Used 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A) Consumer Reviews
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Another 1st time Subie owner
Tackling 45 degree potholed hills with no problems, this '09 Forester XT's practical (plenty of interior room given size, tight turn circle), and fun to drive (euro-style ride and handling). Turbo and SPORT A/T mode helps in passing, but some turbo lag remains (5 speed would better match power to wheels). No fuel miser (18 mpg mostly city) but may improve when broken in. Despite being 1st year car, is well finished (dash squeaks, clumsy rear hatch opening only irritants). Leather spices up decent if unremarkable interior. Good auto A/C, well laid out engine bay, other thoughtful touches. Huge ground clearance at 9 inches. A car offering practicality over style, and does it well.
My First Subaru
After owning Lexus, Audi and Acura models in the past, I decided that paying for panache was no longer worth it. I wanted an SUV with good MPG and an excellent AWD system. After reading about the 2009 Forrester and the awards it has earned, the decision was easy. I got the fully loaded vehicle three days before 8 inches of snow fell, and driving in the snow was like driving on dry ground. The AWD system is as good as Audi's Quattro which to me in the gold standard. The Forrester is very comfortable and there's plenty of room for 5. As a music lover, I disliked the SUV's stereo speakers so much that I had them replaced even before pick up. So far, I'm very happy with it.
- 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV w/VDCMSRP: $8,350168 mi away
- 2.5X 4dr SUV w/Premium Pkg, VDCMSRP: $4,500178 mi away
- 2.5XT 4dr SUV w/VDCMSRP: $11,999207 mi away
Mileage update
I wrote a review earlier and wanted to share some mileage numbers. In town driving normal which is like everyone else being somewhat aggressive our XT will get 19 MPG, baby it at the lights and corners and 22 MPG is possible. Needless to say we get 19 MPG most of the time. Highway at 75 MPH steady, it gets 23 MPG. Side roads at 55 MPH to 65 MPH we can get 25 MPG reliably. Recently we took a 160 mile trip up into the mountains. For anyone from N. Colorado, we drove from Greeley to Lyons, up highway 7 to Allens Park, then to Estes and then to Fort Collins. Nearly a 4000 ft gain but we drove conservatively near the speed limits and got 26.1 MPG. Never lacked power.
Smart Buy
Good value, drives more car like than truck like. Car drives well and has good power with turbo. A person could get buy with out turbo,but may be a little under powered for some. Gas mileage avg 19-21 mpg back and forth to work. Transmission and all wheel drive work fine. Hood scoop and chrome like pedals and foot rest are a little kiddish on a Forester. People looking at Forester would want power passenger seat more. Good handling for SUV, seems nimble. Rear window overhang creates more dust and dirt on window and would be better without that design. Traded in BMW 325xi which is the most overrated car I have ever driven. Glad I purchased Forester over Toyota or Honda's equiv.
Saab Owner becomes Subie Owner
I bought this as a safe city car for my wife and teenage daughter to share. We are very happy with our purchase. I have read here about the imploding turbo engines on these. I have discussed this with my service manager. He said that early VIN versions did indeed have that problem, but that this has been worked out. Hope so! This is a perfect size for us, and fits four people very comfortably, with five in a pinch.