Forester 2.5XT vs Mazda CX-7

[ammw]

Thinking about an estate car or soft roader, preferably something that's still got decent performance and a bit of PH appeal ... thinking Octy vRS etc...

I've seen a couple of CX-7s out on the road and thought they looked OK, and the specs seem good ... 2.3T with 260bhp and 4WD, and comes with lots of toys - they seem to be around £15k for a lightly used one (e.g. 58 plate with 15k miles).

I've also had a long standing fancy for the Forester, based on having previously had 2 Imprezas. Seems a good match for the CX-7 ... 2.5XT, 225bhp, 4WD, quicker on paper than the CX-7, and in XTEn guise also got lots of toys (leather, satnav, panoramic sunroof etc). Have seen a nice looking 57 plate with 17k miles for £15k too.

So, anyone compared these 2? Thoughts?

[Luke.]

Im curious about this too. How'd it compare to a Yeti? Seems way more powerful with a load of more toys too.

[TSCfree]

Great car for wafting around in, practical to. We have 2005 2.5 turbo XTEN with all the toys, 28MPG. Don't expect Impreza handling thouogh. I changed the suspension due to a leaking strut to something more suitable. Subaru wanted £650 for 1 self levelling strut! loads of grip now without the lean but a firm ride. Loads of info here:

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/register.p...

[Luke.]

Anyone owned a cx7? Thinking ofbone of these or a Yeti...

[lexham]

CX-7, black turbo petrol - perfect family wagon.
Fast, very nice to drive indeed (saloon car like, not SUV at all).

Can fit a Maclaren Techno XLR in the boot, and have plenty of space for other things.
One great thing about it is the fact that you have loads of space in the rear seats (even behind a 6'2" person).

Highly recommended.