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-   -   2003 Forester or 2006 Optra 1.8 LT A/T? (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/what-car/44197-2003-forester-2006-optra-1-8-lt-t.html)

Guys,
I am stuck with a decision I can't seem to make. I just sold my 4 year old Opel Vectra 2.2 and want to replace it with another used car. Currently I am deciding between 2 options - my heart is set on a 2003 model Chevrolet Forester which most of us know is a rebadged Subaru Forester but I also have the option of buying a 2006 Chevy Optra 1.8 LT A/T with sunroof and auto-transmission. I stay in Gurgaon and of late the condition of the roads has gone from bad to worse. I did not feel like driving my Vectra on these roads for the fear of wrecking it and ending up spending a bomb to get it back in shape. The Chevy will be great for start and stop traffic due to the auto transmission but the one thing that is really bothering me is that it doesn't have ABS.
As we all know, the Forester is a really capable vehicle but all said and done its a 5 year old car and the spares are hard to come by since GM didn't sell too many of these in India. Being an MUV it would be able to negotiate bad roads better though.
In terms of pricing both the cars are coming for roughly the same price and both of them are in good condition.
Any inputs would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.

This is what I know of both the vehicles

Forester
+Drivers car
+ can handle bad roads better
+ AWD good for slippery situations/offroading
+ Flexible Interiors to make up large cargo area when required
- Poor low end torque and poor drivebility in crawling city traffic
-Cramped rear seat
- Poor resale value
- Availability of parts service can be an issue

Optra 1.8
+ Comfortable back seat
+ marginally better fuel efficiency
+ relatively better resale value
-not a very involving drive

Optra may be more practical choice, unless you really like the Forester like I do.

Sourcing parts for the Forester can be a nightmare. Specialists in the grey market + the internet can make things easier, but only so much. If you do eventually decide on the Forester, just ensure that you bargain hard, as the existing owner will be hardpressed to find a taker.

My pick would be the Optra 1.8 auto. Not only is it a far newer build, but the Optra will also give you a superior ownership experience. Nice interiors, sufficient room and a comfortable ride. Plus, we are talking about the LT version which has all the bells & whistles.

If you do consider a Forester, make sure you have an additional car to use while waiting for bits

As mentioned by GTO spares for Forester would quite tough. Go for the Optra LT. Its got an amazing rear bench and lovely interiors. However Mileage would be one issue. Seems like you have stuck your options to Chevy.

PS : Why dont you also look at a used Corolla ??

Adding another option to the 2 I already talked about - I am also considering a Skoda RS 1.8 Turbo. Any views on that?

Now you're talking! If you love to drive, the RS is your best bet from the used car market. Its a steal too @ 7 - 8 lakhs. The only downsides to the RS are expensive spares and lack of cabin space. But it is unbeatable for the driving pleasure. Go ahead I say!

But if you have 'driving on bad roads' on your mind, RS has very little ground clearence.

Adding one more to the equation - a 2000 model BMW 318i, done about 56k kms, well maintained and comes with automatic transmission. What do you think?

Hi guys,
After a lot of debating and discussing and even more searching, I finally bought a red Skoda Octavia vRS and got it home yesterday! It's a beauty, Oct 2004 model, done only 25k kms, full service record available and in complete stock condition. Have attached a few pictures.cheers:

Now thats something.
Congrats

WElcome to the vRs club.
I guess its raining vRs at T-Bhp this season.

Me , Ashish , redsfX , and you.

Congratz.
How much did you Pay for it?

That looks like a nice & clean car! Congratulations!

Congratulations.
How much did you pay?

Thanks Buddy, I had been looking for one for quite some time!

Thank you, took me a while to find it though!