Subaru Forester

B00!

Hi, I am considering purchasing a used Forester, seems a perfect size for my needs. But I am used to the long term serviceability and reliability of Toyotas. Are Subaru's comparable? Does anyone have any experience with Foresters? Resale values of used Foresters seem unusually low, so it makes me wonder about their reliability over time.

biko

I had one a a couple years or so and sold it as I didn't need a car for a year.
I keep regretting selling it. It was automatic with the premium package and massive sunroof.

It used a lot of petrol though as it was permanent 4WD.


Great in all weather

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSG-pF1LXHI

B00!

Thanks for the great info biko! Good to know of your experiences!

wow, that vid is impressive!

bodonnell

Had two foresters and two imprezas before that, very reliable never let me down.

John_Rambo

biko wrote: »

I had one a a couple years or so and sold it as I didn't need a car for a year.
I keep regretting selling it. It was automatic with the premium package and massive sunroof.

It used a lot of petrol though as it was permanent 4WD.


Great in all weather

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSG-pF1LXHI

I wondered if you sold it or hung on to it. Cracking car, your one is probably a bit of a cult classic now. An all terrain vehicle built on (basically) a rally car. Did the Gardai have a few of that model?

We've all had cars we'd like to mothball, but it's not financially possible. :mad:

B00!

Thanks bodonnell, that puts my mind at ease!

I am not fond of the petrol useage biko described, but given I've been driving around a bronco that consumes more than I make in a week, any improvement is welcome.

I need something larger than a hatchback but smaller than a standard SUV. I was considering a small Toyota pickup, but prefer the seat capacity of the Forester.

Only ever worked on old Toyotas and know their motor (and reliability, 200+ thou miles even), so sharing your experience settles my decision.

walus

Forester is great SUV with the actual off road capability unlike many other SUVs. Watch out for the 2.0 diesel engines though - very poor reliability and huge repair costs.

Bazzer007

I owned a 09 Legacy diesel and had no issues at all. I know the 08/09 Boxer engines have crankshaft issues - the one I bought had work carried out and I had 4 years hassle free driving. The drive is more refined now so Subaru have worked on improving its Boxer engine. I recently bought a 2015 Forester and I love it. The new model Forester (2014 onwards) looks great and handles brilliantly unlike other SUV's I've test driven.

B00!

Thanks walus ad Bazzer007! Great info!

It was a 2008 for sale with a repaired rod thru the engine that I passed up, don't need that nightmare!
Having relatively low wear, it had me worried about Foresters endurance.

I can't afford a new one, so all of your advice about what to watch for is really appreciated!

Staph

I have the 2.5 xten and it's been faultless. Only have to do servicing and consumables. Mine has almost 300000km and has full service history. While it's a thirsty beast, it's very practical. Are you cosidering petrol or diesel? I think the petrols are more robust engines.

walus

Take a look at this: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057524363 if you have not done so yet. I'm not up to date with the situation with Subaru Boxer Diesel (SBD) but last time I heard the issue was present in 2011 models as well. It is fundamentally a problem that occurs in Ireland later mileage wise than in other countries that get more winter weather. So it is not uncommon to see SBDs going bang at 120-140 k kilometres while in say Sweden it would be more like 60-80k. Also cars who had the short block replaced developed same issue again, and again. I would not go near pre 2012 models myself tbh.

B00!

Staph wrote: »

I have the 2.5 xten and it's been faultless. Only have to do servicing and consumables. Mine has almost 300000km and has full service history. While it's a thirsty beast, it's very practical. Are you cosidering petrol or diesel? I think the petrols are more robust engines.

If I get the chance to buy one, hope to definitely stick with petrol.
I've never worked on diesels, the only experience I had with a diesel engine was bad.

walus wrote: »

Take a look at this: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057524363 if you have not done so yet. I'm not up to date with the situation with Subaru Boxer Diesel (SBD) but last time I heard the issue was present in 2011 models as well. It is fundamentally a problem that occurs in Ireland later mileage wise than in other countries that get more winter weather. So it is not uncommon to see SBDs going bang at 120-140 k kilometres while in say Sweden it would be more like 60-80k. Also cars who had the short block replaced developed same issue again, and again. I would not go near pre 2012 models myself tbh.

I hadn't seen that walus, thanks, very good information there!
Wow, That is just sad!!!
2012 and newer, ok great advice! Thanks!

Staph

I think it's only the diesels that he recommends you buy newer. In my opinion, the petrols from any year are decent. Mine is '08.
Just do the usual checks and review service history.

B00!

Staph wrote: »

I think it's only the diesels that he recommends you buy newer. In my opinion, the petrols from any year are decent. Mine is '08.
Just do the usual checks and review service history.

Thanks Staph, 300000 km is nearly what my Toyota was at, and what I was hoping for, in whatever I am able to buy. Appreciate your advice!

curiousb

B00! wrote: »

Thanks Staph, 300000 km is nearly what my Toyota was at, and what I was hoping for, in whatever I am able to buy. Appreciate your advice!

I have a 2006 Outback, 2.5l petrol with just under 300,000 kilometres on it and it's going great. Will probably keep it for a few more years!

walus

Staph wrote: »

I think it's only the diesels that he recommends you buy newer. In my opinion, the petrols from any year are decent. Mine is '08.
Just do the usual checks and review service history.

Correct. The petrol choice in Eire is however restricted only to 2.0l engines, and although very reliable they are probably not powerful enough for a car this big.

I had 2004 Legacy with 2.0 SOHC engine and other than the usual dual mass flywheel issue (known in Subarus) it was brilliant to own and drive.

Staph

walus wrote: »

Correct. The petrol choice in Eire is however restricted only to 2.0l engines, and although very reliable they are probably not powerful enough for a car this big.

You can get 2.0 and 2.5L petrols in the previous model, but the newest version only come in 2.0. I haven't driven the newer model, but the 2L is probably sufficient.