Subaru Forester 2010 or 2011

I’d like to buy a new Forester. I’m I better off finding a good deal on a 2010 or wait for the 2011? Are the changes in the 2011 worth waiting for? I’m looking at the automatic, premium trim. Pros & Cons? Appreciate all opinions! Thanks

Wait for the 2011 model?
They have been in the showrooms for a couple of months, to the best of my knowledge.

You will get a lower price on a 2010 leftover, but you have to realize that the book value of the 2010 model is now lower, and will continue to be lower than a one year newer model. Whether the lower price is enough of a come-on to attract you is something that you will have to decide. The 2010 will save you money up front, but you will get a few hundred $$ less when it is time to sell it or trade it.

As to the changes, the best way to assess that is to put a 2010 brochure and a 2011 brochure side by side to compare features. The 2011 undoubtedly has a few more bells and whistles, but whether you want them or need them is something else entirely.

You’re getting a good deal on a 2010 because of depreciation and if the new models are not substantially different, it really depends upon how long you’ll keep the car. If it’s what you want and you’ll keep it for a while, the 2010 model sounds better for this cheapskate (me).

Thanks. Wow, our local dealers are just now starting to get the 2011’s in. A lot are “in transit”, and I’ve only seen one in person on the lot. No huge difference in body. But the 2011 has a different engine, supposedly gets a slight (1 mpg) increase in gas mileage, uses only synthetic oil. Don’t know if that’s a pro or con. Better gas mileage is always good, but that’s not a huge difference. And I think synthetic oil is more expensive. I’ll be the first to admit I know almost nothing about engines! I generally keep a car a long time…the one I will be getting rid of is 9 years old. Thanks again.

My mistake, here’s more info on the new engine, no mention of a different transmission. Check if the transmission changed:

"The 2011 Subaru Forester receives a new base engine for naturally aspirated 2.5X models, which offers fractionally more torque and improved fuel economy. The new 2.5-liter engine displaces 41 cc more than before and features dual overhead camshafts in place of an SOHC setup. It still makes 170 hp but gains 4 lb-ft of torque, for a total of 174.

The revisions lead to improved fuel-economy ratings for the 2011 Forester, with all 2.5X models now rated at 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway. (The outgoing Forester 2.5X returned 20/27 mpg with a manual transmission and 20/26 mpg with an automatic.) The turbocharged engine in the Forester 2.5XT is unchanged."

The engine on the 2011 Forester reportedly has a timing chain, rather than the timing belt that has been used on Subaru 4-cylinder engines for decades. IMHO, avoiding a timing belt is a VERY good idea, so I would suggest going for the 2011 model, as long as you can verify that it has a timing chain, rather than a timing belt.

Subaru specifies replacement of the timing belt at 105 months, or 105k miles–whichever comes first.

By comparison, most cars with timing chains will run for well over 250k miles with no timing chain problems. Ergo–much less maintenance cost on a car with a timing chain. The new synthetic oil requirement is likely keyed to the new timing chain engine redesign.

I’m with you…I like a good deal. But how I know for sure it’s a good deal drives me nuts. I’ve done my “homework”, found out what should be TMV, invoice vs msrp…I HATE the games dealers play. And being a woman I feel a bit insecure about the whole thing. I will keep the car a long time. My question really comes down to: Would it be worth it to go with the 2011 - because of it’s change in the engine, and maybe a few other smaller changes/additions OR are those changes so minor that a new 2010 is just as good a choice both feature wise and money wise. Again, thanks for your thoughts!

If the present motor has a proven reliability record, which the 2010 does, changes that may improve performance slightly may not improve that record. You’re right to do your own research. My “mantra” when dealing with salespeople, is to never ask a question you don’t already know the answer to. I’m more concerned about the chassis improvements than the motor…I feel the power plant changes are more evolutionary from one year to the next, than dramatic and not a big factor. Somethings like more standard safety features and improved handling would be much more important IMO.

Thank you all for your advice. I agree, price can be negotiated, safety not. I think I’ll give the 2011 a chance to work the kinks out…if there are any…with the new engine and other differences, and think “spring” to invest in my new wheels. Thanks again