> I'm probably going to buy a new Forester soon, but I'm undecided on >> the features.
>>
>> Is the XS worth the extra $2000 over the X? The only mechanical
>> features of XS seems to be the rear disk breaks and a limited slip
>> differential. How imporant/helpful are these? Am I overlooking
>> anything?
EVeryone made some very good points. but IMHO the *best* reason would be the BIG HONKEN MOONROOF!!!! No, seriously, There are alot of little things that make the difference, i.e the brakes etc. but you gotta love that moonroof!
Mike
> We have two 99 S-model Foresters and have been very happy with them, our
>first ever Subarus. We have had minor problems in our 62,000 and 67,000
>miles, but our next vehicles will likely be Foresters, or at least Subarus
>if not this model. I got ours when the limited slip differential was either
>a separate option or not available yet (memory fails me), but we did get
>with our S-model price increase: rear disc brakes, heated seats & mirrors,
>16" wheels, color options, and some other things, I think. I consider rear
>discs and limited slip very important options, and wish we could have gotten
>limited slip. That option (or lack of it) is likely to push us to buy
>another one sooner than later, though we may drive these into the ground
>(that'll be a long time from now, I expect.) If I were in your shoes and the
>difference were the whole package difference, I wouldn't even have to think
>about it; $2000 is well worth the difference in options TO ME.
>
>> Also, manual vs automatic transmission: any big differences beyond the
>> obvious? (taste and convinience) I read the the different
>> transmissions bring different AWD systems. Is there much difference in
>> terms of reliability or performance? (for subarus/foresters
>> specifically, not in general)
>
> There are two different systems at work in manuals and automatics. Both
>of ours are automatics, and in my opinion, they work beautifully. We live in
>the mountains of VA (USA) and they do wonderfully in snow or rain. I don't
>intend to buy another manual transmission again. Automatics are
>significantly better than days of old, and I find the Forester transmissions
>in ours to be superb in terms of smooth operation and good use of torque
>throughout speed ranges. Some have complained of jerkiness at certain
>points, and we had some minor concerns with a move into 2nd gear when we
>first got one of these cars, but to be honest, we have forgotten all about
>it. Maybe just got used to it, or maybe it is less pronounced than it used
>to be, I can't honestly say.
> As far as reliability, I do think I have read more about problems with
>clutches than with automatics, but that is just my impression. I think the
>more important question would be what you intend to do with the car and what
>you are used to. I don't want to have to constantly deal with a clutch, even
>though I do find manuals fun to drive ON OCCASION, but not every day, and
>not when you have a sore leg or foot, etc. I also would prefer an automatic
>for towing, though folks argue about which is better. I tow a small trailer
>with pretty hefty loads from time to time and the auto does great, even on
>long climbs, as long as I stay active with the pedal and use the shifter to
>hold the proper gear.
> I would also speak to the fellow who is hung on Mitsubishis. No way is
>the Forester weak. It is VERY peppy (better than the Outback, which he
>should have noted if that was important to him; the Forester is a lighter
>vehicle, and it does make some difference.) I personally don't need any more
>power (and I drive quite fast and demand that a vehicle hold it's speed up
>even on long, steep climbs) and the current trend toward higher powered
>engines greatly disturbs me.
> We in the USA (and maybe elsewhere but I can't say) are guilty of
>sacrificing lots of fuel for the occasional need (wish?) to drive insane
>speeds or just to say we have a huge engine under the hood. I admit that
>some powerplants do get used to haul heavy loads, though most do not. I
>personally find this disgusting, even if I do drive on the faster end of
>traffic. The Forester provides plenty in that regard. Most of the
>overpowered stuff out there is totally wasted and will never come into play
>in the real world. That's my opinion.