It Seems We've Hit a Slow Spot in Posts,

"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4) 10/25/2013 at 16:05 • Filed to: None

0

5

so have a 2010 SH Forester in Paprika Red Pearl.

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Boxer_4 10/25/2013 at 16:29

0

If it is a 5-speed 2.5X Premium, can I really have it?

That is on my list for vehicles to buy, and I am looking to do so in early November… possibly as early as next weekend.

Boxer_4 > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. 10/25/2013 at 17:31

0

It is definitely a Premium, but I doubt it is a 5-speed (I found it as I was walking past a school parking lot). We own a 2009 SH, so I'm always on the look out for the rarer variations. Paprika wasn't that popular of a color, which is a shame considering how vibrant it is. It's much more bold than our Sage Green 2.5X Limited.

When I'm finally able to get my first car (which will be somewhere between 6 months to 3 years from now depending on circumstances), an 09-10 2.5X Premium 5-speed is very high on the list. Our Limited has been great, and the only thing that could make it better while remaining NA is the 5-speed.

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Boxer_4 10/25/2013 at 18:28

0

As an owner...

Do you think Limited or Touring trim is worth giving up the 5-speed?

I keep trying to hold out for the 5-speed, because I want to keep shifting myself, and I like that it has 50/50 AWD, rather than 90/10 on the 4-speed auto.

And it would have to be a Premium, rather than a base… which makes the field very narrow to try and find one. Then trying to get an '11 or '12 with the FB25 cam-chain engine is even rarer.

I like paprika red, I don't mind Garnet red, but I would rather get a 2011-12 2.5X Premium 5-speed in Marine Blue, with the black cloth interior. '13 went to platinum cloth on Marine blue units.

I tell myself that if I have to get an auto, I might as well step up to a 5-seat '08-10 3.6 liter Tribeca, with the flat-6, and 5EAT with Variable Torque Distribution AWD, and better amenities and towing. Being so unpopular, the Tribecas are actually lower priced for all the additional hardware.

But the wife doesn't like the 'softer' looks of the Tribeca. I don't mind them, but I don't exactly consider it an aesthetic jewel, either.

I don't like the looks of the '10+ Outbacks, though, which should be a natural choice for a 5-seat 3.6L car.

Boxer_4 > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. 10/26/2013 at 03:28

0

When it comes to trim levels, it really depends on what you are after. The Limited includes leather seating and touch points, automatic climate control, fog lights, chrome exhaust finishers, and a rear cargo tray. Almost all of those can easily be added post purchase, except for the leather seating/touch points, and the automatic climate control. The leather seats feel comfortable and are pretty durable. They share the same adjustments as the cloth seats from the Premium. We have been a bit underwhelmed with the automatic climate control, to the point where we just use the manual settings. Ours seems to never quite do what you want it to, tending to favor the warm side of things. The dual zone system in our Outback does a much better job.

The Touring is a bit trickier. You get the dual zone climate control system, outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, electroluminescent gauges with a temperature gauge, a 4.3" lcd stereo with backup camera, and HID low beam headlights, in addition to everything added on the Limited. The Touring is for the person that has to have the latest and greatest technology and features. Some of these features sound like they could be interesting, but I'm not sure how much value they add over the Limited, or even the Premium.

I have had our Forester with the 4EAT in a large variety of conditions, and have not had any complaints. It feels well planted on very wet roads, as well as in several inches of snow. The Active AWD system that comes with the 4EAT is not as simple as a 90/10 bias. From sources I've read, the 90/10 bias is only when cruising at a constant speed. As far as I know, 1st gear, 2nd gear, and reverse are all 50/50 split. It is also 50/50 split under acceleration. However, the VTD AWD is still a more advanced system.

I definitely agree that the 2010+ Outback (BR) is a bit aesthetically challenged, but as for almost all Subarus, their beauty is more than skin deep. It is an very comfortable car, and the EZ36D is a lovely engine. It is seriously quick for what it is, a lifted station wagon. Both my dad and uncle have 2012 Outback 3.6R Limteds, and always comment on how nice it is to be able to beat unsuspecting cars off the line. It may have the same drivetrain as the Tribeca, but, the Tribeca weighs ~4,200 lbs while the Outback weighs ~3,600 lbs.

I will also agree that the Tribeca is a good value used, and that it has a unique quirky appeal. Really, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices you have mentioned.

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Boxer_4 10/26/2013 at 19:47

0

I just found a '10 Tribeca Limited near here, that I am seriously considering.

It is gorgeous Azurite Blue... but unfortunately, it has 107K miles... just 2K miles less than my '05 Legacy GT that I am necessarily having to trade.