New car

[Fisherman]

For the past 23 years all I have driven are c class Mercedes estates.
My current car is now over 7 years old I bought it pre registered in January 2018.
Recently I have been thinking, I want to try something completely different.
So I am considering Subaru Forrester pre registered December 2024.
The dealers are selling it £7,000 below the new model just out this month.
They are also throwing in 3 years free servicing.
I have checked auto trader and their deals are the best in the U.K.
Any opinions on Subaru cars would be welcome.
I know they are quirky, but that’s what I want, something different.
Mercedes have proven extremely reliable, and there is no logic behind what I am considering. Be honest.
Cheers.

Subaru Forester - Self-Charging Hybrid SUV

Subaru’s first self-charging hybrid SUV gives you full adventuring ability with the added benefit of battery-based power. Discover the Subaru Forester.

subaru.co.uk

 

[wildebus]

Subaru is not a brand I have ever had but would certainly not hesitate to consider.
Bit different as you say but usually for a reason and not just as a gimmick. Very well regarded in the US I think.

 

[trevskoda]

The asies call it sabara, nout wrong with them, but why part with a car thats just run in, 6 numbers up by any chance.

 

[davep10000]

I would definitely have another Subaru, although it's quite a few years ago since I had one. The diesel boxer engine had a bad reputation for blowing head gaskets, but I don't think they make those anymore. The only thing that would put me off one is the relatively high fuel consumption, compared, to, say, a 4 motion VW..(Tiguan / Passat / Tourag etc).

Just watch the extra extortionate tax rate if its LIST price is over £40K

How about considering the Toyota RAV 4 hybrid, these give a reliable 50 ish mpg, although will probably cost more than the forester.

 

[runnach]

A near neighbour has a Forester, prior was a Suzuki 4x4. She requires a 4x4 a she keeps Bee’s, and has hives at various locations, one being in the wood behind our house. There is a fair hill to reach her hives, in wet weather the Susie would struggle, where the Forester she says handles the hill with ease despite the track conditions. She says it is also better quality in her opinion than the Susie.

IMO, an important factor is the Subaru does not have a wet timing belt.

 

[barryd]

You want the Yobbo's version Bill! The mighty Impreza! You'll look well ard in one of them innit!

 

[Fisherman]

I would definitely have another Subaru, although it's quite a few years ago since I had one. The diesel boxer engine had a bad reputation for blowing head gaskets, but I don't think they make those anymore. The only thing that would put me off one is the relatively high fuel consumption, compared, to, say, a 4 motion VW..(Tiguan / Passat / Tourag etc).

Just watch the extra extortionate tax rate if its LIST price is over £40K

Hi Dave thanks.
This one is a petrol hybrid, and although it normally retails at £43k 3k over the limit before the draconian road tax, it’s advertised as road tax at £180 a year. I think that is due to the fact it’s a hybrid, but it’s one of my many questions.
I am aware of the fuel consumption, tyres all requiring to be replaced at one time, and repairs being more expensive. But my mileage will be low, the vehicle has a three year warranty, and it comes with three years servicing. After three years I may well trade it in, who knows. Cheers. But here’s the actual car, I have reserved it until Tuesday.

Used 2024 Subaru Forester Ice Silver £35,999 | Ian Grieve

Buy a used 2024 Subaru Forester 2.0i e-Boxer XE Premium 5dr Lineartronic Includes 3 Years Free Servicing in Ice Silver for just £35,999 , with only 11 miles. Click & Collect. Reserve online for just £99.

www.iangrieve.co.uk

 

[runnach]

Nice motor Bill.

 

[davep10000]

Hi Dave thanks.
This one is a petrol hybrid, and although it normally retails at £43k 3k over the limit before the draconian road tax, it’s advertised as road tax at £180 a year. I think that is due to the fact it’s a hybrid, but it’s one of my many questions.
I am aware of the fuel consumption, tyres all requiring to be replaced at one time, and repairs being more expensive. But my mileage will be low, the vehicle has a three year warranty, and it comes with three years servicing. After three years I may well trade it in, who knows. Cheers. But here’s the actual car, I have reserved it until Tuesday.

