Looking at a Forester - Auto

[Mutley]

I have a budget of £5k, and looking at a 2.0, but might look at a turbo if I see the right one.

I've seen on here that people have mentioned the suspension and cam belts, and usual 2nd hand looks.

What I'd really like to know is are the auto boxes 4 or 5 speed? (I have a 1.6 focus with a 4 speed and it hacks me off as has no real acceleration.)#

Thanks,

[cailean]

I think it is the same box as in the Legacy 2.0 which is 4 speed auto 4EAT

[Mutley]

Thanks, but excuse my ignorance, what is a 4EAT box, and is it any good?

[markCSC]

Mutley said:

Thanks, but excuse my ignorance, what is a 4EAT box, and is it any good?

Four-Speed Electronic Automatic Transmission

It's OK as slush boxes go. The ratios in the Turbo Forester that I drove seemed to be nicely spaced and is kicked down when you wanted it.

However...... I also drove a non-turbo Forester with that gearbox and my god it was slow (this was the SG model not an SF)

[Mutley]

Thanks, so realistically I'm looking for a turbo and SF combination, but avoiding any SG

[markCSC]

Nope just avoid a non-turbo auto . Insurance will be more but MPG is about the same

SF is the first generation model 1997- 2002

SG is the second generation model 2003 - 2008

[markCSC]

Oh and check out the European section of the Forester board http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f75/

[STBDriver]

I have a '97 S/tb.....turbo Japanese import...auto. I prefer to drive autos....people say that is lazy and "not real driving", which I totally disagree with....but autos are oh so much better in a traffic jam!
I picked up my S/tb for far less than 5k....if you don't mind the age of the car.....and the have great acceleration and power. Kick down is good too.