Author Topic: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester  (Read 44878 times)

Offline Ice

  • Drunk on Fuel
  • ****
  • Posts: 1824
  • Carma: +15/-25
  • 2009 Corolla XRS
    • View Profile
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #100 on: March 23, 2013, 05:30:00 pm »
Doesn't matter where it is or what I'm buying (car, camera equipment, furniture, etc.) if I get a whiff of high pressure sales tactics then I'm pretty much done. I close down and politely say see ya later.

I used to do some small time sales work and I now work in communications and the bottom line for me, no matter which field, is always about building a relationship with the customer. The idea that they will come back if what you offered them was superior service. Form some loyalty with them rather than try and force them to make a bad decision. I know it works because of the high degree of repeat customers.

Offline Noto

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 13575
  • Carma: +774/-2132
  • This forum is making me almost as bitter as SirO
    • View Profile
  • Cars: '23 Mazda CX-50 Turbo; '24 Crosstrek Wilderness
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #101 on: March 24, 2013, 11:21:29 am »
I close down and politely say see ya later.

As much as I like to be polite, (and I say this with the most respect to you) - not letting them know exactly what turned you off does little to prevent them from continuing what they are doing.

It's sort of akin to just not leaving a tip at a restaurant and not letting the waiter/waitress know why.

If I have time, I tell the sales person/server AND the manager...if I don't, I either leave a note on the merchant's bill or tell them to their face what problems I had and how they can improve.  It's not the most comfortable thing, but me hopes they learn something at the end of the day.  I do say what I have to say nicely though.

When I helped my dad buy his Corolla, we dealt with one guy who knew nothing and when asked how much, he gave us the credit card/license crap and told us the MSRP.  I said "My father asked you a direct question.  You are giving him an indirect answer.  I will ask you once more, how much of a discount are you typically giving for this car?"  He then repeated "$19,500" (i.e. MSRP).  I called the manager over and explained it to him, then we walked.  On our way out, Philip, a WONDERFUL salesman, said "usually $400-$600 off, and you can get up to $7,000 off the Prius with government rebates and last year's model".  My father walked immediately over to that desk and within 4 minutes was signing for his Corolla.

What's the point?  Philip recognized what was important to the customer and dealt with him honestly.  That's all customers want.

Offline sailor723

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 15654
  • Carma: +417/-1000
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Cars: '17 BMW X5 Xdrive35i, '11 BMW 328iXdrive,
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #102 on: March 24, 2013, 11:28:23 am »
It would be nice if you could get Nav and HID's in the Limited and they left all the Eyesight nannies as a standalone option.
Old Jag convertible...one itch I won't have to scratch again.

Offline Noto

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 13575
  • Carma: +774/-2132
  • This forum is making me almost as bitter as SirO
    • View Profile
  • Cars: '23 Mazda CX-50 Turbo; '24 Crosstrek Wilderness
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #103 on: March 24, 2013, 02:13:29 pm »
It would be nice if you could get Nav and HID's in the Limited and they left all the Eyesight nannies as a standalone option.

In Japan, EyeSight is standalone on all trims, and their XTs get 276hp.  Same engine in Legacy Wagon makes 296hp.  Any idea why the detune?

Offline 2JDM

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 7156
  • Carma: +119/-141
  • Gender: Male
  • member
    • View Profile
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #104 on: March 24, 2013, 02:37:18 pm »
Top two choices right now for my mom are the 2014 Forester XT Touring and 2014 CX-5 GT 2.5L.

One major difference between the two is power and fuel economy. The XT has been slow to hit Subaru dealers so we haven't had a chance to drive it yet.
« Last Edit: March 24, 2013, 02:38:57 pm by 1TSX »

Offline sailor723

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 15654
  • Carma: +417/-1000
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Cars: '17 BMW X5 Xdrive35i, '11 BMW 328iXdrive,
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #105 on: March 24, 2013, 03:53:28 pm »
Top two choices right now for my mom are the 2014 Forester XT Touring and 2014 CX-5 GT 2.5L.

One major difference between the two is power and fuel economy. The XT has been slow to hit Subaru dealers so we haven't had a chance to drive it yet.

I know what you mean. Our local dealer has a bunch of 2.5's but no XT's yet.

