Subaru Forester (2002 - 2008) 2.5 XTEn 5d (2008/57) 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?
No idea - I bought it for the reliability, performance, 4WD and the estate load area mainly for two boisterous dogs. Actually that probably says quite a bit about me...
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
A friend recommended this car to me - but I think only a few of them know it's not just an 'estate car'!
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes - but you cannot get them new anymore and the replacement model does not appeal to me.
What are you likely to buy next?
I have no idea - I like this one too much to part with it at the moment.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£20,000
When did you buy the car?
October 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes - the car was an end of line model so a good discount was available.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
What was the dealer like?
Excellent - reasonable part exchange on my old car and sourced the model and specification I wanted quickly.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fast - quite a 'Q' car. Cornering can be quite hair raising at it leans quite a lot, but the grip is almost endless. It needs a 6th gear for the motorway, and road noise can be intrusive on some surfaces.
What's it like to park?
Relatively easy - quite a flat front and rear end give you a good idea of where you are; visibility is good but parking sensors help avoid scrapes.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
At about 40k miles it needed drop links, at 60k an airflow sensor and battery. I also had the belts and water pump changed at 60K - belts were OK but the pump would have needed replacing. Otherwise no issues at all.
What's most practical about your car?
The 4WD - good on and off road. It's no Landrover but for general slippery stuff it's ideal. The load area is reasonable with the back seats down.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Rear parking sensors - saved the big bumper a few scratches!
