Choosing among the '10, '11, '12, and '13 OB

[Georgeh]

I actually like the front facia/fog lights of the 10-12 better than the '13, but the '13 suspension, and SAP, made it a no-brainer for me.

[AO River]

Originally Posted by Subyblue

That is a matter of opinion that I do not share.

That's fine, you get what you want and I get what I want

[SeanU]

The 2013's built after Aug. 2012 have received the IIHS TSP+ rating due to a change in the airbag programming. The FB25 Engine comes in the 2013's (which has been in the Forester since 2011) and not the prev. years. Also the 2013's have the suspension enhancements. Unless you are getting a great deal on a prior year model, I'd go with the 2013 with a drivers side door sticker build date newer than 8/12.

[edawg]

Originally Posted by SeanU

The 2013's built after Aug. 2012 have received the IIHS TSP+ rating due to a change in the airbag programming. The FB25 Engine comes in the 2013's (which has been in the Forester since 2011) and not the prev. years. Also the 2013's have the suspension enhancements. Unless you are getting a great deal on a prior year model, I'd go with the 2013 with a drivers side door sticker build date newer than 8/12.

++1! And if you do find a 'great' deal on 2010-2012 this time of year from a dealer, chances are its one of the problem cars mentioned on this forum. FWIW, I have both 2010 and 2013 cars in the family and both are perfect driving cars. Buy the 2013 and just 'cry once' knowing you have good family ride for a decade. Buy a great deal used and cry often.

[AO River]

Originally Posted by edawg

Buy the 2013 and just 'cry once' knowing you have good family ride for a decade. Buy a great deal used and cry often.

-Chinese proverb

[Subyblue]

Originally Posted by AO River

That's fine, you get what you want and I get what I want

Nothing personal, but I was just talking about the front end styling. The comment I was refering to was on the looks of the 13 vs earlier, not engine, suspension, features, price or licensing fees.

[AO River]

Originally Posted by Subyblue

Nothing personal, but I was just talking about the front end styling. The comment I was refering to was on the looks of the 13 vs earlier, not engine, suspension, features, price or licensing fees.

Yeah that's cool, it's a good thing that you're in a '12 and I'm in a '13 because we both get what we want!

I walked out to my car yesterday afternoon and a coworker with an '11 had parked next to me, and it drove home that I really like the looks of the bigger fog lamps, black surrounds and revised grill - but to each his own!

[hiker74]

We went looking for a 2012 given that we thought we would get a better deal, but they were not discounting them that much last July 2012. The 2013's just came out and they were still selling at the same price. Other issue even 6 months later the 2012's and even 2011's for that matter hold their value way too much (good for future but when buying not cool). I figured on a 60 month loan it would be silly to go and get a 2012 for $300 less! We picked up a 2013 Premium 2.5i and never gave it a second thought. The 2013 also felt more planted and also seemed to be more refined from a ride perspective (smoother and less body roll on corners). The CVT also seemed more "shiftless" as it was supposed to be. The 2012 seems to wind out coming off the line and then once you got up to 30-ish mph it settled down and was virtually the same as the 2013. I also heard more creaks andd rattles in the 2012 than in the 2013 (may have just been the particular car I drove)

[DrD]

Given the choice, if I were going with the 2.5, I'd probably go with the '13 for the FB engine, updated CVT, and revised suspension. For the 3.6, the only real difference is the handling/cosmetic stuff, so whatever looks/feels best to you.

[Ifly1956]

I was looking for a used Outback, because it was going to be towed behind my motorhome. After test driving the 2013 model, I really liked it. The main reason I went with the 2013 was the change from a timing belt to a chain. I keep all my vehicles for a while, so that was one cost I didn't need to plan for. I also love have the oil filter on TOP of the motor too.

I got a 2.5 with the 6 sp manual, and since October I have average 28.8 mpg in city / highway driving. I took one interstate trip so far, and had 520 miles on one tank before needing to fill up. Too cold for A/C, so I presume in the summer mileage will drop.

Oh - and the Outback makes a GREAT 4 down toad behind my motorhome !