Hi,
Wondering here is anyone has got or experience of a Subaru Forester.
Possibly looking at a Jap import one, with 65K on the clock in superb condition. Seems to fit the bill with having 2 kids and a dog, as has a large boot etc. My only concern though it that well, its going to be damn quick.
Any experiences or advice appreicated
Scott
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Yes, good cars. I like them. Just be aware that some spare parts can be staggeringly expensive on Subarus.
Can you give a bit more detail on the car? i.e. engine spec., year and where you are sourcing it from. If its a Jap import than it must be fairly old since no cars made after 1st Jan '97 are allowed through ESVA without a Model Report. I don't think there is a Model Report for the Forester, is there?
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We have two Foresters in our family.
1999 Auto and 2003 XT auto.
The older one is the original model and we have one complaint and that is the rear seat is a bit cramped for adults on a long journey. The newer model is a little longer and has a little more room.
The boot is not enormous, but adequate. As a family car is has many useful features, not least of which is an excellent ride and bombproof mechanics. Recommend regular oil cahnges as there are two heads and one huge cam belt to repalce it is all goes wrong.
Please e-mail me (via the mods) if you want further details.
--
Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
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BIL in Australia has the non-turbo model and loves it. But the petrol is a bit cheaper over there. They are super-popular down under.
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Over 25mpg - average- and you are achieving miracles. Around town 20mpg or less if you drive hard..
madf
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The downside of a jap import is that the main dealer may not touch it if you need any work done by them. My dealer has a notice up to this effect. Not a problem if you DIY or have a trusted independant near you. For things like cambelts I'd definitely have a dealer do the work. A change on my Legacy recently cost a tad over £200 which I don't think is bad for a dealer. Belts don't break nor do the tensioners apparently.
They really are bomb-proof if you sevice them regularly. I do the routine stuff myself and they are nice to work on. Some nice touches like an easily accessable dipstick for the gearbox.
Yes, Subarus are more thirsty than the equivalent 'ordinary' car and the bits can be expensive though you can get some OED bits elsewhere. Routine stuff like filters from Subaru are now much reduced in price e.g. oil filter down from £10 to £4.
I find the dealers very good and Subaru insurance were the cheapest for me. Might not be for an import though. I think I'd get a UK car unless the import was very cheap. Be aware that the rust proofing on jap cars is not up to European spec so get it waxed underneath.
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>>Be aware that the rust proofing on jap cars isnot up to European spec so get it waxed underneath.
IIRC, this was discussed in another thread fairly recently and the conclusion was that most cars get the same rustproofing treatment regardless of market/destination/spec.
Of course this may not apply to Subaru...
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Well,
Its a 1997, Subaru Forester with Turbo. Bought for just under £3K. Issue is no history and need to confirm the mileage as we believe, both the person selling aswell as previous owner, they have not rolled back the Kilometers per hour to reflect to MPH - hence mileage shows at moment 95K. The bodywork in in damn near A1 Metallic Black condition. I have taken a leap on it.
Bought in the Uk Dec 2000 and 2 owners sicne then so will trace mileage through them. Sounds sweat as a nut- physically heard over phone, but will know more when I drive it back - big gamble.
Scott
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You can get the mileage when it was sold in Japan via BIMTA - costs about £25 I think.
Anyway, you're a braver man than I am - especially at £3k.
Best of luck with it.
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