Thinking of new car, 2014 Forester???

[DVad3r]

Hey guys,

My car is on it's knees. Long story short, I am selling and looking for something new.

I test drove the 2014 Subaru Forester with the 6 speed manual, fantastic car, I liked it a lot. I also test drove the CVT model and didn't like it as much. I'm also extremely turned off by automatic transmissions after having issues with my Lexus, getting a rebuild, blah blah blah. I'd rather just replace a clutch and keep going when the time comes.

I also test drove a 2014 CR-V and while it was nice, the Subaru just rode better, plus it's not offered in a manual.

I'm also thinking of going for something cheap that doesn't even relate to the above category, like 2014 Honda Civic or 2014 Corolla S, both with the manual.

I test drove the 2014 Corolla S 6 speed manual and was very impressed.

Tips? Thoughts?

 

[toronado97]

I'm a Mazda guy. I heartily recommend driving the 2014 Mazda 3i Touring with 6 speed manual, and the CX-5 for your CUV needs can also come with the manual transmission.

 

[Demo24]

Agree on at least trying the Mazda's. But, if you like the forester a lot then get it. Its a rather good car and subarus in general hold their own.

 

[unokitty]

Hey guys,

My car is on it's knees. Long story short, I am selling and looking for something new.

I test drove the 2014 Subaru Forester with the 6 speed manual, fantastic car, I liked it a lot. I also test drove the CVT model and didn't like it as much. I'm also extremely turned off by automatic transmissions after having issues with my Lexus, getting a rebuild, blah blah blah. I'd rather just replace a clutch and keep going when the time comes.

I also test drove a 2014 CR-V and while it was nice, the Subaru just rode better, plus it's not offered in a manual.

I'm also thinking of going for something cheap that doesn't even relate to the above category, like 2014 Honda Civic or 2014 Corolla S, both with the manual.

I test drove the 2014 Corolla S 6 speed manual and was very impressed.

Tips? Thoughts?

You may want to check out the Subaru Crosstrek. Base model available with a manual.

Honda has been showing a "Urban SUV Concept". That is, a SUV based on the Fit platform. Slated for introduction as a 2014. Not sure about the transmission offerings. Since its smaller that the CR-V, I'd expect it to be more economical as well.

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[Vetterin]

One thing about the Corolla S with the manual is that it comes with a better list of standard equipment than the cvt does.

 

[NutBucket]

Great White North eh...I guess AWD + proper winter tires and you'd pretty much be unstoppable. The Forester is great in that it carries tons of stuff without being huge. I see no reason not to go for it.

 

[MiataNC]

If you need or want AWD, stick with the Subaru 6mt.

If you enjoy driving, then check out the Mazda3, Mazda6, and CX-5.

If you want an appliance with high resale value, you can't do much better than a Civic or Corolla.

 

[NutBucket]

The Forester has excellent resale value as well, especially in Canada. I haven't driven a current gen Forester but in general Subarus are a better drive than a Toyota.

 

[DVad3r]

I like the Forester because it drives like a tank, and I know it will be amazing in the snow, especially with a set of winters on. I also like it because it has tons of cargo room, I can throw a bicycle in or a Christmas tree. Apparently Subaru's have a really good resale value here.

Hmm still gotta make my decision.

Do you think there will be any revisions between a 2014 and a 2015 Forester? Kind of hesitant about buying a first year model of a new generation.

 

[DVad3r]

Test drove the Crosstrek and it's not bad, but turned off at the fact that we only get the ancient 5 speed manual and Europe gets a 6 speed. Otherwise it's not bad. Not much cheaper than Forester though.

 

[NutBucket]

Do you think there will be any revisions between a 2014 and a 2015 Forester? Kind of hesitant about buying a first year model of a new generation.

I doubt it. The only major revision I know about about is the supposed addition of a diesel but I wouldn't hold my breath. You should be happy that opting for a manual doesn't relegate you to a stripper model.

