Subaru Forester 79V (2002-2008)

What a fun car to own and drive. :) It was always great around town and on long trips. Used to do 13hr/1,200kms+ trips from Qld to Nsw, plenty of power on tap when needed. This car could go anywhere,shops,offroad beach driving, drag strip, it did it all. :)

Ok all this positive stuff is getting boring... what issues did i have? :)

Bought the car with 100,000kms on the clock, around 160,000kms it started burning oil, when i sold it, it was burning 500ml of oil every 2,000kms. According to Subaru this is perfectly fine. I have spoken with...Read more

This car is by far the worst car I have driven in sometime. Bought new in 2016, built 2015 there are constant issues. The temperate gauge stopped working. The horn stopped working. It grinds and has power loss when reversing and it's cold or is under pressure towing a trailer. Servicing is expensive. The boot doesn't shut when there is a tiny piece of grass sitting across the seal. The motor cuts out when idling, put your foot down to move forward at a round about or lights and it takes so long to take off that vehicles nearly hit you, scary. T...Read more

The 2006 MY07 Subaru Forester XS is our second forester, replacing our old 1998 GX, we were originally going to look for an XT but this beautiful black with beige cloth interior XS stumbled upon us and it was difficult to say no to it. The XS in the MY07 model includes a rear roof mounted spoiler, tinted windows, climate air conditioning, 6 disc changer and a few changes in the interior including the gear shifter. The performance with the 2.5l Boxer engine is fantastic, it can do 0-100 according to Subaru in 10 seconds, but we think it's a lot...Read more

I have loved this car since new, it's the 2007 XT. It handles like a dream, goes like a rocket with the 2.5 litre turbo engine and the fuel economy is reasonable averaging 10 litres per 100km although it does need premium ULP. It easily towes a 24ft. boat and the interior space is enough for a couple or small family. There is one major issue though which is common with tubocharged Subarus. When just out of warranty, the secondary air system failed which causes the engine light to come on and the cruise control becomes inoperative. Was quoted $4...Read more

Having owned this car for almost 7yrs and done over 100,000kms I have to say it has been a great car.
The car truely is the best all rounder with performance, comfort, space, and usability.

Considering the way I drive it and it always being parked outside, I have had only a few minor annoying problems.
1. Drivers window switch and motor broke twice and needed repair (common fault it seems)
2. Rear self leveling suspension died - mainly due to dirt roads I assume
3. Wind noise from pillarless doors (later discovered a very easy fix)
4. CD stacker jammed (another common fault apparently)
5. Front CV joints needed to be replaced (again dirt roads and water are their enemy but my friend)
...Read more

Purchased my Forester in Jan 2007 and I have done 175,000 klms thus far.I travel to the Blue Mts and Sydney a lot
and it has adequate power for cruising along the m4 etc.Easy to park, good fuel economy like the styling and interior lay out .. I luv my" Stephane "Forester ...
Update Sept 2014..New radiator .Seam was leaking at the top $500 to replace at local garage. 200,000 klm was $1900 for service in Sydney,Timing Chain Water Pump etc.

2017 still good so far and treat her good .252,000ks now just the usual running costs tyres etc ..It ...Read more

We had our old L series for 12 years and naturally looked at updating to Forester.Checked out the competition but you cant go past the solid and reliable Forester.
Ours is a 2006 X Auto a former NSW ambulance car with bull bar and cage.We bought it from Moorebank car auctions and have just had it for a year.Done some big trips in it and mainly does round town, its a little thirsty but you don't buy a Subaru for economy.
Best roof racks are Thules (got ours 2nd hand off ebay) and the cargo barrier is a must,especially if you have little ones ...Read more

Bought a 2006 model subaru forrester with 130,000kms, base model x 79v. owed for about a month.very safe to drive, wife loves it. so easy to drive, cup holders everywhere. plenty of storage, boot is good size.plenty of power. drivers seat is ok but passenger seat is hard and uncomfortable, maybe will soften up in time. power windows can cost big dollars when break as i found out. drivers auto up switch gets stuck on up mode and burns motor out, $150 for aftermarket regulator $200 plus for second hand switch to fix, plus install $130! =$500 plus...Read more

Great car. Functional, comfortable. Ours is a 2003/2004 model and we have owned it since new. It's always been serviced on time and it's done 140,000kms with a lot of that driving around Sydney, and many interstate trips Sydney - Brisbane, Sydney - Adelaide, Sydney- Canberra. We have just discovered a faulty RHS head gasket, and after a lot of detailed checking and counter checking with several experts we are up for a repair bill of around $3,000. Not avoidable as we wish to do many more kms in this car. Apparently some of this model had fault...Read more

Good: The Boxer engine is extemely reliable, the AWD system makes driving in slippery and/or wet conditions very safe. Very attractive black leather seats and interior trim, endless convenient storage containers, including 2 for sunglasses, great factory soundsystem, put down the back seat and there is endless room in the back. I towed a heavy, fully loaded trailer from Sunshine Coast to Newcastle with the back also full (moving places) and it was effortless. Very stylish design, although the front end IMO looks like a Cylon from the 1979 Bat...Read more