[txascent]

I'm always hesitant to buy the first year of any new model automobile. Consumer Reports confirms that the first year after a redesign (even of an existing model) generally has more reported issues. With the Ascent being a new model, with an entirely new engine and transmission to boot, I'll definitely hold out for the second year model. That is as long as my current Outback keeps going strong and new-car-itis doesn't strike too bad.


Will you guys consider buying the first year model of the Ascent?


Matt

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Yea, I would. Dirty job...someone's got to do it. But I might wait a few months so the gremlins could be worked out. LOL

 

[R P]

Yeah, this is the big question. On the bright side, it is their 3rd vehicle now on the new platform. Seems that a lot of the new tech (EyeSight, HU, etc) is the same as the new Impreza and Crosstrek,... which is pretty impressive. Probably biggest unknown is the new engine and CVT. But even with that, Subaru seems to be improving with each new version.

I recently bought the new 2018 Crosstrek Limited with EyeSight. And it is miles ahead of any other Subaru built so far. And the sales demand is crazy, 2 months wait for an order ever since August, and still can't catch up with inventory. I suspect the Ascent will be the same. Unless you get your order in early, will be a long wait for delivery.

 

[Terry McDonald]

Unlikely... I am going to wait n see if they implement a hybrid in the future... was disappointed to not see this with the initial release but Subaru has been behind in terms of hybrid tech and options.

I would have been tempted if they were offering a manual transmission in the lower tier trims like the Forester and the Outback, but this doesn't appear to be the case either.

 

[ilikeascent]

Yeah, this is the big question. On the bright side, it is their 3rd vehicle now on the new platform. Seems that a lot of the new tech (EyeSight, HU, etc) is the same as the new Impreza and Crosstrek,... which is pretty impressive. Probably biggest unknown is the new engine and CVT. But even with that, Subaru seems to be improving with each new version.

I recently bought the new 2018 Crosstrek Limited with EyeSight. And it is miles ahead of any other Subaru built so far. And the sales demand is crazy, 2 months wait for an order ever since August, and still can't catch up with inventory. I suspect the Ascent will be the same. Unless you get your order in early, will be a long wait for delivery.

Supposedly my 2018 OB is also 'Global Platform' ... and it is 3x better than my 2015 OB (1st Subaru). FWIW, my reference point is germans (think roundel) and the 2018 is not awful

I'm eager to test the Ascent and hope they do the right stuff (e.g. auto-sensing wipers) that premium car brands have had for years.

And I've been trying to give someone money for an Ascent for ~3 months

 

[R P]

Supposedly my 2018 OB is also 'Global Platform' ... and it is 3x better than my 2015 OB (1st Subaru). FWIW, my reference point is germans (think roundel) and the 2018 is not awful

I'm eager to test the Ascent and hope they do the right stuff (e.g. auto-sensing wipers) that premium car brands have had for years.

And I've been trying to give someone money for an Ascent for ~3 months

Nope, your OB is still the old platform and interior design. Only Impreza and Crosstrek on the new platform so far. The Ascent is next, along with the 2019 Forester. OB is slated for 2020, I think.

 

[eric]

More likely than not, I'll buy an Ascent.

However, I'll be nervous about it.

In 2005, I bought the new Land Rover LR3 (the big redesign of the Discovery line). It was the poster child of poor initial quality, and I spent a lot of time at the dealership for the first two years. Having suffered through this, it is very possible that I'll get cold feet until the second model year of the Ascent.

 

[R P]

More likely than not, I'll buy an Ascent.

However, I'll be nervous about it.

In 2005, I bought the new Land Rover LR3 (the big redesign of the Discovery line). It was the poster child of poor initial quality, and I spent a lot of time at the dealership for the first two years. Having suffered through this, it is very possible that I'll get cold feet until the second model year of the Ascent.

Yeah, know a few people that have had Land Rover and high end German SUVs. All had a very close relationship with their repair shop technicians. You don't want to own one of these outside of warranty, that's for sure. If you want quality, buy Japanese or Korean. Toyota (incl Lexus) is probably the best.

I bought the 2018 Crosstrek which is the first year on the new platform. Drives great, and very impressed with all the tech (EyeSight, HU, CVT, etc), nice interior as well. Feels more high end, despite the category and low price. If the Ascent is the same quality, it will be a winner for sure.

 

[eric]

The Crosstrek is sharp. We're considering it as the primary commuter vehicle. However, the Ascent is on our radar as the family and trailer-towing vehicle for us.

