I love saving money on everyday items as well as walking the dog and riding the horse. If you want t...
I love saving money on everyday items as well as walking the dog and riding the horse. If you want to save money or make some extra cash, leave me a message in my guestbook and I will get back to you as soon as I can,
Member since:08.06.2005
Reviews:5
I purchased a Subaru Forester with the All Weather Pack (AWP) from my local Subaru dealer (R N Golden of Huddersfield) having run an Impreza Turbo without problems for 2 years. With one previous owner from new, a full dealer service history and unmarked throughout. The dealer serviced the car and with 12 months MOT, collecting it was problem free.
'The All Weather Pack' is a definite must as it includes the following extras:- Air Conditioning, Massive Electric Sunroof, Heated Seats, Heated Wing Mirrors, Heated Wiper blades, Front Fog Lights, Headlamp washers, Front Seat Armrests.
As I drive all over the country on business, an automatic gearbox was also a welcome option offering very smooth changes up and down the gears. The auto-box offers a power function and when switched on, the car changes up at higher revs giving better accleration. In snow and ice you simply press the 'winter button' which makes the car start off in 2nd gear for better traction.
It works, I've tried it! On cold winter mornings with snow and ice, it is possible to drive away within a couple of minutes as the heated seats give a deep warm feel, the heated mirrors clear themselves and no ice on the windscreen due to heated wiper blades. The driving position is raised higher than normal cars offering good all round visibility with a subtle sun strip on the windscreen. At the traffic light grand prix, the 2 litre engine will give most other saloons a run for their money. The automatic is quicker than a manual to 60mph! A relaxing drive.
The Forester will tow a 1500kg braked trailer, so a caravan or small horse trailer with a pony shouldn't be a problem. A large horse trailer and two Shires is definitely out of the question!
Being based on an Impreza all wheel drive chassis, the Forester corners extremely well even with the increased ground clearance. When pushed really hard into a corner you receive lots of feedback from the suspension right up to the limit. It never feels unsafe even on really wet and uneven roads. This always gives the GTi brigade a shock! Tyres tend to last well.
It runs on ordinary unleaded petrol. If driven at a moderate pace, it returns fuel consumption of about 30mpg. £45ish to fill the tank, (£30 in France, why?)
Servicing MUST be carried out on a regular basis by somebody who has good knowledge of Subaru's. A full dealer service history is highly recommended and doesn't work out that expensive in the long run.
Safety features include: Anti Lock Brakes. Four Airbags, Factory fitted immobiliser. The brakes are fantastic with lots of steady progression and the ability to stop on a six pence when needed. Child locks on the rear passenger doors and windows that only go three quarters of the way down to keep children / dogs safe. With a driver & passenger airbag to the front and one each on the side of the car, should the worst happen, you have a lot of protection around you. The ignition key contains a micro-chip that automatically turns off the immobiliser, without the right key, it won't start. Remote central locking is really useful as you can unlock the car as you walk towards it. Should you not open any of the doors within 30 seconds of unlocking the car, it locks itself again for security. This system means that you can't accidentally lock the keys in!
The boot is a really good size and shape containing lots of cubbyholes and storage. There is even a washing up bowl within the space saving spare wheel. Great for camping and mucky days out with the dog. Easy access to the rear light bulbs (brake lights, tail lights, etc) with the boot open. Fold the back seats down (easy) and it carries loads.
Although marketed as a 4x4 off roader, it doesn't have the ground clearance of something like a Vauxhall Monterey (one of my other cars) or a Land Rover Defender. It will cope with deep snow, rutted fields and unmade country roads, but forget the serious off road day! The Forester proves that a 4x4 doesn't have to be the size of a tank while still being useful and safe on the road.
It's difficult to pick any bad points about the Forester, but I must mention the noise levels. The engine is a 'Boxer' type (same type as a Porchse Boxer) and can sound harsh when pushed. 'Boxers' produce a smooth power delivery from low revs right up to the red line. You don't have to thrash one to go quick. With pillarless doors, the wind noise at high speeds (German Autobahns only of course) can get quite loud on a long trip. With a good stereo and 4 speakers makes it more bearable. The ariel which looks like a heating element is built into one of the rear side windows so that idiots can't snap it.
Subaru's are under estimated by the UK car buyer. They hold their value well, different looks from the competition and are ultra reliable. Insurance group 13 isn't too bad either. A very good all rounder which is easy to live with. Dare to be different!
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Thanks for a really interesting review. I'm looking at buying a new car and although I don't think that this is the vehicle for me I very much enjoyed reading your thoughts.
Nar 22.06.2005 00:29
The space in this car is very good - I test drove one a few years ago although I wasnt impressed with the seats as they dont fold flat and all the space cant be taken advantage of- perhaps Subaru have improved over time. What I like about the Forester is that its a good car that crosses teh divide between SUV and 4x4 without denting too much of a politcially incorrect force that wants to ban SUVs from the school run. Here is a car that has the ability of being a 4x4 without the fuss from banning groups. I think most of Subaru's problem is the initial costs of running, even from base Impreza model costs are generally higher than they should be and that can be a disadvantage sometimes. A very helpful review to anyone in the market though. Nar
Jun 21st, 2005
very helpful by (100%):
