2013 Test Drive--Nice ride..

[chilanzar]

Went on a test drive yesterday on a 2013 model. Seemed very smooth, quiet and quicker than our current outback. (This was a 4 cylinder CVT)

However was not able to take it up to the magic speed of 65-70mph where alot of people from the 2010-2012 model are saying there is shaking in the steering. I know they did alot of suspension mods for '13. In both m wife and my limited exposure we did not notice anything... It was very nice

How are other peoples experience with the new model? Anyone notice anything yet?

[pgh]

I just saw some finally in the Denver area. For me, the improved driving dynamics are the only aspect of the 13 I like. The grill along with the oversized fogs surrounded by cheap plastic look less refined and down market compared than the 10-12. Also, while the cloth interior is softer and perhaps better looking there is something lost in perceived durability of 10-12 years. They look like they will stain easy. Not that the 10-12/s don't. The next Forester or perhaps the net gen OB- if does not grow in size could be a replacement for my 10.

[BrianNW]

I drove both the 2.5i & the 3.6 back-to-back the other day. I thought they handled just fine at 65-70, but I haven't driven the 2010-2012 to compare against.

I was mostly looking for handling and acceleration concerns. They both handled very well and the 3.6 had good acceleration up hills, etc..

[AWD Flyer]

Does anyone know what was actually changed in the suspension/steering from the 10-12's?

[sbpark]

Most of my miles on my 2012 2.5i CVT OB are freeway miles, commuting 70 miles roundtrip each way, and average 70-80mph, and actually think the car handles wonderfully.

[Looby]

Originally Posted by sbpark

2012 2.5i CVT OB ... and actually think the car handles wonderfully.

Same here. No handling issues/complaints at all (after we fixed the
high speed "wandering" by adjusting the F/R wheel alignments to
dead center of their specified ranges).

Yep, the ride is a bit squishy, but that's exactly the right way to go
for a high ground clearance wagon with gobs of suspension travel.

...it wasn't intended to compete with Lotus Elan,

Looby
.

[sbpark]

Originally Posted by Looby

Same here. No handling issues/complaints at all (after we fixed the
high speed "wandering" by adjusting the F/R wheel alignments to
dead center of their specified ranges).

Yep, the ride is a bit squishy, but that's exactly the right way to go
for a high ground clearance wagon with gobs of suspension travel.

...it wasn't intended to compete with Lotus Elan,

Looby
.

wow, i think for once you and i have actually agreed on something! I did initially have some concerns regarding handling when I first got the OB, but I think most of it had to do with coming from an '06 Forester, which is a totally different beast. Also dialing in the right tire pressure (i am at 34psi) seemed to be the ticket and did make the car much less twitchy (err, sensitive).

Regarding the squishy ride, I actually like it over the Forester's more harsh ride, but most of my miles have been highway miles so far. For road trips that are mostly on tarmac or light duty, smooth, graded roads I'll take the OB over the Forester any day of the week. The ride on the freeway in the OB is pure luxury compared to the Forester on the freeway. That said, sure the Forester will be a bit more capable off road, but I can't really think of a situation I have encountered in the six years of owning the Forester driving it cross country 3 times, east coast winters, and used as a road tripping, climbing, snowboarding and camping car in Colorado that my OB would not also handle with ease, so given that most of the time I'm on the freeway or light-duty roads I'd take the 'squishy' feel of the OB hands down. If I needed a true off road vehicle it wouldn't be either of the two.

As far as the handling goes, yes the Forester handles better, not as sloppy, etc, but it's a sacrifice I am willing to make for a more comfy ride on long hauls. Like you mentioned, and I have commented on in the past, it's not a sports car!

[ejay]

my '13 has handled short bursts of speeds up to 85 and cruises great at 75+ on the interstate. Turns very well too. I have never driven a '12 though so I really dont have much to base it off of.

[RobMunach]

Originally Posted by Looby

Same here. No handling issues/complaints at all (after we fixed the
high speed "wandering" by adjusting the F/R wheel alignments to
dead center of their specified ranges).

Yep, the ride is a bit squishy, but that's exactly the right way to go
for a high ground clearance wagon with gobs of suspension travel.

...it wasn't intended to compete with Lotus Elan,

Looby
.

Our OB is my wife's DD. I only drive it occasionally. At first, I was not a fan of the suspension, but the more I drive it, the more brilliant it becomes. It soaks up anything you can throw at it without wallowing all over the place. It is also a nice highway cruiser. I was holding 90 the other day and it was perfectly composed. With the upgraded RSB and a 6 speed, it is also fun in the corners (relatively - anyhow) Dunno if I would like the '13 suspension. I will likley wait 'til the next gen anyhow before I would consider changing.