topic Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted in Community Chat

Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

icezeus — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 19:37:08 GMT

Thanks to @JeanLouiseFinch who started a Forrester thread a few weeks back. I have decided to move up my purchase of a new car to this year. My current car is a Nissan Altima with 204,000 miles on it. I have had it since 2013 and yes I am the original owner.

I found an old thread dating back to 2017 for the Crosstrek and of course I have the more recent thread of people who love their Foresters to view.

I do understand that I will of course have to test drive both vehicles, but I am torn between these two models. Anyone that has owned both or prefer one over the other?

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

chessielady — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 19:58:56 GMT

Daughter has a Forester and she loves it! I can take it or leave it. It just seems so blah to me. It isn't top of the line more mid-range I think. I think it rides like a tank! Bumpy and frumpy! But that is probably just me!

However I had a friend with an Outback and I really liked it. Drove very well and seemed very comfy!

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

lcubedsudbury — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 20:03:21 GMT

Price drove us. Outback is a lot of money. We’re retired and have a Forrester. For our needs it’s perfect. We don’t drive long distances. Easy to get in and out. Great for all the errands.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

beach-mom — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 20:11:19 GMT

@icezeus - Same as @chessielady . DD has a 2019 Forester Limited. She absolutely loves it. I've ridden in it a lot, and it's one of the most comfortable SUV's I've been in. DH drives a Mazda CX-5, and it is less comfortable.

DS bought his first car last February - a Crosstrek! Obviously it's smaller and seems like you're not sitting up as high. I was in it only once. He loves his car, and his purposes it is great. He lives and works in a big city.

Good luck with your decision!

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

BlueFinch — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 22:28:27 GMT

I've been considering the Crosstrek, too. I have to say I'm mostly drawn to the visual appeal. I like it has a more sporty, youthful look, over the Forester which, to me, seems old style, humdrum.

But, I know several people who have the Foresters, including a couple of neighbors and they love them. No complaints, or regrets voiced.

Almost every Subaru owner I've known says they would purchase again. It seems Subaru owners become quite loyal. So I think you can't go wrong with either model. Just pick the one that has the features you need and that speaks to you.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

Carmie — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 22:59:42 GMT

I would say buy the one that really speaks to you. You are likely to have it a long, long time.

My 18 year old granddaughter is the proud owner of a 1995 Outback legacy. It has been passed down through several family members and still is in top shape inside and out and mechanically runs well. She loves it.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

kathy213 — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 23:05:16 GMT

I originally drove the Forester but thought it was too big for me. Also, had it in white which I hated. I now drive the Crosstrek & am very happy with it. I leased my two crosstreks but this year I am buying it. Have it in the Cool Grey khaki color which is a nice blue color. My son in law is a Subaru salesman but with the car situation nowadays, to lease again would balloon my payments, so going to buy. Only have 6,000 miles on it & have had it 3 years.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

CatsyCline — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:03:44 GMT

@icezeus i had a Forester i loved for many years, now a 2014 Crosstek. Very reliable, but i likely would not get another Crosstrek. Even though the newer models are bit more roomy.

1. Road Noise. unless they fixed this, it's always there. gets annoying on the highway.

2. Sits too low for me. Also have to pry myself out of the door. and i'm only 5'3.

3. Cabin too small. It's just cramped inside. With a passenger on board my handbag has to go in the back.

4. Visibility. The front windshield pillars are thick and positioned awkwardly.

5. Maybe the back-up camera has improved. these cars are very compact and require a very good backup camera. Mine gets fogged up.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

kindred cats — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:09:22 GMT

After I test drove a couple different Subarus, I got a Toyota Camry. Love it, to me so much nicer.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

HerRoyaLioness — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:21:37 GMT

Have ridden in and driven a Forester and ridden in a Crosstrek. Didn't end up buying the Forester, NOT a comfortable ride and I'm getting older. They may have improved the newer ones, I don't know. Crosstrek does seem smaller, but more comfortable.
The only Subaru I would buy is an Outback - loved it on the test drive.

However, to make a long story short I ended up buying a Toyota Camry, which I love! 😁

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

cosmic1 — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 01:14:23 GMT

I am on my second Crosstrek. I love them! I preferred the look of my first one a little more because the slightly shorter front made it look more sporty. But, I do like the look of the Crosstrek over the Forrester. If I needed more storage space, I would have gone for the Forrester.

