New 2014 forester owner experience

[Kevz321]

Hello 2014's owner,
Can you please share naman po yung experience niyo sa 2014 Forester particularly sana yung 2.0iL variant or yung XT na rin. Thanks po.

[dexlab]

why not reading through the 2014 Forester thread?

[8BRZWRX]

I'm very very satisfied with the 2014 XT. If you've watched the video reviews on Youtube and read the reviews on car magazines and blogs these mostly reflect my glowing experience.

What I had to get used to was the CVT. Unlike the previous generation XT's automatic there is no turbo power bump. The CVT delivers a very smooth power curve. You'd mistake this as NA if it werent for the fact that power comes in at a lower RPM.

My sole complaint is the double DIN HU. The audio quality is the best stock radio I've experienced but it isn't smartphone-centric. Good thing it has a USB, AUX and Bluetooth unlike the previous gen XT.

BTW Akala ko ba you're going with the Fortuner?

[armanjr]

I had my 2.0il since Monday. To be very honest here are my comments. Since I learned you're leaning with the Fortuner. Here's a direct comparison

1. Ride is far better with our 2009 Fortuner.
2. Acceleration is brisk. Power is delivered even with a mild touch on the pedal.
3. Space is generous. Wife hardly complains of bumping elbows with the kids. But then of course we could no longer bring extra passengers.
4. Driving view is good. Vehicle height is adequate. But of course it's no match with the flood flowing capability of a Fortuner, especially now the
rainy days are here again.
5. Cons of course will be the FC. Average will be 7-8km/L on light to moderate traffic. During heavy expect 5-6Km/L.
6. Insulation is good. You can hardly hear the sounds from the outside.
7. Never experience PMS though. But based on the leaflets I had, I'm expecting 7-8K on a regular basis. It's almost the same case with our Fortuner.
8. Aircon is adequate. But will always would like a separate vent for the rear passengers ala CR-V.
9. Steering is responsive compared with our Fortuner.
10. Will do a long drive today Manila to Bicol. Will post additional findings Monday.

So here are my two cents: if you like FASTer, compliant ride and AWD safety. Go forester. But if you are leaning to fuel savings, cheaper PMS, extra passengers. Go Fortuner or Montero.

Hello 2014's owner,
Can you please share naman po yung experience niyo sa 2014 Forester particularly sana yung 2.0iL variant or yung XT na rin. Thanks po.

[Kevz321]

I had my 2.0il since Monday. To be very honest here are my comments. Since I learned you're leaning with the Fortuner. Here's a direct comparison

1. Ride is far better with our 2009 Fortuner.
2. Acceleration is brisk. Power is delivered even with a mild touch on the pedal.
3. Space is generous. Wife hardly complains of bumping elbows with the kids. But then of course we could no longer bring extra passengers.
4. Driving view is good. Vehicle height is adequate. But of course it's no match with the flood flowing capability of a Fortuner, especially now the
rainy days are here again.
5. Cons of course will be the FC. Average will be 7-8km/L on light to moderate traffic. During heavy expect 5-6Km/L.
6. Insulation is good. You can hardly hear the sounds from the outside.
7. Never experience PMS though. But based on the leaflets I had, I'm expecting 7-8K on a regular basis. It's almost the same case with our Fortuner.
8. Aircon is adequate. But will always would like a separate vent for the rear passengers ala CR-V.
9. Steering is responsive compared with our Fortuner.
10. Will do a long drive today Manila to Bicol. Will post additional findings Monday.

So here are my two cents: if you like FASTer, compliant ride and AWD safety. Go forester. But if you are leaning to fuel savings, cheaper PMS, extra passengers. Go Fortuner or Montero.

*Thanks a bunch for sharing, my SA called me this morning to test drive the XT so I have an appointment with them at 1pm tom, wish ko sana yung 2.0iL variant ma-test so I guess yung ride comfort lang ang mapi-feel ko but like what you said acceleration is a brisk and since am not really into speed kaya ok lang. Confident na ako to buy the Subie, ang problem yung kulay na gusto ko is limited dark gray or white so once na satisfied ako sa test I'll deposit reservation na. Thank you all...

