Subaru Forester (1997 - 2003) 2.0 AWD S-Turbo 5d (LT) (2001/X) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Values practicality as well as performance. Prepared to be different. It's a proper Sports Utility Vehicle.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Don't really care - It's MY car not theirs. However, positive comments have been passed - which is nice.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Oooh so nearly a yes. A desire for more than 4 cylinders, an auto box and more "let's tour France" refinement makes me think I'll head a different way. Maybe Legacy 3.0R? Won't have the practicality or agility though.
What are you likely to buy next?
Okay, here goes: Subaru Legacy 3.0R, BMW 330i (E46), Volvo S60 T5, Audi A4 3.0, or Merc C320 (maybe).
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£8,000
When did you buy the car?
March 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
At the time we definately felt so. Work needed to be done on our existing car so the part-exchange price seemed very fair.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Both my wife and I liked it, and it was far more practical (and swifter) than the 2.2 Prelude we had.
What was the dealer like?
Seemed to be decent and straightforward. Would not hesitate to buy from them again (if they had the right car, right price, etc.)
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Think softer, more practical Impreza Turbo. Handles much better than it has any right to, with very strong muscular performance. Feels more than 177bhp. Practical and fun too - a good combination. Not that refined though (when compared with Audi/BMW/Merc/Volvo group).
What's it like to park?
Good visibility and bluff rear makes it easier. For laziness I'd add PDC at the rear.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
MAF sensor - replaced under warranty. Crank/knock sensor - replaced at cost to us (£250 inc labour). Oh well. But never have any doubts it will start or get us to our destination. It is a Subaru!
What's most practical about your car?
4 doors, 5 seats, will take 3m lengths of wood or pipe without any problem. Great visibility. Loads of storage and cubbyholes. Very durable and hard wearing it seems.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Central dash storage, closely followed by the clever Hill Start assist feature.
