2019 5th Generation Subaru Forester (SK)

[titaniclexus]

Tested both the old and new FNA, TBH, the old one feels more nimble and a much smaller car. The new FNA really feels much bigger (maybe the illusion by the boxier hood). Never drove a Subaru before, the steering feels light, a bit too light coming from a old Honda CRV user. Too many buttons around, will need some time to get us to i guess. Maybe the new FNA will only shine in poor condition with its new chassis.. SG road dont think we can enjoy it much.

 

Yes, alot of buttons around.... when got my FNA last year end, also confuse what for?.... actually dun need take some time, cos most of the buttons you will not often use and not useful too.... lolzz

 

Edited November 19, 2018 by titaniclexus

[0fftangent]

Hi  Folks, 

 

 

Not sure if its the appropriate thread to ask this question.  

 

 

I am torn between choosing the old FNA (SJ?) at 91,800 (after 2k  non guranteed and 2k new buyer discount)  and the Mitsubishi Outlander (at 106,800) 

 

1st time buyer and not that astute about ins and outs of car though i been driving for past few years. 

Forester 
Pros: 
- Drives feel more powerful 
- Sun roof 
- Price 

Cons: 
- concerns about aircon issues mentioned , are there any other common Forester issues?

 

- been told tt buying old model usually means harder to sell at good value for 2nd hand,  is this true? 

 

- Lower PARF

 

 

Outlander: 

 

Pros 
- More seating and space
- Higher PARF

 

 

Cons 

 

-No sun roof 
- Price 

 

 

Please let me know your thoughts if you may :) 

 

 

[MQX87511]

Yes, there is 1st time 2k, which i got also. 

Checked the price, there is 10k VES? 

very strange, 2013 Forester NA VES $0 surcharge, how come 2019 Forester NA got 10k VES surcharge, which means Subaru technology step back 

[MQX87511]

 

Hi  Folks, 

 

 

 

Not sure if its the appropriate thread to ask this question.  

 

 

 

I am torn between choosing the old FNA (SJ?) at 91,800 (after 2k  non guranteed and 2k new buyer discount)  and the Mitsubishi Outlander (at 106,800) 

 

1st time buyer and not that astute about ins and outs of car though i been driving for past few years. 

 

Forester 

Pros: 

- Drives feel more powerful --- quite subjective, depends on what car currently

- Sun roof --- don't think it's a pro in our all summer season country

- Price 

 

Cons: 

- concerns about aircon issues mentioned , are there any other common Forester issues?--- don't think Forester got AC issue, are you referring to no rear AC?

 

- been told tt buying old model usually means harder to sell at good value for 2nd hand,  is this true? --- True

 

- Lower PARF--- Agreed

 

 

 

Outlander: 

 

Pros 

- More seating and space --- don't think its interior specious than Forester

- Higher PARF --- Agreed

 

 

 

Cons 

 

-No sun roof --- don't think its Con in all summer season country

- Price --- Higher PARF and OMV

 

 

 

Please let me know your thoughts if you may :) 

 

see my comments in blue for your reference

[Sentosahill]

very strange, 2013 Forester NA VES $0 surcharge, how come 2019 Forester NA got 10k VES surcharge, which means Subaru technology step back 

 Yes, exactly the same thought. Does it means 2013 FNA, the engine is being throttled, so that emission count was reduced? 

[Rayoflight]

It was my frst time trying out the FNA thou. Between the FXT and FNA, the drive is heaven and earth.. Totally different DNA.

 

The FNA felt very raw as you climb the RPMs (felt like rubber band gearshifts) and even though both uses CVT, the FXT drive was so much more engaging. Gearshifts are clear and precise on FXT especially on Sports # mode.

After you tried the FXT, then you'll feel FNA really pales in comparison.

 

Subaru should have saved their Forester line up with a Turbocharged variant.

 

For normal drivers, it's definitely a OK SUV to be in but 20K+ difference is too much to stomach for a "facelift".

 

I mean, if a buyer with a good budget goes around and tries a VW, Peugeot, Renault or any other Conti cars.. even a BMW 2series, they most likely will not step back into Subaru for the NA Forester. That's my own opinion la.

Edited November 19, 2018 by Rayoflight

[MQX87511]

It was my frst time trying out the FNA thou. Between the FXT and FNA, the drive is heaven and earth.. Totally different DNA.

 

The FNA felt very raw as you climb the RPMs (felt like rubber band gearshifts) and even though both uses CVT, the FXT drive was so much more engaging. Gearshifts are clear and precise on FXT especially on Sports # mode.

