Afraid of OB "shaker" - considering a Forester, but not sure?

[FaceOnMars]

I've never owned a new car & have finally been looking into making a purchase of an OB, but came across many folks who've had nothing but dissappointment regarding the shaker issue after the fact. While I feel bad for those of you in such a spot, I'm happy not to be there myself (especially since the nearest dealer is 65 miles away).

So, I was considering a Forester as an alternative to an OB, but not quite sure? I'm basically just not sure what are the big differences (in base models) or reasons why it should NOT be an alternative to an OB? I realize the automatic tranny is different & also results in lower mpg, but otherwise I'm not really sure what the big differences are? The clearances and wheelbase are comparable and I'm assuming they use the same suspension systems ... so not sure what is that much different in terms of the basics?

I basically just need 4x4 with clearance higher than most typical sedans ... since I live in a tiny mountain town which gets get over 300" of snow annually & there are also some tame jeep roads I like to go on to access trailheads and such. I've loved my past subarus ... since they've all fit this bill and drive like a car.

Normally, I'd stick with a subaru regardless, but the lack of transparency SOA has displayed regarding this issue is troubling to say the least! So, I've also been looking into a Rav or Tocoma as alternatives in the same price range ... even though they're not exactly what I'd want.

A Forester might fit the bill very well, even for a couple years, but not sure if it's a suitable alternative to an OB ... vs. maybe waiting a couple few months to see what shakes loose on the shaker issue?

Any insight re: the major differences is most appreciated.

[fatabbot]

As far as capabilities, you probably aren't given up anything by going with a Forester. However, as everyone here will tell you, I'm not a fan of the ride/drive of the Forester. It's of markedly less quality in NVH and interior fit and finish. I couldn't wait to give back my loaner Foresters (which were brand new cars) and get my OB back.

For the price, there are much better vehicles, IMO. If I wanted to drive a metal garbage can (only thing I can relate the feeling of driving a Forester to), I would have saved about $20k and put a motorcycle engine on the can sitting at the end of my driveway.

Can you tell I'm not a fan? LOL.

[bradysplace]

Hi Face, my wife and I have purchased (within the last two and a half months) one new 2011 ob limited and one new forester. Mine= ob hers= forester. We live in perry park, larkspur colo and get a fair amount of snow - reason for the purchase. They both share the awd system but thats it! My limited feels much more plush yet handles as well as her forester. You can't compare the interiors (please understand this is all just my opinion), the ride or the amount of room for storage. The back seats of the ob are much more comfortable than the F. The room for cargo is greater in the ob. And most important these days - I get at least 4 more mpg than she does. (mine is 2.5/cvt - more than enough go juice for towing and the mountains) hers automatic 2.5. I know she doesn't check this site often so I can comfortably say "I'm very glad I have the ob and not the F". The price diff isn't that much if you keep your car for a while. I wouldn't worry about this shake issue. Far more new ob's do not have the shake issue than do. Simply test drive your specific car before spending any money. Honestly you cant go wrong with either car but you wanted to hear "opinions". So there ya go!

[priggly]

Originally Posted by FaceOnMars

I've never owned a new car & have finally been looking into making a purchase of an OB, but came across many folks who've had nothing but dissappointment regarding the shaker issue after the fact. While I feel bad for those of you in such a spot, I'm happy not to be there myself (especially since the nearest dealer is 65 miles away).

So, I was considering a Forester as an alternative to an OB, but not quite sure? I'm basically just not sure what are the big differences (in base models) or reasons why it should NOT be an alternative to an OB? I realize the automatic tranny is different & also results in lower mpg, but otherwise I'm not really sure what the big differences are? The clearances and wheelbase are comparable and I'm assuming they use the same suspension systems ... so not sure what is that much different in terms of the basics?

I basically just need 4x4 with clearance higher than most typical sedans ... since I live in a tiny mountain town which gets get over 300" of snow annually & there are also some tame jeep roads I like to go on to access trailheads and such. I've loved my past subarus ... since they've all fit this bill and drive like a car.

Normally, I'd stick with a subaru regardless, but the lack of transparency SOA has displayed regarding this issue is troubling to say the least! So, I've also been looking into a Rav or Tocoma as alternatives in the same price range ... even though they're not exactly what I'd want.

A Forester might fit the bill very well, even for a couple years, but not sure if it's a suitable alternative to an OB ... vs. maybe waiting a couple few months to see what shakes loose on the shaker issue?

Any insight re: the major differences is most appreciated.

