Subaru Forester - Manual or Automatic?
 

We're considering getting a Forester as a 'family' car.

Just some quick questions:

1) How does the clutch in the manual Forester Turbo-S compare with the clutch of a UK Turbo Impreza?

2) Is the autobox any good in a Forester? Do the brakes work well in conjunction with the auto box or do they feel underpowered for the car?

3) I'm looking at the facelifted Turbo-S (2000-2003?) but are they better than the older Turbo-S (1996-1999)?

4) I know the XT is meant to be better, but a little out of my price range. Is there anywhere that may have a higher mileage early XT for sensible money?

5) Any details of a Forester Forum?

Just need to get my wife to test drive both an auto and a manual, but as it will be her everyday car, I think I know which will win!! :o

There's one forum i can think of;

http://www.subaruforester.com/

Thanks guys, I will check it out! :)

No opinions on the automatic box?

Hi
My wife has a MY00 forester s-turbo Automatic. The auto is nice on long journeys and seems quite happy round town. No probs with feeling underbraked at all. I would have no hesitation in recommending it. Its much more refined than my Impreza. Its much better at the normal family things than the scoob. My wife likes the performance and the handling, just not as nippy as her old V70 T-5.
Jt

I found the autobox changed gears automatically. That was nice in traffic. Otherwise I have to say I hated having an automatic..just didn't feel in control, and only 4 speed...the new legacy is a far better autobox. Brakes were fine..but IMHO the car shouldn't be thought of or driven as 'sporty'. MPG was terrible, as bad as the 22B and 42% less power? Shesh!
I had a new XT, bought in Sep 2003, sold it in Sep 04 and some dealers were only bidding £12k for it. Eventually I sold it for £15k...one of my more costly Subaru ownership experiences.
Cman

Thanks guys, next step is to test drive an auto.

One of the guys at Cheam Motors said I should test drive it as I probably will like the autobox, but I don't know if he meant the Turbo-S or the new XT. I considered the Legacy, but I personally think it's too big.

At the end of the day, if neither of us like the auto Forester, I guess we will be getting a Ford Focus as the 'family' car, leaving me to get something more 'sporty'.