2015 Forester 2.0

[Pocus]

Test drove Forester NA yesterday, was really surprised and impressed by the handling, steering feel, and also the pick up. The rear space was also very good. Only nitpick was perhaps the interior, especially the instrument cluster display could be updated to the color TFT screen found in the XV.

My concern was whether the transmission and differential fluids need to be changed every 20k as indicated on MI website as this increases the overall maintenance cost by quite a bit. To my knowledge, most Jap cars (auto or CVT) probably need to change the transmission fluid every 40k.

If its indicated in MI means its part of the servicing checklist ba. Dont think you want to skip that.

 

Since its AWD, have to be prepared for addition all maintenance.

 

Actually imho 20k a safe timing for fluid change, esp for sensitive CVTs.

 

My old colt I resquested 20k change too although they say 30k, since its know to fail prematurely. Glad I did though, the box lasted me till now after 8yrs.

Oh yeah, for those concern, the CVT pd of the Foresters are chain driven, not belt driven unlike traditional CVT. Its supposed to be more durable and able to take the power and torque produced.

 

That's also why the typical "rubberband" effect of CVT cannot really be felt in the Foresters.

[Sgmanwtf]

Has a car been allocated to you and your loan approved yet? If not, why pay in full? For my case, SE asked me to pay in full because car has been allocated, loan approved.

Hey bro,

Thks for the info. That question was asked on behalf of my bro who probably in the same situation as u r .. loan approved and car coming in April. But we all no experience as both of us had ,the drive away on 2k deposit 9 yrs plus ago.. hahahaha

[Jamesgetz]

All colors look nice on chio FL forester. I realized the easiest way to differentiate FXT vs FNA - silver color rack vs black color

 

http://www.subaru.asia/sg/en/vehicles/forester/16my/?pg=introduction

 

bumper is the easiest to tell.  the fog lamp area of the bumper is vastly different

[forester2016]

Was told by SE that the boss want 300 out of the 400 shipment registered by 31 mar but likely collect 1st week april. maybe for accounting purpose.

[Djcoolmax]

If its indicated in MI means its part of the servicing checklist ba. Dont think you want to skip that.

 

Since its AWD, have to be prepared for addition all maintenance.

 

Actually imho 20k a safe timing for fluid change, esp for sensitive CVTs.

 

My old colt I resquested 20k change too although they say 30k, since its know to fail prematurely. Glad I did though, the box lasted me till now after 8yrs.

Oh yeah, for those concern, the CVT pd of the Foresters are chain driven, not belt driven unlike traditional CVT. Its supposed to be more durable and able to take the power and torque produced.

 

That's also why the typical "rubberband" effect of CVT cannot really be felt in the Foresters.

 

"rubberband" effect not due to chain or rubberbelt lah.. it's the way CVT works. hehe

[jg2000]

Test drove Forester NA yesterday, was really surprised and impressed by the handling, steering feel, and also the pick up. The rear space was also very good. Only nitpick was perhaps the interior, especially the instrument cluster display could be updated to the color TFT screen found in the XV.

My concern was whether the transmission and differential fluids need to be changed every 20k as indicated on MI website as this increases the overall maintenance cost by quite a bit. To my knowledge, most Jap cars (auto or CVT) probably need to change the transmission fluid every 40k.

 

You are asking about overall maintenance costs.

If there are more things to be done but costs are still comparable to other cars, then I don't think you will mind.

 

Subaru AD maintenance costs can be found here if you are not taking package (pay each maintenance)

http://www.subaru.asia/sg/en/owners/aftersales/media/service_packages/service_maintenance.pdf

 

Have checked for XV against other brands, XV is similar or cheaper than others.

You can check for Forester to see if also similar/cheaper.

 

[Tohto]

Was told by SE that the boss want 300 out of the 400 shipment registered by 31 mar but likely collect 1st week april. maybe for accounting purpose.

 

Wow, that's mean by 1st week of April, at least 300 new Forester roll out on the street.

