SG vs SH Forester OFFROAD

[tek1975]

I am currently looking to buy a used Subaru Forester either a SG or SH Leaning more towards the SG because of the low range gear box. Putting a 2" lift larger tyres, skid plate etc.
Car will mostly be a daily driver but will be doing mostly beach driving for fishing and occasional 4wd tracks. From what I have read the SG foresters do ok engine wise. But the SH'S can have excessive oil consumption ?

Just wondering what everyones take is on the two models ?

 

[Kevin]

I wouldn't place too much importance on the low range as it is only 25% and auto is better on sand is my take

 

[Ratbag]

The manual gives far better control of engine revs for e.g. towing and the like.

The series II SG will do about 85 kmh in LR second. This means that there is no need for a gear change in often difficult circumstances.

While the LR is not 1:1.996 like my old Landcruiser, it puts the LR ratios exactly halfway in between the high range ratios. Very useful in a small SUV with a very flat torque curve - about 80% of maximum torque at around 1200 rpm, and still around 90% at cut out at 6300 rpm.

Changing from LR to high range is far faster than changing up a gear ...

If my SG were to die for some reason, I would happily replace it with another. I don't actually enjoy driving our SH nearly so much.

 

[tek1975]

@Ratbag
Yeah I like the look of the SH and the extra room. I am going to go out test drive a few SG'S AND SH'S and see what I like. But with the extra money I would save from buying a SG I could put towards a lift kit and bigger tyres etc to give more ground clearance.

I prefer driving a manual forester so will be buying a manual. But its going be a shock going from my lifted 4wd back to a subbie.

 

[ateday]

Have had no experience with the SH model but am extremely satisfied and happy with my ancient manual SG. Ticked over 382000kms on Wednesday last and performed perfectly on the Peake sandhills last weekend.
Would like a new body though........both of us.

 

[bazza]

Might sell mine its already got a 2" lift in it

 

[tek1975]

I ended up buying one two weeks ago