Subaru Forester (2002 - To Date) : FOREST TRUMP
Monday June 19
Models Covered: Second Generation [2002- to date] 2.0, 2.0 turbo, 2.5 turbo [X, XT]
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
The Subaru Forester is a car that in many ways links old Subaru with the new face of the company. Subaru was once a car manufacturer that appealed solely to eccentric country types and those who appreciated wilfully quirky engineering. Over a period of time, the company became better known for its rocket ship Impreza models and the increasingly sophisticated Legacy variants. The Forester, however, was still a little raw around the edges but nevertheless offered a very rare appeal.
Few cars that are practical and reliable are in any way fun but the Forester serves up the fun factor in spades. Any Forester will paint a huge grin across your face and that alone is reason enough to track down a decent used example.
While the late shape Foresters a marked improvement over the old car in terms of overall ambience, its still light on style or the conspicuous design many customers in this market sector crave. Jump from, say, a Nissan X-Trail into a Forester and youll think youve regressed a few years. Nevertheless, everything functions superbly, its comfortable and competitively equipped. All Foresters are fitted with remote central locking, a Thatcham Category One alarm, a CD stereo, dual airbags, windscreen wiper de-icers and climate controlled air conditioning.
Electric windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and dual 12v power outlets are also fitted. The XT adds alloy wheels, cruise control, heated front seats and a gigantic electric sunroof. You wont buy a Forester for all its gadgets however or for its luxury ambience. The key appeals are the 200mm of ground clearance and the promise of as much four-wheel driving ability as you can probably cope with.
Compact and wieldy, its big on practicality, roomy, versatile and, if recent customer satisfaction surveys are to be believed, almost impeccably reliable. Whichever Forester you select, the design features a lower centre of gravity than any of its full-time four-wheel drive rivals, yet it still offers that extra ground clearance - over say a Legacy - that could make all the difference on bumpy tracks. Subaru learned the value of this in the forests of Carlisle, the gravel of New Zealand and the snow and ice of Scandinavia.
Prices start at £9,800 for the X model. Insurance is Group 11 for the X and a hefty step up to Group 15 for the XT. Allow £600 for the all-weather pack.
Forester-spotters should note that front fog-lights are the only external give away to the optional All Weather Packs otherwise hidden appearance. Inside, look for the A/C button, labels for side airbags and, on post-facelift examples, cruise control. Check for thrashed turbo models and signs of over-enthusiastic or incompetent off-road driving (especially underbody damage). A service history is essential to get the best sell-on prices and the air conditioning, massive sunroof and seat heaters of the All Weather Pack are also highly desirable.
Subaru parts are usually rather expensive, so check your intended purchase carefully.
(Based on Forester 2.0 approx.) These are pricey. The clutch assembly comes in three separate sections which collectively add up to around £175.
Front brake pads are around £75, a full exhaust (which also comes in three sections) about £330 including catalyst and an alternator (exchange) around £120 or £405 new. A headlamp is about £140.
Like the Impreza platform the Forester is based upon, both the X and XT models have much to recommend them. The X is agreeably lively, the chassis letting you know its capable of handling twice as much power with ease, yet its never a tedious steer. 60mph is 10,9 seconds away whilst the top speed of 112mph should be enough for most. It always feels up for fun, the characterful engine giving something back even when youre bumbling along in the traffic.
The XT model is easily differentiated by its Impreza WRX-style bonnet scoop. It shares plenty of its siblings manic exuberance, hitting 60mph in just 7.9 seconds. To be frank, it feels a good deal quicker, the sheer unlikeliness of this unprepossessing estate cars turn of pace prompting pedal to the metal progress.
It corners superbly too, flat and hard, all of a piece. Try to upset it and it behaves very tidily. There aren't too many sports coupes that can hold a candle to the Forester when it comes to handling. Part of the reason why is that the development staff at Subaru are all mad about cars in the same way that possibly only Porsche and BMW M division employees are. They live, breathe, eat and sleep performance and the Forester is evidence of that trickle down effect. The emphasis is clearly on dynamic excellence.
The Forester XT proved its versatility by winning The Caravan Clubs Towcar Of The Year 2004 in tests based on traction, stability, braking, acceleration and hill starts. The Foresters ingenious hill holder clutch proved a boon amongst the caravanners.
The Forester is a car that has excelled in reliability and customer satisfaction surveys. If you can live with its fuel consumption, youll have a car that can turn its hand to almost anything at surprisingly affordable prices. Never has being so practical been so much fun.
Zero Fuel Cost Car (Anne C) 
