[The Sage]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum. I'm looking at getting a Forester 2.0XT Premium in the next two weeks and wanted some feedback from current owners.

I currently drive a Kia Sportage, but disappointed in power and handling. Two weeks ago I got a 2013 Outback as a rental car for 3 days. I was blown away by the handling and quality of the car. Even with the 2.5 base engine it had plenty of power and I loved the CVT transmission. The Outback is a little big for my needs so I started looking at the Forester.

After doing some research on Subaru's, I was also impressed that they are engineers car's. The Kia's are more designer cars. I had looked at the previous generation of the Forester before getting the Kia Sportage, but was blinded by some design issues. The new 2014 seems to have address all of my concerns.

I'm looking at the 2.0XT Premium as the extra equipment on the Touring model does not justify the additional cost. I don't really care for factory installed GPS.

I'm interested and what current owners think about the new Foresters and any advice on purchasing and accessories.

My big question is any options on adding SiriusXM to this model. This is an option I really want and not included on the Premium model. The Subaru web site is kind of vague on the option. On the model spec's it says it's an option, but nowhere in the accessory listing is it mentioned. I really like everything I'm seeing on this model, and don't understand why Sirius XM is not included in all entertainment options on all models. It seems to be only included with the GPS package.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[adc]

Welcome from Pa.

 

[dove_jj]

IMO the factory radio should be Sirius enabled and it should come with a free trial for 3 months to begin with. I don't know if this is mentioned explicitly anywhere.

+ 3 months later, you can cancel, wait for a deal and then get it renewed for like a few bucks a year.

Also, just call a dealer / salesman (any of em) and pretty sure they'll tell you what the deal is.

 

[The Sage]

IMO the factory radio should be Sirius enabled and it should come with a free trial for 3 months to begin with. I don't know if this is mentioned explicitly anywhere.

+ 3 months later, you can cancel, wait for a deal and then get it renewed for like a few bucks a year.

Also, just call a dealer / salesman (any of em) and pretty sure they'll tell you what the deal is.

Thanks! Not all dealers are as knowledgeable as others. I was with one today and asked the question about a SiriusXM add-on option and he did not seem 100% with his answer. His final comment was you might have to upgrade to the GPS head unit. I still have a couple of other dealers I'm visiting with this week.

I know about the Sirius free trial renewal process I did this with the last two cars. My wife and I have gotten hooked on having SiriusXM in a vehicle and now it is a most have.

The dealer I meet with today did tend to think the Premium is a better value over the Touring 2.0XL. We had this discussion as we both commented on what a waste the electronic tail gates are on SUV's as we waited for a new Forester tailgate to go up/down.

 

[dove_jj]

Well I like the tail gate and when I am in a hurry, I just do it manually - which you can.

I know what you mean about dealers who may not know. Try emailing Joe Spitz of cars101.com. He's a Subaru Salesman who will help you out even if you're not buying from him (probably polite to make that clear up front)

I'm pretty sure the base head unit is Sirius enabled though. If I'm mistaken about that I'll stand corrected.

Hope it works out for ya.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[GMAX]

No, you must have the NAV to be Sirius enabled. Just checked the Sirius and it says with Navigation.

 

[The Sage]

Thanks for the replies. After checking with a dealer parts counter there is no way to add SiriusXM unless you get the GPS. He did inform me that other model Subaru's have an option to add it, but not the 2014 Forester.

This is sad such a greatly engineered car has such poor audio options. I have had factory installed GPS on other cars but none are as good as the Garmin portable unit I'm currently use with free map updates.

 

[Sweaty]

Doesn't sirius sell some kind of adaptor kits that you can wire into regular old radio systems? Don't shy away from the forester Xt's becuase there is no sirius. It's a great car, you may regret not buying it all because it doesn't have it installed. shoot, i don't doubt some radio companies can sell you a radio upgrade with sirius included! I haven't researched it, so im just blowing smoke here. just a thought

 

[dove_jj]

Actually I think Sirius will give you the whole radio if thats what you want.

