TE vs. 2014 Forester XT Advice

[McFly2003]

To anyone wondering about the original post, yes, indeed a subaru will act better in light snow as it's 4wd system is way faster and smoother to respond than our traction control/ATRAC gadgets. Of course in deep snow it will get high ce tered before the 4R.

I thought the same thing, but i have had both our current forester and all three of my previous subi's (all of which lowered) in snow up to at least the fog lights and while in some spots you do need to keep some momentum up, they never once left me stranded

 

[Tone]

I just don't like the new FXT and its CVT transmission. For the amount of power it is supposed to have its also a surprisingly slow car on paper.

I had an 07 Legacy GT with the 5 speed manual prior to this car and that thing was unbelievable! I just feel like Subaru has lost its edge now, they have become driving appliances that lack the personality they once had, and truth be told the reliability wasn't very good on my Sube.

FYI this is an updated CVT which is supposed to be much better.
I appreciate the fact many will not like it, but there's nothing slow about this car with a 0-60 time of 6.2 that blows everything in its class away. Also combined MPG of 25 is impressive. Requires super unleaded though...nets out to 5% impact on cost or 1mpg...

This reminds me of similar debates on the latest performance automatics. Now they're better than the manual and Porsche on its latest GT3 & Turbo ONLY offer an auto. It'll be the same with CVTs, just a matter of time...

 

[M1911]

This reminds me of similar debates on the latest performance automatics. Now they're better than the manual and Porsche on its latest GT3 & Turbo ONLY offer an auto.

Actually, they only offer a dual-clutch, automated manual transmission. They are not automatics -- that is, they don't have a torque converter. The technology of a dual-clutch transmission is very different from that of an automatic transmission.

 

[AG166]

I had a TE and it was great. Price wise, the TE is a lot more expensive. In terms of safety, I always say, "those with the most lug-nuts win" Subaru's are economical to drive and great in the snow. If your looking to tow or haul anything significant, I'd go 4Runner. Afterall, Toyota's are solid on resale value and 2nd to none in reliability.

 

[mdogg]

Other thing to ask is "Do I want to purchase a first model year of a new generation?"

 

[Tone]

Actually, they only offer a dual-clutch, automated manual transmission. They are not automatics -- that is, they don't have a torque converter. The technology of a dual-clutch transmission is very different from that of an automatic transmission.

Yes, you are correct. I meant that the manual gearbox is coming to an end & when the top performance models of a 911 are only offered with 2 pedals - that's a big change. I believe the same will happen with CVTs.

Other thing to ask is "Do I want to purchase a first model year of a new generation?"

This is a very good point. They say it's not as much of a risk now days, but reliability ratings still support a difference here.

 

[chmura]

Other thing to ask is "Do I want to purchase a first model year of a new generation?"

For a Japanese car like Honda, Toyota, Subaru, etc. I would not hesitate buying a first year model. For a European/American car I would never buy a first year vehicle though.

Plus the 2014 Subaru Forester engine is a carryover from 2013. So I would not hesitate buying the Subaru either because its the first year model.

Matter of fact I bought a first year 2012 CRV and its been a phenomenal vehicle.

 

[M1911]

Certainly CVTs will get better over time. At the moment though, I think they still suck. YMMV.