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Subaru Forester - thoughts on recent models


norfolk dumpling
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Replacing my old X-trail later this year and although my heart says Defender, my head says something completely different. I'm not looking for high tech spec but reliability, longevity and reasonable off road ability and this car - possibly the 240bhp version for a bit of fun too - seems to fit the bill. Any experience of these and dealerships?

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Replacing my old X-trail later this year and although my heart says Defender, my head says something completely different. I'm not looking for high tech spec but reliability, longevity and reasonable off road ability and this car - possibly the 240bhp version for a bit of fun too - seems to fit the bill. Any experience of these and dealerships?

 

As a car come 4X4 you probably couldn't find better and the symmetrical 4x4 system is they say, the best ever developed.

 

If its anything like my Subaru Sportswagon it will be brilliant.

 

You don't want to get yourself a boring old mud plugger when you can have 240 horses under your foot and better off road capability than most of the "specialist" vehicles.

 

Go for it...

 

Simpson Subaru in Swindon Wilts...excellent but that might be a bit too far for you.

 

The Subaru Marque regulary scores top 10 in the reliability stakes ( Japs fill the other 9 places normally as well) and the Forester is included in the list of 10 cars that would, properly serviced, exceed 250,000 miles...

 

How much more reliable and long-lived do you want it to be. ??

 

Edited by Adge Cutler
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I have a 2005 2.5 XT that has managed the light off-roading I have done it,farm tracks un metalled roads etc.

Its quick for Something marketed as an off-road/all terrain car, very reliable but terrible fuel economy if you drive it hard.

My father has just bought a 2014 forester automatic in xt spec which is what i think is the same as the current model, still quick has all the toys but it seems to have lost something over the older ones.

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Great engine and transmission but not half the domination power of a Defender 90 with all the bits and a 4litre V8, and lots of dents and scratches all over it and I know the Subaru engine sounds nice (my hunting pal has one)but the rumble of a big V8 exhausting through a big stainless exhaust and two CherryBombs cannot be beaten. My keeper friend down in Wales thirty odd years ago had one of the first Subaru pickups and believe me that would go anywhere and did. Always been great motors and if that is your choice it will not be a bad one.

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Great engine and transmission but not half the domination power of a Defender 90 with all the bits and a 4litre V8, and lots of dents and scratches all over it and I know the Subaru engine sounds nice (my hunting pal has one)but the rumble of a big V8 exhausting through a big stainless exhaust and two CherryBombs cannot be beaten. My keeper friend down in Wales thirty odd years ago had one of the first Subaru pickups and believe me that would go anywhere and did. Always been great motors and if that is your choice it will not be a bad one.

A garage near to me had one of those little pickups for donkys years I think that they stopped making them many years ago or I would have got one.

 

Here we go finished making them in 1994 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_BRAT

Edited by four-wheel-drive
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My dad has just bought a brand new forester, 2 litre petrol, its his 4th subaru in a row and second forester, he was a farm manager before he retired, and he went literally everywhere and anywhere in it. Loves these motors and wont touch any other maker now. Tried all sorts of other 4wds over the years but wouldn't change. Highly recommended.

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I have had a 2010 forester diesel for four years and it has been very reliable, not even a bulb change.

 

It does the school/ shopping runs,tows a caravan gets us around the shoots, also amazingly capable in snow and mud.

 

Around town MPG is around 39 on a run 50+ but it is awd, go above 80mph or tow and it will go down to the 20's

 

There isn't much not to like about subarus in my opinion, they are built to be supremely reliable and practical, they are up there with Volvo in the safety rankings, I think a lot of people admire them I often get questions about it on camp sites and shoots.

 

The gearing is a bit odd, it has a very high first gear which some people may not notice but off road and towing it is a real asset.

 

When people think Subaru they think reliability, when people think Land Rover they probably think something else

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I have a 2013 Forester diesel. Excellent car and economical 45+mpg.

But - Dealers are thin on the ground and their servicing costs are high. Independents okay but make sure they service to Subaru level and provide a detailed worksheet.

I just put mine in for first MOT and got an advisory on a leaking rear shock. Luckily covered under warranty but Subaru would only replace leaking one - not pair. £575 each plus fitting ! if i'd had to pay! No pattern parts available.

So great cars but be warned - they can be costly to maintain if you're unlucky.

I'm beginning to ask myself if I really need a 4x4 before next service, four tyres and the other rear shock which is showing oil mist but I will have to pay for as only 3 year warranty on car except engine and transmission.

Good luck whatever you choose.

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