I think either way you go will make you happy. Subarus are great vehicles.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

roeroe1005 — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 01:41:11 GMT

I have owned 7 Subarus since 2003 (I lease). All Outbacks, except for a 2006 Tribeca and 2009 Forester. The Forester, at that time, was a bit too small for me. My friend has a 2019 Forester and she loves it.

Me - I'm sticking with my Outbacks. My dad got my sister and me addicted to them. I feel very safe driving it.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

ROMARY — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 02:28:38 GMT

Forester. I don't recall which year.......maybe a couple of years before the pandemic. I'll have to check this weekend.

Anyway.......lots of room, plenty of daylight inside. Anyone sitting in the back would have plenty of visibility in a delightfully daylight environment.

I tried sitting in a multitude of cars, and all of them at the time were very dark and 'tight' room-wise. I thought: 'Gee, I would feel bad for small children sitting in the back seat in a very dark car. What fun would that be for them?

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

qbetzforreal — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 03:37:25 GMT

@icezeus- My sister and a friend had an Outback and another friend had a Forester. Their cars lasted for over 20 something years, they never reported problems.

Suburu makes a reliable car.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

icezeus — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 03:48:25 GMT

Thank you everyone for your replies. I am actually going to test drive each model Sunday after church. I will not be purchasing because I like to think about things before making a big decision.

I absolutely detest the entire car buying experience. I am even thinking about possibly purchasing through Costco to avoid the hassle after I make up my mind.

I called one dealership today just to feel them out, told them I already had my financing through my credit union. He immediately started hounding me about what if they could beat the interest rate. Who was my financing through. Meaning the name. (That's none of your business) Ughhhhh. The second time he brought it up I told him that we were off to a rocky start. I have since crossed that dealership off my list. I am a very upfront person and I do not like sales people who do not listen to me or are very pushy.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

ROMARY — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 19:28:21 GMT

You are welcome!

Sitting in various car models will help you have a feeling about how comfortable you will be while driving.

I like plenty of visibility and able to 'see over the top of the front' of the car. I like to 'sit up high' in my seat.

You will find the right one for you!

The best of luck, always.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

riley1 — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 19:37:37 GMT

Have an Outback and love it! We do some long trips and it is super comfortable, great on gas and rides great.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

aubnwa01 — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 19:57:00 GMT

When I bought my 2017 Forester in 2016, I used Costco's car buying service & it was my easiest & most stress free car buying experience I've ever had. The Costco service doesn't deal with all dealers, but they can tell you the ones they do. There's only one Subaru dealer here in Tucson, though, so it wasn't an issue that concerned me. Both Costco & the dealer couldn't have been nicer & easier to deal with & there was no pressure & the saleslady at the dealer was just awesome.

ETA: Plus, Costco gave me a $1500 Costco Gift Card to spend for using their service, too.

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

JohnnyWasnt — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 20:50:50 GMT

We had a 2017 Touring Forrester. We got rid of it right before Covid hit because the ride was so rough and bumpy. I thought I would get used to it but just couldn't.

Because I am 5' tall, it's hard to find a car that "fits" me - one that does not have a high beltline, and in which I sit upright and have good visibility. We liked the visibility out of the Forrester but it just wasn't a smooth enough ride for these old bones. It also had a lot of the driving assist safety things that were standard. We liked those, too!

We replaced that car and are leasing something else. We got the new car in February 2020 and it has about 2,000 miles on it. The lease is up next February.

Good luck on your search!

Re: Another Subaru Question. CrossTrek or Forester opinions wanted

icezeus — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 20:53:57 GMT

@aubnwa01 wrote:
When I bought my 2017 Forester in 2016, I used Costco's car buying service & it was my easiest & most stress free car buying experience I've ever had. The Costco service doesn't deal with all dealers, but they can tell you the ones they do. There's only one Subaru dealer here in Tucson, though, so it wasn't an issue that concerned me. Both Costco & the dealer couldn't have been nicer & easier to deal with & there was no pressure & the saleslady at the dealer was just awesome.

ETA: Plus, Costco gave me a $1500 Costco Gift Card to spend for using their service, too.

@aubnwa01

Thank you for the additional information on purchasing through Costco. I knew two people years ago that used Costco to purchase their vehicles and both of them had a good experience.