 

[BabyWrinkles]

Try emailing Joe Spitz of cars101.com. He's a Subaru Salesman who will help you out even if you're not buying from him (probably polite to make that clear up front)
Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

He's actually the salesperson I ordered my XT through at the local dealership, and has been awesome. Updates every week or so via e-mail/phone about how my order is doing. Has made the 12 week wait much more bearable.

He's quite knowledgeable, but ironically enough given that he runs the website - seems like a bit of a luddite and not super interested in technology/gadgetry.

Bottom line: I'm sure he'd be happy to answer your questions, regardless of potential sale.

 

[markfenlon]

Hi Sage,
I'm now into the 3rd month of owning my XT. I've recorded my experiences (+ members input) on this thread:

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f151/2014-forester-xt-replaces-2001-terracan-203498/

Glad we bought an XT since we've just completed an 8000Km road trip in Canada and USA in rented SUV's (Titanium spec. Ford Escape and North spec. Jeep Patriot). Comparative experiences to our XT recorded here:

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f151/new-forester-vs-new-escape-225106/

I remain more than happy with our XT (PG 150). I'm currently in Tokyo taking part in audio trade shows, might go hunting for some Suub accessories next week before returning home.

Cheers
Mark

 

[The Sage]

He's actually the salesperson I ordered my XT through at the local dealership, and has been awesome. Updates every week or so via e-mail/phone about how my order is doing. Has made the 12 week wait much more bearable.

He's quite knowledgeable, but ironically enough given that he runs the website - seems like a bit of a luddite and not super interested in technology/gadgetry.

Bottom line: I'm sure he'd be happy to answer your questions, regardless of potential sale.

I exchanged emails with Joe today. He was very helpful, but could not provide a good answer to my question. He shared my criticism of Subaru's lack of options on the audio.

 

[The Sage]

Hi Sage,
I'm now into the 3rd month of owning my XT. I've recorded my experiences (+ members input) on this thread:

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f151/2014-forester-xt-replaces-2001-terracan-203498/

Glad we bought an XT since we've just completed an 8000Km road trip in Canada and USA in rented SUV's (Titanium spec. Ford Escape and North spec. Jeep Patriot). Comparative experiences to our XT recorded here:

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f151/new-forester-vs-new-escape-225106/

I remain more than happy with our XT (PG 150). I'm currently in Tokyo taking part in audio trade shows, might go hunting for some Suub accessories next week before returning home.

Cheers
Mark

Thanks for feedback Mark. I'll check out your posts. I think I may be a few days from cutting a deal on a 2.0XT Touring. I have been pre-approved on a lease, but the monthly payment is a little higher than I wanted, so I'm trying to come up with some more cash for the deal.

 

[The Sage]

Just an update. I picked up my new Forester 2.0 XT Premium Saturday. I love the car. I found I can stream Sirius XM from my Bluetooth Android phone in the Forester. It actually sounds great and no difference from having it built into the car (other than the few dead areas where I know I don't get a cell tower). A few benefits from running Sirius XM from phone with Bluetooth streaming. The Sirius XM app when you pause it continues to record the show you are listening to. If the phone rings, it pauses and when you hang up it continues from where it paused. Today I went shopping at Target. When I turned the Foz off the Sirius XM paused, when I got back and started the Foz, the app started from the pause.

 

[markfenlon]

Just an update. I picked up my new Forester 2.0 XT Premium Saturday. I love the car. I found I can stream Sirius XM from my Bluetooth Android phone in the Forester. It actually sounds great and no difference from having it built into the car (other than the few dead areas where I know I don't get a cell tower). A few benefits from running Sirius XM from phone with Bluetooth streaming. The Sirius XM app when you pause it continues to record the show you are listening to. If the phone rings, it pauses and when you hang up it continues from where it paused. Today I went shopping at Target. When I turned the Foz off the Sirius XM paused, when I got back and started the Foz, the app started from the pause.

Welcome to the club.
I found it best to fairly gently run-in the XT's engine and transmission for the first 1000Km's. Kept the revs below 3,500 mostly, no really aggressive acceleration, changed the engine oil at around 950Km's. Paid dividends as my XT's CVT and Boxer engine are real sweet (now 1700Km's on the clock) barely uses a lick of oil.
Enjoy!
Mark