Which Subaru Forester <$10k to buy

Lancerx on 08/04/2014 - 23:03

Hi all,

Looking to a buy a second hand Forester to drive in winding country roads, mainly tarred and the occasional dirt roads. I have always heard good things about the Forester i.e. its AWD, stability etc, and I just prefer a SUV as I can see further in front while driving e.g. to avoid animals etc…

The question is if I only have a budget up to 10k, which year of Forester & model I should be looking for particularly? Are there any major improvement from one year to the other? Are there one year/model more prone to mechanical failure etc? Appreciate any advice you could give. Cheers!

P/S I'm from WA. So in case if you're selling one or know someone's seliing, do PM me. Cheers!

Automotive

Comments

  • megadeth on 09/04/2014 - 03:38

    I think you'll find 2008 easily - or 2009 if you're lucky.

  • b0redd on 09/04/2014 - 09:06

    Depends on where you sit as far as condition is concerned. I don't envisage you getting much beyond 04/05, not without getting into the uber high km range. Also turbo/non-turbo, manual/auto etc will determine your selection, more so in a smaller market like WA.

    It may be just me working on 2 hours sleep, but why & how much better do you see in a faux wheel drive over a sedan? Can't say I've ever noticed a difference, but in fairness only driven a Forrester maybe three times.

    • Lancerx on 09/04/2014 - 11:27

      maybe not a lot higher on the Forester I must say, but i definitely notice the difference on mate's ASX or CRV. But i guess it's Forester's AWD capability that won me over the rest. The safety review on the car is also really positive

  • Lancerx on 09/04/2014 - 11:24

    anyone know what's the timeline for changing the timing belt on Forester? I know the first one is around 100k, how about the second one? 200k? Also, I read it there are some model particularly more trouble than the others? Any chance any mechanic can comment on this?

    • nuno on 09/04/2014 - 11:34

      every 100K . Timing belt, water pump and idlers. Belt tensioner should also be inspected and replaced if required.
      Early 2.5 liter models had notorious problems with blowing HG. Bad parts from the factory. Most were sorted by Subaru others worn by the owner years later.

      plenty of luv for the Subies.

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