Subaru Foresters - any experiences?

RDH · Post by **RDH** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 10:01 am

The wife's company car, and job incidentally, are going this week, so looking for a replacement car.

Whilst a focus, or similar, would be the easy, sensible option, Laura's decided that an AWD is essential, as her folks live a mile up a farm track, and I use the term track loosely.

So we're looking at a 2.0 petrol Non turbo Forester at around £5k?

Thoughts?

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 10:26 am

Very very expensive to run, think 25 mpg. Drag coefficient of a bungalow so you're better off with an outback, but a legacy would probably do the job just as well. As a non turbo be aware the performance is very poor, too.

RDH · Post by **RDH** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 10:40 am

Hi Greg, I know the mpg is stupid, but she'll be lucky to do 5k miles a year, looking at the forester for ground clearance v the legacy. The outback is tricky to find in budget!
Certainly not choosing it for its looks, and she's not fussed about performance!

Post by **campbell** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 9:07 pm

Given your constraints / requirements, you could do worse.

Agree with Greg all the same

Prob many other soft roaders in the zone though. Freelander?

RDH · Post by **RDH** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 9:25 pm

campbell wrote:Given your constraints / requirements, you could do worse.

Agree with Greg all the same

Prob many other soft roaders in the zone though. Freelander?

The boss has decided she wants the forester, as it's a bit different, despite there being a similarly priced and spec'd legacy and outback at the dealer!
Life's too short to argue!

Post by **campbell** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 9:31 pm

Built to last. Was on my list for a long time but Mission Control said no

Same happening with Yeti. Not fair!

smee · Post by **smee** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 11:26 pm

Inlaws have had one for the past 10 years. We run it for them while they are living in Denmark. Never any problems.

Stu160 · Post by **Stu160** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:06 am

My dad has had 2, the current one he has had for 11 years, from new. Never missed a beat, and perhaps never will. I bought my sister in laws auto impreza , 99 plate, it was the same, owned since 1 year old. Never missed a beat.

Bit soft on the road, but very comfortable, they do the job. Sub 25 mpg, but given the mileage, who cares.

Stu

Dark · Post by **Dark** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 7:38 am

For that age of Forrester you'll get similar faults as an Impreza.
Check for knocking rear shocks, rust on the front subframe and oil leaks around the bottom of the front rockers covers.
Also check the underside for any off-roading damage especially the exhaust, sump & rear diff.
Make sure tyres, discs & pads are in good condition as none are exactly cheap to replace.
My wife has a 2008 Impreza with the same 2.0 NA engine and it's okay but 25mpg around town / 30mpg motorway is typical.
Import Car Parts offer very good quality spares at good prices for any DIY repairs or servicing.

Scottish Elises