Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » De-Forestation
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

De-Forestation

I currently have a 6-year-old Subaru Forester 2.0iX with which I have been very happy but am thinking about a replacement. My budget is £20,000 plus part exchange and I am looking at another Forester or perhaps a Honda CRV. I have averaged 12,500 miles a year in the Forester and do not expect future mileage to materially differ. 4-wheel drive is not essential but a high driving position, comfort and reliability are. My questions are: What other vehicles should I consider? Should I opt for diesel or petrol? Any advice will be appreciated.

Asked on 4 September 2010 by MC, Towcester

Answered by Honest John
Normally I say only go for diesel if you do 15k miles a year or more, and there has been some criticism of the unique Subaru flat four diesel. If the only reason for buying a Forester is the upright driving position then there are a lot of 2WD SUV around now that will do that particular job, including the amazingly economical new Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai ix35, KIA new Sportage (arriving August), Nissan Qashqai, etc.

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Similar questions
What I want is a car that looks like a Honda CR-V - chunky with high seating - but is not 4x4. Is there such a thing? Also, I hear on the radio today that Carcraft is offering a £2,000 scrappage deal against...
I have driven a Hyundai Matrix 1.8 for the last seven years, from new, and never had any trouble with it. I am 73 years old and don't do many miles. I just drive around the Isle of Man, where I live, and...
A friend has decided to ditch his 2003 X-Trail diesel after its fuel pump failed. I am advising him on his next purchase. He travels 25,000 miles each year as he is an avid hill walker. 4x4 preferable...
Related models
Roomy and versatile. Very comfortable, pleasant and relaxing to drive. not at all cumbersome. 2.2 i-CTDI diesel is excellent.
Good value for money. Low emissions and decent economy. Generous equipment levels.
Very useful off-road yet an enjoyable car-like drive on tarmac. Looks and feels classier than its predecessor. Well built. Owners rate it.
Stylish and upmarket looks. Good quality feel to the interior. Seven-year warranty as standard. Very low CO2 for an SUV. Well equipped.
Well-equipped as standard. Impressive Real MPG scores. Plenty of room for five plus luggage.