[coldkannon]

I have tried them; and they are either not interested or quote impossibly high prices - for example, Rs. 70,000 for a windshield (there was a minor crack from something hitting it at high speed while highway driving). I finally sourced it from somewhere else for around Rs. 15-17,000.

The fact is that GM no longer has a stake in Subaru (one reason they stopped even trying to promote or sell the vehicle in India); so they really couldn't care less.

Right now I need to replace my dampers, as they're leaking. The rear SLS dampers are generally very expensive anywhere in the world, so getting it in India is proving to be a real challenge.

[shankar.balan]

i saw an ad for an Used Forester (Silver Grey) on carwale at a quoted price of 8.5 lacs. 2004 model - very nicely kept from all appearances.
However well kept that vehicle may be, isnt the asking price on the high side?
considering it is out of production and guzzles petrol etc, there may not be many takers at all and hence, logically the price should be more realistic.

[Guna]

Originally Posted by coldkannon

I have tried them; and they are either not interested or quote impossibly high prices - for example, Rs. 70,000 for a windshield (there was a minor crack from something hitting it at high speed while highway driving). I finally sourced it from somewhere else for around Rs. 15-17,000.

The fact is that GM no longer has a stake in Subaru (one reason they stopped even trying to promote or sell the vehicle in India); so they really couldn't care less.

Right now I need to replace my dampers, as they're leaking. The rear SLS dampers are generally very expensive anywhere in the world, so getting it in India is proving to be a real challenge.

70 K to just 15 K! Can you please mention where did you source the windscreen from?

[coldkannon]

Yep, I got the windshield from Rastogi Motors in Pallika Bhavan, in N. Delhi.
I've also found someone in Kashmiri Gate (Delhi again) who supposedly sources Subaru parts; but it's tough to get there, and so far it's been hard to get them to pick up the phone! I'll just have to muster the courage to drive over there and spend a day dealing with them.

[Shiraz Shah]

Coldkannon, how is it going for you with the Forester? I am from Delhi as well and am contemplating to buy one. But going through all the posts in this thread, the spare parts issue seems to be a major one. It would be helpful if you could you tell more about your experience until now.

[Guna]

Originally Posted by Shiraz Shah

Coldkannon, how is it going for you with the Forester? I am from Delhi as well and am contemplating to buy one. But going through all the posts in this thread, the spare parts issue seems to be a major one. It would be helpful if you could you tell more about your experience until now.

Also check with member 'gotzuk' about parts availability in Delhi

[Shiraz Shah]

Thanks Guna, I know Gotzuk but I didn't know that he dabbled in foresterville as well Will check with him. And if I deciphered one of your posts correctly, it said that you sold yours off in six months? Is it? Even if you have, please tell about your experience, especially whether there was anything that opened its ugly mouth immediately or sometime after the purchase.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by coldkannon

I have tried them; and they are either not interested or quote impossibly high prices - for example, Rs. 70,000 for a windshield (there was a minor crack from something hitting it at high speed while highway driving). I finally sourced it from somewhere else for around Rs. 15-17,000.

The fact is that GM no longer has a stake in Subaru (one reason they stopped even trying to promote or sell the vehicle in India); so they really couldn't care less.

Right now I need to replace my dampers, as they're leaking. The rear SLS dampers are generally very expensive anywhere in the world, so getting it in India is proving to be a real challenge.

Have you considered attempting Australia or England. The Subaru Forester (old gen) are very popular there so one should be able to lift parts from places like ebay.
And anyway those countries have plenty options when it comes to big box parts warehouse/ retail.
A little internet trawling could yield you some surprisingly good results if Auto Traders and Restorers Mike and Edd are to be believed!

[Guna]

Originally Posted by Shiraz Shah

Thanks Guna, I know Gotzuk but I didn't know that he dabbled in foresterville as well Will check with him. And if I deciphered one of your posts correctly, it said that you sold yours off in six months? Is it? Even if you have, please tell about your experience, especially whether there was anything that opened its ugly mouth immediately or sometime after the purchase.