Used 2024 Subaru Forester Ice Silver £35,999 | Ian Grieve

Buy a used 2024 Subaru Forester 2.0i e-Boxer XE Premium 5dr Lineartronic Includes 3 Years Free Servicing in Ice Silver for just £35,999 , with only 11 miles. Click & Collect. Reserve online for just £99.

www.iangrieve.co.uk

That looks a great deal! Certainly undercuts toyotas etc... I have just changed my 12 year old car and gone for a tiguan. Decide to go either german or japanese.
Definately check that road tax (premium added for first 5 years if over 40k).
Good luck..

Presume its a 2024 pre-reg?

 

[Fisherman]

That looks a great deal! Certainly undercuts toyotas etc... I have just changed my 12 year old car and gone for a tiguan. Decide to go either german or japanese.
Definately check that road tax (premium added for first 5 years if over 40k).
Good luck..

Presume its a 2024 pre-reg?

Just realised this car was registered on December 31 2024. I wondered why they did this. If I am reading things correctly it appears they may have done this to avoid the higher rate of road tax which applies to cars registered in 2025, but it’s advertised as £180, if this proves to be wrong it will be a deal breaker.

 

[mariesnowgoose]

The asies call it sabara, nout wrong with them, but why part with a car thats just run in, 6 numbers up by any chance.

This lot are a regular a bunch of (rich!) magpies, Trev - always hankering after the latest, shiniest baubles...

 

[Fisherman]

This lot are a regular a bunch of (rich!) magpies, Trev - always hankering after the latest, shiniest baubles...

Na na, na na, na.

 

[davep10000]

Just realised this car was registered on December 31 2024. I wondered why they did this. If I am reading things correctly it appears they may have done this to avoid the higher rate of road tax which applies to cars registered in 2025, but it’s advertised as £180, if this proves to be wrong it will be a deal breaker.

The 'luxury' car tax applies to any non EV registered after 2017, however if its classed as an EV, the tax only seems to apply after April 2025, so i think you will be OK... I am sure you will check, and double check!!
The Dec 2024 reg is only a sales target thing to reach dealer end of year numbers....

 

[mariesnowgoose]

Na na, na na, na.

Er.... nope...

Now if you were talking about an old, classic merc - maybe a convertible (with no microchips anywhere near it!) - you could maybe "na na, na na, na" me.
I'd maybe feel a momentary tinge of envy, but the tinge would last .... ooooo.... let me think... .... as long as the blink of an eye!

 

[Fisherman]

Er.... nope...

Now if you were talking about an old, classic merc - maybe a convertible (with no microchips anywhere near it!) - you could maybe "na na, na na, na" me.
I'd maybe feel a momentary tinge of envy, but the tinge would last .... ooooo.... let me think... .... as long as the blink of an eye!

View attachment 140361

Na…na, na na, na

I like chips with everything

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I would not buy anything from 2024 without first getting the full info on the most annoying nanny software they have, it can be turned off but it has to be done on every drive.

 

[izwozral]

Er.... nope...

Now if you were talking about an old, classic merc - maybe a convertible (with no microchips anywhere near it!) - you could maybe "na na, na na, na" me.
I'd maybe feel a momentary tinge of envy, but the tinge would last .... ooooo.... let me think... .... as long as the blink of an eye!

View attachment 140361

So that's what you like without make up on!

 

[izwozral]

Get the lowest mileage Skoda Yeti 4x4, save yourself around £30k and you'll not regret it Bill. We thought Saab's were great but the Yeti is a notch above.

Subaru One Liners Jokes​

Q: What's the difference between a Subaru and a Porcupine? A: When it comes to a Subaru, the prick is on the inside.

 

[Fisherman]

Get the lowest mileage Skoda Yeti 4x4, save yourself around £30k and you'll not regret it Bill. We thought Saab's were great but the Yeti is a notch above.

Subaru One Liners Jokes​

Q: What's the difference between a Subaru and a Porcupine? A: When it comes to a Subaru, the prick is on the inside.

That’s a bmw joke you changed to Subaru Ral.

Guess you drive a BMW

 

[trevskoda]

Just realised this car was registered on December 31 2024. I wondered why they did this. If I am reading things correctly it appears they may have done this to avoid the higher rate of road tax which applies to cars registered in 2025, but it’s advertised as £180, if this proves to be wrong it will be a deal breaker.

Here that would be classed as a year old car from 2024 even though its new, never sell here unless at least 10 grand under price.