norfolk dumpling Posted September 16, 2016 Report Share Posted September 16, 2016 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-wheel-drive Posted September 16, 2016 Report Share Posted September 16, 2016 they say that they are very good but I just cannot got over the great big long nose in front of the wheels it bugs me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adge Cutler Posted September 16, 2016 Report Share Posted September 16, 2016 (edited) 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 September 16, 2016 by Adge Cutler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuji Shooter Posted September 16, 2016 Report Share Posted September 16, 2016 Recently sold my Forester Turbo, loved it. Great fun car and was seriously looking at getting an imported Forester STi with the 320+ BHP. Local Subaru dealer was great if not a little pricey on standard service items. Ended up getting another Defender though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R1nut Posted September 16, 2016 Report Share Posted September 16, 2016 The Subaru awd is fantastic!! Go for the full fat version and enjoy. You will be very surprised how capable it really is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromwell7 Posted September 16, 2016 Report Share Posted September 16, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R1nut Posted September 16, 2016 Report Share Posted September 16, 2016 I agree with cromwell7 they are thirsty, but by god you will have some fun!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuji Shooter Posted September 16, 2016 Report Share Posted September 16, 2016 Never got above 20mpg out of mine. A lot less when I drove it like a ####. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norfolk dumpling Posted September 17, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 Feedback appreciated chaps and more or less in line with my own research. Will test drive soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-wheel-drive Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 A bit like the X-trail off road good in mud but not enough ground clearance to get over many lumps or rocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-wheel-drive Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 (edited) 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 September 17, 2016 by four-wheel-drive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 (edited) I think it's because of that vehicle that my hair is totally WHITE. Going up inclines when we would be out foxing and we had to stand on the closed tail board to be anywhere near upright .... SHUDDDDDDEERRRRRRRR!!!!! THEN!!! of course we had to come down. Edited September 17, 2016 by Walker570 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adzyvilla Posted September 17, 2016 Report Share Posted September 17, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazbev Posted September 19, 2016 Report Share Posted September 19, 2016 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norfolk dumpling Posted September 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2016 Drove a '16' plate Disco Landmark yesterday and I must say for a few days I will yearn after one. Then commonsense will return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildfowler.250 Posted September 21, 2016 Report Share Posted September 21, 2016 How do you think the skoda yetis compare to they subarus? I've been looking into both but the subarus seem pricey second hand, poorer mpg and neither win for looks.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R1nut Posted September 21, 2016 Report Share Posted September 21, 2016 The subarus hold resale value for a good reason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromwell7 Posted September 21, 2016 Report Share Posted September 21, 2016 I'm sure the yeti is great and I have nothing against it but can't help thinking it looks like a berlingo. Also I imagine there isn't as much room in a yeti. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brodie Posted September 23, 2016 Report Share Posted September 23, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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