Subaru Forester III (from 2008) - Forester Boxer Diesel

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Sat 16 Jan 2010 14:23
Forester Boxer Diesel - loskie
Hello all.
Considering trading in my (09)V50 and pretty much redundant(07) MX5 for a Forester Diesel probably lowest or mid spec one.
What are these realistically selling for new?
What are real life Mpg figures like for the Forester Boxer Diesel? I have seen the quoted figures are these realistic? Obviously a bit more body roll than the V50 or MX5 but on the demo I drove i found the brakes needed a right good push. Is this normal.
Does a dog crate for a springer/lab x (medium dog crate) fit in the boot.
Servicing costs?
I do about 25000m a year about 14000 of those for work going round farms. Private miles include rally marshalling so also on forets roads.
Grateful for any sensible advice.
Thanks
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Sat 16 Jan 2010 21:31
Forester Boxer Diesel - Lygonos
Very low sales of these in the UK - might be best trying

www.subaruforester.org for the fanboys' views. The Euro forum will have continentals who will have diesel Forester IIIs.
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Sat 16 Jan 2010 22:28
Forester Boxer Diesel - dimdip
A relative bought a Forester III last Autumn, but not the diesel. UK stocks were virtually nil and they had to compromise on colour to get one on a reasonable timescale. The dealer apparently refused to consider a scrappage scheme deal, but did give a modest amount off list price.

Very different vehicle from the previous model ? now a modern SUV rather than a small, slightly agricultural 4wd estate. Better equipped and finished, and more refined to drive.
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Sun 17 Jan 2010 07:07
Forester Boxer Diesel - mlj
There are 29 Diesel Foresters listed on the used cars section of Subaru's site. Cheapest about 19K.
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Sun 17 Jan 2010 15:32
Forester Boxer Diesel - loskie
Tanks for the answers so far but my questions are largely unanswered.
Main question is real life running costs versus quoted figures.
I have driven 1 forester diesel, brakes were not great; is this usual?
Car would seem to meet my needs on paper but in real life.I would buy an Octavia Scout if it weren't for the uncomfortable seats.
Any alternatives to the Scout and Forester?
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Sun 17 Jan 2010 15:34
Forester Boxer Diesel - daveyjp
On a 40 mile trip of mixed motoring in a Legacy Outback diesel the computer said 40mpg.

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Sun 17 Jan 2010 17:15
Forester Boxer Diesel - dimdip
Main question is real life running costs versus quoted figures.


dealer service costs for an 03 n/a model:

Interval : cost
1k oil cx : £42.50 (poss no longer reqd)
12k/1yr : £123
24k/2yr : £208
36k/3yr : ~£320 (muddied by new tyres fitted)
48k/4yr : £278
60k/5yr : £366 incl timing belt
72k/6yr : £744 incl new battery + 4 cheapish tyres

Edited by dimdip on 17/01/2010 at 17:18

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Mon 25 Jan 2010 13:31
Forester Boxer Diesel - ukjazz
I would drive the Diesel Forester for at least 45 mins, the newer models ride well but you need to be satisfied that the motor and gear ratios are to your liking. The dealers will ask the earth and the sales are very few so private may be your only route. The prices will be high, my advice buy a 2.5 l auto Forester 2005 55 reg and enjoy the experience. The money you save will be very nice for other purchases.
I bought a petrol Outback auto 12 months ago for 60% of the new price - I couldn't take to the gearing of the diesel nor would I want to loose the 1st 2 yrs depreciation.

Take your time its a buyers market where motoring is seen to be an offence by whoever 'governs' the Uk - petrol will be £6.00 per gallon in a years time or less.
>> Main question is real life running costs versus quoted figures.

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If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.

Is an electric car right for me?