I swapped out my MkIV GTI for a 2010 Forester 5MT

"Übel" (ubel) 03/27/2017 at 16:26 • Filed to: None

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The Forester handles better than the GTI. What the fuck, Volkswagen. It also has infinitely better reliability, quicker steering, better comfort, nicer stereo, more headroom, more interior space, AWD, more ground clearance, and no police interest.

Things I’m losing: 30hp, one gear, and some steering feel. No regrets here.

Ash78, voting early and often > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:30

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The GLOVES ARE OFF! Because you can’t reach any of your Subaru’s important engine parts with them on.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Ash78, voting early and often 03/27/2017 at 16:34

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Spark plugs are a bitch, but most of the rest of it’s surprisingly easy.

For Sweden > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:37

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Wait, we get Oppositelock company cars now?

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:39

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Lower it and get a front lip.

gawdzillla > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:40

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someone sees the light

thank goodness

gawdzillla > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/27/2017 at 16:40

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lift it and remove bumper(s)

cluelessk > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:41

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Handling “better” is pretty subjective.

Might just be more comfortable for your driving habits.

My car handles well but rides like a bag of hammers.

Übel > Ash78, voting early and often 03/27/2017 at 16:44

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Considering what I started with I honestly think it’s a step up.

vicali > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:44

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Come over and register;

sf.org

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Ash78, voting early and often 03/27/2017 at 16:44

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I had a lol, but they’ve actually done a great deal to make them better over the last few years. Not my photo, but this is what the engine bay of my Outback looks like. Oil filter is the black cylinder up top right next to the oil filler. The alternator is right out in front where intended - no need to remove engine mounts and jack up the engine to replace the alternator as in a Chevy Equinox. Essentially no engine cover to speak up. Actual room to work (though spark plugs are still a little tight), etc. Unfortunately, while they improve accessibility, the early FB25's have quite an appetite for 0W20 and I have an appointment next week to get a new short block installed.

Übel > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/27/2017 at 16:46

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Wrong direction, m8

promoted by the color red > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:48

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It’s getting harder and harder for me to say no to a Forester after I tried navigating my town’s many dirt roads in a Camry. Here’s to hoping Subaru keeps the 6MT option and drops in the 1.6L Turbo on the next-gen.

The Forester is almost two inches wider than the GTI and that boxer engine helps with the center of gravity. I think that’s part of why it feels better than the GTI.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:48

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Some people say Subarus are Lesbian cars, but we all know The they go both ways.

Ash78, voting early and often > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:48

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Ahhh, you had a GTI VR6? I think I see one of those once or twice a year. My dad still DD’s his mint MkIV R32. At least you didn’t have a 1.8t...

TorqueToYield > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 03/27/2017 at 16:50

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Never had a problem doing spark plugs on my Subaru flat 4s. A 4" extension and a U joint to reach the back corner one and it wasn’t a big deal.

The 6 is supposed to be worse.

Übel > cluelessk 03/27/2017 at 16:53

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Normally I’d agree, but there’s actually a pretty big gulf. I’m not sure if you’ve ever driven a MkIV, but they’re pretty lacking in the suspension department. Tons of body roll, and they don’t absorb bumps particularly well. Plus the Fozzie has a quicker steering rack (although lacking in feel), and about a decade of extra chassis and suspension development under it.

Übel > Ash78, voting early and often 03/27/2017 at 16:53

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Well I had a 1.8 before that, I’m not a great decision maker.

I actually preferred the 1.8.

Trevor Slattery, ACTOR > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:54

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If your MkIV didn’t out handle the Forester, you needed a suspension rebuilt and better tires. It was not the car.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:54

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I really like this generation of forester, still had the older 2.5L yet with most of the modern things standard like heated seats, traction control etc... The handling always supprises me too when I drive one. It does not drive like a slightly lifted CUV.

Übel > Trevor Slattery, ACTOR 03/27/2017 at 16:56

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I’ve owned two MkIVs, put fresh suspension on both, most recent one rocking Goodyear Eagle F1s. They’re just floppy cars.