 

After you tried the FXT, then you'll feel FNA really pales in comparison.

 

Subaru should have saved their Forester line up with a Turbocharged variant.

 

For normal drivers, it's definitely a OK SUV to be in but 20K+ difference is too much to stomach for a "facelift".

 

I mean, if a buyer with a good budget goes around and tries a VW, Peugeot, Renault or any other Conti cars.. even a BMW 2series, they most likely will not step back into Subaru for the NA Forester. That's my own opinion la.

Subaru is considering 2020 FXT equipped WRX engine 2.0T with 264bhp/370Nm + 6MT, definitely Singapore will not import

[Baxternext]

Saw the car

Quite a nice car and quite good

Subaru ups their game

If only they improve fuel efficiency it would be wonderful

Anyone considering, I recommend go for it, it's a nice car and it's quite spacious and comfortable

Design has improved as well

Go for it

Well done Subaru

[Hide88]

 Yes, exactly the same thought. Does it means 2013 FNA, the engine is being throttled, so that emission count was reduced? 

TBH this is the biggest mystery on how did new FNA can be worse off. Reports saying it is more fuel saving, but in actual sense burn more?

[DACH]

Subaru is considering 2020 FXT equipped WRX engine 2.0T with 264bhp/370Nm + 6MT, definitely Singapore will not import

 

If people are willing to pay, why not?

[richard_crl032]

see my comments in blue for your reference

Hi MQX,

 

Quite many foresters had their aircon radiator changed because of leak.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

 

Hi Folks,

 

Not sure if its the appropriate thread to ask this question.

 

I am torn between choosing the old FNA (SJ?) at 91,800 (after 2k non guranteed and 2k new buyer discount) and the Mitsubishi Outlander (at 106,800)

1st time buyer and not that astute about ins and outs of car though i been driving for past few years.

 

Forester

Pros:

- Drives feel more powerful

- Sun roof

- Price

 

Cons:

- concerns about aircon issues mentioned , are there any other common Forester issues?

- been told tt buying old model usually means harder to sell at good value for 2nd hand, is this true?

- Lower PARF

 

Outlander:

Pros

- More seating and space

- Higher PARF

 

Cons

-No sun roof

- Price

 

Please let me know your thoughts if you may :)

Hi Tangent,

 

Not sure about the Outlander or new 2019 forester and if you test drove both but fna and worst still fxt with stiffer suspension to handle all the power have less than ideal ride .. it is floaty and jarring and hence many of us try to improve it with arb, pink springs and various suspension setups.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

[richard_crl032]

Subaru is considering 2020 FXT equipped WRX engine 2.0T with 264bhp/370Nm + 6MT, definitely Singapore will not import

Hi MQX,

 

Do not believe there will be a 2020fxt while hybrid had been officially announced by even MI ... there are simply not enough buyers to justify big R&D $ and hence none in the 1st place.

 

USA which the biggest market for Subaru had the 2.5l which buyers there prefer for offroad and rough terrain.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Saw the car

Quite a nice car and quite good

Subaru ups their game

If only they improve fuel efficiency it would be wonderful

Anyone considering, I recommend go for it, it's a nice car and it's quite spacious and comfortable

Design has improved as well

Go for it

Well done Subaru

Hi Baxter,

 

Quite sure they tried but boxer engine and AWD kill FC.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Edited November 19, 2018 by richard_crl032

[richard_crl032]

It was my frst time trying out the FNA thou. Between the FXT and FNA, the drive is heaven and earth.. Totally different DNA.

 

The FNA felt very raw as you climb the RPMs (felt like rubber band gearshifts) and even though both uses CVT, the FXT drive was so much more engaging. Gearshifts are clear and precise on FXT especially on Sports # mode.

 

After you tried the FXT, then you'll feel FNA really pales in comparison.

 

Subaru should have saved their Forester line up with a Turbocharged variant.

 

For normal drivers, it's definitely a OK SUV to be in but 20K+ difference is too much to stomach for a "facelift".

 

I mean, if a buyer with a good budget goes around and tries a VW, Peugeot, Renault or any other Conti cars.. even a BMW 2series, they most likely will not step back into Subaru for the NA Forester. That's my own opinion la.

Hi Rayo,

 

Looking for replacement car for wife since end Aug with preference for a suv and ended up collecting mazda 6 .. not easy when you try and no interest in lower end conti that are Jap like but under spec and not with Jap reliabilty.

