RAV4 or Forester

Motorcycle Mike

Motorcycle Mike

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For those of you that have driven both for longer than a test drive, which would you go for, the RAV4 or the Forester?

I'm considering trading in the matrix and was thinking about a small SUV. I've more or less narrowed it down to these two, especially now that the Toyota has a $2k cash rebate on the AWD model meaning it is about the same price as the base 2wd model.

From what I can see, the AWD RAV4 is about $2500 less than the Subaru when all is said and done. The Subaru might be slightly cheaper on insurance with my company, will have to confirm on Monday.

The RAV4 sits a bit lower than the Forester, around 6" clearance vs 9", but I will not be offroading... at most I might be on some rough gravel roads and snow driving.

I will tow occasionally... but it will only be an open utility trailer with maximum two bikes.

I was briefly considering waiting until the 2016 Wrangler comes out in diesel... but on reflection I really do not need a diesel with the added complexity and expense that entails as they try to reduce diesel emissions. I also no not want the bad fuel consumption a gas jeep has, and I do not need the offroad capabilities -- I have a dirt bike for that.

I would also have to get an automatic (because of wife)... so does that mean the Subaru would be CVT? Is that good or bad?
 
If you go Toyota, hit me up. I may be able to help out. I have a contact. Saved my buddy a couple g's a few years back on a Venza.

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Joe Bass said:
If you go Toyota, hit me up. I may be able to help out. I have a contact. Saved my buddy a couple g's a few years back on a Venza.

Sent from a Samsung Galaxy far, far away using Tapatalk
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Thanks Joe, every little bit helps... Is your contact at a dealer up in Woodbridge or Vaughan?
 
After the last dozen or so reviews that I've read and videos I watched, I guess it is pointless to get the RAV4 AWD... it seems almost useless.

From what I've read, I am leaning towards the Forester, but I need to give it another test drive and pay close attention to detail, I think.
 
From what ive read, the rav4 awd is weak compared to subaru's

The forester's CVT has evolved into something decent

I'm a little bit of a fan boy, but i'd go with the forester...although i think i like the rav4's appearance better
 
I was shopping for a used car recently, looked really hard at the Subaru models. Wound up buying a mazda 3 instead as I don't really need awd, and I didn't like the reports on the cost to maintain the drivetrain. Ymmv
Edit: I also really liked the fact that the mazda is a timing chain not a belt, and it's a non-interference engine.
 
Iceman said:
I was shopping for a used car recently, looked really hard at the Subaru models. Wound up buying a mazda 3 instead as I don't really need awd, and I didn't like the reports on the cost to maintain the drivetrain. Ymmv
Edit: I also really liked the fact that the mazda is a timing chain not a belt, and it's a non-interference engine.
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I have awd on the Pilot. Never had it before. Not sure if I need it. But if I was doing your daily commute, I would think it would be beneficial, no?

Edit: now I'm even type-talking like an old Italian. Smh

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Joe Bass said:
I have awd on the Pilot. Never had it before. Not sure if I need it. But if I was doing your daily commute, I would think it would be beneficial, no?

Edit: now I'm even type-talking like an old Italian. Smh

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Of course awd would be beneficial, but after driving only rwd v8 and diesel pickups for the last 20 years, I don't "need" awd. I always make sure I have good tires heading into the fall and adjust my driving according to conditions. I'm just cheap and I don't want to pay the extra for awd initially, or for the maintenance later on. :D
 
I have had a subaru for 6-7 years now and I love it. They do hold their value if resale is a consideration. I have to say i have no experience with their CVT though. The Subarus are put together like lego brick as in many parts from other models in their line up swap with each other. For example you could swap 09 STi struts into a Forrester if you wanted a cheap lowering kit. I have a co-worker who has had 2 of her subarus pass the 400k mark. The raviolis are nice vehicles too though. If you want info go to Toronto Subaru Club and there is more info there than you would know what to do with lol
 
Iceman said:
I was shopping for a used car recently, looked really hard at the Subaru models. Wound up buying a mazda 3 instead as I don't really need awd, and I didn't like the reports on the cost to maintain the drivetrain. Ymmv
Edit: I also really liked the fact that the mazda is a timing chain not a belt, and it's a non-interference engine.
Click to expand...

Thanks for reminding me about timing belts... I've never really liked cars with belts as I don't like expensive repairs that have to be done 'just in case' -- I prefer the 'yep, it's done, time to replace it' kind of repairs.

I most likely don't need AWD either... in 24 years of driving I've never had AWD (or even 4WD), so I certainly wouldn't miss it if I didn't have it.

I'll go test drive both the Subaru and the Rav4 again and put some more thought into it.
 
MM, my connect is in HO. He sometimes can get executive demos <10k full warranty, substantial savings. Otherwise has a couple dealers around town. One is in Woodbridge. Pick vehicle and a set $ commission.

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my mechanic friend, working at a general repair shop is very impressed with everything Subaru builds and not so much with Rav4.
 
SunnY S said:
Curious why the list was narrowed down to these 2?
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Translation: what about a Honda CR-V? ?
But yeah. Crv, Santa Fe?

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My wife just bought a '15 Tucson AWD Limited.

Got 3k discount for a '15 model since the '16's are out, but she did not like the interior of the '16 anyways, less room. We actually found the Tucson had more front seat space than the Santa Fe. Overall very pleased with it. 9L/100km so far overall average. Paid $2100 and now have 8 years 160k of bumper to bumper warranty, including roadside assistance both here and in the US.
 
I'd say Subaru but I personally don't like the company's customer service. They refused to help me when Subaru Brampton screwed me over numerous times.

If you do go Subaru, stay the hell away from Subaru Brampton.
 
Did they figure out how to make head gaskets? I was looking at outbacks but lots of people complained about their head gaskets and oil burning.
 
daught said:
Did they figure out how to make head gaskets? I was looking at outbacks but lots of people complained about their head gaskets and oil burning.
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I heard they resolved that a few years back. My WRX was fine while I owned it as far as head gaskets go but it definitely burned oil. They told me all their turbos burn lots of oil. A friend with an Audi A3 has the same problem.
 
unL33T said:
I heard they resolved that a few years back. My WRX was fine while I owned it as far as head gaskets go but it definitely burned oil. They told me all their turbos burn lots of oil. A friend with an Audi A3 has the same problem.
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Manufactures always claim that, until the car is a few years old then same issues come up. Last I looked in to it apparently they formulated coolant with stop leak additive.
 
unL33T said:
I heard they resolved that a few years back. My WRX was fine while I owned it as far as head gaskets go but it definitely burned oil. They told me all their turbos burn lots of oil. A friend with an Audi A3 has the same problem.
Click to expand...
So the turbo gaskets were never a problem, its the naturally aspirated ones that were (speaking from experience lol)
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