How to Order 2012 Forester?

haleyscomet

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We currently have a 2010 Forester (for my daughter) and am looking to get a 2012 for myself. She has the premium with the sunroof and that is the option package I will probably order. It should be as off road capable as possible (mostly old logging trails on some land in NC mountains). A trailer hitch will be ordered for pulling 2000 pound trailer with dirt bikes. A skid plate will also be added. It will travel regularly between Houston, TX USA (where we live) and North Carolina (where we vacation) for a 2000 mile round trip pulling the trailer.

Is there anything I need to order with the vehicle to make sure I get decent trail capability? Manual vs Automatic? Does all that sunroof glass high up impact the low center of gravity the boxer engine yields? They have something call front and rear bumper under-guards and body molding. Do they help off road or will they just get in the way?

Is it reasonable for me to expect a new Forester to be trail capable?

Below we are on one of the logging trails in my 2010 (just don't tell my daughter!) :-0

ry%3D400
 
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G'day haleyscomet :welcome:

Is there anything I need to order with the vehicle to make sure I get decent trail capability?

A 2" lift kit like SUMO 2" Lift Kit for 2009-Present SH9 SS or Subtle Solutions Lift Kit 1" blocks plus some decent all terrain tyres is a great start. I love the Yokohama Geolander AT-s as agreat compromise for onroad handling & safety plus offroad ability & durability.

Manual vs Automatic?
Manual or auto: although slightly off topic this thread has some great opinions on this:
Which is better - NA dual range Foz or L Series?

Remember, these are just opinions...you need to decide what is best for you. Personally, I believe autos are VERY underrated for offroad. They allow you to crawl over obstacles without burning the clutch, plus you never get caught out in the wrong gear. The downside is you lose some engine braking on steep descents, plus fuel economy is slightly worse.

Does all that sunroof glass high up impact the low center of gravity the boxer engine yields?
I wouldnt worry bout that...just enjoy the view :biggrin:

They have something call front and rear bumper under-guards and body molding. Do they help off road or will they just get in the way?
Not sure what these are but you will definitely need a sump guard (bash plate) like Primitive Racing Skidplates . Not sure who else does em over there.

Is it reasonable for me to expect a new Forester to be trail capable?
Short answer...yes. Just dont expect it to be a landcruiser or jeep. However, the new AWD system is pretty capable:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mryGnENTsoI&feature=player_embedded"]Live demonstration of Subaru Forester and Outback's 4x4 symmetrical all wheel drive system - YouTube[/ame]

Towards the end of the vid (min 3:44) it tells you to switch off the traction control when going offroad... climbing muddy banks (min 4:22), etc. It says it doesnt disable the VDC, just changes its mode so the engine doesnt limit power but still uses the brakes to limit wheel spin. Pretty handy! :monkeydance:

This thread has some good info:
Understanding how to use the subaru AWD system
 
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That video is great! It really explains the system and reduces my concern about not having locking differentials. Do people install lift kits mostly just to gain clearance and perhaps run larger tires? I am not going to be rock crawling in my Forester nor will I be flying along rough trails. Mainly I just want to get my parents (who are getting too old to walk the trails) out on the logging trails so they can visit the rest of our property. I will be avoiding mud holes. We do have a few steep descents that were a bit too fast/uncomfortable for me in the 2010 Auto Forester so I just applied the rear handbrake (didn't want to go end over end). Is that the proper technique or should I have used the brake pedal? Or do I need to order in a manual for safer descent control? I really am leaning toward the Auto unless there is a compelling descent control reason to go manual.
 
Is it reasonable for me to expect a new Forester to be trail capable?

Yes. A late model Forester is a very capable off-road vehicle. Have a look through some of my past trip reports to see what the stock, unmodified vehicle is capable off. Although I should point out that I have had two punctures (both on rocky tracks), and damaged the plastic splash guard (in deep sand).
 
G'Day & Welcome.

The lift is for clearance; tire size is limited by the spring perches.

For steep descents (and sometimes steep slippery ascents) "driving through the brakes" is the proper technique with an auto as it maintains steering control. So, left foot on the brake such that it is just holding the car, right foot on the go pedal. Ease the brake a little and accelerate a little so that the car now moves down the hill - it should feel like you are driving the car down the hill, not having it just roll down the hill. Using this technique will give positive steering on slippery surfaces. Use of the handbrake is OK but not on slippery surfaces as the rear wheels could lock up and the rear end could slide sideways.
 
the 2012 model forester is the same as the 2010 except it uses the new fb engine.
so thus will be just as capable as the 2010.

i would choose auto, i like manual but after using our new auto forester i am converted.

decent tyres are a must, and a sump guard. a lift is personal preference. the SH forester already have 220mm of clearance i believe
 
For steep descents (and sometimes steep slippery ascents) "driving through the brakes" is the proper technique with an auto as it maintains steering control. So, left foot on the brake such that it is just holding the car, right foot on the go pedal. Ease the brake a little and accelerate a little so that the car now moves down the hill - it should feel like you are driving the car down the hill, not having it just roll down the hill. Using this technique will give positive steering on slippery surfaces. Use of the handbrake is OK but not on slippery surfaces as the rear wheels could lock up and the rear end could slide sideways.

Had never thought of doing that...that's a great driving tip Kevin :iconwink:

I wouldnt use the handbrake either, unless some extra excitement is wanted lol :rotfl:
 
G'day haleyscomet & :welcome: to ORS.

A sump guard is a must I say.
Also, a good set of tyres does wonders.
On your side of the big pond, the General Grabber is quite popular. Another tyre to consider is the Yokohama Geolander AT-S, which is very popular.
Especially here down under.

As for an auto or manual, thats, in my opinion, up to each individual. I have a manual, but thats what I prefer.
Go for what's most comfortable for you, as you are the person that will be driving the vehicle, not others :iconwink:

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
What to order on new Subaru and where I am located

I am currently on vacation on some land we have near Saluda, NC. Don't laugh but we have about one mile of old logging trails on our property (40 acres) along with a waterfall right next door. I currently ride motorcycles on the trails (KLR650, TW200) but someday want to bring a new Subaru Forester.

I am slowly opening up more of the old trails. Some are relatively easy but others are a bit steep or bit closed in with the brush on either side.

Let me know if you want to visit them while I am here.
 
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