My daughter and husband have baby and run a Honda Civic 1600 SE Auto and T reg Escort on last legs. They need two cars as she is a medic and he is to start teacher training shortly. They are moving to live uphill on the edge of town, subject to fair amounts of snow etc in winter, and she needs a vehicle for patient visits. She is keen on buying a Subaru Forester (budget max £9000) and would trade in the Escort and retain the Civic.

Would you have any comment on her choice? Would Subaru Approved be a good choice? I've traded privately for my own use at Mannheim Leeds in the past and have very rarely (if ever) seen a Forester. Is it worth using an agent to buy on her behalf at auction elsewhere in the UK? Private purchase? She would prefer to avoid one used for towing. Any advice appreciated.