 

XC40 was the only wish but was 162k during that time though it dropped to 149k more recently but far from 108k eventually spent.

 

1st choice of 5D impreza for look, safety of awd and price after 3 test drive ended with finding of no solar film on windscreen due to eyesight by MI which is not acceptable to me and wife.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Edited November 20, 2018 by richard_crl032

[0fftangent]

Hi MQX,

 

Quite many foresters had their aircon radiator changed because of leak.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Hi Tangent,

 

Not sure about the Outlander or new 2019 forester and if you test drove both but fna and worst still fxt with stiffer suspension to handle all the power have less than ideal ride .. it is floaty and jarring and hence many of us try to improve it with arb, pink springs and various suspension setups.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Hi Richard, any suggestions on what can be done.  I am fine with the drive at the moment.  

Hi All, 

What do you bargain for when meeting with the MI SE to finalise?

[richard_crl032]

Hi Richard, any suggestions on what can be done. I am fine with the drive at the moment.

Hi All,

What do you bargain for when meeting with the MI SE to finalise?

Hi Tangent,

 

Haha .. do nothing if you are fine with the drive and save $/time. It is basically floaty cos tuned to handle terrain and the least you need is upgrade rear anti roll bar aka arb with thicker ones.

 

Please note that it is worst for rear passengers as driver/front passenger are sitting in center of front and rearr suspension while rear passengers are sitting right on the rear suspension.

 

Moreover, car designers are also hard pressed to ensure rear suspension work for 0 to 3 passenger as well as rear boot load of a tall suv which means compromises are made while front is 0/1 .. with or without front passenger .. and aided by heavier engine.

 

Forester is a true terrain awd suv unlike Outlander and others that will falter and something had to give away .. its ride.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard

Edited November 20, 2018 by richard_crl032

[richard_crl032]

It was my frst time trying out the FNA thou. Between the FXT and FNA, the drive is heaven and earth.. Totally different DNA.

 

The FNA felt very raw as you climb the RPMs (felt like rubber band gearshifts) and even though both uses CVT, the FXT drive was so much more engaging. Gearshifts are clear and precise on FXT especially on Sports # mode.

 

After you tried the FXT, then you'll feel FNA really pales in comparison.

 

Subaru should have saved their Forester line up with a Turbocharged variant.

 

For normal drivers, it's definitely a OK SUV to be in but 20K+ difference is too much to stomach for a "facelift".

 

I mean, if a buyer with a good budget goes around and tries a VW, Peugeot, Renault or any other Conti cars.. even a BMW 2series, they most likely will not step back into Subaru for the NA Forester. That's my own opinion la.

 

Hi Ray,

 

How was the ride of this FNA 2019 ??

 

A comparison with FXT which you seems to know well or even the outgoing FNA SJ will be most appreciated.

Think my record with MI Sales after thrice test drive of the 5 Impreza prevents me from trying out this FNA 2019 ... lol !

 

Best regards,

 

Richard

[Rayoflight]

Hi Ray,

 

How was the ride of this FNA 2019 ??

 

A comparison with FXT which you seems to know well or even the outgoing FNA SJ will be most appreciated.

Think my record with MI Sales after thrice test drive of the 5 Impreza prevents me from trying out this FNA 2019 ... lol !

 

Best regards,

 

Richard

Hey Richard,

 

Got no complains from price point - easily one of the “value for money/features” suv in the mkt. That’s if old FNA is off the mkt. However, the arf is $16k only? After 10yrs, get back $8k only? Depre is abt $10k?

 

The CVT gearbox for FNA kinda irks me.. i dislike the rubberband feeling gearshifts..

 

I only tried FXT once and i like it at the point when the price was around 110-114k.

[richard_crl032]

Hey Richard,

 

Got no complains from price point - easily one of the âvalue for money/featuresâ suv in the mkt. Thatâs if old FNA is off the mkt. However, the arf is $16k only? After 10yrs, get back $8k only? Depre is abt $10k?

 

The CVT gearbox for FNA kinda irks me.. i dislike the rubberband feeling gearshifts..

 

I only tried FXT once and i like it at the point when the price was around 110-114k.

Hi Ray,

 

Thanks !

 

Believe not only cvt but also most 2.0 NA including even the sedan of mazda 6 2.0 NA without cvt that I collected last Sat lags when pushed.

 

At least you did not highlight that the fna 2019 is having floaty ride which is good news.

 

Cheers.

 

Richard