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Old 05-20-2020, 03:43 PM   #151
Angelus911
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I hear this, and I recall your woes, but my Japan-built 2013 BRZ was good until I sold it with almost 120k miles, and the SIA-built 2017 Impreza has been great for the past 74k miles.

I always wonder about people's break-in procedures, or what other factors may be at play. Or if I'm just fortunate.

My Legacy has been great, and is SIA built. But it’s also what, year 5 of the FB engine?

On my ‘12, I actually followed a strict break in procedure but it didn’t do dick.
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Old 05-21-2020, 12:04 AM   #152
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Not defending Subaru but this has been the case since I've been buying new cars so going back to the early 90's. The only thing that has changed now is I won't buy even a 2nd year Subaru. Year 3 or 4. And I could make the argument that if you aren't a frequent trader/seller like the people who trade/sell yearly, and you plan on keeping long term, hell buy the last model year before the FMC. All mfr's have switched to a pump and dump philosophy. This is in stark contrast, to say Honda, of the 90's where you could buy a new Honda, and not blink as the thing would be damn near bulletproof with fluid changes on the reg, and even then you could be late to the dance on maintenance and still be fine. It's a phone world now and the automobile mfr's are following this to a degree. new new all the time instead of reliability. The pendulum has definitely shifted. People, customers, just don't seem to keep anything long term anymore. And that isn't good for anyone buy mfr's and their profit margins. Certainly not good for the planet. A population of people who just discard said widget for a new one at every available opportunity.
Another perfect example is the ***8216;14-***8216;18 Forester XTs with FA20DIT. MY14/15 were bad news with the leak-down tests and blown motors due to the freakin' bad tunes. MY16>on (year 3) were good to go, including other CVT improvements. Took ***8216;em 2 full years to pull their heads outa their asses.
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Old 05-21-2020, 05:56 AM   #153
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Another perfect example is the ‘14-‘18 Forester XTs with FA20DIT. MY14/15 were bad news with the leak-down tests and blown motors due to the freakin’ bad tunes. MY16>on (year 3) were good to go, including other CVT improvements. Took ‘em 2 full years to pull their heads outa their asses.
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Old 05-21-2020, 07:17 AM   #154
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I thought I recall Subaru retuning the CVT for the Forester XT?
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Old 05-21-2020, 08:46 AM   #155
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I will confirm that my wife's Forester's CVT is smooth, start/stop is also smooth. No frills SUV just like the others, but appears to be running normally. I'm happy I got the car and probably will be for a long time.
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Old 05-21-2020, 09:17 AM   #156
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The Start/Stop is not smooth. I've had probably 6-7 different examples - all were herky jerky upon restart. It sucks on boxer motors. I'm one of a million that agree on this one.
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Old 05-21-2020, 09:18 AM   #157
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I thought I recall Subaru retuning the CVT for the Forester XT?
They are constantly making small improvements to the TR690s. Some major physical reliability improvements came in the MY16 or MY17 FXTs.
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Old 05-21-2020, 10:16 AM   #158
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They are constantly making small improvements to the TR690s. Some major physical reliability improvements came in the MY16 or MY17 FXTs.
What did they improve?
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Old 05-21-2020, 10:43 AM   #159
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I was driving behind my wife this morning and noticed while the Forester's crab claws still look like crab claws, the vertical LED strips inside the tail lamp look good when they light up. Looks clean and modern.
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Old 05-21-2020, 04:02 PM   #160
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I was driving behind my wife this morning and noticed while the Forester's crab claws still look like crab claws, the vertical LED strips inside the tail lamp look good when they light up. Looks clean and modern.
I noticed this too for the first time the other day; part of the reason the new tail end is growing on me.
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Old 05-24-2020, 09:19 AM   #161
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I moved the Forester about 15-20ft yesterday to back out my STI for a fun weekend drive. The large rearview camera image makes it a breeze to back up the Forester and the green/red guidelines in the screen are quite accurate. Car does not feel big or clumsy at all. I'm an older guy and on some cars these backup cameras confuse me and I end up going the old fashion way of using the side mirrors and rearview mirror to back up a car.