[Kevz321]

why not reading through the 2014 Forester thread?

I've read the thread kaso nga lang puro XT, well at least meron na nag share sa 2.0iL variant.

[alvingawhung]

I had my 2.0il since Monday. To be very honest here are my comments. Since I learned you're leaning with the Fortuner. Here's a direct comparison

1. Ride is far better with our 2009 Fortuner.
2. Acceleration is brisk. Power is delivered even with a mild touch on the pedal.
3. Space is generous. Wife hardly complains of bumping elbows with the kids. But then of course we could no longer bring extra passengers.
4. Driving view is good. Vehicle height is adequate. But of course it's no match with the flood flowing capability of a Fortuner, especially now the
rainy days are here again.
5. Cons of course will be the FC. Average will be 7-8km/L on light to moderate traffic. During heavy expect 5-6Km/L.
6. Insulation is good. You can hardly hear the sounds from the outside.
7. Never experience PMS though. But based on the leaflets I had, I'm expecting 7-8K on a regular basis. It's almost the same case with our Fortuner.
8. Aircon is adequate. But will always would like a separate vent for the rear passengers ala CR-V.
9. Steering is responsive compared with our Fortuner.
10. Will do a long drive today Manila to Bicol. Will post additional findings Monday.

So here are my two cents: if you like FASTer, compliant ride and AWD safety. Go forester. But if you are leaning to fuel savings, cheaper PMS, extra passengers. Go Fortuner or Montero.

Bro Arman, how much did your insurance for the Subaru with AOG cost?

[NdoymaN]

Thanks for visiting our showroom, Sir Kevz. Any concern po, you can text, call or PM me and we will be happy to assist you po.

[Kevz321]

Thanks for visiting our showroom, Sir Kevz. Any concern po, you can text, call or PM me and we will be happy to assist you po.

Thanks...happy with the test drive. I'll decide next week if Subie kukunin ko....for now 90%.

[NdoymaN]

Thanks...happy with the test drive. I'll decide next week if Subie kukunin ko....for now 90%.

Sige po Sir no problem. Maraming salamat po ulit.

[armanjr]

Brod I got mine for 35K with AOG.

Bro Arman, how much did your insurance for the Subaru with AOG cost?

[armanjr]

Oooh So you're going subie na lang pala. Just to add with my number 10. I just came back from the province (travelled 1,200KM) and I FC is this.
8.0L/100km or 12.50Km/L for light footed and speed of 80-100KM. Hataw mode of 100-120km returned 9.0L/100km or 11.11km/L. Some of my personal complains though is not having GPS navigation. Though I know the route but during late nights where the road is sometimes confusing having
GPS really helps. Lastly the lack of auto door lock close function. All of our cars have this even our old 2009 Fortuner. One more thing nga pala
I had the oldies ride in the back. Since they are familiar with our Fortuner separate air vents, they requested this also. (haay). So I had set the
aircon at least on half power. No complains na .

*Thanks a bunch for sharing, my SA called me this morning to test drive the XT so I have an appointment with them at 1pm tom, wish ko sana yung 2.0iL variant ma-test so I guess yung ride comfort lang ang mapi-feel ko but like what you said acceleration is a brisk and since am not really into speed kaya ok lang. Confident na ako to buy the Subie, ang problem yung kulay na gusto ko is limited dark gray or white so once na satisfied ako sa test I'll deposit reservation na. Thank you all...

[Kevz321]

Copy pasted below comments on the "Subaru Engine Vibration" thread, I wonder if this is true with their 2014 model? I'm just worried about the "global phenomenon" since am considering getting the 2.0iL variant. Thanks.

************************************************** ************************************************** **************************************
Dear Fellow Owners of Subaru Vehicles,

I recently purchased a brand new Forester 2.0X (non-turbo). Although my buying experience has not been without any difficulties and challenges, I have one adverse comment about my ride: ENGINE VIBRATION.

I noted the vibration on the same day that I got the car. I found it very annoying. My driver-friend noticed it and so did a staff at Motor Image Pilipinas.

