Replacement for Forester 2.5 XT

[Iamnotkloot]

Turbo's just gone pop and it's over 170k miles now so need a replacement for around £6k.

It's for the Mrs and her criteria are:
High driving position
4 doors minimum
Prefer manual (but not essential)
Prefer hybrid (or plain petrol but no diesels)
Reliable

My criteria is:
Must either be interesting or good to drive

Considered:

Lexus RX 400h - very reliable but is this too boring to drive?
Mazda CX7 - not great on fuel but nice drivetrain
Another Forester!

Any other options? Is the Volvo XC90 worth a look? Don't like the image of a BMW X5 (despite owning two beemers!) so any others...…?

[Iamnotkloot]

Hadn't thought of the Tribeca or the Explorer...….

However, I know Subaru don't make lookers but that Tribeca is really ugly!

Anyone any experience of the Lexus or Volvo?

[Iamnotkloot]

Whilst we liked the Forester, we think the turbo going is just the first on a long list of problems. Done over 170,000 miles now so new issues are coming up all the time.
Plus, it doesn’t need to be the last word in dynamic feedback, because it’s not for me its for the family.

[Iamnotkloot]

Toed64 said:

lamnotloot - is this yours?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/subaru-forester-2-5-xt-...

Yep, that's it - just finished the bid. So I definitely need a new car now......

[Iamnotkloot]

So the Forester has gone (to Poland!) and I've replaced it with a Lexus rx400h - mmm, wallowy. Had it delivered from South Wales; couldn't find anything suitable in the North West - they mostly seem to be down South for some reason.

[Iamnotkloot]

Ok; impressions so far.....

Lexus
Big; lots of internal room
Comfy; quite luxurious really
Interesting drivetrain; hybrid plus petrol, so far seeing about 30 mpg in mixed driving
Dynamically average; good turn of pace for a big ‘un but a bit wallowy, and the steering a bit remote

Forester
Medium-sized
Okay comfort wise, not much luxury
Dynamically above average; quick, handles well, quite sporty for an SUV
Economy; around 25 mpg in mixed driving

Hope that helps!