I backed up the Forester towards my FiST on the driveway while only using the rearview camera and how I parked the car in the screen is exactly how I wanted the car parked when I verified the distance. Very cool.
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Old 05-28-2020, 12:43 PM   #162
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I followed up with my wife on how she felt about the Forester and she says she likes it. No issue, convenient, easy to drive, comfy, and blends into the background. I asked her about the start/stop if it bothered her and whether it felt rough. She said 'no'.

I'm going to get the front side windows tinted with Pinnacle tomorrow at my tint guy's place to match the rear side windows.
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Old 05-29-2020, 12:52 PM   #163
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I stuck the Forester through an auto wash before getting the front side windows tinted with Pinnacle to match the rears on the Forester this morning. Our local gas station carwash has a tight 90 degree turn, but the Forester had no issue with the radius so I was happy about that.

The tint turned out real nice, night/day difference in UV/heat rejection as expected. My wife will be very pleased.

The drive there and back was relaxing, car drove smoothly, good brakes, decent acceleration for normal driving. No complaints.

I skimmed through some history of the Forester the other day. The fans that followed the Forester at one point.. I can understand why that group is disappointed with the current Forester as it is definitely not what it once was..however, for a guy like me (and my wife) with nearly no knowledge of the past, we have a positive impression of the car as we only know the new Foresters and our expectations are different. I think it's actually quite good for what it is.
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Old 05-29-2020, 01:13 PM   #164
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I stuck the Forester through an auto wash before getting the front side windows tinted with Pinnacle to match the rears on the Forester this morning. Our local gas station carwash has a tight 90 degree turn, but the Forester had no issue with the radius so I was happy about that.

The tint turned out real nice, night/day difference in UV/heat rejection as expected. My wife will be very pleased.

The drive there and back was relaxing, car drove smoothly, good brakes, decent acceleration for normal driving. No complaints.

I skimmed through some history of the Forester the other day. The fans that followed the Forester at one point.. I can understand why that group is disappointed with the current Forester as it is definitely not what it once was..however, for a guy like me (and my wife) with nearly no knowledge of the past, we have a positive impression of the car as we only know the new Foresters and our expectations are different. I think it's actually quite good for what it is.

I've got a good amount of time in all generations of the Forester and have had my '06 base 5MT for over 4 years now. Yep. The current Forester isn't what it used to be. Harsher. Louder. Less space. Doesn't handle as good. Not as safe. Virtually NO tech what-so-ever. Minus the CVT(which I am fine with)and no turbo(which I am not as fine with), I just can't understand how this new Forester isn't appreciated more. It's just better in ever other way. I'll likely keep my '06 when I get my newer car(still undecided between an Outback or Forester); but, it will probably sit much more as I won't want to drive it as much.
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Old 05-29-2020, 01:19 PM   #165
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I've got a good amount of time in all generations of the Forester and have had my '06 base 5MT for over 4 years now. Yep. The current Forester isn't what it used to be. Harsher. Louder. Less space. Doesn't handle as good. Not as safe. Virtually NO tech what-so-ever. Minus the CVT(which I am fine with)and no turbo(which I am not as fine with), I just can't understand how this new Forester isn't appreciated more. It's just better in ever other way. I'll likely keep my '06 when I get my newer car(still undecided between an Outback or Forester); but, it will probably sit much more as I won't want to drive it as much.
I think it'd be cool to have the old performance gen as one's fun car and the current gen as their daily driver. So different between the two from your explanation. I like having different flavors of similar cars, should be fun.
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Old 05-29-2020, 01:56 PM   #166
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I think it'd be cool to have the old performance gen as one's fun car and the current gen as their daily driver. So different between the two from your explanation. I like having different flavors of similar cars, should be fun.
And I made it sound like I don't like my car. Compared to a new one, sure; but, I like my car for what it is. 14 1/2 year old paid for Subaru that has gone everywhere I have asked it to with the only issue since I got it being the radio dying. It did get new head gaskets when I bought it. I can't fault any anger towards the loss of the turbo. I wasn't happy either and neither were several here at the dealership that scooped up some of the last ones we had when we found out. One has since traded for an Onyx. One of the others just traded yesterday for a Sport.
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Old 05-29-2020, 02:01 PM   #167
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New Subarus are undeniably nicer than they used to be. Every generation gets a little better design wise. I didn't love the previous generation Forester, but the new ones are pretty nice.
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Old 05-29-2020, 08:16 PM   #168
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Onyx OBXT is sexy, but I still turn my head when I see a Forester Sport.
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Old 06-04-2020, 12:59 AM   #169
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We're replacing my wife's 2011 Forester with a CX-5 Signature (turbo). We really wanted to stay with Subaru but due to the lack of a Forester XT option, the blandness of the new Forester, and the odd CVT behaviour in the Outback XT, we decided to try other brands this time around. We've only owned Subarus for the last 15 years.

