Subaru Forester (2002 - 2008) 2.0 AWD S-Turbo 5d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

In a corporate world with all those Audis and BMW's - that I have a life outside of work that involves MUD!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My dad who is an old mechanic raves about it. I've never ad the "p*ss" taken out of me by friends for driving this.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely though I'm disappointed that they've changed the shape so dramatically - I liked the "brick shape". Also the reviews paint it as faccid. Still I'll make up my own mind.

What are you likely to buy next?

Subaru or maybe Audi A6 Allroader if the New Scooby is disappointing. However I've spent quite a time looking for a good all rounder with decent mileage consumption and they are difficult to come across so the 44mpg is a pull

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£12,000

When did you buy the car?

January 2003

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Multi-purpose vehicle. Needed to combine, comfort, safety, ability to do long distances and towing the horsebox at the weekends.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

a dream. quite smooth but with real bite. Ok it doesn't corner like some of the more sporty. I also love the fact that it doesn't look like an "aggressive car" so you don't get any hassle from other road users (like some BMW drivers do for example) but it has the acceleration to hold its own in any situation. In fact I've only been left for dead by Golf GTI's

What's it like to park?

easy peasy. If you can't park this then you should'nt be driving. Good visibility.

Have you had any problems with the car?

One of the other reviews said that the vehicles are bullet-proof! They are. this is my second Subaru Forester, the last one did 250,000 miles and was still going strong. This one is now on 172,000 miles and has only had normal wear and tear servicing. It runs "as sweet as a nut"

What's most practical about your car?

They are so multi-purpose. I do a lot of miles for work and feel cossetted - driving along so quietly and smooth but able to absolutley accelerate out of any situation. Yet at the weekend towing the horse trailer. If you are into looking the part - being loved by the farming community it is totally acceptable at any shoot, polo, point2point etc Yes I know that is shallow but if you can't afford a Range Rover sport you may as well know you can hold your head up high in this.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

acceleration, sunroof which is the next best thing to a cabriolet, heated seats and cruise control