My daughter is interested in a XT Limited but I'm thinking she might be better off buying another Tribeca. A '13 Limited lists about 33500 frt in in Maine and I suspect one could be bought for 30K. No duty (US built) and allowing a bit for exchange I'm thinking right around 35500 HST paid landed here including RIV fees.  :-\

Offline blotter

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 5008
  • Carma: +92/-128
  • Gender: Male
  • member
    • View Profile
  • Cars: 2014 Taco
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #106 on: March 25, 2013, 09:08:50 am »
Quote
My daughter is interested in a XT Limited but I'm thinking she might be better off buying another Tribeca. A '13 Limited lists about 33500 frt in in Maine and I suspect one could be bought for 30K. No duty (US built) and allowing a bit for exchange I'm thinking right around 35500 HST paid landed here including RIV fees.

I've heard the Tribeca is due for a major overhaul and will share a platform with the next generation Toyota Highlander (to be shown at the New York Auto Show this week)

Offline Noto

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 13575
  • Carma: +774/-2132
  • This forum is making me almost as bitter as SirO
    • View Profile
  • Cars: '23 Mazda CX-50 Turbo; '24 Crosstrek Wilderness
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #107 on: March 25, 2013, 09:36:26 am »
Top two choices right now for my mom are the 2014 Forester XT Touring and 2014 CX-5 GT 2.5L.

One major difference between the two is power and fuel economy. The XT has been slow to hit Subaru dealers so we haven't had a chance to drive it yet.

I know what you mean. Our local dealer has a bunch of 2.5's but no XT's yet.

My daughter is interested in a XT Limited but I'm thinking she might be better off buying another Tribeca. A '13 Limited lists about 33500 frt in in Maine and I suspect one could be bought for 30K. No duty (US built) and allowing a bit for exchange I'm thinking right around 35500 HST paid landed here including RIV fees.  :-\


Not a horrible idea considering the great interior of the Tribeca and the smooth H6...but the fuel difference will be astounding between the '14 Forester XT (8.1L/100km combined) and the '13 Tribeca (11.2L/100km).

How long it'll take to pay that off depends on how long you'll have the car for.

I'd stick with the Forester unless you need 7 seats.

Offline YOWheels

  • Learner's Permit
  • *
  • Posts: 2
  • Carma: +0/-0
  • member
    • View Profile
  • Cars: 83Datsun200SX; 91Nissan PathfinderV6; 03Toyota MatrixXRS
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #108 on: March 25, 2013, 07:15:21 pm »
Top two choices right now for my mom are the 2014 Forester XT Touring and 2014 CX-5 GT 2.5L.

One major difference between the two is power and fuel economy. The XT has been slow to hit Subaru dealers so we haven't had a chance to drive it yet.

I was able to test drive the XT last Friday. I'm sold! Didn't drive and have no interest in the non-DIT. Obviously would prefer the loaded XT Ltd but my wallet knows better, so I wish they had the Tour c/w a gps and sat radio option. Will shoot for late fall to buy -maybe get lucky with a used XT haha, or if lower finance rates or incentives appear haha again.

Offline sailor723

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 15654
  • Carma: +417/-1000
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Cars: '17 BMW X5 Xdrive35i, '11 BMW 328iXdrive,
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #109 on: March 25, 2013, 07:41:05 pm »
Top two choices right now for my mom are the 2014 Forester XT Touring and 2014 CX-5 GT 2.5L.

One major difference between the two is power and fuel economy. The XT has been slow to hit Subaru dealers so we haven't had a chance to drive it yet.

I was able to test drive the XT last Friday. I'm sold! Didn't drive and have no interest in the non-DIT. Obviously would prefer the loaded XT Ltd but my wallet knows better, so I wish they had the Tour c/w a gps and sat radio option. Will shoot for late fall to buy -maybe get lucky with a used XT haha, or if lower finance rates or incentives appear haha again.

Yeah, If you don't have to buy now I'd let the hoopla around the launch die down. I suspect both the deals and the programs will be better in 6-8 months or so. If my daughter decides to go with the Forester she may well wait until either late this year or early next.
« Last Edit: March 26, 2013, 01:09:28 pm by sailor723 »

Offline dirtyjeffer

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 17120
  • Carma: +296/-1312
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Cars: 2021 Toyota Venza Limited, 2016 Kia Sorento EX AWD
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #110 on: March 26, 2013, 11:30:05 am »
In Japan, EyeSight is standalone on all trims, and their XTs get 276hp.  Same engine in Legacy Wagon makes 296hp.  Any idea why the detune?
just a guess, but emissions requirements?
When you've lost the argument, admit defeat and hit the smite button.

Offline tpl

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 23909
  • Carma: +298/-675
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Cars: 2022 Taos
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #111 on: March 26, 2013, 12:27:20 pm »
Exhaust routing ?
The most radical revolutionary will become a conservative the day after the revolution.

