I drove our Forester again today. Here are some impressions.

"Dsscats" (dsscats)
10/04/2014 at 01:25 • Filed to: None

The Z is in the shop for the time being, so I drove our 2010 Forester today for the first time in what feels like forever. Here are some thoughts.

SO MUCH BODY ROLL.

This needs a manual.

It's surprisingly quick. Like, way quicker than it has any right to be.

This feels pretty light. It's small and, with stiffer suspension, it would really show.

This engine is really good, but the transmission sucks the fun out of it.

IT'S SO NUMB.

These speakers are terrible.

The ergonomics seem awful, but work well in real world situations.

It's 100% perfect for my mother.

It causes crippling back pain. I did gymnastics for 9 years and as a result, my back is kind of wonky. It's surprisingly fine in the stiff-as-hell padding-less Z32, but the way I sit in the Forester just kills me, even on 10 min drives.

I miss Zoe. I'm terrified the dealer will screw her up. I'm nervous. Really nervous. I take pretty great care of my car, and I'm afraid they might not. I've heard too many dealer horror stories. Help.

DISCUSSION (23)

Kanaric > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 01:26

A manual Forester XT is an awesome car. Trade in for one , lol.

Dsscats > Kanaric
10/04/2014 at 01:28

We actually almost ended up getting a loaded one from Carmax, but it had 30,000 miles for the same price as what we bought ours new for.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 01:29

SO MUCH BODY ROLL. (STI Take offs, 300 bucks and no more roll!)

This needs a manual. (Got one in mine!)

It's surprisingly quick. Like, way quicker than it has any right to be. (Tru dat)

This feels pretty light. It's small and, with stiffer suspension, it would really show. (See STI take offs!)

This engine is really good, but the transmission sucks the fun out of it. (Automagic is bad)

IT'S SO NUMB. (STI steering rack w/ upgraded bushings helps a bit)

These speakers are terrible. (Limited package?)

The ergonomics seem awful, but work well in real world situations. (They are pretty awful in general)

It's 100% perfect for my mother. (yes, mine too but she "isn't a democrat" and refuses to own a Subaru)

bob and john > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 01:30

oh dude, you want numb/no feel? Go to your local rental place, and take a camry. I moved one across a parking lot once (dropped dad off at an airport dorr, went to park) and the brakes go something like this: push a litte: no response: push a little more: no response, feels like pads arent even touching. push a little more: why isnt it slowing down? push 1/2 a miron more: SSSQQQQRRRRREEEEEEECCCCHHHHHH.

Aaron James > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 01:34

I was behind a 2000 ish one today on the highway and I never realized how tall they are, it reminded me of an Isuzu trooper from the back.

Dsscats > bob and john
10/04/2014 at 01:37

My brother drives a 97. I know that life.

bob and john > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 01:38

dude, the 97's are communicative in comparison to the newer ones. take a minute and picture THAT

Dsscats > E30Joe drives a Subaru
10/04/2014 at 01:39

Fun fact: This car would probably be modded by now if it wasn't my mother's.......

Aaaaaand she actually prefers the '07 model.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 01:39

I just drove our 6-cyl Wrangler today after DDing our 4-cyl one for nearly two weeks. My first thought was "DEAR LORD I HAVE ALL THE TORQUE!!!"

Kanaric > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 01:39

They do sell for a premium it seems.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 01:41

SG's are master race since they are on the GD chassis and are actually about 80 pounds lighter than an STI, and geared shorter so they are almost faster stock. Massive LOL's to be had by barely stage 2 FXT drivers being faster than newer STI's.

Dsscats > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
10/04/2014 at 01:43

SO MUCH TORQUE!!!!!

I actually lost about 50 HP and 50 LB/FT of torque in the transition......

ihm96 > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 01:46

My mom had an 01 that she loved and then my brother was allowed to use it and ran it into the ground and to its demise two years ago. Even though it was auto and had problems and I only got to drive it for a couple months on my permit before it met its end it was awesome. She refused to buy a new one because "they're way too big now", which I agree with. Instead she bought an Impreza with the CVT. The sad thing is that she would have gotten a stick (her DD is a Cooper S with the 6 speed, and I learned in her now traded in 5 speed copper) but my two brothers don't know how to or want to learn. So yeah. I like subies. Also, I love seeing your car because it's whole front has such a nice design.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 02:10

No seriously the 4cyl has 139 ft-lbs. The I-6 has 215. You can launch the damn thing up a hill just by easing the clutch out, without giving it any throttle.

Although interestingly the 4-cyl has ha higher horsepower rating than the I-6, 123hp vs 112

treesmakewater > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 05:24

i know that feel bro, but I lost 150 HP, tq, along with 800 pounds. (I drove my moms Crosstrek for its break in while A dumbass shop fixed their mistake)

SPNKiX > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 10:17

I feel the same way (most of it) about my 08. I've always loved the ergonomics tho, and my stereo isn't too bad. I have the sport seats, so I've never had anything to complain about.

I have big plans for this car, but I just found out I might be moving in the next few months, so they may be put on hold AGAIN. Maddening.

Burrito de EJ25 > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 11:05

If you get a Forester do yourself a favor and get the giant sunroof.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 12:43

What's wrong with Zoe?

/ZedBros4lyfe

Dsscats > gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun
10/04/2014 at 14:54

Overheating.

Dsscats > Burrito de EJ25
10/04/2014 at 14:55

Done! Ours is a premium because my mother is exceedingly short and thats the cheapest one with electric seats

Burrito de EJ25 > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 15:43

Is it the 2.5 or the XT?

Dsscats > Burrito de EJ25
10/04/2014 at 15:48

2.5

Burrito de EJ25 > Dsscats
10/04/2014 at 15:50

I had a base 2.5 as a rental. I was shocked by how well it hustled that big girl around. I never felt like I needed more power for on-ramps or merging.