 

[Scarpozzi]

The Forester is a little taller and the Outback is a little longer (slightly larger back seat legroom), if I remember correctly. The latest gen of Outbacks changed their roof racks and force you to use their factor racks over aftermarkets that worked with last gen vehicles...just something to be aware of. Research that if you'll be hauling kayaks, carriers, or bikes on the rack.

Don't drive one without driving the other.

I'm looking for a replacement for my car and am looking at a very interesting mix... Forester, Outback, Buick Lacrosse, Camry....who knows what else..? I just don't want to spend over $20k, so some, if not all of those options would be on the used market.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

The 2.0XT with CVT is awesome. Peppy, and powerful. The CVT really shows its benefits on the more northern stretches of Wisconsin. Snow Tires + AWD, plus smooth power delivery as the car hits 3000 RPM and holds there all the way up the hill = Best snow confidence you can get.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

I didn't like the CVT in the Nissan Sentra, but the CVT in the Forrester and the Crosstrek are different animals, better response and doesn't have that CVT whine. The Forrester offers better value for the money, but personally I like the styling of the Crosstrek much more, that and I didn't need the space of the Forrester, nor did I want to spend more on gas. The Forrester looks pretty boxy and bland. My brother has the MY2014 Forrester and I have the MY 2014 Crosstrek. Seeing how you live in Toronto, I think you'll come to appreciate the peace of mind that all-time AWD offers.

 

[Demo24]

I like the Forester because it drives like a tank, and I know it will be amazing in the snow, especially with a set of winters on. I also like it because it has tons of cargo room, I can throw a bicycle in or a Christmas tree. Apparently Subaru's have a really good resale value here.

Hmm still gotta make my decision.

Do you think there will be any revisions between a 2014 and a 2015 Forester? Kind of hesitant about buying a first year model of a new generation.

Highly unlikely to see any significant change. Maybe for 2016 but even then its likely only things like a revised tech package, etc. Subaru tends not to make significant mechanical changes to their vehicles through their life span, occasionally on model refreshes though. I'd not be worried about first model year, it still shares a decent amount of parts with other subaru vehicles.

I love mine in snow! Even with crappy tires it was near unstoppable.

 

[SwampDog35]

Wife loves the Forester's, but dang those things are high.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I've got an 08 forester. 95K miles, I've had wheel bearing problems, and an oil flow sensor & valve failed, otherwise, the thing has not had any issues outside of standard maintenance. I bought it used in 2011 with about 30k miles on it. It ad been a rental before I bought it. I'm very confidant/comfortable with it on 1000+ mile road trips and have never felt unsafe or worried about reliabillity. Even when it was "broken down" with oil flow/sensor issues, I could still limp along (though I opted for a tow since I wasn't sure about what was really wrong, and didn't want to amplify problems.)

 

[Herr Kutz]

Wife loves the Forester's, but dang those things are high.

Price or ground clearance?

 

[SwampDog35]

Price or ground clearance?

PRICE.....

lol

 

[NutBucket]

expensive compared to what, a Versa?

 

[awongsurawat]

I had a XV Crosstrek with the CVT. Did not like the CVT. Traded for the Impreza Sport with 5MT, much much better. Test drove the Forester CVT, not bad, better than the XV Crosstrek CVT. I probably still would prefer the Forester in 6MT.

Other options for small SUV is the CX-5, but only the base FWD model with smaller motor is available in manual. All the rest are regular auto. I would prefer the regular auto over the CVT.

Test Drove a new Nissan Rogue with CVT, I did not like that as much as the Forester with CVT.

Before the XV was a 2004 Forester XT 4EAT. That was one of my favorite older cars. The auto was not bad, this one being the turbo model helped. Sometimes I still wish I had that car...

 

[Insomniator]

Fairly irrelevant but my dad has an 04 forester with a 5 speed. Thing is a tank, never gets stuck (we got tons of snow this year and he didnt once, just drove right through it), never has problems (clutch just done at 140k).

It sounds like a freakin tractor, but its an extremely useful, cheap vehicle.