Replacement for Subaru Forester?
- Thread starter Westfly Refugee
- Start date
People must fall for that paint protectant scam, otherwise they wouldn't do it but I hope I don't know anyone dumb enough to pay hundreds for a wax job. What a sleaze attempt at some ill gotten gain.
Westfly Refugee
Steelhead
Dealer 'add ons' and then maybe "financing" are where the dealer fattens their profit.
I employed tactics from some very helpful youtube vids. The takeaway lesson was -- from the opening conversation, solely focus on the amount you will need to pay to drive it off the lot. Today. Before the test drive. Before sales rep gives a long spiel about the vehicle's features (assuming you've done your research and know what the vehicle has and doesn't have). Before any discussion about financing. Before anything - establish the true, actual off-the-lot price. You will have to listen to a menu add-ons (decline most as the mark-up is exorbitant), and fees (some can be negotiated, and others not). After you go through that, you should arrive at an agreed upon, off-the-lot, price. IF the salesperson will not do that, it'd be wise to walk.
Back in 2020 we bought our new Forester through the Costco vehicle purchase program which eliminates all the haggle drama. Easy process- go online to Costco, enter the info on the car you want, the salesperson assigned to the Costco account will call you from the dealership to arrange a test drive. Window sticker was for $32,995, we bought it for $29,750. Wouldn't buy a new car any other way.
Dogsnfish
Steelhead
Great thread. We are looking at replacing my wife's 2010 Forester. We were holding out for the new Forester hybrid but my guess is that the price of those may push them out of our range, what with all of the recent changes. We live in eastern wa so snow is a big deal, and she is on dirt and gravel rural and USFS roads a lot, so the subie has been perfect. We did check out the new broncos last week and those are slick. They had a promotion, show them the title to your subie and it was an instant 1000 off, you did not even need to trade it in. The dealer was very up front that those were the people they were targeting with the new broncos.
SSPey
loco alto!
The Forester is one of the few small-mid vehicles with ground clearance that fits my tall frame. Our 2001 (named “Martina” after Martina Navratilova, who was peddling them 25 years ago) has gone amazing places with great reliability, besides the known head gasket flaw. Now at 220K she burns oil, shakes over 60 mph and the tranny clunks - relegated to local use. I’ve got my sights on a hybrid if finances allow, though hoping they reconfigure storage to accommodate a spare.
That's good to hear. I wondered about their car sales program.
Our '14 Forester was churning through a quart of oil every 2000 miles. I think it's something to be mentioned about high mileage Subi's
and boxer engines. I might also mention we've had 4 flats and a gashed door in our past forest road excursions in Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington, hence our Wilderness upgrade.
Dogsnfish
Steelhead
Yes, we did replace the head gasket. My wife got on the phone with them and would not let up, and ended up with a 'credit' that paid about half. Great cars.
fatbillybob
Steelhead
I wish subi still made the 3.6 motor. My kid has a 2019 3.6 outback full trim. What a great car! My wife has a 2025 full trim outback they only have 2.4L 4 cylinder turbo motor. Subi set up the car for no turbo lag off the line but once going at speed you punch it and you get turbo lag. It's quite annoying. The 3.6 motor cars are so much better.
Another good option is a Mazda CX-50 hybrid although they also have a gas option. They use a Toyota RAV4 hybrid power train. Mazda has no problem with inventory so you can get a good price well below MSRP if you shop around. The Costco program is a great one if you’re buying new.
My wife and I bought a 98 Forrester when they first came out. We absolutely loved the car. In 2010 my wife got the itch to buy a newer one. We kept the 98 for a few years, but ended up selling it to a dear friend. He in turning sold it to a friend. When my wife tagged a deer just west of Leavenworth we needed a new vehicle. My truck was on the blink, and her car was in the repair shop. A 2015 Forester popped up here on the board for sale. The cash sale made me feel like I stole it. We gave the 2010 to her son in Las Vegas. If the 2015 craps out for any reason, we would be hard pressed to buy anything but another one. The 2015 has way more gizmos than the previous two. I imagine the newer ones, even more so. I still love the simplicity of the 1998.
jaredoconnor
Peabrain Chub
Modern Subarus are quite neutered, compared to what you’re coming from. CVT really limits how much torque you can get to the wheels. They’re probably still the best somewhat off road capable SUV, for most people. Last time I looked, Jeep was the only company making something comparable to older Subarus.
JimTravers¤£a!!Travers
Steelhead
Whatever you get make sure it HANDLES THE WEIGHT. You need a Big Heavy Machine driving. Especially in the rain!!! POWER THRU THE PUDDLES with a Big Heavy Machine!! You will not regret the investment.
I use Facebook for looking at used cars, as it has become the new 'craiglist' for all such..routinely see 17' - 19' 3.6R OB's for sale, including a few with surprisingly low miles. A Subaru mechanic once told me they were by far Sube's best motor.
Harry3
Steelhead
Honda CR-V
I have a '19 Forester that I bought new. I got the extended warranty and just used it for the first time for the first repair beyond maintenance. The front bushings were damaged (salt/new england/who knows). It has been a reliable vehicle and I would recommend it. However, it should NEVER be considered an off-road vehicle. It is a great vehicle for snowy roads and I have never had a worry with winter travel. If you are really into off-road travel, get a Tacoma, or similar. Never get a Jeep. As a former owner of one I would never buy another, even at gunpoint (but that is a sad story and not relevant here).
The only downside to my Forester is the fact that the OEM tires were simply terrible. I replaced with Michelin Cross Climate 2 and can go anywhere (almost)
The only downside to my Forester is the fact that the OEM tires were simply terrible. I replaced with Michelin Cross Climate 2 and can go anywhere (almost)
x2