Ash78, voting early and often > Übel 03/27/2017 at 16:57

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More tunable and lighter, but I wouldn’t trade that for the (relative) reliability and sound of the VR6.

Trevor Slattery, ACTOR > Übel 03/27/2017 at 17:02

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I own one, well a GLI and I find it handles great. But I also think the trunk of the Jetta moves the balance to the rear and makes it handle better than my buddies GTI. I can actually get the rear end to come around.

I currently have Pilot Super Sports on mine. I was not happy with the Eagles GTs that came with the car. They were NOT F1's tho.

What was your suspension upgrade? You go to coils?

Boxer_4 > Übel 03/27/2017 at 17:14

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Nice Spark Silver 2.5X SE. I love my ‘09 2.5X Limited; It’s been in the family since new (8 years next Monday), and mine for 2.5 years. In the total 8 years and 75k miles, the only 2 things it has needed that weren’t maintenance or damage were an AC belt (dry-rotted at 30k miles, I think) and a valve cover gaskets at 60k miles.

I love how mine handles; lots of grip and good body control for what it is. I do agree the steering feel could be a bit better; I’m looking into polyurethane steering rack bushings sometime this spring or summer (mainly due to suspecting I have a bad rack bushing, but that’s a story for another time).

Any questions, feel free to ask. Also, I can get you a factory service manual, if you’re interested ( it’s a 2009, but 2010 and 2009 were nearly identical with very few trim changes ).

Boxer_4 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 03/27/2017 at 17:18

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2009 and 2010 were the only years of this body style to get the older 2.5L. 2011-2013 got the newer 2.5L

It’s really surprising how well these handle; they shouldn’t handle nearly as well as they do...

Übel > Ash78, voting early and often 03/27/2017 at 17:19

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The sound was a definite plus, but I missed the outright performance of the 1.8t (I had a tune, clutch, flywheel, exhaust on mine, it was pretty sprightly), and I’m one of those nuts that enjoys the feel of turbos spooling. Handling difference between the two wasn’t really big enough to make a difference. What I’d really go for is a 20th anniversary so I could get the 1.8 with VWs lovely 6 speed, I found the ratios in the 5 a bit lacking

Übel > Trevor Slattery, ACTOR 03/27/2017 at 17:40

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No upgrade on the suspension, just stock for stock. The GTI on the F1s would easily corner faster than the Foz on whatever it’s got, but the Scoob has a more sophisticated suspension and generally just does a really excellent job of preventing body roll. Remember, underneath that exterior it is still largely Impreza!

Übel > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 03/27/2017 at 17:54

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My preference would have been an SG purely for styling reasons, but there’s really not a huge difference in driving experience based on my memory of the ‘04 FXT I drove a couple years back. They really worked some magic with the suspension on this thing, it’s incredibly well sorted.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Übel 03/27/2017 at 17:54

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These things are a piece of cake. Enjoy the new ride!

Übel > Boxer_4 03/27/2017 at 17:58

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I’ve already got one in the mail, thanks though! I’m really counting on the low maintenance thing, it was a big reason for me ditching VW in general. That and a desperate want for some improved snownut capabilities for Michigan winters.

Übel > vicali 03/27/2017 at 17:59

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I feel like I’m joining a cult.

Not a complaint.

Übel > gawdzillla 03/27/2017 at 18:00

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I’ve been seeing the light for years, just haven’t had the chance to switch! Really glad I did, though.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Übel 03/27/2017 at 18:02

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These are very similar to an Impreza underneath. Use that information as you will.

Sovande > Übel 03/27/2017 at 18:46

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Way to shoehorn both “Foz” and “Scoob” in that reply!

Boxer_4 > Übel 03/29/2017 at 21:12

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It’s generally been really good on that front; I’m due for a timing belt by August, and I have a front wheel bearing that should probably be replaced. Plus that bad steering rack bushing I need to look into... But only one of those is maintenance, and I believe the other two are lingering issues from being hit in a parking lot back in 2015...

It’s great fun in the snow... in fact, it’s really the only time you can get the back loose (that, and gravel). I don’t run snow tires (no need where I am), but I’m sure they would be awesome, too!