I have a base model forester that is just ok comfort-wise. It’s a workhorse, though.
We recently got a Honda passport and I got the touring edition (a notch down from “elite”, their top trim package). OMG it makes the forester feel like I’m riding in a jalopy. The trim and the features make even a Honda feel like a luxury car. I’ll always stick with subarus, Honda’s, and Toyota’s for their longevity but I’ve learned to go for the better trim packages because it really is more comfortable.

Trade it in for the Premium, OP.

Also, before you sell it, consider ordering something else. Lead times are fairly long. One dealer I know typically has 80 cars on their lot this time of the year. This year: only four due to high demand.

Yup! Trade it in. I just sold my Acura to Carvana because the A/C was weak, and every summer I just regretted that car. (Mechanics all said it was performing fine.) I got a great price. I’m driving my husband’s car temporarily and basking in the cool A/C. Just make sure to test drive the new car on a hot summer day with those kids in back.

Anonymous wrote:Not sure how long you've owned your Forester, but used car prices are pretty good right now if you want to trade or sell.

In my mind you are justified selling because you probably spend a significant amount of time in your car. Just suck up the loss and move on as long as it won't break you financially. We all make these mistakes!

Don't be like Albert Brooks in Lost in America (1985) who buys a Mercedes and spends a lot of time convincing himself (and others) that the imitation leather seats are just as good and he is very happy with them ("no" and "no").

Accept your losses and get the vehicle you'll like.

Not sure how long you've owned your Forester, but used car prices are pretty good right now if you want to trade or sell.

In my mind you are justified selling because you probably spend a significant amount of time in your car. Just suck up the loss and move on as long as it won't break you financially. We all make these mistakes!

Vote for a higher trim if you like it otherwise - better headlights, too!

get one of those contraptions the pumps the air to the back seat.

What if you keep the fan on high (turn off auto) and close the front vents?

I just got one and I like it okay, but it’s a premium which I think is the middle. The a/c seems fine in the backseat but I like it cold.

OP, this is a common complaint for the Forester. Some solutions:

- Tint the rear windows and moonroof to reduce sun.
- Point the center dash vents straight back to help.

Anonymous wrote:We just got a higher trim level forester and the backseat gets like an icebox. Maybe there is something wrong w your ac?

I wonder if yours has more vents. My previous car was a Toyota Sienna XLE and it had AC vents all over the place. The extra vents are probably what I need with two kids and two dogs... was just hoping to get it in a smaller package.

We just got a higher trim level forester and the backseat gets like an icebox. Maybe there is something wrong w your ac?

You can probably get more than you paid at this point. Used cares are in high demand. Let some other sucker have it and get what you want. Life it too short.

I got the base model and 9k miles in, now wish I’d spent just a little more money on getting a car I liked a lot better.
Among other things I dislike, the kids are constantly complaining about the lack of AC in the back. I think it only comes out near their feet and I can’t seem to get them comfortable without freezing myself.
Crazy but I may just go ahead and trade in my car for a higher trim or maybe Outback instead.
Are the higher trim levels a lot more comfortable?
How ridiculous am I to do a trade in?
I have cash for this. No debts.