Subaru Forester Problems

Noises like this can be hard to trace, but you're obviously on the right track and will ultimately establish the cause. Taking the shaft out seems like a good course of action having worked out that it is possibly at the heart of the problem. Good luck.

No, the transmission can be used the way you use it without suffering because it's changed more than it might if it were left in auto mode.

Without wanting to get involved in a family feud, the best choice is the Subaru Forester. It rides a bit higher like an SUV but is a classy family wagon. It gets The Tick from me and remind her that it's the safest in the class.

Sadly, 2011 is not one of the better years for a Subaru. The new-generation model Forester arrived in 2013 and it gets The Tick. Ironically, a Forester from 2002-2009 is a good choice.

With modern stability control systems and on-demand all-wheel-drive you are far less likely to get caught out with understeer (where the nose of the car pushes wide) than you once were. Having said that, the Kluger — and the LandCruiser for that matter — aren't city-friendly vehicles. If you no longer need to tow but still like the safety net of all-wheel-drive, why not look at a Subaru Outback or Forester?

It sounds like the right time to move into an all-new Forester, to power you across the divide and into retirement. No matter what you do with repairs to the current car, it’s going to be a gamble.

The Forester gets The Tick from me but only the latest model. It has improved quality and refinement, which came after Subaru — and a lot of Japanese brands — cut costs through the GFC.

My choice would definitely be the Golf, for comfort and the range and economy on the highway. The XV is all right but not great, with a tiny boot, so the VW gets The Tick.

For your needs, I would recommend the Subaru Forester. It is a great country drive, comfortable and safe, and gets The Tick. The Koleos is getting very dated.

The CX-5 is still best in class but a new Kia Sportage has just arrived and promises to be just as good. I’d steer you towards a Subaru Forester or Outback. They drive like a car, are more refined and easily handle country roads.