To Forester or not

Richie-Rich · Post by **Richie-Rich** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 12:32 am

Been frequenting this site for a while and would like some advice.

Looking to replace my $900 Rudd car with something half decent. Started off looking and came close to buying a late MK Triton, spending about $20k. After talking it over and much hard thinking i'm moving away from a full 4x4.

The car will mainly be driving on road, so I can't be stuffed lugging 1.7t up the Mitchell freeway every day.

Cut a long story short, looking at about a 10-15k Forester, thought about X-trail, but I prefer Subi's. the main off roading will be sand, and bush. Mainly Lancelin and some light bush. Given my daughter will be in the back not keen to do anything stupid.

Will the Forester make it in std trim?
What mods will need to be done to improve offroad ability;
Lift Kit
New low range
etc

Also are newer model foresters better than old model foresters?

Thanks and looking forward to the replies!

Rich

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 8:19 am

I can tell you that Foz is better than xtrail - ive driven them both.
I dont really look on Foz myself as I rather Outback/Liberty, but I can tell you that non turbo NA foz manuals has dual range in them as standard, turbo models doesnt have it. If its NA 2.0 litre you're likely to have 1.42 low range which is acceptable.
You can install raised springs for extra 30cm lift or install lift kit to raise more.
Models - newer or older, I wouldnt know I like early 2000 models,
Cheers
AP

Richie-Rich · Post by **Richie-Rich** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 9:01 am

Hi AP,

Thanks for the reply.

I was looking at about a 04-06 foz. So running the 2.5l.

just out of interest can I extract the same off road performance out of a lib outback? I have seen some 02-03 outbacks for a good price.

Thanks again and keep the advice coming!

Rich

bobbyjimmy · Post by **bobbyjimmy** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 11:00 am

AlpineRaven wrote: You can install raised springs for extra 30cm lift or install lift kit to raise more.

30cm WOW!!
Think you mean 30mm.

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 9:02 pm

bobbyjimmy wrote:30cm WOW!!
Think you mean 30mm.

lol yeah sorry... gee ive been making mistakes lot lately.. blame on house renos!
Cheers
AP

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 9:06 pm

Richie-Rich wrote:Hi AP,

Thanks for the reply.

I was looking at about a 04-06 foz. So running the 2.5l.

just out of interest can I extract the same off road performance out of a lib outback? I have seen some 02-03 outbacks for a good price.

Thanks again and keep the advice coming!

Rich

Hmm outback is 2.5 litre as well, you also can get H6 as well but they come in automatics and you can convert them to manuals...
Off Road, Foz would perform better but you can use outback and install lift kit on it, basically you need to ask yourself - what do you what to use Subaru for offroad purposes? and test drive both Outback and Foz and see what you feel in them..
ONE small problem with 2.5 litre outback, the low range is 1.19:1 same as liberty with EJ22. You can convert the gearbox ratio to L series's 1.59:1 or get Impreza box.
Cheers
AP

clarkey · Post by **clarkey** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 10:10 am

it all depends, i have an 05 foz and it is just great, it goes anywhere, yeh i might have to let the tyres down abit at times, and it is at stock hight at the moment, i get it liffted on tuesday next week. my mates have patrols, landcrisers and a hilux and i just get thriugh where ever they go, it is all down to the driver aswell, i have been a 4 wheel driver all my life.

as for space, the foz is not a big car, it does not have that much leg room specialy in the back, but i still get 5 people in my car nicely, the outback does have alot more space, just go and have a look at both and choose form there, as for me, i am more than happy with the offroad capability that the foz gives.

Cheers Mike