Community Chat

[ROMARY]

I was the one who was very discouraged looking for a car with better visibility than the other brands that we saw and sat in.

Someone here recommended the Forrester.

What a difference!

Excellent visibility (way, way better than other brands), excellent seating (others were too narrow for even slim me), lots of space up front, etc.

The doors are substantial in weight.  Not flimsy. 

I believe Subaru has good crash safety

ratings.

Around here, in my neighborhood, seems as though people keep their older Subaru cars and still purchase a second, third one.

The best of luck to O/P !!

[LTT1]

@Venezia 

Outback here

Love it as far as reliability goes

but still would have preferred the Forrester more.

I liked the way it handled.

[We rescue cats]

I been driving an Outback TE for 2 years and it's been a good car though it has taken some getting used to, like the windshield wipers are one thing I cannot get used to operating, the speed is backwards. We originally looked at them because we could order it in as we wanted equipped AND (don't laugh) because I could get a CD Player. I had been driving a Volvo which was okay but inconvenient for service. I love the sense of security and handling, and the comfort. We made several multi-hour trips in it when searching for the camper and it lived up to expectations. 

[NYwoman]

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@Venezia wrote:

@NYwoman - I think I remember you posting on another recent thread about Subarus and your complaint that Subaru wouldn't offer you any compensation when your Outback engine died at 200,000 miles. (?)  Or am I confusing you with someone else?  If I am, apologies.

The point was made by others that no car manufacturer guarantees their car engines for that long.  In any event, I'd consider 200,000 reasonable return for my money.

And, as someone who has my Foresters serviced by a local, independent garage, I have never run into the issue of needing a specialist to work on them.

Also, I've seen a Forester that needed to have the engine removed to perform work for a recall; the engine was lifted just like any other car.  The body of the Forester wasn't lifted at all.

All vehicles rust; a lot depends on environmental conditions and that has nothing to do with the make.  But I can honestly say I've never had any rusting problems on any of my Foresters.  And no problem buying tires from any local shops; no specialist tires required.

Obviously, you had what you considered a bad experience with your Outback.  In my case, I could've understood Toyota not doing anything if the engine blew on my Camry at 200,000 - but it blew at 100,000, was the subject of a class-action lawsuit and Toyota stonewalled for 3 years until we disposed of it, so they avoided ever having to pay out.  I'd never buy another Toyota.  EVER.

I'm not sure how long ago your experience was, but I suspect it was a long time ago and things have changed.  (And an Outback being listed as a Forester on your registration?  That sounds very suspect and should've been rectified by the dealer.)

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No, I was not the person looking for compensation.  And I was used to the long life of Toyotas before that.

In my area of upstate NY we have many Subarus and Forresters due to the snow and the hills.  They are the smart choice.  However, not all mechanics worked on them here.

The tires, though available in most stores, were more expensive.   

I found the Outback the most comfortable car I have ever had, as did my dog.  I loved the hatch, too.  

If I had known about the lifecycle of the engine, I would not have purchased tires and a catalytic converter just before that 200,000 milestone.   The Subaru mechanic should have told me, in good ethics.   But I won't beat a dead horse just warn people about that unethical mechanic.

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[WRXtoo]

On my third Subaru here--Legacy sedan, WRX (omg, soo much fun), and now the Forester.  A 2016 with 144K miles on it.  I love it.  Regular maintenance at the dealer, only one issue which they covered under a special warranty they had extended on their own for all owners  (thank goodness).

I worked for the USFS at a remote ranger station, commuting daily over a mountain pass in some of the craziest winter weather you could find.  Avoiding elk and deer and other critters, Subaru braking system is amazing.  Traction control system is amazing--I've tested it on wet ice and came out the other side astounded at how I made it.  The employee parking lot was half 4-wheel-drive pickups and the other half was Subarus. 😆

[JeanLouiseFinch]

Our current vehicle is a 2022 Subaru Forester - Limited edition.  We love it it!  Going into it, and with their reputation, we thought it could last us long enough that we'd never have to replace it.  DH and I have no plans of dying soon so another car purchase could happen.  If and when it does, we'd get another Forester without thinking twice.  It has a very comfortable ride and exceptional visibility.  The warning system has come in handy and it has many other nice features.  DH uses the fancy tech stuff more than me though.  We bought ours after admiring our son's purchase. Then my sister bought one after admiring ours.  When we bought ours they were in such high demand that the dealership had very few on the lot.  We got an idea if what it came with and then reserved one from the order of cars that were on their way, but had to wait about eight weeks for delivery.  You won't be sorry. 🚘 

[NickAtNite]

I will be in the minority by saying run hard & fast in the opposite direction.  I own a 2014 Forester that has been regularly maintained by the dealership. 

I'm on my 5th battery - the original battery replaced 3/2018, 2nd battery replaced 5/2020, 3rd replaced 5/1/2022.  Gave up on Subaru batteries in 4/2023 and replaced with DieHard

Right rear suspension coil broke 7/2018 at 58K miles.  Wrote to Subaru N.A. and they covered.  April 2020 Subaru issued recall so both rear coils (left/right) were replaced.

5/2019 Subaru issued recall for brake lamp failure - I hadn't had any problems with that.

12/2019 heard weird noise - left rear bearing needed repack/replace

7/2020 had to replace AC compressor at 80K miles

3/2022 heard weird noise - both left/right rear bearings needed repack/replace

Most recently (3/2024), driving on the interstate my entire dash lit up like a Christmas tree.  I was lucky and car remained drivable and I was only 10 min from dealership - transmission module/valve body failure at 120K miles

Also, the tailgate button that is supposed to auto-lift the tailgate failed a long time ago.  After multiple 'resets' by the dealership I gave up.  It still opens with the key fob.

Prior to this vehicle I had a Toyota Solara (basically a 2-door Camry) and put 318,000 miles on it before giving it to a family member.

Next car will be either a Toyota or possibly the Honda SUV which is getting good reviews.

[Jaspertimes]

I drive a Forestor.  Love the safety features and as others stated, excellent visibility.  

[Shelbelle]

My coworker got one a few months ago, so far so good !!!

One of the few cars now that still has built in CD players, that would be a big plus for me, my huge collection just sits now since my latest car doesnt have one. 

[Venezia]

@NickAtNite - Sounds like you just got a lemon.  Happens with every make.  (My Camry was one of thousands plus Lexuses that had a known defect Toyota knew about and concealed from its customers.)

 I can deal with recalls - absolutely every brand has them - as long as the manufacturer notifies me.  What I can't deal with are outright lies and cover ups.

Batteries are normally only warrantied for 3 years (whatever make), but my original is still going strong after 3 years.  However, when it needs replacing I'll get an independent brand.  I also use an independent garage; gave up on dealerships.

It's good that we have so many choices.  You sound like you still have your Subaru.  Maybe time to trade it in!

ETA:  Our Camry engine blew (just over 100,000; well-maintained) while my DH was driving on the Interstate.  He ended up careening onto the hard shoulder.  I had to go pick him up; car was towed to a storage yard and 3 years later sold for scrap.