Subaru Forrester 2.5 Manual
Discussion
Fantastic cars, ran an Sti for 7 years. Nothing went wrong, not that thirsty 28mpg on the motorway. Sound is wonderful and the boot a lot better than German offerings of similar size. On paper the boots may seem similar but the Germans tend to count the spear wheel well in that so there is in fact quite a big difference.
He won't regret owning one.
He won't regret owning one.
Playing devil's advocate to the above comment, having owned a few Subaru models.
Engine rebuild at high mileage.
Crusty underside that can cost more than the purchase cost to put right.
Multiple bushes to replace, which not even specialists can work out which are the correct ones due to various variations from turbo to N/A and JDM/ EUDM.
All to drive a car that isn't that fast, isn't that great handling and drinks fuel for fun. Will also make you look like one of those guys that poses with a carp on Facebook.
Engine rebuild at high mileage.
Crusty underside that can cost more than the purchase cost to put right.
Multiple bushes to replace, which not even specialists can work out which are the correct ones due to various variations from turbo to N/A and JDM/ EUDM.
All to drive a car that isn't that fast, isn't that great handling and drinks fuel for fun. Will also make you look like one of those guys that poses with a carp on Facebook.
Edited by MattsCar on Wednesday 12th February 23:58
I have a 2014 2.0 diesel manual and it is superb. Hasn't missed a beat, brilliantly versatile and superbly comfortable. Really can't fault it. Returns mid 40mpg. Have just bought a VW Touareg as I need a greater towing capacity but if it weren't for that, the Subaru would be staying.
They are great cars, if well maintained and not rusty.
I'd be most concerned about rust. Check the shock mounts, sills and subframes.
If you find a good one they are great cars. But most are quite tired by now. JDM imports may be worth considering too.
The 2 litre turbo is a good choice too, pre 2005 have lower tax too. But quite rare in good shape. Lots have been abused and not looked after. I'd avoid northern cars as the salt gets to them quicker up North.
I've had 3 or 4 and love them. But it's use dependant. I don't do too many miles so MPG isn't an issue and live in a rural part of the country, so the Forester shines. They are a bit lacking in refinment on the motorway by modern standards. If that's your thing an Outback may be better.
They are the original small perfomance SUV. Quite compact, but roomy inside. And they drive very well. Performace is relative. They are no Golf R, but 220hp in a lightish car with a low COG is a good combo. No annoying modern bongs and warnings etc. There is a good Youtube review by Hammond.
I'd be most concerned about rust. Check the shock mounts, sills and subframes.
If you find a good one they are great cars. But most are quite tired by now. JDM imports may be worth considering too.
The 2 litre turbo is a good choice too, pre 2005 have lower tax too. But quite rare in good shape. Lots have been abused and not looked after. I'd avoid northern cars as the salt gets to them quicker up North.
I've had 3 or 4 and love them. But it's use dependant. I don't do too many miles so MPG isn't an issue and live in a rural part of the country, so the Forester shines. They are a bit lacking in refinment on the motorway by modern standards. If that's your thing an Outback may be better.
They are the original small perfomance SUV. Quite compact, but roomy inside. And they drive very well. Performace is relative. They are no Golf R, but 220hp in a lightish car with a low COG is a good combo. No annoying modern bongs and warnings etc. There is a good Youtube review by Hammond.
Edited by STURBO on Monday 17th February 19:17
Edited by STURBO on Monday 17th February 19:18
robinh73 said:
I have a 2014 2.0 diesel manual and it is superb. Hasn't missed a beat, brilliantly versatile and superbly comfortable. Really can't fault it. Returns mid 40mpg. Have just bought a VW Touareg as I need a greater towing capacity but if it weren't for that, the Subaru would be staying.
Bloody shame they stopped making the diesels.Looking at an Outback as potential replacement for my trusty Freelander 2 but not liking the petrol mpg.
Bobupndown said:
Bloody shame they stopped making the diesels.
Looking at an Outback as potential replacement for my trusty Freelander 2 but not liking the petrol mpg.
That is the only thing that would put me off buying a newer Forester, the petrol engine is not a patch on the diesel. The Outback does at least have more power, but still not a patch on the diesel. Looking at an Outback as potential replacement for my trusty Freelander 2 but not liking the petrol mpg.
Matt_T said:
Bobupndown said:
Bloody shame they stopped making the diesels.
