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Sounds about right, we both look back on the Forester as one of the worst cars we owned, mechanically speaking, but also strangely one our favorites. Just made us want to get outdoors. Maybe it was the marketing, lol.

Our 2005 forester was using oil (cylinder head issues) and the dealer scammed me out of warranty by doing long term “oil analysis” until the warranty expired. I probably could have pursued legal action but just wanted it gone.

Wife had a 2004 Forester and we loved it. It was underpowered for sure and stuff just fell apart (literally parts of the interior and exterior plastic would just fall off while driving), but dang was it a great car for us. I have to say the automatic transmission felt better in that car than the current Foresters.

Test drove the Forester 2 more times and I agree it is a weak engine and don’t like the CVT transmission. Struggles a bit on hills and gets really loud trying to get up to highways speeds. Also they input fake gear changes in the CVT, just feels weird. Talked to a mechanic and he said the current Subie CVT is fine just not good for towing (I plant to tow a small camper). Like you said the mpg is not great considering how weak this thing is. Getting back in my Passport was a huge difference and the purr of that j35y6 v-tec V6 is awesome! Forester is solid car, but really slow and okay gas mileage. Parallel parking and gas mileage is gonna take a hit with this Passport but damn is it comfortable!

Panther Springs Park N SA

Mt. Nebo, AR

Nice ride to the city library on Amherst using the Northern Wanut Creek Multi-Use Path. This Palo Verde tree and prickly pear cactus in bloom were off to the side of the trail, so I decided to check them out. The cactus blossoms were pollen central for a variety of life forms. A butterfly, some type of wee beetle, unknown insect and some bees were in various blossoms, all covered in pollen. I didn't notice the butterfly at first. It's the same color as the petals and wasn't moving much. I was there for about five minutes, and the butterfly and two other wee creatures were still working the pollen in that one flower.

You Capitalist junkies must be in the wallets of big E, I go full human powered: That is, when I'm not using my 1988 Honda HR214SX with Chinese replacement carb that keeps it running rich while mulching live oak leaves.

I pushed a cheapa$$ lawnmower around my yard for 18 years, fought gas weedeaters, and drug the cord of a blower around. Invested in the Ego Power Replacements and its game changing.

No comment on EVs or eBikes but I will say I am 'this close' to pulling the trigger on an e-lawnmower. 🤠

I owned a 2005 forester. Loved the body stoutness but they are like 20 years behind on powertrains. They don’t get you the mpg you would expect for such anemic acceleration. Also they seem to have issues with engine reliability. I rented an Outback in 2018 and it was very familiar so I’m not sure they’ve changed much.

Price drop $100.

Yep it does, looking at the Subaru it’s 1,500 lbs except for a wilderness model that gets worse mileage. Would be looking for a bigger mpg difference if I am downsizing. Looking at popups and teardrops that are getting close to 1,500 lbs. Might just have to get used to city driving in the Passport

I think the tow rating is lower on later models too, if that makes any difference.

Will that is a great sell for the car. One of the things I like about the Passport is the perceived feeling of safety while driving on highways with all the bro-dozers. Feel less safe in the Forester but obviously it is safe.

Thanks! Drivetrain is definitely different. Don’t love the CVT transmission but gets decent mpg.

I rented one once. Let's just say that it can hold its own against a deer.

I had a Forester for a few years. After owning an Impreza for several years. Both were great for MTB trips. The AWD will get you places you wouldn't expect to drive to, and through rain, snow, etc. if need be. Subaru have changed their drivetrain since then, Better mpg, but I have no experience with anything recent. Might check if there are still discounts for IMBA members. If so, join Austin Ridge Riders for IMBA benefits.

Any thoughts on a Subaru Forester? Have a Honda Passport but a little big for us and our city life. Looking at Forester for city driving and some trips with the MTB. Anyone have experience with this car?

Back home. Nine rides in seven days. I’ve been there several times around Spring Break and a couple times around Thanksgiving. First trip I’ve been there when it didn’t rain!

https://www.cedarparktexas.gov/521/2024-Parks-and-Recreation-Master-Plan Parks and Recreation Master Plan Pop-In Information Session #2 Wednesday, April 24, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm City Hall – Multi-Purpose Rooms 450 Cypress Creek Road, Building 3

Non mountain biking friends (in the 60 to 70 yr old range) who have done extended bike touring in Europe, New Zealand, Japan bought e-bikes this past year. Their bikes are Specialied S-Works somethings, they swapped out the drop bars for flat bars and added about 1.9" tires with a smooth rolling tread. They set it up so the battery is external and not inside the frame. This lets them pack the battery in a carry on when they fly with their bikes. Also, one can just carry the battery inside a hotel room for charging. We did a partly gravel (caliche!) road ride with them in the Round Mountain area a few weeks ago, and I picked up one of the bikes -- it's 30ish pounds, if that -- feather light. They are in Spain/Portugal right now and reported that the bikes did great on some incredibly steep roads. Side note: Google "e-bike + solar panels". Lots of interest on the topic of charging e-bikes with solar panels.