XT Forester Off Road

kerway · Post by **kerway** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:55 pm

Hi,
Was just after a bit of info from Forester drivers. How does your Forester go on the beach. I currently have a 04 Suzuki Grand Vitara which I regularly take on the beach at Stockton near Newcastle NSW. It has a 40mm lift and is great on the beach but its my daily driver and has a bit of a harsh ride.
Question time.
I'm considering buying a new XT Forester Auto.
Whats the ride like? Do they go well on the beach? Is there any issues that I should know about with taking it offroad ( apart from the usual precautions )

I've previously had 2 Subarus '81 and '83 models. Both went well enough on the sand. My Dad has an '03 but hes only taken it on the beach a few times and says its goes okay.
Your help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Kerway:D

sven '2' · Post by **sven '2'** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 7:13 pm

XT far better than the Suzuki - more power + auto (on sand) = win

Don't get me wrong, have a real soft for the LJs (esp the LJ50!!) and SJs, but the Suzuki Vitara (the V6 in particular) is one of the most over-rated cars on earth IMHO. Simply woeful on-road ride.

Go the XT!

Sven

kerway · Post by **kerway** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 7:35 pm

Thanks for your input guys. Its a big decision because I love my zook. Just wish it was a better road ride.

kerway:D

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 7:44 pm

An XT Forester will be great.

If you plan on doing a lot of sand driving, id suggest getting an oil cooler for the transmission. The transmission normally circulates its oil through a passage in the engine radiator to keep the temperature constant.

So install the external oil cooler so that the oil flows through it before the engine radiator, this will prevent overcooling in cold weather