Which CSUV to buy? RAV4 V6 Sport AWD or Forester 2.5X Limited AWD

[csuv]

Both are nice CUVs. While RAV4 provides better performance and comfort, Forester scores higher in AWD, Traction control, and off-road driving experience. Prices are alomost the same. Really don't know why I'm comparing a V6 car with V4 one? Help!!!

[nornet]

And how much off roading do you plan to do? If that is even a consideration than scratch the Toyota and substitute Jeep.

[csuv]

Well, not that often. 2, 3 times a year, especially to the western camp sites, or south of the border ones. Some of them are located well away off the roads. So RAV4 can't handle all these pits & pools?

[Avatar]

Both are for country road. Definitely not offroad.

Not sure which model you are going to get. The basic Forester is not much of a fun/value. And be prepared for the famous head gasket problem down the road.

I'll opt for a V6 Rav4.

[nornet]

The Subaru head gasket problem was cured around 2000. Many Sub owners use the Outback for offroading not the Forester. Check some Sub forums. www.outback.org. Forget the RAV for any offroading. I've used both a Jeep and an Outback (which I own) and can tell you I am very impressed with the Patriot, especially considering the deals you can get these days.

[new_vr]

The Subaru head gasket problem was cured around 2000.

Cured is a strong word for it. And the problem continued till 2003.

[ES_Revenge]

Both are nice CUVs. While RAV4 provides better performance and comfort, Forester scores higher in AWD, Traction control, and off-road driving experience. Prices are alomost the same. Really don't know why I'm comparing a V6 car with V4 one? Help!!!

You mean H4

As for these two cars, I say the RAV4 V6 for sure. It's 270-odd hp will dust the Subaru! Much better performing vehicle. Subaru will boast about it's "better" AWD, but trust me on the automatic models it's not all it's cracked up to be anyway.

As for the Forester "scoring higher in traction control", I'm not really sure where you got that from but today they don't really rate those things as they tend to be universally fairly equal. Of course some are more intrusive than others and Toyota is known for that (along with their systems not fully defeating even when you deactivate them) but that's a bit of a different story. In terms of effectiveness I seriously doubt there is any difference.

[csuv]

Thanks for the info!

You mean H4

Of course, H4 or L4 per say.

As for these two cars, I say the RAV4 V6 for sure. It's 270-odd hp will dust the Subaru! Much better performing vehicle. Subaru will boast about it's "better" AWD, but trust me on the automatic models it's not all it's cracked up to be anyway.

As for the Forester "scoring higher in traction control", I'm not really sure where you got that from but today they don't really rate those things as they tend to be universally fairly equal. Of course some are more intrusive than others and Toyota is known for that (along with their systems not fully defeating even when you deactivate them) but that's a bit of a different story. In terms of effectiveness I seriously doubt there is any difference.

So you'll opt for RAV4 for its agility against Sub's domino-like robustness.

[nornet]

Cured is a strong word for it. And the problem continued till 2003.

I was careful not to say in 2000, the problem was addressed first in 2000 for the most part and a few engines continued to experience it until 2004 not 2003, in any case that is long ago. Head gaskets were covered by an extended Subaru warranty.

[new_vr]

I was careful not to say in 2000, the problem was addressed first in 2000 for the most part and a few engines continued to experience it until 2004 not 2003, in any case that is long ago. Head gaskets were covered by an extended Subaru warranty.

Well, I just think if, say, GM had done the same thing, people would be a lot quicker to jump all over them

[nornet]

Well, I just think if, say, GM had done the same thing, people would be a lot quicker to jump all over them

? People, especially owners dumped all over them, the internet is full of misleading information on this. I have 3 Subs 2000 Forester (no HG issues, 2007 Outback no issues at all, 2008 Legacy no issues at all). I'm certainly not saying a Sub is for everyone and I think the AWD drive is a little bit of marketing but they do have ground clearance and are built for moderate offroading unlike the Toyota. Now if you were to talk about rear bearing issues that would be another matter (also solved). When Sub had the HG issues, Ford was building terrible vehicles (except for the pickups) and look at them now. Times change.

[ES_Revenge]

Thanks for the info!

Of course, H4 or L4 per say.



So you'll opt for RAV4 for its agility against Sub's domino-like robustness.

Emphasis added.

You know I don't think I've ever heard that expression before

But yes, I'd take the RAV4 V6 over the Forester, anyday.

[new_vr]

? People, especially owners dumped all over them, the internet is full of misleading information on this. I have 3 Subs 2000 Forester (no HG issues, 2007 Outback no issues at all, 2008 Legacy no issues at all). I'm certainly not saying a Sub is for everyone and I think the AWD drive is a little bit of marketing but they do have ground clearance and are built for moderate offroading unlike the Toyota. Now if you were to talk about rear bearing issues that would be another matter (also solved). When Sub had the HG issues, Ford was building terrible vehicles (except for the pickups) and look at them now. Times change.

Actually, I would talk about paint issues first anyways...they really failed at paint class. My Impreza has the worst paint I have ever seen. If anything touches it, it scratches

[hotweiss]

Forester of course. Better engine and AWD system.

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?doc...42340359932162

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooQRxlChvMw

[new_vr]

Forester of course. Better engine and AWD system.

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?doc...42340359932162

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooQRxlChvMw

Ok..I really don't like toyota's, but please explain how the Forester engine is better then the V6 in the rav? I was under the impression that it was actually pretty good with the v6 in it.