 

Just called my SE and was informed my white colour XT shipment will only arrive in April, as per previous communicate when I signed the order. 

[Julian99]

really informative, appreciate your inputs and feedback here. especially useful for buyers still considering this beast. I've test drove the forester XT and the outback, quite undecided between the 2. in terms of power/drive - both are almost identical (unless I floor the XT) in terms of rigidity and handling (I also test drove the levrog but the floaty suspension was a deal breaker for me); space - outback has a slight edge with the slightly longer boot and built-in crossbars; comfort - outback wins with its luxury creature comforts

 

what i wanna know, from guys with the forester rides already, does the 'dual-zone climate control' give enough AC to the rear? My current ride has rear AC, so I dunno if the Forester's lack thereof would be an issue with my passengers (namely my kids) - they've said they can't tell the difference - hoping to get feedback from guys who've been driving the forester for a while.

 

 

[Tohto]

really informative, appreciate your inputs and feedback here. especially useful for buyers still considering this beast. I've test drove the forester XT and the outback, quite undecided between the 2. in terms of power/drive - both are almost identical (unless I floor the XT) in terms of rigidity and handling (I also test drove the levrog but the floaty suspension was a deal breaker for me); space - outback has a slight edge with the slightly longer boot and built-in crossbars; comfort - outback wins with its luxury creature comforts

 

what i wanna know, from guys with the forester rides already, does the 'dual-zone climate control' give enough AC to the rear? My current ride has rear AC, so I dunno if the Forester's lack thereof would be an issue with my passengers (namely my kids) - they've said they can't tell the difference - hoping to get feedback from guys who've been driving the forester for a while.

 

I did not test drive this before, but was surprised you mention the suspension floaty. So far all the review I had read locally and oversea all mention it had one of the best suspension set up. Comparable to many conti sport saloon.

I suspect the test car tyre pressure may be over inflated like all the new delivery car, thus causing the floaty feel.

[Julian99]

I did not test drive this before, but was surprised you mention the suspension floaty. So far all the review I had read locally and oversea all mention it had one of the best suspension set up. Comparable to many conti sport saloon.

I suspect the test car tyre pressure may be over inflated like all the new delivery car, thus causing the floaty feel.

 

more like under-inflated. Over-inflated tyres will give you a hard/firm ride... 

[GoodCar]

Under inflation will give a ＂draggy＂ ride。

 

One way to tell is to coast your vehicle towards the red light，

 

1）An under inflated tyre will feel draggy

2）A properly inflated tyre will feel nice

3）an overly inflated tyre will feel very smooth will little resistance。

 

But （B） is recommended。

 

Don't want to go into those physics of how the weight， temperature， speed n dynamic。

 

[thumbsup

Edited March 21, 2016 by GoodCar

[Jamesgetz]

Got DRL or not?

 

2016 FL model has.  pre-FL need to install aftermarket controller to trigger the DRL

[4orester]

http://www.subaru.asia/sg/en/vehicles/forester/16my/?pg=introduction

 

bumper is the easiest to tell. the fog lamp area of the bumper is vastly different

Oh I just realized there is difference at the fog lamp area!

[Yysiong]

Hey.. how is the FC of forester 2.0NA? I am mixed between xtrail and harrier

[Jasofc]

Saw a XT with podup speedometer on the windscreen. Car number 7272. If you are reading now. Dun mind to share where you install it?     

[4orester]

Hey.. how is the FC of forester 2.0NA? I am mixed between xtrail and harrier

I'll tell you in mid Apr. sgcarmart says 12.2 km per litre.

[Ewennst]

Hey.. how is the FC of forester 2.0NA? I am mixed between xtrail and harrier

6 months old, 8000km, 60 to 70% Highway, average 8.8L/100km, ~11.3km/L.

[4orester]

6 months old, 8000km, 60 to 70% Highway, average 8.8L/100km, ~11.3km/L.

Nice, around the same as my previous 1.6 koup