Offline Noto

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 13575
  • Carma: +774/-2132
  • This forum is making me almost as bitter as SirO
    • View Profile
  • Cars: '23 Mazda CX-50 Turbo; '24 Crosstrek Wilderness
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #112 on: March 26, 2013, 06:36:37 pm »
Could it be rated for lower fuel?  They say the XT will run on 87 Octane, but at a 30% drop in hp...so maybe because the max Octane here is 91 typically (can find 93 or 94 on occasion, but fairly rare around T.O.)?

I'm betting it has to do with emissions requirements as well, damn you, emissions!

Offline mrthompson

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 9830
  • Carma: +70/-42
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Cars: 2008 Honda CR-V (The Green Machine)
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #113 on: March 27, 2013, 08:51:32 am »
Tuned for more torque, less HP?

Offline Noto

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 13575
  • Carma: +774/-2132
  • This forum is making me almost as bitter as SirO
    • View Profile
  • Cars: '23 Mazda CX-50 Turbo; '24 Crosstrek Wilderness
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #114 on: March 27, 2013, 08:57:58 am »
Tuned for more torque, less HP?

Nope, has more torque there too.

My suspicion about fuel is because SOC claims the Forester XT will run on 87 just fine, but with a reduction in hp.  So in Japan where the minimum octane is higher, though I'm not sure what it is, the engine will perform better.

I'm also guessing a simple ECU flash will bring the power of the XT way up with no other changes.

Offline dirtyjeffer

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 17120
  • Carma: +296/-1312
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Cars: 2021 Toyota Venza Limited, 2016 Kia Sorento EX AWD
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #115 on: March 27, 2013, 01:25:22 pm »
Could it be rated for lower fuel?  They say the XT will run on 87 Octane, but at a 30% drop in hp...so maybe because the max Octane here is 91 typically (can find 93 or 94 on occasion, but fairly rare around T.O.)?

I'm betting it has to do with emissions requirements as well, damn you, emissions!
30% drop??...that doesn't sound right...in other cars where Premium is recommended, but will run fine on regular, the difference is often about 10 HP (in other words, somewhat negligible)...a 30% drop is substantial.

Offline Noto

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 13575
  • Carma: +774/-2132
  • This forum is making me almost as bitter as SirO
    • View Profile
  • Cars: '23 Mazda CX-50 Turbo; '24 Crosstrek Wilderness
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #116 on: March 28, 2013, 11:23:59 am »
[quote author=dirtyjeffer link=topic=82800.msg871531#msg871531
30% drop??...that doesn't sound right...in other cars where Premium is recommended, but will run fine on regular, the difference is often about 10 HP (in other words, somewhat negligible)...a 30% drop is substantial.
[/quote]

I didn't necessarily mean 30% as a solid figure...I apologize, I meant 30hp.

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1211_2014_subaru_forester_prototype/

"...is good for 250 hp at 5600 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 2400-4800 rpm on 93 octane fuel. On 91 octane fuel, power drops to 230 hp." 

I'm sure on 87 octane, the power would drop further, maybe another 10-20 hp.  So about 40-50hp loss, which would be 16-20% hypothetical loss.

Even still, 230hp on 91 octane...here's a video of the '14 Forester XT on the dyno:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg79Ihu4mr0

Shows 203 WHP and 217 lb-ft of torque.  No mention of what fuel was used for it.  Also, dynos can vary...and I'm not well-versed in dynos at all.  I'd think AWD cars lose more hp to the wheels any way.

Offline dirtyjeffer

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 17120
  • Carma: +296/-1312
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Cars: 2021 Toyota Venza Limited, 2016 Kia Sorento EX AWD
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #117 on: March 28, 2013, 03:26:41 pm »
hmm...that's a huge power loss...as fun as the turbo is, i think i'd get the NA version, save the cash (upfront and at the pumps).

Offline dkaz

  • Car Crazy
  • *****
  • Posts: 13967
  • Carma: +289/-389
  • Gender: Male
  • Flip flop
    • View Profile
  • Cars: 12 Mazda 5 GT 6MT
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #118 on: March 28, 2013, 03:38:55 pm »
You could run it in 87 except on days you plan to bring it to the drag strip, unless there's a drop in fuel economy between the different grades.

I wish I could somehow tune my Mazda 3 to run on premium like the non North American Skyactivs.

Offline YOWheels

  • Learner's Permit
  • *
  • Posts: 2
  • Carma: +0/-0
  • member
    • View Profile
  • Cars: 83Datsun200SX; 91Nissan PathfinderV6; 03Toyota MatrixXRS
Re: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester
« Reply #119 on: April 02, 2013, 09:59:39 pm »
cool site: cars101.com/subaru/forester/forester2014photos1.html