Subaru Forester (1997 - 2003) 2.0 AWD S-Turbo 5d (2002/52) 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?
Very little, most people either don't even notice it or don't give it a second look, the complete opposite end of the spectrum to an Impreza. I quite like the anonymity it provides, means I'm never worried about leaving it anywhere.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
The ones who have had a go love it, the ones that haven't still think it is just a boring estate car. Parents liked it so much they bought one as well, though not the S-turbo model.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Undoubtedly. Faultless reliability, superb in the snow, very practical and brilliant to drive. Why would I not?
What are you likely to buy next?
Something completely different, probably impractical but beautiful.
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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?
£3,800
When did you buy the car?
October 2010
Did you get a good deal and why?
It was about the right price, pretty much what I had expected to pay for a low mileage example.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I needed something practical and 4 wheel drive for light off-road use and snow capability but didn't want a slow and boring diesel.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Handles and goes superbly. I've driven quite a few 4x4s and none come even close, it will put quite a few cars to shame as well. Having a test drive is what convinces most people that they want one. Only negative point is it is reasonably noisy at motorway speeds.
What's it like to park?
Square sides and big mirrors make it very easy to park.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Absolutely nothing, living up to Subaru's phenomenal reliability record.
What's most practical about your car?
Such a good all rounder, I've yet to find something it isn't good at.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
I know it's childish but it's the turbo, something that looks so bland really shouldn't go like it does! Never fails to put a smile on my face on any journey.