Hi FaceOnMars,

You live in a very beautiful area of the country and certainly have need for ground clearance and AWD capability.

I have owned an Outback for 14 years and have driven it many places and through conditions not possible with a conventional car. It has served me well but has not been without significant problems either, including the infamous head gasket problem which resulted in my requiring a re-built engine at great personal expense. At 180,000 miles I have just now had the transmission re-built.

I had intended to trade it on another Outback, a 2010 3.6R, until the shaker issue raised its ugly head and gave me pause. I waited for the 2011 but that too apparently is a shaker according to reports on this board.

I checked out the Forester but soon learned it was a very different car from the Outback: more cheaply built, more NVH, no H-6 engine, frequent rattles, low-rent interior, etc. You can get a more spirited engine if you opt for the turbo but there have been a fair number of turbo failures with this engine ((clogged banjo bolt filter). The turbo engine is a semi-closed deck design, however, which lessens the chance of head gasket issues as in the non-turbo engine. It is my understanding that to this day Subaru is still having issues with its head gaskets in the normally-aspirated H-4 engine.

So for me I did not think the Forester was the right fit even though it had a good AWD system and ground clearance, etc.

I am still waiting for Subaru to get serious and fix the new Outback but meanwhile I have checked out the rest of the market and this is what I have discovered. I have checked literally everything. You mentioned Toyota products. I checked out the RAV4 and liked it quite a bit except for the fact it does not have the best AWD system compared to some others and I am also leery of Toyota's declining quality, increasing recalls, and less than stellar reputation of dealing with its problems.

My most recent "due diligence" has been in regard to the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee which is in no way comparable to previous years' models. Jeep set out to build a new GC which would compete with some luxury level SUVs and I think that they have done it. I spent an afternoon looking at a Limited model with the 3.6 Pentastar engine (new this year) and had a very enjoyable and long drive in the vehicle. It is quiet, rides well, has adequate power (a 5.7 V8 is available with cylinder deactivation if you want more power), has a very upscale interior, comfortable seats, high ground clearance (8.6"), true off-road capability (which the Outback and the Forester do not have) with skid plates, sealed differential, a superior 4WD system to any of the Subarus (in the case of the Quadra-Trac II a 2-Speed Transfer Case with Low Range and Variable Torque Distribution – up to 100% front or rear – and includes Selec-Terrain™). The Quadra-Drive II is even more advanced and allows 100% distribution of power to any one wheel. The Quadra-Trac I provides Full-time On-Demand 4WD with single speed transfer case (no Low Range) and equal torque split (50 front/50 rear) with Brake Traction Control. So you can see that this vehicle, although slightly more expensive than the Outback, has capabilities which far exceed Subaru's offerings if you have need for true off-road capability. And even if you don't, any of the Jeep configurations will be more than a match for heavy snow and poor roads.

AND - the JGC does NOT shake at highway speeds or any other speed.

Jeep historically has not got the best reliability record but I believe the new 2011 GC is a game changer and I personally am seriously considering it if Subaru does not get its act together very soon. I have been waiting on reproducible good news with respect to a shaker fix but it seems that all that is ever forthcoming is a myriad of "fixes" for a problem that has not even yet been defined, or so we have been told. How on earth can you design a fix for a problem you don't understand??! That is just not sensible.

Your nearest Subaru dealer is Flower Motor Company in Montrose, CO. That also just happens, co-incidentally and fortuitously, to be your nearest Jeep dealer. Perhaps while you are there either checking out the Outback or Forester you might also cast a glance in the direction of the 2011 Jeep GC. Look at it from every angle. Sit in it and note the solid "thunk" of the doors when they close (like the new Outback but not, alas, the tinny Forester). Play with the switchgear - it has a solid feel. Listen to the audio - it is high-end and to my ear far better than what Subaru offers.

The Jeep also comes with a huge gas tank (24.6 gallons) so that it has a long driving range. It has a more extensive dealer network than Subaru. Check it out when you are next in Montrose. It may just fit your needs.

I have droned on long enough. I hope the foregoing is of some assistance to you in your search for an appropriate vehicle for your driving needs.

And if you opt for the Forester, may it not rattle. And if you continue to wait for resolution of the Outback shaking steering wheel issue, may you get one that is free of this annoying problem.

Best to you whatever you decide and continue to enjoy the lovely place that you call home.

[fatabbot]

The new Grand Cherokee is definitely one to watch. Wifey wants one when she's ready to get rid of her Escape. The OP is looking at base model OBs and Foresters. How much more expensive is a base GC?

