Buying a used Subaru Forester (2002-2008)

In 1994, as Subaru cleared out the last of its L Series four-wheel drive wagons, devotees of the brand were devastated. These tough, rudimentary all-roaders had been mainstays of farming, fishing and family bivouacs and they were disappearing without a replacement in sight. Then in 1997 came the Forester;  boxy and roomy in the L Series mould but with the added dimension of a seriously quick Turbo version.

HISTORY
Subaru was so keen to pitch its uprated MY03 Forester to the market that it launched the model half way through 2002. Improvements included replacement of the 2.0-litre engine with a 2.5-litre from the Outback range, revised shift-learning patterns in the automatic transmission and a viscous-coupled limited-slip differential for all models.

A stronger body shell with more shoulder and rear leg-room and greater side impact protection was used but with minimal weight gain due to replacement of some steel panels with aluminium and an extensive redesign of suspension components.

The base-model from MY03 onwards was known as the Forester X and with manual transmission was priced at $30,990. Beyond it and costing $4000 more was the XS with alloy wheels, climate-control air and a six-stack CD system. Spending $38,000 secured a manual-tranny XS Luxury that included a sunroof, self-levelling rear suspension and leather seat trim.

Initially there was no immediate replacement for the turbo-engined Forester but in mid-2003 an XT model was announced. Its 155kW 2.5-litre flat-four delivered 20 per cent more power than the discontinued GT but the basic model jumped to almost $40,000 and an XT Luxury automatic nudged $45,000.

The MY06 Forester released in mid-2005 increased non-turbo engine power from 112kW to a more muscular 121kW and upped the XT’s output to 169kW. The automatic kept its outdated four-speed arrangement but now came with electronically-controlled torque splitting for improved traction in the rough.

Ground clearance increased by a useful 20mm to 220mm and 17-inch alloy wheels were fitted as standard to XT versions.

Complaints about cupholder adequacy were answered by inclusion of no less than seven slots for your coffee or Coke and a miniature picnic tray for rear-seat passengers.

Prices increased by $490 for X, XS and Luxury models but XT buyers had to find an extra $1500 as the cost of a manual rose to $40,990. From 2006-07 a Luxury version of the Forester X was offered and $33,790 briefly bought a limited-run Weekender with leather trim but missing the Luxury’s climate-control air-con and sunroof.

During 2007 the shape was tweaked again to incorporate new headlight clusters, a five-bar grille and some new colours. The XS and XT also gained a strange little roof extension to keep dust off the rear window.

Two new but short-lived variations joined the Forester range during 2007 but then went into ‘recess’ until 2010. The ‘SatNav’ version of the X included – predictably – an inbuilt navigation system. Also tossed into the model mix was a $33,840 Columbia X that was little more than an X Luxury decked out in honour of a clothing company.
    

What keeps the Forester addicts coming back for multiple helpings of Subaru’s versatile wagon is mechanical simplicity, competence under all-but the toughest conditions and dogged durability.

If you are a two-human family you probably won’t notice the rear-seat shortcomings and most models offer enough gadgets to outweigh the drab interior.

Providing you stick to made tracks without the hazards of large rocks or washaways and are cautious before attacking deep, soft sand, the low-slung Forester will make its way to pretty much anywhere the average Aussie explorer wants to go.

On rural bitumen and gravel or performing suburban duties, 2.5-litre cars are competent and the turboed XT is an absolute hoot. Tests managed to bounce manual-trans XTs from zero to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds but this treatment can drastically reduce clutch life.

Being sensible through the gears will still deliver decent between-intersection acceleration but it is on open rural roads where the XT’s torque and minimal turbo ‘lag’ makes these so entertaining. The automatic will deliver 0-100km/h acceleration in around 7 seconds and 38km/h per 1000rpm gearing sends it down the freeway at an economical 2700rpm.

Push a Forester of any kind hard though and fuel consumption can rise significantly. The test average for XT models was almost 14L/100km and standard 2.5-litre models in suburban running won’t do much better than 10L/100km.

The electronic throttle fitted after 2005 annoys some owners but the system is generally reliable. If there is a real problem with delayed response when testing a used Forester, try a different car.

Automatics can be frustrating to drive. The pedal needs a solid stomp to activate kick-down and a complex transmission gate without the later model’s manual slot makes quick down-shifting difficult. Turbo versions mask the auto’s shortcomings but for full enjoyment and effective control in off-road situations, choose a manual.

Older Foresters will have most likely chewed through their original Yokohamas and choosing a car already fitted with replacements that suit your driving needs will save some money. Chunky treads that work well on loose surfaces are noisy on bitumen and wear quickly.

Primary safety via all-wheel drive, ABS brakes and sharp steering is excellent and Foresters have consistently led their class in crash tests. All in this age range have dual air-bags and seat-belt pre-tensioning and from 2005 there were side-front air-bags as well. 

Vision when backing out of driveways and car-spaces is restricted by the rear-seat head restraints. With the seat lowered rear vision is excellent and there’s a decent load.

Post-2005 models did offer improved rear seats with extra thigh support but the backrest remained uncomfortably upright and leg-room for adults is marginal.

>> With the engine cold, check the coolant level and when warm around cylinder heads for leaks due to head-gasket faults. When coolant is very low, engine damage can occur before the temperature gauge indicates that there’s a problem

>> Transmission abuse, most commonly with XT versions, can significantly reduce clutch life and damage other drive-line components. Difficult gear selection, clunks and shuddering under acceleration are danger signs

>> Camshaft timing belts need to be replaced every five years or 100,000 kilometres to avoid costly damage to valvetrains if a belt breaks or jumps a tooth

>> ‘Lift-kits’ that provide extra clearance for off-road driving place extra stress on driveshafts and steering components. These vehicles need to be checked by a suspension expert prior to purchase

>> Ensure that the air-conditioner channels air which is cold, not merely cool, to the cabin. The front-mounted evaporator is prone to damage from flying rocks and may not be functioning properly

>> Never use the ‘eyes’ fitted below the bumpers to retrieve a bogged Forester. These are for tie-down use and could snap causing damage and injury