Subaru Forester owners (past or present)

[NigelDonnelly]

/sites/practicalcaravan.com/files/images/Forester_web.jpgDear All
The used car buyer section of the mag is covering the Subaru Forester next month and I was wondering if anyone has owned one, and what they thought of it? Our research indicates it is a bit odd, brilliant at towing, thirsty and unbreakable but does anyone else have anything to add?
We are talking about the model built up to 2008, but comments generally about Foreseters are welcome!

Thanks in advance

 

[Martin24]

We had our first subaru a light yellow GLF-5 in 1983/4 when I was about 11 years old, at the time it was a rarity and we were often questioned about it in car parks. Before long many of the family started having them and I have to say if I had a smaller van I would either have a forester or legacy outback now. They were always rather on the thirsty side but excellent towcars but in the early days highly underrated, the marque not really taking off until the days of rally succes. Running costs have always been an issue including insurance. Our membership number of the owners club was in the 400's!! My mother had a forester until she downsized in 2007 and even now, although happy with what she bought then, wishes she still had it. I have a feeling when she next changes she'll go back to one despite having no use for a 4x4. They can be a bit plasticky and boring but I have never come across anyone with the slightest complaint about the ease of driving one, the ability of the car and most of all about it's reliability. I have to say as well, I love the sound of the flat four boxer engine and whenever I hear one now it brings back many happy childhood memories.

 

[NigelDonnelly]

That's pretty positive! We've run a few on the mag over the years and even the diesels sound pretty good! I'd have one like a shot, although as you say, running costs can be on the steep side. And they can be tough to find too. Best one was a 3.0R which even towing a little Avondale could show most things a clean set of heels away from the lights!

Thanks for your comments, which I'll pass on

 

[Countrylass]

We bought a 2.0 litre 2005/05 Automatic in 2008 to replace our ageing Nissan Primera. It had to be automatic as I can't manage clutches now due to disability. We hadn't considered 4 wheel drive before but it proved to be a good thing during the last two winters. The car copes effortlessly with towing our Bailey Ranger 460/4 and my husband (he does the towing) says that the automatic gears make moving off very easy. Fuel consumption is a little bit greater than our Primera but towing seems to make little difference to it. We have no plans to change it for a few years at least as we tend to keep cars for a long time. So far the only money we've spent on has been for tyres, servicing and fuel.
As a not too tall person I like the higher driving position. Around where we live in rural Scotland we see lots of elderly Foresters so they must last.

 

[NigelDonnelly]

Good information. Thanks for the feedback. Running costs seem to be the most consistent mark down for the Forester, but generally everybody loves them!

Many Thanks