After looking at the CR-V, RAV4, BMW X2 M35i (nice but way too small), and RDX, we eventually found ourselves trying out a 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature (turbo model); I had never even considered a Mazda before. We test drove the car twice and were so impressed with the CX-5's quality and driving characteristics, compared to what Subaru is currently offering, that we bought one this week (getting it Monday). Yes the cargo space is on the slightly smaller side compared to the Forester but it was worth the compromise when considered all the other fantastic features - and it still has more cargo room in the back than a sportier Legacy or WRX sedan.

This isn't a bash on Subaru. I've owned an Aspen White '05 STi (which I still miss dearly), an '08 STI, an '09 WRX, and '11 Forester. I'm still holding out hope for a new STI. But as much as we wanted to like the new Forester or look past the odd CVT behaviour in the Outback XT, we couldn't, and found the CX-5 delivered significantly more features, quality, and refinement for virtually the same price. I'm just disappointed by what seems like the Toyotafication of Subaru's lineup. I feel they've lost some of the "spark" they had - especially after having driven vehicles from other manufacturers this time around.

BTW Another minor kick in the teeth from Subaru was that we didn't qualify for the loyalty program. Sure, we haven't bought a new Subaru in 9 years, but we've owned two STis, a WRX, and a Forester...how is that not loyal?
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Old 06-04-2020, 05:46 AM   #170
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I have an Ascent Limited loaner and I REALLY like it. It handles great and has a good pull when you lay on the pedal. It doesn't feel soft like an Outback and it's more practical than a Forester. If I were needing more room than my Impreza, I'd just get the Ascent.
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Old 06-04-2020, 06:02 AM   #171
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We're replacing my wife's 2011 Forester with a CX-5 Signature (turbo). We really wanted to stay with Subaru but due to the lack of a Forester XT option, the blandness of the new Forester, and the odd CVT behaviour in the Outback XT, we decided to try other brands this time around. We've only owned Subarus for the last 15 years.

After looking at the CR-V, RAV4, BMW X2 M35i (nice but way too small), and RDX, we eventually found ourselves trying out a 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature (turbo model); I had never even considered a Mazda before. We test drove the car twice and were so impressed with the CX-5's quality and driving characteristics, compared to what Subaru is currently offering, that we bought one this week (getting it Monday). Yes the cargo space is on the slightly smaller side compared to the Forester but it was worth the compromise when considered all the other fantastic features - and it still has more cargo room in the back than a sportier Legacy or WRX sedan.

This isn't a bash on Subaru. I've owned an Aspen White '05 STi (which I still miss dearly), an '08 STI, an '09 WRX, and '11 Forester. I'm still holding out hope for a new STI. But as much as we wanted to like the new Forester or look past the odd CVT behaviour in the Outback XT, we couldn't, and found the CX-5 delivered significantly more features, quality, and refinement for virtually the same price. I'm just disappointed by what seems like the Toyotafication of Subaru's lineup. I feel they've lost some of the "spark" they had - especially after having driven vehicles from other manufacturers this time around.

