The iQ is dead, long live the Subaru.

The worlds worst car has been traded in. The iQ is gone, never has a car been so close to being great, maybe even a little before its time, but been so bloody far off in so many small ways to make it completely unlivable. So it has been sent to the great car auction in the sky.

I really wanted a manual wagonish, something that I could take camping, would fit a 9 6' surfboard on the roof. Something where I could use it everyday that would let me sell the viper if I wanted and go completely nuts on a exotic.

So picked up a 2014 Forester, Manual Premium car. Heck I can fit my surf kayak in the car with the seat down. Not sure its really considered a wagon though its a bit too high and not exactly long enough. But Volvo calls the XC70 a wagon so who knows.

The outback was way to big and had nowhere near the site-lines.

Need to get a acutal picture but this is the general idea.

In reply to wearymicrobe:

Doesn't this vehicle use a 2.5L version of the lightweight 2.0L from the latest Impreza?

Or is it a carryover 2.5L (170hp / SOHC / intake-side lobe-swapping)?

b13990 wrote: In reply to wearymicrobe: Doesn't this vehicle use a 2.5L version of the lightweight 2.0L from the latest Impreza? Or is it a carryover 2.5L (170hp / SOHC / intake-side lobe-swapping)?

I think it is the 2.5L from the Impreza but I have no clue. The power is fine, given high MPG I would assume that its the newer motor.

wearymicrobe wrote:

b13990 wrote: In reply to wearymicrobe: Doesn't this vehicle use a 2.5L version of the lightweight 2.0L from the latest Impreza? Or is it a carryover 2.5L (170hp / SOHC / intake-side lobe-swapping)?

I think it is the 2.5L from the Impreza but I have no clue. The power is fine, given high MPG I would assume that its the newer motor.

The Impreza got a 2.0L direct injection motor for 2012 or 2013. I did some research, and 6-speed 2014 Foresters still get the "old" 2.5L Impreza/Forester motor. This is not a bad thing, in my book... the "new" 2.0L motor lacks about 25hp in comparison. The "old" motor is still basically the same platform that the 2002 WRX had. It's a big bore design that was built to accommodate boost.

I have this same 2.5L in my 2009 Impreza and I'm glad I got one before the new tech took over (smaller bore, CVTs, and so on). It's a solid setup.

I have thought one of those would be a good replacement for my BMW X5 down the road. It is about the only other vehicle in the class that you can get with a manual. BMW does not make them anymore.

Chris

wearymicrobe wrote: I really wanted a manual wagonish, something that I could take camping, would fit a 9 6' surfboard on the roof.

And you say the iQ wouldn't work?

The Forester has grown so much. It was once a wider, taller old Legacy, now it's a wider, taller new Legacy. Both are too big.

Hmm...

2002 Forester Premium(Manual)
$24,420
175.2" long 99" wheelbase
68.3" Wide, 65" tall
32 cubic ft cargo (63.1 seats down)
Curb Weight 3200lbs

2014 Forester Premium(manual)
$24,320
180.9" Long 104" wheelbase
70.7" wide, 68.2" Tall
34.4 cubic Ft Cargo (74.7 seats down)
Curb Weight 3285lbs

Your right it's Grown so much... It's 5" longer with all of that between the wheels (An adult can sit in the back now) a Ginormous 2.5" wider & 3.2" taller with about 10% more space. It weighs a wopping 85lbs more than it did back when people Fawned over them and costs an Inflation adjusted $6500 LESS. Guess what the "Monsterous" outback is about the same amount bigger than the old one. It appears the Subaru's are "growing" but Subaru as a whole is offering more space, and More base features and MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS for the same weight (My 2013 WRX is 3120lbs.. one of the lightest ever imported to the US), for less money than the cars where 10 years ago. This is basically opposite the rest of the Auto Industry.

Jerry wrote:

wearymicrobe wrote: I really wanted a manual wagonish, something that I could take camping, would fit a 9 6' surfboard on the roof.

And you say the iQ wouldn't work?

I I actually strapped the surfboard to the roof a few times, and I can fit my road bike inside the IQ. It was not fun or even tolerable but doable.

