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> > I've been doing a lot of reading mostly pro and some con about the
> > 2009 Forester. Maybe some current owners can help shed some light on a > > few issues.
>
> > First, a number of user reviews seem to mention problems with rattling
> > noises in the car. How typical is this? Were these just some new model
> > bugs that have been worked out?
>
> > Also, what's the scoop on the 4-speed auto transmission? It seems a
> > bit outdated in the world of 5- and even 6-speed versions. Couple of
> > questions about this:
>
> > The USAToday car reviewer, James Healy, said there was too much delay
> > before downshifts. How much of an issue is this?
>
> > Also, is the 4th gear an overdrive?
>
> > Thanks much.
>
> I recently was looking for a Forester type vehicle and having had a Subar= u
> in the past felt confident I would end up with an Outback or Forester. Af= ter
> all looking at specs for lots of vehicles the Outback, Forester, RAV4 and
> Escape ended up on my shortlist. After spending time with each of these I
> ended up purchasing the RAV4.
>
> There were two main reasons I did not purchase the Forester in spite of
> glowing reviews. The primary one is that IMO the quality of interior
> materials was significantly downgraded as part of the redesign. To a less= er
> extent the engine and drivetrain in the Subaru products is a couple of
> generations behind Toyota. You are correct in your assessment of the 4 sp= eed
> auto. This is especially pertinent if you chose the normally aspirated
> engine. If you chose the higher horsepower engine offered by Subaru there= is
> the added expense of turbo maintenance over the life of the vehicle and t= he
> need for premium fuel. All of these vehicles are relatively heavy and whi= le
> 170hp is certainly adequate for most situations passing at highway speeds= in
> a two lane uphill situation, for example in the Mountainous West where I
> live, can become unnecessarily exciting. For this reason I wanted the hig= her
> HP versions of the vehicles I was looking at.
>
> If I had been able to feel comfortable with the base engine then I would
> have chosen the Outback. I did not feel I could live with the quality of
> materials and interior design in the Forester or Escape. Wanting the high= er
> horsepower engine burning 87 octane fuel I ended up with the RAV4. >
> The Forester is an excellent vehicle and would serve most owners well. Th= at
> being said Subaru has not invested in powertrain improvements the way muc= h
> of the competition has and it is beginning to show.
>
> I hope this helps your decision making.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
By all means, test drive them all. Guy that just bought a 2009 Forester said the RAV4 felt too "trucky" to him. I have '03 and '08 Foresters and am happy with both. Have not driven the '09 but I like its looks.