Taza, the engine in question is a 2.5 Turbo which I was thinking that would be as tought as the one in my old Leone.
It was the 2.5 N/A (EJ2501 or EJ2502) im pretty sure has the HG problems. The one with 115kW anyway. The 2.5 Turbo was fine. Just dont skip a service and youll be laughing :biggrin:
Couldn't agree more Taza. Yes, perhaps if I need a really heavy duty 4x4 then perhaps I'd go to a Toyota etc. But I just can't find a car that is as good as a Subaru. The practicality, reliability, everything about the Forester (and Subaru's in general) is why I won't drive anything else. Mum and dad have had them since 1983 (I think) which means I've been around them since I was born. I'm now on my first Subaru, which is now 6 years old, done 55,500kms, and I can't see me driving any other brand.
I would, and I have recommended them to anybody that asks - Our old neighbours in Canberra bought a Forester in 1998 because they saw our Subaru's and knew we liked them so they decided to give it a try - They have just recently taken delivery of their third Subaru (a 2011 Impreza XV). A mate of mine from school who didn't know much about cars knew my (and another mate from school who is a member here) thoughts on Subarus and he bought an MY10 Impreza R last year - he's not a car nut, but now knows why I've raved on about them for years!
If you find yourself a well maintained Subaru, then you can't really go wrong. My approach is, look after them, and they'll look after you! Good luck in your search for a Subie!
My father actually suggested a Subaru to me. Being a country guy I wanted a 4WD but since next year (2012) im moving to the city, a real 4WD was out of the question. They are just not practical, economical or easy to drive in the city unless you need one for work, etc..
He said back in the mid 1980's that he has an old Subie wagon. Bought if from new, had it for 7 years and it never missed a beat. He said it was a great 4WD went anywhere, except rocks which he once got it bottomed out on.
I look at the Forester, since its newer than an L-Series. Was the perfect size, had a reliable, economical and yet powerful 2.0l engine with manual transmission. Was a practical city car, very safe and had the ability to do light/medium offroad duties.
Since realising how well she performed offroad and how fun it is I have become quite a car nut, I love offroading and am a Subaru fanatic. I will have owned my Forester for 1 year in a couple of weeks. I have done over 30,000km in that year. Bought her with 119,000km and shes just below 150,000. Being 10 years old though there have been a few things that have need to be done other than just general maintence, such as; master and slave cylinder.... come to think of it thats about all. I have changed all the fuilds and filters over in the year to start a fresh. (cost me quite abit) Only one left to do is rear diff oil which will be done this month. I might have a clutch coming up in the next 12months, maybe less or maybe more. Just shes coming up to the km where that can become an issue. But other than that, its it. The engine is as strong as ever and performes slightly better with a K&N air filter and new muffler. I thrash the hell out of her sometimes, redlining for gear changes and ripping around corners. I do keep the oils fresh and I know her limits.
I too couldnt imagine driving anything else except another Subie. The AWD is excellent on road, especially in wet weather you can just drive normally unlike a 2WD car :biggrin:
Get an XT
Awesome cars and very quick for a family wagon
Taza