Plus my board hung over both ends of the car by quite a bit. I wish I had taken a picture. I have a 12 foot touring kayak as well and that would have been a hoot to trap to the roof.

nocones wrote: Hmm... 2002 Forester Premium(Manual) $24,420 175.2" long 99" wheelbase 68.3" Wide, 65" tall 32 cubic ft cargo (63.1 seats down) Curb Weight 3200lbs 2014 Forester Premium(manual) $24,320 180.9" Long 104" wheelbase 70.7" wide, 68.2" Tall 34.4 cubic Ft Cargo (74.7 seats down) Curb Weight 3285lbs Your right it's Grown so much... It's 5" longer with all of that between the wheels (An adult can sit in the back now) a Ginormous 2.5" wider & 3.2" taller with about 10% more space. It weighs a wopping 85lbs more than it did back when people Fawned over them and costs an Inflation adjusted $6500 LESS. Guess what the "Monsterous" outback is about the same amount bigger than the old one. It appears the Subaru's are "growing" but Subaru as a whole is offering more space, and More base features and MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS for the same weight (My 2013 WRX is 3120lbs.. one of the lightest ever imported to the US), for less money than the cars where 10 years ago. This is basically opposite the rest of the Auto Industry.

Point taken, although I wouldn't write off 85lbs. as insignificant.

The real tragedy in my opinion is the proliferation of high-res color screens in today's autos. I can't see myself nursing that crap back to life in my driveway the way I did with the cars of the 70s and 80s. And cars that have apps, plug-ins (e.g. to Pandora) and such will be obsolete in a couple years. That's all fine for the typical consumer, but it does nothing for me.

PHeller wrote: The Forester has grown so much. It was once a wider, taller old Legacy, now it's a wider, taller new Legacy. Both are too big.

Actually, I believe it was a wider, taller old Impreza... which is really just further proof of your point.

b13990 wrote:

nocones wrote: Your right it's Grown so much... It's 5" longer with all of that between the wheels (An adult can sit in the back now) a Ginormous 2.5" wider & 3.2" taller with about 10% more space. It weighs a wopping 85lbs more than it did back when people Fawned over them and costs an Inflation adjusted $6500 LESS. Guess what the "Monsterous" outback is about the same amount bigger than the old one. It appears the Subaru's are "growing" but Subaru as a whole is offering more space, and More base features and MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS for the same weight (My 2013 WRX is 3120lbs.. one of the lightest ever imported to the US), for less money than the cars where 10 years ago. This is basically opposite the rest of the Auto Industry.

Point taken, although I wouldn't write off 85lbs. as insignificant. The real tragedy in my opinion is the proliferation of high-res color screens in today's autos. I can't see myself nursing that crap back to life in my driveway the way I did with the cars of the 70s and 80s. And cars that have apps, plug-ins (e.g. to Pandora) and such will be obsolete in a couple years. That's all fine for the typical consumer, but it does nothing for me.

The base model is really base. No funny screens, no apps, just a Subaru with a manual transmission. I loved the thing. If I could get have gotten it with the better wheels and tint for maybe 400$ more I would have.

My dealer told me that they have a pretty solid number of people who come in and order just the base manual car with decent regularity because they like the simple/repairable

But for an extra 1500 all the other stuff that comes along with it including the heated seats and the better reclining rear seats and the bigger stereo along with the wheels and tint it just made sense.

Wanted to add that buying this car was the easiest experience that I have ever had, did everything over the net. Just walked in and dropped of a check. Both Subaru dealers that I dealt with when looking were both on the ball. Not palatial dealerships but man did they know the product. Also both staffed by a surprising amount of women salesladies.

In reply to wearymicrobe:

That's all good to hear, and it mostly reflects my 2009 experience. I was pretty desperate when I bought my Impreza, but I still feel like I got a really good deal. (It doesn't always work out that way...)

I bought the only Impreza on the lot at the time, and I did get steel wheels with plastic covers. It's not as horrible as it sounds; you don't have to take off the covers for any reason other than replacing them. The dealer (and my wife) were suggesting a Legacy, but that wasn't happening.

