Subaru Forester 'rivals'

[kingstondc5]

Hello all,

Im looking at 99-05 model Subaru Foresters as they kinda suit;
My budget (up to 4k ideally)
Performance requirements (quick but not overly fast, so around 8 secs to 60 for the pub talk)
Works in the snow (yeah we dont get snow that often but still a requirement for me)
Has a largish boot so no SWB models (like the Pajero)

Does anyone know what the SF's rivals would be, ideally in the performance stakes?

Was thinking the VW Touareg TDI's (yeah i know there more than my budget) as you can chip them, Pajero Evolution (bit to thirsty for my liking and boots to small) but cant think of anything else, so over to you guys.

Thanks

[Ledaig]

If you could live with the 10sec 0-60, how about a Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.7 Quadradrive if you can. The 04 model was the last one with the beam axle at the front and mechanical front, centre and rear diff locking by gerotor pump/clutch plates rather than electronic differential braking (plus the central manual lock with low ratio)

I've had mine since Oct last year and other than the acceleration it seems to tick all your boxes.
They are lower than most 4x4s so car parks are a breeze (not like the arse clenching moments I had with my Discovery) - this also makes them more car like to drive, well screwed together and comfortable. They do have their faults to look out for, but doesn't everything?

[anomaly]

Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 such as this:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/4088689.htm

[cailean]

I don't think a competitor exists, especially if you factor in Subaru's reliability and solid build.

[Bill]

Not sure they're cheap enough, but there's the Mazda CX7. And iirc the Volvo XC70 was available with a decent petrol engine.

[Happy82]

I'd have thought the Freelander, X-trail, Compass and Patriot were the main rivals for that sort of vehicle (probably others too but it's early in the morning and I'm sleepy )

[kingstondc5]

Hello all,

Thanks for getting back to me with your suggestions.

Unfortunately the CX7 isnt cheap enough yet and the rest i considered but at my price point, i think the Subaru will be a better bet in terms of reliability vs performance and so on.

Ive also considered the RAV4 (then when i get bored of the power, drop the V6 engine in - but then i might as well just buy a Scooby in the first place and save money) as i quite like them. Just a shame there a bit to slow, yeah i could get the diesel and then chip it but i dont know.

[JFULLER]

Hi

I would personally stick with a Subaru but would probably go with a Spec b Legacy or a 3.0 outback.
Both come with rear LSD's and either in manual or auto they're fairly quick off the mark.

[Dangermouse58]

Volvo v70r is a natural competitor but I'd take the scooby myself. Whatever you get buy some winter tyres for the snow.

[marshall100]

Why would you want anything other than a Forester? great car. I'm sure mitsubishi did do an equiviliant , the main advantage of which was that as it's an import it's alot cheaper than a scooby.

[PugwasHDJ80]

XC70
Audi Allroad
Octavia Scout

[marshall100]

Remember what it was now, mitsubishi RVR, and then the outlander.

[pennswoodsed]

Of the mentioned rivals that I am familiar with,none even come close to being as desirable as the Forester.

[PugwasHDJ80]

really?

a forester is great if you need to do more than just drive across a mudy field towing a trailer, but on the other hand and audi allroad 4.2v8 is a thing of beauty nwith an interior to die for.

frankly it puts a forester to shame and is WAY more desirable.

its also more expensive.

I have an XC70 which in its own way is a properly superb car.

[Stig]

PugwasHDJ80 said:

frankly it puts a forester to shame and is WAY more desirable.

To you perhaps. Don't assume that everyone else shares your view in this regard.