Subaru Forester Problems

More could come on to the market as owners upgrade to the new model, but I wouldn't expect any significant shift in the price of older models.

It’s a difficult one for the dealership to fix, as it seems like it only happens after being driven for some time at high speed. It’s hard to do that at the dealership. But it would seem like the steering is losing assistance. Check the pump.

The difference between 4WD and AWD has become blurred as some AWD cars have become more capable of use offroad. It used to be that a 4WD were part-time four-wheel drives with high and low range, which could be locked in for off-road use. An AWD was really an on-demand system, which was front-wheel drive for most of the time, and drive as sent to the rear wheels when needed for traction. A lot of AWD SUVS now have quite sophisticated electronic systems that give them greater ability to go down bush tracks. One of the big issues for AWDs vehicles off-road is usually their ground clearance, so you have to assess the roads you want to use and drive accordingly.

The Michelins would probably give you a more comfortable ride, and the road noise should be better. Before ditching your Bridgestones you could try lowering the inflation pressure to 32 psi and see if that makes your life more pleasant.

Most cars today have convex mirrors to give you a broader view of what’s coming up from behind. It’s something you should get used to; once you do it’s not a problem. If you really want to change it for a flat mirror you could talk to a glass merchant, who might be able to do it for you. Subaru won’t do it.

The best thing you can do is to go around to various dealers and check a number of vehicles to see how they work for you.

I would use the factory recommended oil, at least while the car is under warranty. Once the warranty has expired you could use the Mobil oil and shouldn’t experience any problems.

All three are capable off road if you aren’t planning to go rock climbing, and they are reliable enough to get you to 250,000 km. CVTs are quite reliable now, but how far they will go is anybody’s guess at this moment in time. I would go for a Subaru, either the Forester or the Outback.

The diesel will do your towing easier, and will be more economical as well.