At the time, I was really glad that the car ended up being white. Had it been, say, blue, I still would have bought it, but it would really have reduced my love for the car. Blue is the optical equivalent of fingers-on-a-blackboard for me. I have blue eyes and I've been thinking about getting brown contacts.

you went from one vehicle with horrible interior build quality to another congrats :). At least you upgraded in space!

AWD is for sissies too.

If I had to replace the Mazda5 it would be with your new car. Nice choice. I don't really get the press's fondness for bashing the new Subarus as compared to the mk1 Fozzie, though I'll admit I've driven neither new nor old.

I have sat in both, in front and back, and I certainly prefer the newer Subarus in that department.

Also, I really really want to like the new XV Crosstrek, but darned if it ain't more expensive than the Fozzie. What's the point?

This sounds like a Goldilocks purchase experience in the making.

The iQ was toooo small.
The Forester was toooo big.

The ?????? is juuuust right.

...to be continued...

Bryce

I want an XT. Love that grey color in the pic, too. I think Subaru actually calls that a blue.

Meh, I still prefer the 2012 version, I just wish I had a 6th gear! I haven't looked at the actual stats but it looks to have a bit less ground clearance than my version too, but that's just eye-balling it.

I supposed I'll be on the look out for a wrecked one to steal the transmission from! :)

mattmacklind wrote: I want an XT. Love that grey color in the pic, too. I think Subaru actually calls that a blue.

XT only comes in an automatic (in the states) or I'd be driving one.

DirtyBird222 wrote: you went from one vehicle with horrible interior build quality to another congrats :). At least you upgraded in space! AWD is for sissies too.

Well, what about LSDs? Are they for sissies, too? Hell, even an open differential is technically overkill. Real men use only a single driven wheel. You get all the advantages of a "spool," without the torque bind and the humiliating wimpiness of extra drive wheels.

I've always liked the unpretentiousness of Foresters. They seemed to be SUVs for people who actually used them as such, and not merely another puffed-up station wagon. I'm concerned that they might be creeping upscale too far. Glad to hear a good report about one.

Did you do an IQ thread? They look like a lot of fun, and are ideal for scoring those tight urban parking spaces that one gets in places like San Francisco. But obviously you hate yours. Why?

kreb wrote: I've always liked the unpretentiousness of Foresters. They seemed to be SUVs for people who actually used them as such, and not merely another puffed-up station wagon. I'm concerned that they might be creeping upscale too far. Glad to hear a good report about one. Did you do an IQ thread? They look like a lot of fun, and are ideal for scoring those tight urban parking spaces that one gets in places like San Francisco. But obviously you hate yours. Why?

It was a love hate thing. I could park anywhere, its revs real fast, good bit of storage inside. I might have just gotten a lemon.

The bad is to long to list. Bu the big ones are.

On the freeway it gets blown around like a leaf (Expected)

It started to creak and groan at about 700 miles, then everything started to make noise.

The motor mounts let go.

When you went around a corner to fast all the airbag lights would light up and flash but not the traction control, occasionally the airbag for the passenger would not turn on if someone light was in the seat.

Two shields came loose

The wind noise was horrible once up to speed, did not do this for the few couple months.

Gas mileage was 29mpg which is weird as I normally get over the EPA when I drive on the freeway where it was rated ~40.

The stereo would waffle back and forth between HD and not.

The bluetooth made me sound like a screeching daemon with whoever I was talking with.

Car would take huge hits over potholes.

The CVT transmission was just dog crap.

Additionally it really needs heavier swaybars, and just a hair more power.

btw - it's fun to see a post from a surf kayaker. I used to prowl the West Coast every weekend with my 9' pintail standup board and a couple of UFO surf kayaks. Good times!

accordionfolder wrote:

mattmacklind wrote: I want an XT. Love that grey color in the pic, too. I think Subaru actually calls that a blue.

XT only comes in an automatic (in the states) or I'd be driving one.

I actually want an auto! I'm a little iffy on the CVT though, which I think the autos are these days.

Nocones is my hero for looking up stats and posting them. There are plenty of valid targets to direct that unbridled growth annoyance at, but the forester isnt one of them. How about a bmw 3 series instead?