They told me that this is a global phenomenon. To their credit, they upgraded my ECU to address my complaint. I got my car back last Saturday and noticed that the vibration had reduced a bit. Still, the unusual vibration remains. I can't help but notice this because I have a 7-year old German car that doesn't have this problem. My old car is way smoother at idle.

By posting this, I'd like to find out whether my experience with engine vibration on the Subaru Forester is singular to my unit or is indeed a global phenomenon.

I look forward to your feedback. Thanks.
************************************************** ************************************************** **************************************

Your feedback is giving me a sense of the commonality of our experiences. It gives me some relief that the vibration is not unique to my unit or engine.

Nevertheless, I am bothered by this "state of affairs" of the Subaru engine. Aren't boxers supposed to have less vibration than in-line and V-configured engine layouts? What's going on here?

I'd like to wait and see for the feedback of more Subaru owners. I'd like to know just how rampant this phenomenon is in the Philippine market. If we can muster a sizeable number of owners who are bothered by this, then maybe we can all band together and make proper representations with the master franchise owner of Subaru vehicles in Asia.

There's got to be a better response we should get from the Motor Image Group. I'm sure this can be explained away. But I didn't choose this car for the good excuses or explanations they offer. I got it because I believed it has got something far better to offer than the usual choices.

To sum up my experience, at idle, the engine shakes and vibrates intermittently, like a diesel engine, at certain stages in the cycle. Is this anything like yours?

I look forward to more of your feedback.
************************************************** ************************************************** *************************************

[alvingawhung]

Hi sir kevz, what's the deal you got for your planned subaru forester 2.0iL? Any additional freebies or discount aside from the 3m Tint, seat cover, LTO, key chain, mug, shirt? Which distributor are you getting your unit? You think we could get a good deal if we group buy? I'm seriously considering the 2.0iL forester too... The agent I talked to, is offering me a 10k discount but requiring me to get in house insurance with a premium of 32k with AOG... Though I think a group buy could allow us to haggle for more.. Hehhehhhehe

[Kevz321]

Hi sir kevz, what's the deal you got for your planned subaru forester 2.0iL? Any additional freebies or discount aside from the 3m Tint, seat cover, LTO, key chain, mug, shirt? Which distributor are you getting your unit? You think we could get a good deal if we group buy? I'm seriously considering the 2.0iL forester too... The agent I talked to, is offering me a 10k discount but requiring me to get in house insurance with a premium of 32k with AOG... Though I think a group buy could allow us to haggle for more.. Hehhehhhehe

Really? 10K discount.....the dealer is located in San Fernando, Pampanga, their unit is actually 5k higher than Manila rate so as a deal they will match Manila rate at 1.398mil, no matter how I insists they won't go lower than that. With in-house insurance (35k yours is only 32k) total cost will be 1.433mil with free LTO. Freebies only include floormats and 3m tint but if I want magic tint, I have to add additional 3k. Where is your dealer located? Coz' their giving you a much better deal. I wouldn't mind driving to Manila if ever and just get the unit there since it will only cost me less than 1k to get there(if Manila). Can I have your SA phone?

[JohnM]

My friend's 2011 2.0 Forester and 1996 Legacy also have this intermittent vibration on idle. I was like "is the engine on?" to "what the f was that???" while riding shotgun at the stoplight. I think it's part of the unique "personality" all Subies have that you can't find on normal I4 engines

[Kevz321]

My friend's 2011 2.0 Forester and 1996 Legacy also have this intermittent vibration on idle. I was like "is the engine on?" to "what the f was that???" while riding shotgun at the stoplight. I think it's part of the unique "personality" all Subies have that you can't find on normal I4 engines

Umm....not good. Am used to engine pa naman that seems not running because of their quietness. Thanks JohnM..

[JohnM]

Believe me they're smooth to the point na you'd think the engine is off even on the 15-yr-old Legacy. Siguro reminder lang ng makina yon na "gising pa ako"

[Kevz321]

JohnM....what's your opinion on the CVT trannie?

[istan]

Vibration? Ah yeah, I encounter unusual vibration when stuck in traffic and its hot outside. RPM lowers unusually, then its back to its old self, parang namamatayan, pero di naman.