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De-Forestation

I currently have a 6-year-old Subaru Forester 2.0iX with which I have been very happy but am thinking about a replacement. My budget is £20,000 plus part exchange and I am looking at another Forester or perhaps a Honda CRV. I have averaged 12,500 miles a year in the Forester and do not expect future mileage to materially differ. 4-wheel drive is not essential but a high driving position, comfort and reliability are. My questions are: What other vehicles should I consider? Should I opt for diesel or petrol? Any advice will be appreciated.

Asked on 4 September 2010 by MC, Towcester

Answered by Honest John
Normally I say only go for diesel if you do 15k miles a year or more, and there has been some criticism of the unique Subaru flat four diesel. If the only reason for buying a Forester is the upright driving position then there are a lot of 2WD SUV around now that will do that particular job, including the amazingly economical new Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai ix35, KIA new Sportage (arriving August), Nissan Qashqai, etc.

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