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The XS is about $9K, the XT about $8K

Forester XT 03 205K 2.5L Turbo Manual


Forester XS 03 121K 2.5L Manual, Dual Range.

the photo was taken with the bonnet popped, no damage

I'd go the XS, less km's and it's a dual range. No turbo is a bit of a downer though

red, turbo and a grand more to put towards repairs if they come up unexpectedly...hmmm great value both compared to a first gen GT I had my eye on for too much at 5990 certain the yard got it for 3 - did not even tempt self to drive it - but that red one sounds like a good deal.
In the end it is your money, decision and must make it up yourself otherwise you may hold a grudge against anyone sway you one way or the other - jumps off soapbox

No contest - turbo all the way

turbo

Each to their own. There will always be for and against arguments and opinions. My choice would be manual turbo for road. Manual dual range offroad. The debate will rage for ages but work out what it will be most used for then weigh pro`s & cons for your own piece of mind.

I've put an offer on the turbo, I think it'll be mine.
I didn't like the XS. I pushed it through a corner and I lost it a little. Not very happy about that. The XT feels much nicer.
My mechanic likes Subys, but he advised me against the turbo forester. He had a look at it, but couldn't get it on the hoist and liked it.
It needs a timing belt, front pads soon, plus two new tyres. There is a noise, a rattle when I change down gears, and a little whistle in the door near my ear when over 70kph, but I'm happy enough with that.
Some of the services where closer to 12500km than say 5000km but hopefully no damage was done.
I could be one of you guys soon

Both look really nice - let us know the figure you paid when you get her [being optimistic and all]. Good luck with the purchase, cheers

They both look well cared for. Gotta love the red XT though

that silver is not one of the most safest colours on the road in the distance, blends in with the ageing tar, drivers coming towards you trying to overtake only see you a little later than most other colours- keep some fresh underwear if you go silver

Has the turbo had its 200,000km service?
I hate the silver with a passion.
I know of a guy with an xt, lowered on kings, etc.
Takes it out hooning, does well coz it's awd.
This is after he flipped his na foz.
Lots of fun but drive sensibly.

Cheers Cam

The turbo has had it's 200k service....minus the timing belt change.
I'll get a copy of the recent service history with the buy.

I'm pretty surprised that Subaru Penrith is putting service intervals at around 12500km as far as I could tell.

So, in the interest of avoiding oncoming traffic, I've bought the Red one!!!!
Going down to BCF to pick-up a tent, then up to pick the new car up, and home with a smile on my face. Off to the Wombeyan Caves for a few nights

cerebro wrote:I'm pretty surprised that Subaru Penrith is putting service intervals at around 12500km as far as I could tell.

you will find that it is probably the subaru recommended service interval

Dispute the kms - I'd go for the turbo depending on the history - I would get it tested.

You could install D/R manual behind Turbo - which is good option.

Otherwise I'd go for the XT.

But main question - do you need the power from Turbo? ie. towing etc
Cheers
AP

I do need the power of the turbo, i do a little towing.
I've spent the evening going through the service history.
I'm very happy to own my first Suby

Nice choice. I'm hapy to see ten year turbo Fozs at this realistic price