Agree with earlier comments. I recently drove both the 2008 and 2009
Forester x premium.

Mechanically and structurally the 2009 is a great improvement. However the
interior materials in the 2009 are a distinct step down. Plastics cheaper,
panel cluttered with cheap looking silver plastic trim and the seats are
"thinner" and less supportive. The feel of the seats was budget airline. I
asked the salesman who was pretty frank. He said that he also didn't like
the interior changes but that they were cost saving measures used to keep
the price point the same for the 2009 as the 2008. They did not have a
"limited" 2009 for me to drive so I don't know whether the leather interior
feels as cheapened. Bottom line is that I passed on the Forester and will go
back to looking at the Nissan Rogue and probably wait to see the new 2009
Escape. I am looking for a small 4wd reasonable ground clearance vehicle and
don't have a lot of choices. I usually keep cars 10-15 years so the looks
and interior quality are important to me. I like the Outback however the
currently available colors don't appeal and the ones I could live with come
with "black" interior. That doesn't really work in the southwest.

Howard

On May 13, 7:02 am, "ithai.l...@gmail.com" <ithai.l...@gmail.com>
wrote:

  I'm struggling with exactly the same dilemma. My comments cover the
Canadian basic models, not the Turbo or USA variations.

   I hadn't driven a Forester. I liked the 2008 styling (tall-small
station wagon, lots of glass). Intuitively, the full time four wheel
drive adds cost and complexity, but provides extra control, especially
on icy-snowy roads. For the distances I drive, a slight penalty in
fuel economy is irrelevant.

    I finally looked at and test drove both. If I planned to use that
back seat (e.g. if you have a family), I'd rule out the 2008. The
access and legroom are significantly better in the 2009.

   I prefer the styling and handling of the 2008. Concerns include
the small rear doors (banged my knee BADLY trying to get out of the
car), no frames for the windows (read a few complaints that the
channel bends and the windows don't seal properly). I found the left
foot rest (automagic) too high.

  The dealer only had 2008 "Anniversary" editions left. Alloy rims
corrode and are expensive. I've read about problems with the power
moonroof, I'd rather avoid it. Not sure about heated seats. I can see
that being a joy for people who drive a lot in cold weather.  The
cargo cover can be added to the base model for a few hundred.

  The 2009 ... well, if I wanted an SUV, it would be a no-brainer. I
liked the sportshift automagic transmission, wider rear doors, more
rear legroom or longer cargo bed, wider cargo bed (different rear
suspension). Framed windows.

  Negatives. New model, first year. Based on the 2008 Impreza, so
maybe they've worked out  the bugs. Taller, wider, longer than the
2008. I'm used to a Mazda 626, so it FELT very tall. More body roll on
corners. Bright trim around central dash is distracting (where's my
duct tape ?). I'm 5'6". Felt like I needed to sit on a 3" phone book
to see (passenger seat). Driver's seat at max. height was only
slightly better.  More gizmos to break. Dual exhausts, double your
pleasure, double your repair costs. Compact spare versus full sized
spare in 2008. Seemed noisier on rough pavement. Could be different
tires, or the new rear suspension, or the larger "echo chamber." That
was on city streets, didn't test either on the highway.

  Positives. Sportshift transmission, stability and traction control,
telescoping steering column, steel hood (2008 is aluminium), side air
curtains. Four wheel disc brakes (2008 has rear drums).Telescoping
steering column.  I think heated seats are standard. Probably a few
advantages I've missed.

  Price. Well, the rebate is $4K. The 2008 base is $28K, but they
only had the Anniversary edition for $30K. The 2009 base is $27K. All
prices with automagic.

 The 2009 corrects some issues on the 2008, and includes features
which aren't available (sportshift, stability and traction control,
side air curtains). Not sure how the value will hold up, since the
2009 is "better" in so many ways. People who want a tall-small wagon
which grips the road may prefer the older, classic style.
I do.

  I didn't test drive either car on the highway (limited time), so I
don't know how either handles on ramps, merging, and cruising at
110kph (snicker).

  I'd be interested in hearing  your final decision, and your
reasoning.

Hi all,

I'm out to buy a new Subaru Forester. I got a really good offer to get
the 2008 model from the current stocks. Should I pass and get the 2009
model instead? I liked the extra leg room in the back seat of the 2009
model, but it looks like the 2008 model drives and behaves better on
the road.

TIA for any help :)

Ithai.