Looking at an Outback as potential replacement for my trusty Freelander 2 but not liking the petrol mpg.
If you drive the Outbacks smoothly, the MPG is fine but can get quite low if you drive them hard.Looking at an Outback as potential replacement for my trusty Freelander 2 but not liking the petrol mpg.
I just want a normal, relatively economical, diesel 4x4.
(Dangerous satanic mutterings that our government would like to stifle!)
Mr.Nobody said:
How does the 2.0 from 2005 compare in XT spec?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412277555356?sort=relevance&searchId=68df2e87-39fa-4e6e-afdd-b5a6ddf5fcdb&advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=XT&body-type=&colour=&fuel-type=&make=Subaru&model=Forester&page=1&postcode=mk147py&transmission=&year-to=2025&fromsraEdited by Mr.Nobody on Friday 21st February 22:35
Sat in Hampstead Garden Suburb this is where my money would be . What a tool for £5k and there will be negotiations to be had Im sure .
Its one of those cars that many Dealers would take an offer for because the tend to hang around on forecourts a long time awaiting the right
buyer .
I remember many years ago phoning up about one and the Dealer asking how much was it worth to me ?? I fancied it for the Lurchers and
a bit of Lamping .
reddiesel said:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412277...
Sat in Hampstead Garden Suburb this is where my money would be . What a tool for £5k and there will be negotiations to be had Im sure .
Its one of those cars that many Dealers would take an offer for because the tend to hang around on forecourts a long time awaiting the right
buyer .
I remember many years ago phoning up about one and the Dealer asking how much was it worth to me ?? I fancied it for the Lurchers and
a bit of Lamping .
That does look nice. I’ve seen one local same spec XT but it’s not got leather seats and it’s an auto. For £2500 only 2 owners but 130k Sat in Hampstead Garden Suburb this is where my money would be . What a tool for £5k and there will be negotiations to be had Im sure .
Its one of those cars that many Dealers would take an offer for because the tend to hang around on forecourts a long time awaiting the right
buyer .
I remember many years ago phoning up about one and the Dealer asking how much was it worth to me ?? I fancied it for the Lurchers and
a bit of Lamping .
Mr.Nobody said:
My brothers decided he wants to buy a Subaru Forester. I know they are thirsty and tax is expensive. But he’s keen to own one. Would any owners or previous owners be able to offer some advice?
Unless it's been completely restored or Dinitrol'd from new forget them as they are all rust buckets now and the last MOT cert will be 3 pages long with corrosion fails and advisories. If you're still not put off, watch out for fresh or clean looking underseal as this is what most of the sellers do to get you to believe it's well-looked after example and squeeze an extra grand out of you, when the reality is they've just spent 100 quid on a cheap blow-over to cover up all the rot and you'll find that your car is only worth scrap money when it goes in for its next MOT and the tester puts his hammer straight through it.They're all well past their use-by date now. Haven't seen a good one on the ramps in a very long time.
Tisy said:
Unless it's been completely restored or Dinitrol'd from new forget them as they are all rust buckets now and the last MOT cert will be 3 pages long with corrosion fails and advisories. If you're still not put off, watch out for fresh or clean looking underseal as this is what most of the sellers do to get you to believe it's well-looked after example and squeeze an extra grand out of you, when the reality is they've just spent 100 quid on a cheap blow-over to cover up all the rot and you'll find that your car is only worth scrap money when it goes in for its next MOT and the tester puts his hammer straight through it.
They're all well past their use-by date now. Haven't seen a good one on the ramps in a very long time.
There are two that are local a XT 2.0 and and XTE 2.5 both are very good on the MOT History and both don’t mention any rust. But he’s also seen a Outback 3.0.They're all well past their use-by date now. Haven't seen a good one on the ramps in a very long time.
Mr.Nobody said:
There are two that are local a XT 2.0 and and XTE 2.5 both are very good on the MOT History and both don’t mention any rust. But he’s also seen a Outback 3.0.
"Don't mention any rust" depends on who paid for the last MOT. If it was a dealer then take it with a pinch of salt.Mr.Nobody said:
That does look nice. I’ve seen one local same spec XT but it’s not got leather seats and it’s an auto. For £2500 only 2 owners but 130k
I have gone through the MOT History and its completely spot on , in fact I don't believe you would get a better one . If I was looking for a Forester I wouldn't hesitate in buying this Car and the fact he is open to offers encourages me even further . Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff