Used 2009 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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Best Small SUV-Outback is Better Vehicle
Previously owned four Outbacks. They are a more substantial vehicle with many more standard feature details such as lighted vanity mirrors, bumper cover, cargo tray, cargo cover, fog lights, all weather package, etc, Outback has better seats, quieter ride, better handling, power drivers seat, better interior materials, more solid construction. Outback has a higher sticker price but Forester is about the same when similarly equipped. After 3-years Outback is rattle/squeak free and solid. Forester already has suspension noises and dash rattle over rough surfaces after only 800 miles. Tried all the competitors before buying this one and overall it's the best of small SUVs but Outback is better.
No Regrets
Had the Forester for 1 year and had no complaints. Manual version cannot get stuck in snow. I drove it 60 miles in three feet of snow with the wife and son. only time I stopped was to help a guy in a Jeep (not joking). Others have complained about 23 MPG. Get real, remember its an SUV and its AWD. My wife and I have had 2001 Forester, 2002 Forester, 2001 WRX, 2006 LGT and 2009 Forester. 2009 Forester has twice as much room compared to the 2001- 2002. Great design and made of quality parts.
- 2.5XT Limited 4dr SUV w/VDCMSRP: $12,995155 mi away
- 2.5X 4dr SUV w/VDCMSRP: $4,999159 mi away
- 2.5XT Limited 4dr SUV w/VDC, NavMSRP: $6,995209 mi away
See my last review "I want to love this car, but..."
Since April of this year, I have to downgrade my opinion of this car. On a recent trip (1200 miles), I found the driver's seat to be so uncomfortable that my lower back and legs were wrecked for several days afterwards. There is no lumbar adjustment which is a big negative. Gas mileage on the trip was a mediocre 26. My overall mpg for the life of the car is 21.3. I drive fairly conservatively, smooth starts and braking. This car has absolutely no power when the A/C is on which is a requirement here in the summer. Transmission is rough. The silver paint used on the interior is cheap and has flaked off. The center console is absurd. It's the bottomless pit.
Extremely Disappointed
I don't know about any of you but this vehicle is a rattle trap. Drove off lot with 11 miles and was already rattling from multiple locations. My wife wishes she had her 05 Forester back. Love the exterior styling of this vehicle and like the ride, however they really skimped with quality of interior trim. Cannot get past the rattles & vibration. Vehicle has 415 miles and dealer fixed most rattles except the hatch vibration over bumps. I cannot live with spending $26k for a Forester that rattles. Luckily the dealership is allowing me to return it for 100% refund and get an Outback. The Outback is a much superior vehicle. One other note, two loaner 09 Foresters also rattled.
Subie Forester XT Limited - ROCKS!
Looked at everything from the new Maxima, Ford Flex,CRV,CX9 etc., name it I probably drove it. Went to the Subie dealer about three months ago, test drove all the above after my Subie dealer visit and measured price per feature, performance,safety, durability and cost(overall value). Each time the Subaru Forester XT Limited came back to the top and I went to drive again. Having owned several in Colorado, and took them all over 200K this Newport Blue Pearl became an easy choice with Consumer Reports recommended list pushing me along. The Turbo is not push you in the back of the seat turbo, just an "oh my gosh" I am at 60mph already turbo. Traded my Honda in for it and never looked back.