I'm still driving the Land Rover. After the initial quality stuff, I've only had to pay for exceptionally expensive regular maintenance, air suspension maintenance, and...............

I just wish they'd hurry up and start shipping the Ascent.

 

[Felix]

While its never easy to be an early adopter of a the first generation of a new vehicle, I think its more than likely that most will be current Subaru owners. My main concern with the Ascent is that seems to offer slightly less cargo capacity than that of its rivals. 72.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity is less than the Highlander, Sorento, Honda Pilot, and even the 2013 Subaru Tribeca & 2018 Subaru Outback!

 

[familyrally]

Someone who really wants the Ascent should do some digging around for information on dealers close to them. If your dealer is known for great service then its even more of a reason to buy. When buying a new product the worst thing you can have is a dealer with poor customer service.

 

[Tup]

I'm always hesitant to buy the first year of any new model automobile. Consumer Reports confirms that the first year after a redesign (even of an existing model) generally has more reported issues. With the Ascent being a new model, with an entirely new engine and transmission to boot, I'll definitely hold out for the second year model. That is as long as my current Outback keeps going strong and new-car-itis doesn't strike too bad.


Will you guys consider buying the first year model of the Ascent?


Matt

Back in 2006 we bought a first model year Subaru Tribeca. I still think it got a bum rap on the styling. Everyone made a big deal over the front grill. To me it was ahead of it's time. Look at some of the huge garish front grills on vehicles now (looking at you Lexus!). Anyway, we kept it for 7.5 years and it was extremely reliable....probably the most reliable vehicle we have ever owned. We have had a Cadillac SRX since then and while I like the vehicle....it hasn't been as reliable and my wife (Costco shopper) thinks it is too small. So I have been researching the Ascent. Given our experience with the Tribeca, I wouldn't hesitate on buying the first model year.

 

[eric]

Regarding the front grill on the Tribeca...

There's a car designed for people with a need for larger-than-life front grill action. It is called the Ford Super Duty pickup.

 

[Mekan]

I typically would never buy a new model in the first year, especially with a new and untested engine. The problem is that I drank the Subaru fanboy and trust their QA. That trust is founded upon nothing really so I have been blinded by advertising and the people opinions of Subaru around me.

 

[Robert.Mauro]

I am pre-ordering one on the day pre-orders start. I am already working on booking an appointment. So, yes, I would not just consider it, I'm doing it and hope to have one of the very first that rolls off the assembly line.

That aside, the engine is an FA series, so, it may be a new engine, but the design is based on a well tested series. If my understanding is correct, the CVT is based on the heavy duty CVT mated to the 3.6L engines, with improvements. The platform is the "global platform" that's already in use in some of the Subaru line - though, it is stretched and widened a bit.

Regardless, I have high hopes.

 

[Fordlvr2]

I may be getting in line as well to get one. been in contact with a dealership up here about pre-order dates with them. Good luck with your pre-order. what color are you thinking of going with.

 

[cdc782]

I'll consider it because I got a redesigned legacy in 2015 and it's been fine. Granted it wasn't a new model per say..

More importantly, my wife wouldn't let me live it down if I got a first year model and then I said she couldn't get a first year model, just because it was the first year..

Finally, We need another vehicle in the next year and I love eye sight so much I don't really want to settle for a Highlander/Pilot/Used MDX etc.

 

[RuL]

I am also considering to pre-order the Ascent but Im wondering if all Subaru dealers have the same schedule for accepting pre-order or they have different discretion in regards to date of pre-order. Im considering premium or limited model.

 

[Carl Abrams]

I am also considering to pre-order the Ascent but Im wondering if all Subaru dealers have the same schedule for accepting pre-order or they have different discretion in regards to date of pre-order. Im considering premium or limited model.

In the northeast (those areas served by SNE and SDC) will be on a slightly different time frame than the rest of the country, simply because they do go through the distributorship. I pretty much have our entire first allocation already sold, just as soon as they do open up.

Which is 'soon'(tm) but we don't know yet.

 

[Trey T]

In the northeast (those areas served by SNE and SDC) will be on a slightly different time frame than the rest of the country, simply because they do go through the distributorship. I pretty much have our entire first allocation already sold, just as soon as they do open up.

Which is 'soon'(tm) but we don't know yet.

For that to happen, people must have sign some paper or put in deposit already?