BTW Another minor kick in the teeth from Subaru was that we didn't qualify for the loyalty program. Sure, we haven't bought a new Subaru in 9 years, but we've owned two STis, a WRX, and a Forester...how is that not loyal?
We bought a CX-5 Grand Touring last December and have been very pleased with it so far. I really like the leather seats, the infotainment system and the adaptive cruise control for long road trips. Made only one trip up to the ski resort before the covid lock downs started but it performed great driving in the mountains and snow.
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Old 06-04-2020, 07:56 AM   #172
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I have an Ascent Limited loaner and I REALLY like it. It handles great and has a good pull when you lay on the pedal. It doesn't feel soft like an Outback and it's more practical than a Forester. If I were needing more room than my Impreza, I'd just get the Ascent.
They do drive pretty well. You should drive it with a COBB AP 87+ Stg 1 tune. Makes the whole experience that much better. Smooths a lot of the throttle + CVT characteristics out. All on 87oct.
They drive better than the in-class competition and they drive better than they should as far as weight and size.
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Old 06-04-2020, 08:06 AM   #173
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We're replacing my wife's 2011 Forester with a CX-5 Signature (turbo). We really wanted to stay with Subaru but due to the lack of a Forester XT option, the blandness of the new Forester, and the odd CVT behaviour in the Outback XT, we decided to try other brands this time around. We've only owned Subarus for the last 15 years.

After looking at the CR-V, RAV4, BMW X2 M35i (nice but way too small), and RDX, we eventually found ourselves trying out a 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature (turbo model); I had never even considered a Mazda before. We test drove the car twice and were so impressed with the CX-5's quality and driving characteristics, compared to what Subaru is currently offering, that we bought one this week (getting it Monday). Yes the cargo space is on the slightly smaller side compared to the Forester but it was worth the compromise when considered all the other fantastic features - and it still has more cargo room in the back than a sportier Legacy or WRX sedan.

This isn't a bash on Subaru. I've owned an Aspen White '05 STi (which I still miss dearly), an '08 STI, an '09 WRX, and '11 Forester. I'm still holding out hope for a new STI. But as much as we wanted to like the new Forester or look past the odd CVT behaviour in the Outback XT, we couldn't, and found the CX-5 delivered significantly more features, quality, and refinement for virtually the same price. I'm just disappointed by what seems like the Toyotafication of Subaru's lineup. I feel they've lost some of the "spark" they had - especially after having driven vehicles from other manufacturers this time around.

BTW Another minor kick in the teeth from Subaru was that we didn't qualify for the loyalty program. Sure, we haven't bought a new Subaru in 9 years, but we've owned two STis, a WRX, and a Forester...how is that not loyal?
I hear ya, I’ve driven the Mazda’s and they drive well. Lots of attention paid to dynamics and power, which for me will usually trump the other stuff. None of the Mazda’s offered quite the space we needed in the 3-row layout like the Ascent, but for direct Forester-size competition, the CX5 is great.
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Old 06-04-2020, 08:35 AM   #174
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They do drive pretty well. You should drive it with a COBB AP 87+ Stg 1 tune. Makes the whole experience that much better. Smooths a lot of the throttle + CVT characteristics out. All on 87oct.
They drive better than the in-class competition and they drive better than they should as far as weight and size.
Yeah I've been pleasantly surprised. It'll be the first loaner I'll be sad about returning.

I haven't driven a new Forester, but I imagine it isn't nearly as engaging or rewarding. I feel like the Ascent is just a touch above "adequate", which has been synonymous with Subaru for almost a decade now.
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Old 06-04-2020, 09:34 AM   #175
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Are these cars even supposed to be engaging or rewarding to drive? Yeah, I don't think so, it's an A to B car. I've driven plenty fo CX5's as rental cars and they were fine. Did not like or hate them besides the ugly facia. The previous gen CX5 looked so much better especially in their red color.

You have to buy something like a M-series Bimmer if you want the 'engaging' or 'rewarding' SUV which costs 2.5x more than these cars.. I'd spend that money on another car dedicated for fun driving. Then you won't have to worry about shopping carts and door dings at the grocery store either which is a big plus.

I chose to get the Forester because it's a Subaru which is cool because I am a WRX / STI owner already (dealer did a great job too), and importantly made in Japan. Feature wise, all I wanted was adaptive cruise, AWD, LED adaptive headlights, electronic rear gate, good cargo room, decent stereo would be a plus which the Forester has. They're all the same. You're silly to think the CX5 is so much better because I've driven them and know they're no better.

One time I drove a CX5 from Savannah to Orlando straight, non stop. It did fine, as any rental car should.
It was a non memorable experience which is perfect.
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