Normally, at least here in Jersey, you have 3 days to return a new vehicle back to the dealership if you are not satisfied, after that, you are on your own.

Some of the OP original complaints are really hard to comprehend, which like stated above, makes you wonder if they are real or not.

I am 5' 6.5" and had a Forester, and never experienced any of the things the OP has stated.

Just feel something ain't right here.

 

If I returned a car because of the armrest I wouldn't want to live with myself. First-world problems indeed.

I also hate locks that auto-lock. That's just me.

I recently had a VW Tiguan for a week after our brand-friggin'-new Foz was totaled by a large deer. It sucked. The turbo was quick, but the ergonomics were awful. The tilt wheel doesn't adjust enough to prevent it from feeling like you're driving a bus. The controls were fiddly. The sunvisors were only operable easily from the right or left hand for the driver and passenger, respectively because they were smoothed into the headliner. Just stupid design decisions all around.

 

Do we need a new Center console mod thread?

This thread's complaint about the center armrest struck a nerve because it is mentioned so often in the "pet peeves" thread, and because the entire center console's miserable design is my #1 complaint, 'tho not severe enough to sell this otherwise very likable machine.

Having done a "Rube Goldberg" mod to my own center console, with a lot of help from the forum, life is now better, but the design is admittedly weird and would not work for everyone. How many other such mods are out there? I'll show you mine if you'll show me yours.

Anyway, thanks to the OP; Subaru really needs to erase the chalkboard and start anew.

 

My last car did not even have an arm rest in the center only attached to my seat which was actually nice. In the Forester I use the arm rest occasionally. Usually most people take very limited test drives and really don't find fault until they have own the vehicle. To me the arm rest is a minor issue if you do not like the vehicle then return it and get something you would be happy with.

Good luck.

 

I hear what you are saying,yes some of your concerns are justified,
some of your problems may be able to be modified ,have a serious
discussion with the sales mgr. The one thing that you are going to really admire about your new Suby is how it handles the snow and ice up in your neck of the woods,I bet if you decide to keep it and go thru the winter season with it ,you will be very happy with how confidence inspiring that little car is! ed

 

FWIW, every woman in my life hated the XT I owned, and it was the Limited version. Maybe the current Limited trim would have worked better. Women tend to notice things men will over-look. If you can't return the car now, may as well hang on to it for a year and use it, they hold value surprisingly well. It isn't a huge deal in grand scheme of things. Give it some time.

Stan

 

I think Subaru is starting to equip the Forester with typical higher end amenities, however they just aren't what i'd call a luxury crossover and I hope they never are. They spend their $ on things I value more; the awd system which is recognized across the world as one of the best, and safety, I could fill this post with links to the awards and safety ratings that Subaru in general, and Forester, have been known for. I challenge anyone to find a vehicle that has better all around vision and the lack of blind spots than the Forester. I've had over 30 vehicles, rented dozens over the years and always pick something different to try out. I have never been interested in fancy schmancy vehicles, the novelty wears off pretty fast with all the doo dads, see how much you play with them when you're driving in a snowstorm, I've never felt safer in any other vehicle. We rented a Volvo XC90 on holidays this year, I still didn't figure out all the bells and whistles, it rode like a dream, was beautiful inside and out, and had massive blind spots due to the laid back lines of the body; again, I'll take lack of blind spots over looks any day of the week. I'm not sure about the baseline toyota, honda or hyundai are better equipped, to be honest I don't care, they don't have a boxer engine so no thanks.

 

Lots I agree with here, but the boxer engine? Yes, it's different but hasn't impressed me as better just because of the cylinder layout, at least in the two vehicles I have had so far. Have owned many in line and v-s that lasted for years with few problems and that performed well. No guarantees either way.

EJ


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

I'm not sure about Canada but in the USA , the Mazda CX-5 is about $25K - $26K for a Sport or Touring AWD (comparable to a Forester 2.5i Premium) before parking sensors and rearview camera (moon roof is only on Touring and costs $1K). The CR-V LX AWD is around $24K before roof rails & reverse parking sensors ; the CR-V EX AWD costs ~ $26K. Toyota's RAV4 LE AWD costs ~ $24K while the RAV4 XLE AWD costs ~ $25K.

The Subaru Forester is more aggressively priced in Canada I suppose. Over in the USA we don't have free luggage covers , fog lights, or paddleshifters but the Premiums cost $25-26K also Base models with roof rails run ~ $23-24K

 

You're probably right that the pricing and feature loadout are a bit more competitive here. Our base model Forester is just above $25k, which I suppose makes it cheaper than the base U.S. model when you consider the relative value of the dollars. By comparison, that RAV4 XLE at $25k there is over $30k here.

The two models I was comparing were the Forester 2.5i Convenience Package versus the RAV4 LE AWD w/ upgrade package. They're pretty close in price at around $28k.

Our Forester models do shoot up in price substantially with each successive trim. The top-of-the-line XT Limited with technology package here is $37k.

 

Uh, back to the OP's main point?

Hey all,

... the one HUGE issue for me is the arm rest is SO SHORT. I cannot get my chair in a position where my feet reach the pedals and i can reach the arm rest. (I am 5'8" so its not like i am really short the pedals seem REALLY Far back comparred to what I am used to) Is there an extended top I can order. This is going to hamper any love for a car I could have due to the fact that I am uncomfortable each time I drive it. In my Jeep it slid -- in My husbands ford its about 3 times as long.... I want to love my car she cost me a good amount of money but right now I am on the edge of returning it -- HELP!! Any advice is welcome.

I don't think you'll ever be happy with this car, even with a sliding armrest; it has its drawbacks too. If you can return it, do it, and get a car that fits.

 

My premium was 24000$ base model starts around 22000$

you can get an XT premium for 27500$

they are talking about forester alternatives and I'm assuming the OP is looking at alternatives since the forester is unbearable? so not so off-topic IMO.

It might be regional but I could get any subaru except WRX and STI for

98% of invoice price or (invoice-2%)

not talking msrp at all.

I know you can get a pretty nice ford escape with the 1.6T for 25000-26000

 

After reading the Forum today in response to this issue I have come to the conclusion that we must have too much time on our hands.

Spending so much time on this OP is downright silly, and I am as guilty as any.

Cheers,

EJ

 

Yes. I feel stupid having read this entire thread. Also, lack of response from the OP makes me think troll...