I'm not a fan of the RAV4 (except the 6 cylinder which is a rocket, relatively speaking of course) or the CRV, but, IMO, they're much better choices than the Forester.

[MapleScones92]

My 2010 Forester does not shake or rattle. It is the base model with alloy wheels and rails (they call it Special Edition), and it is a lot of fun to drive. Very nimble/nice handling and plenty of zip. It has top safety scores and no mechanical problems. We love our 2002 Outback too, but if you don't do a lot of interstate driving in your area, I would test drive the Forester and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Beautiful region! We lived in Colorado for several years.

I am getting weary of the Forester bashing on here.

[priggly]

Originally Posted by fatabbot

The new Grand Cherokee is definitely one to watch. Wifey wants one when she's ready to get rid of her Escape. The OP is looking at base model OBs and Foresters. How much more expensive is a base GC?

I'm not a fan of the RAV4 (except the 6 cylinder which is a rocket, relatively speaking of course) or the CRV, but, IMO, they're much better choices than the Forester.

The base 2011 Jeep GC Laredo 4x4 is $32,295 while the Base 2010 Forester with Auto Tranny is $22,490. The Jeep is a year newer model than the Forester so that accounts for some of the higher price. Additionally, I suspect greater discounts can be had proportionally on the Jeep. But the main reason the Jeep costs more is that it is a higher quality vehicle overall with much better fit and finish, is more refined, does not rattle, has true off-road capability and on-road manners plus a higher equipment level. I quite frankly think the price differential is well worth it.

The RAV4 V-6 is truly a fine piece of work . . . if only the rest of the car was of comparable quality.

Where I live the Toyota dealers price-fix so there are no deals whatever to be had and this is one reason I would not patronize them.

The CR-V is a noisy, underpowered vehicle with no turbo or V-6 option and has a very poor AWD system. Not a contender in this league in my opinion.

[Hurricane Gio]

I just bought a 11 OB after going to look at the 011 Forrester. I took the OB over the Forester. Much better overall in quality IMO and feel. I also heard the smaller engine Forrester is a PIG and needs the 3.6 liter engine.

I bought my OB without even a test drive. yes, I forgot, LMAO!

I loved the looks of the OB so much more after sitting it and looking at both in person.

Oh, no shaking either!

[FaceOnMars]

Originally Posted by fatabbot

As far as capabilities, you probably aren't given up anything by going with a Forester. However, as everyone here will tell you, I'm not a fan of the ride/drive of the Forester. It's of markedly less quality in NVH and interior fit and finish. I couldn't wait to give back my loaner Foresters (which were brand new cars) and get my OB back.

For the price, there are much better vehicles, IMO. If I wanted to drive a metal garbage can (only thing I can relate the feeling of driving a Forester to), I would have saved about $20k and put a motorcycle engine on the can sitting at the end of my driveway.

Can you tell I'm not a fan? LOL.

Thanks. I understand about liking the OB vs. Forester (or simply not liking the Forester at all), but haven't quite found a better vehicle in terms of awd, clearance, and handling like a car than a base model Forester ... except for maybe the Rav (which I haven't test driven).

[FaceOnMars]

Originally Posted by bradysplace

Hi Face, my wife and I have purchased (within the last two and a half months) one new 2011 ob limited and one new forester. Mine= ob hers= forester. We live in perry park, larkspur colo and get a fair amount of snow - reason for the purchase. They both share the awd system but thats it! My limited feels much more plush yet handles as well as her forester. You can't compare the interiors (please understand this is all just my opinion), the ride or the amount of room for storage. The back seats of the ob are much more comfortable than the F. The room for cargo is greater in the ob. And most important these days - I get at least 4 more mpg than she does. (mine is 2.5/cvt - more than enough go juice for towing and the mountains) hers automatic 2.5. I know she doesn't check this site often so I can comfortably say "I'm very glad I have the ob and not the F". The price diff isn't that much if you keep your car for a while. I wouldn't worry about this shake issue. Far more new ob's do not have the shake issue than do. Simply test drive your specific car before spending any money. Honestly you cant go wrong with either car but you wanted to hear "opinions". So there ya go!

Thanks Brady. I appreciate your take on the some of the more subtle aspects of the vehicle ... which can certainly add up. It's kind of funny, because I'll probably go after a base model of whatever vehicle, yet the last two Subarus I've owned were definitely higher packages (as they both had all leather interiors). So, I've kind of gotten used to nicer - although older - vehicles.

Yeah, I plan on thoroughly test driving whatever vehicle it is, but would still be very wary of an OB becoming a shaker over time.