Subaru Forester Problems

Remapping the ECU might fix it, but it's not really addressing the problem. It's most likely that it's running lean for some reason. Cleaning the throttle body is a good thing to start with, checking fuel filters can work, and checking the fuel injectors would be a good move.

For your main requirements, I'd avoid all four of your shortlisted models and go for a Subaru Forester or Outback. They are more car-like but will still handle the rough roads.

It's always a good idea to check for a simple answer before assuming it's going to be an expensive fix. Can save red faces all round.

The Forester diesel has plenty of torque for pulling, so it gets The Tick from me.

It's not about heat from xenon beams, as Subaru spokesman David Rowley explains: "Headlight covers can create beam refraction, which is the white light breaking down like a rainbow. High Intensity Discharge headlights often have separate washers as dirt on the lens can also cause refraction."

We don't actually have 'Lemon' laws as such in Australia, so asking for your money back is problematic, particularly if the dealer and the carmaker is attempting to fix your car. Obviously your problem has escalated to the point you have called in the Office of Fair Trading to adjudicate, and that would seem to be the best course of action in this case.

The Forester has been a top choice but these days I would rate it behind the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage for class and value. And the best car in that class is now the Mazda CX-5.

Moving out of a Statesman you will probably want some luxury, so that's definitely not a Captiva. I'd suggest you test drive a CX-5 and a Subaru Forester, both of which get The Tick, and choose between them.