@Shiraz, yes I sold off the Forester in six months after purchasing it. Car was good and did not give any trouble. Reason to sell was, my work location changed and I really needed an AT car. In addition, the idea of selling was not there until this particular purchaser showed up and was just too keen on the car.
However the Forester bug had not left me and I have ended up buying another . I shall put up an ownership thread soon.

[Shiraz Shah]

Congratulations on the buy Guna! That sounds encouraging And yes, please put up that ownership thread soon; that would be really helpful.

[IcarusMan]

Trying to decide between a 2005 forester and a 2004 2.4 L A/T CR-V.

CR-V is listed at 5.25 L. Forester about a lac less.

Biggest concern about Forester is the heavy clutch which would make it a pain in city traffic. It would require a new clutch ASAP, though I have my doubts whether a new clutch would be able to make it comfortably lighter. Otherwise it's been impeccably maintained. Love the interiors. CR-V wins only on the auto box front.

Your suggestions/recommendations between the two please, based on:
* Reliability & Maintenance cost.
* Heavy clutch vs A/T.
* FE

Thanks

[n.devdath]

Originally Posted by IcarusMan

Your suggestions/recommendations between the two please, based on:
* Reliability & Maintenance cost.
* Heavy clutch vs A/T.
* FE

1. CRV, you ll get spares and service support.
2. I d prefer the A/T for Blore traffic anyday.
3. The Forester was never a frugal vehicle, and the difference wont be more than 20% which would be compensated by the driving pleasure of an A/T alone.

[ACM]

Guna would be the right person to comment on these points, since he has experience both an AT and a Forester.

But quite clearly an AT is far more convenient to drive around town, and the CRV AT does seem to be the better deal to me, also with Honda still around you would be able to take the vehicle to the authorized centre if required. A Honda vehicle is expected to be more reliable and especially so after so many years.

[Guna]

Originally Posted by IcarusMan

Your suggestions/recommendations between the two please, based on:
* Reliability & Maintenance cost.
* Heavy clutch vs A/T.
* FE

Thanks

CRV is the more practical vehicle to go for unless you really value the driving dynamics of the Forester, which is far superior to the old gen CRV.

* Reliability & Maintenance cost. - CRV will be easier to maintain. Foresters are as reliable, probably more robust.
* Heavy clutch vs A/T. - New clutch should be relatively lighter but it will not be feather-light like a Hyundai or a Honda. Forester can be painful to drive in 'bumper to bumper'/'stop and go' traffic due to the poor low end torque. A/T is prefered if you are using it on a daily basis, and in bad traffic conditions.
* FE - You can expect 7 -8 kmpl within city and 10-13 kmpl (depending on the road and driving style) on highways

[IcarusMan]

@n.devdath, @ACM, @Guna: Greatly appreciate the responses, especially from TBHP's Forester "guru".

The car would be used mostly on weekends, for longer drives, e.g., jaunts, airport runs and such. Anticipated usage is 300 kms/month maximum. For heavy-duty, daily commuting, my equally aged but trusty Alto would continue to do service.

The clutch on this particular Forester is stiff, and I mean really stiff, much harder than my Alto. If a new clutch would improve matters considerably, then the Forester wins. From my research, a new clutch will cost Rs. 25k + labor. It boils down to whether all MT Foresters suffer from this problem or whether it can be cured or at least placated by a new clutch. I do not expect the clutch softness of a Jazz or City; have never driven a manual Hyundai though.

Yes, on heavy clutch vs CR-V auto tranny parameter alone, the AT wins hands down. However, the single-owner, well-maintained Forester is available for a very good price. The CR-V in question has had 2 owners and has done 90K km. In Bangalore, the old CRV still goes for high asking prices, at least from buyer's perspective.

Apart from the clutch work, I do not "expect" major repairs on the Forester over a projected 2-year ownership period, touch wood. I think Subaru reliability should be at par with Honda.

As a bonus, with the Forester, my "new" pre-owned car would at least be of similar vintage to my Alto. Coming from hatchback territory, the interiors are in "luxury" or at least high quality category. Love the huge cargo area and immense practicality.

Being able to handle speed humps with aplomb would be sweet; riding roughshod over cratered Bangalore roads without a care, sublime!

Thanks