Forster XTEn advice
Discussion
Reference my last post and the slow demise of our trusty Outback, I've decided to look at a 2007 Forester 2.5 XTEn auto. It's done 46,000 miles and looks very tidy indeed. Can any one help in terms of mechanical advice, experience owning one and any quirky bits to look out for? I'm off to look at it this week and so far, keen to buy it.
As always, appreciate any help and advice.
As always, appreciate any help and advice.
Leaking rear self leveling struts are the weak spot. Replacements are only available via the dealer and cost a fortune.
You can replace them with KYB Excel-Gs but you need new rear springs too as the standard ones will sag without the support of the SLS strut.
Other than that, they're pretty solid. Check out subaruforester.org for more info.
Enjoyed owning mine (even did a little off roading
) - very comfy for long cruises (took it to Sweden twice) and handle well and are pretty quick even in stock guise. Lots of mods available too if the mood takes you (more or less anything from an equivalent model year Impreza will fit).
You can replace them with KYB Excel-Gs but you need new rear springs too as the standard ones will sag without the support of the SLS strut.
Other than that, they're pretty solid. Check out subaruforester.org for more info.
Enjoyed owning mine (even did a little off roading
) - very comfy for long cruises (took it to Sweden twice) and handle well and are pretty quick even in stock guise. Lots of mods available too if the mood takes you (more or less anything from an equivalent model year Impreza will fit).Edited by Gigsy on Monday 3rd September 10:41
Hi, had ours 3 years now and it's was all good until 77k.
Have a nose around the Forester forum,http://www.subaruforester.org/
It also does have a heavy clutch, that can be a pain in traffic.
Changed l/h rear shock 2years ago (57k) £400 not inc fitting (not to bad to do yourself) R/h one started weeping.
Rear wheel bearing last year.
Ours also had a notchy 4th gear, sorted this with redline shockproof.
It has done 87k now, just changed the rear disc's and pads, fronts to do next payday.
Sorry for all the negatives, maybe we've been unlucky?
On the plus side it still puts a big grin on my face, not bad for a farmers car.
Have a nose around the Forester forum,http://www.subaruforester.org/
It also does have a heavy clutch, that can be a pain in traffic.
Changed l/h rear shock 2years ago (57k) £400 not inc fitting (not to bad to do yourself) R/h one started weeping.
Rear wheel bearing last year.
Ours also had a notchy 4th gear, sorted this with redline shockproof.
It has done 87k now, just changed the rear disc's and pads, fronts to do next payday.
Sorry for all the negatives, maybe we've been unlucky?
On the plus side it still puts a big grin on my face, not bad for a farmers car.
Had my my05 2.5XT for 40,000 miles now and its now at 78k. its been utterly faultless and goes like a train even loaded to the brim.
Fuel economy is 27 with mixed driving. 22 driven hard and 30 on a long run.
Re. Suspension point above. Pre 2006 cars don't have self levelling suspension but the 2005 model does get th 2.5 litre turbo.
Fuel economy is 27 with mixed driving. 22 driven hard and 30 on a long run.
Re. Suspension point above. Pre 2006 cars don't have self levelling suspension but the 2005 model does get th 2.5 litre turbo.
I have a 2003 XT auto and the box is fine with a smooth change. I read reports that some think it changes too often but I've not found it a problem. I can even get 29-30 mpg out of it on Vpower but I do live in a rural area with no short trips or town driving. With more enthusiastic driving it's low to mid 20's.
I've done over 50k miles in my '05 XTen. Its now at 101k miles and is running fine. You have to be prepared for the odd bill, mine had one of the VVT valves go which was a grand to sort, but other than that, its not let me down. I do watch the oil like a hawk as it can eat a bit.
With decent ground clearance and AWD its great in all weathers. If you use it offroad it will surprise you. Mine sees muddy tracks and fields and has dealt with it fine. In the occasional big snows we have had over the past 5 years its been brilliant.
With the prodrive pack and around 250bhp its performance isn't too bad at all, but I never see more than 24-25 mpg. Its a bit noisy inside on the motorway.., other than that I can't think of any negatives as an all round, load lugging, AWD softroader.
I did look at putting a bigger turbo, injectors and fuel pump on a year ago, but the bill with labour and a remap came out at around £3.5k, so I left it.
With decent ground clearance and AWD its great in all weathers. If you use it offroad it will surprise you. Mine sees muddy tracks and fields and has dealt with it fine. In the occasional big snows we have had over the past 5 years its been brilliant.
With the prodrive pack and around 250bhp its performance isn't too bad at all, but I never see more than 24-25 mpg. Its a bit noisy inside on the motorway.., other than that I can't think of any negatives as an all round, load lugging, AWD softroader.
I did look at putting a bigger turbo, injectors and fuel pump on a year ago, but the bill with labour and a remap came out at around £3.5k, so I left it.
yellowstreak said:
I've done over 50k miles in my '05 XTen. Its now at 101k miles and is running fine. You have to be prepared for the odd bill, mine had one of the VVT valves go which was a grand to sort, but other than that, its not let me down. I do watch the oil like a hawk as it can eat a bit.
With decent ground clearance and AWD its great in all weathers. If you use it offroad it will surprise you. Mine sees muddy tracks and fields and has dealt with it fine. In the occasional big snows we have had over the past 5 years its been brilliant.
With the prodrive pack and around 250bhp its performance isn't too bad at all, but I never see more than 24-25 mpg. Its a bit noisy inside on the motorway.., other than that I can't think of any negatives as an all round, load lugging, AWD softroader.
I did look at putting a bigger turbo, injectors and fuel pump on a year ago, but the bill with labour and a remap came out at around £3.5k, so I left it.
There are plenty of used turbos and injectors around for not a lot of money and they don't take too long to DIY change either. Same with installing a walbro 255lph fuel pump, very DIY job. With decent ground clearance and AWD its great in all weathers. If you use it offroad it will surprise you. Mine sees muddy tracks and fields and has dealt with it fine. In the occasional big snows we have had over the past 5 years its been brilliant.
With the prodrive pack and around 250bhp its performance isn't too bad at all, but I never see more than 24-25 mpg. Its a bit noisy inside on the motorway.., other than that I can't think of any negatives as an all round, load lugging, AWD softroader.
I did look at putting a bigger turbo, injectors and fuel pump on a year ago, but the bill with labour and a remap came out at around £3.5k, so I left it.
VF35 or 16G turbo and 550cc injectors will add modified Impreza STi go and a shedload of torque. Add basic exhaust mods and a flat panel air filter and you'll see the thick end of 320-340bhp and similar torque no problems. Won't cost anywhere near £3,500 including the remap. More like £1500-£2000 tops.
Tune these the same way as any newage Impreza
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