2.5 XT Forester- Feedback on running costs please

[jakejake]

Hi,

I recently sold my 2002 Forester S-Turbo as am abroad for 6 months. I loved it, perfect for my requirements. I averaged about 28-30mpg, and service costs were reasonable.

I am thinking of either getting a later (2004-5) 2.0 XT or getting a 2005 2.5XT. I like idea of the 2.5 as it is so quick in stock form.

Can any owners out there tell me if my MPG will drop massively and if I am likely to stumble upon much higher servicing / repair costs.

Cheers

[Small Car]

There have been a few similar posts along these lines before, but we have a 130k miles 54 plate 2.5xt, it does 22mpg and has been very reliable. We bought it 3 years ago at 88k miles and has wanted for very little.

[markCSC]

Hello have a look here

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/right-...

[Fume troll]

I've had a '00 2.0 S Turbo, an '04 2.0 XT and a '58 2.5 XT, all from new. Almost all the parts are the same, servicing costs have not really changed beyond inflation.
The 2.5 does use a bit more fuel, probably about 3-5 mpg worse off depending on how you drive. I can get 30mpg if I'm careful, but usually get 25ish. But it is a much nicer engine and well worth it for the extra grunt.

Cheers,

FT.

Edited by Fume troll on Thursday 9th December 15:04

[Thorburn]

Can't comment on the 2.5 XT, but I've been running an older 2.0 since August ( blog here).

Fuel consumption is my only complaint, I get around 20mpg around town, 30mpg if I take it very steady on the motorway.

Other than that its a lovely car, feels well built, very comfortable, and no reliability issues in the three and a half years since my parents bought it.