I'll have a 2010 Forester for a week; any questions I should look to answer?

[S204STi]

More painful then vehicles like the Chrysler vans where something as simple as changing the spark plug wires on the rear bank is a PITA?

Imagine doing a timing belt with it facing the bulkhead and you get the idea.  But like I said if they went to chain drive it would be ok, as long as nothing broke.  In which case you'd have to pull the motor...

[Raza]

I'll definitely go into detail on the cargo area. Were you also unable to get the trash can into your back seat?

Yup.  My rear door is very short, and that resulted in a too narrow opening for the trash can to fit through.  It was a rather large can though, 50 gallons or something like that.  I'm not talking kitchen size.

[Raza]

Mid engine is the best way to mount them, otherwise they have to hang off the front or rear axle centerline, which compromises handling.

Midship is the best way to mount any engine. 

[Maxxum]

1) does the whole vehicle still shake when you start the engine?
2) does the engine / muffler assembly growl from outside as if it is leaking or was made in 1950.
3) Is the greenhouse still exposed enough that it will heat up more than other vehicles? IOW, how is the tint (by visual observation, it seems they have worked on it).

Ours is 2.5 yr old, bought in April 2007 and those are my peeves with it. I like the power (and that is with base engine), fuel efficiency and the drive but it lacks refinement. I'm going to spend like 200 for a window tint sometime soon. The alloy wheels have gathered rusty outlines around the bolts, the rear door black lift handle is losing its coating and rusting.
My '04 accord OTOH, at 5+ years and 92K miles is still completely rust free.

[GoCougs]

1) does the whole vehicle still shake when you start the engine?
2) does the engine / muffler assembly growl from outside as if it is leaking or was made in 1950.
3) Is the greenhouse still exposed enough that it will heat up more than other vehicles? IOW, how is the tint (by visual observation, it seems they have worked on it).

Ours is 2.5 yr old, bought in April 2007 and those are my peeves with it. I like the power (and that is with base engine), fuel efficiency and the drive but it lacks refinement. I'm going to spend like 200 for a window tint sometime soon. The alloy wheels have gathered rusty outlines around the bolts, the rear door black lift handle is losing its coating and rusting.
My '04 accord OTOH, at 5+ years and 92K miles is still completely rust free.

4.) Does the Subaru boxer still sound like a sewing machine with all manner of clicks, squeaks and whirring?

[ifcar]

I didn't notice shaking, but I'll be on the look out for it. I'll also check the tint, but the big windows are definitely intentional and are definitely a big plus for visibility.

[ifcar]

Introduction and first photo gallery at the link below. The car is a 2.5X Limited 4-speed.

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-1017-DC-Car-Examiner~y2009m10d2-A-week-in-the-2010-Subaru-Forester-Day-1-introduction

[AutobahnSHO]

looks like a friggin suzuki or ha-yun-dah-yay or something..

Speaking of Subarus, I'm in NH right now. Like every 3rd vehicle is a subie. Wicked cool, ya know.

[Catman]

It's a nice car.

[Eye of the Tiger]

looks like a friggin suzuki or ha-yun-dah-yay or something..

Speaking of Subarus, I'm in NH right now. Like every 3rd vehicle is a subie. Wicked cool, ya know.

LOL.
Maine is the same, or worse. It's amazing.

[TBR]

4.) Does the Subaru boxer still sound like a sewing machine with all manner of clicks, squeaks and whirring?

I don't really notice any weird noises. To me it sounds like a regular engine with a twist. Not wrong, just different. I wouldn't necessarily say I like or dislike the sound either. It's a pretty good engine too, seeing as how it's more or a less a 10 year old design that's still competitive.

[Raza]

30 fucking thousand dollars for that underpowered piece!?

[TBR]

30 fucking thousand dollars for that underpowered piece!?

$29k and a similarly equipped, similarly powered CR-V costs $1.5k more.

Subaru does need to get a 5AT or 6AT into this thing.

[Autobahn]

$29k and a similarly equipped, similarly powered CR-V costs $1.5k more.

Subaru does need to get a 5AT or 6AT into this thing.

They need to get a 6AT in about everything.
While I enjoyed the overall experience with the Impreza rental I had in May in the US it was seriously hampered by the transmission. Same for the Legacy wagon rental I had 3 weeks ago in New Zealand, same 4AT that shifts a bit rough like the old MB ATs I remember from my parents W201s and W124s in the 90s. Otherwise I really liked the Subies....

[cawimmer430]

I want to know if people will ask you if you're either gay or lesbian if they see you driving a Subaru.      

[ifcar]

I want to know if people will ask you if you're either gay or lesbian if they see you driving a Subaru.     

They will if they see me driving around wearing a skirt today. (For a community theater production.)

[ifcar]

30 fucking thousand dollars for that underpowered piece!?

Only because it's fully loaded. Option it gently and it's less than the competition.

[omicron]

They will if they see me driving around wearing a skirt today. (For a community theater production.)

I shall have to douse myself with cold water after that revelation, Iffy.

[TBR]

Only because it's fully loaded. Option it gently and it's less than the competition.

Have your other loaners been loaded also?

[ifcar]

Have your other loaners been loaded also?

Yes. This is the first automatic, but the others all had every other available option.

[S204STi]

4.) Does the Subaru boxer still sound like a sewing machine with all manner of clicks, squeaks and whirring?

Depends.  My car, yes somewhat, especially with the windows down.  The newer Legacys cars don't as much.  Equal length exhausts and sound deadening helps with that.

[S204STi]

looks like a friggin suzuki or ha-yun-dah-yay or something..

Speaking of Subarus, I'm in NH right now. Like every 3rd vehicle is a subie. Wicked cool, ya know.

You're G-D right!

[CALL_911]

You're G-D right!

If I end up at Dartmouth, I'm gonna go out and get a WRX.

[Eye of the Tiger]

If I end up at Dartmouth, I'm gonna go out and get a WRX.

[S204STi]

If I end up at Dartmouth, I'm gonna go out and get a WRX.

That's cool, because then you could go down to the epic Subaru circle-jerk known as the "Wicked Big Meet" down in Mass.

[Eye of the Tiger]

That's cool, because then you could go down to the epic Subaru circle-jerk known as the "Wicked Big Meet" down in Mass.

I'll show up there in the Swift and own some lesbian noobs

[Submariner]

30 fucking thousand dollars for that underpowered piece!?

With a 4-speed auto, to boot!

[cawimmer430]

They will if they see me driving around wearing a skirt today. (For a community theater production.)

Are you playing the princess or a Scotsman? 

[Submariner]

Are you playing the princess or a Scotsman? 

Nope, the tranny in: Wimmer Finds True Love. 

[cawimmer430]

Ifcar in a skirt? Holy shit, I am getting a boner just thinking about that!