Hi folks, I'm an ex Subaru Forester Turbo owner and looking for something that can provide similar thrills and spills. Im trying to decide if the SD4 models can give me something similar.

Few questions that perhaps those with experience can answer... Ive read that response of steering is very light and a bit vague, is it the same on the latest models?

With the subaru's you can add heavier sway bars, lift suspension, put on larger turbos and better air filters/exhausts to generally improve performance and handling, do any such options exist for the FL2?

Does anyone have any feelings which of the models in SD4 type are the best to opt for.

Are the FL2's holding their resale value and are you generally happy with your FL2's.

For me, what you are describing is not an FL2. The Forester is a road car with off-road pretensions. (Before anyone jumps on me I owned Subarus for 10 years and like them, but I also know what they are and are not!) The FL2 is much more of an off-roader which just happens to be very good on the road too. But it's not a sports car, and something like the X3 may be more what you're looking for.

Regarding the steering specifically, I'd say the FL2 is no worse than the Forester, which itself has very light steering.

That said, I certainly don't regret moving from a (non-turbo) Forester to an FL2. The only thing I miss is the low range box - whoever thought a Land Rover without a low range is a good idea should be, erm, re-educated!

pab wrote:

For me, what you are describing is not an FL2. The Forester is a road car with off-road pretensions. (Before anyone jumps on me I owned Subarus for 10 years and like them, but I also know what they are and are not!) The FL2 is much more of an off-roader which just happens to be very good on the road too. But it's not a sports car, and something like the X3 may be more what you're looking for.

Regarding the steering specifically, I'd say the FL2 is no worse than the Forester, which itself has very light steering.

That said, I certainly don't regret moving from a (non-turbo) Forester to an FL2. The only thing I miss is the low range box - whoever thought a Land Rover without a low range is a good idea should be, erm, re-educated!

The Forester turbo and FL2 SD4 have similar performance numbers, the Forester suffers from terrible under-steer which can be corrected with a heavier rear sway bar, but standard handling is not great. Foresters are now all NA diesels and performance looks rubbish.

I live in the south of spain, we have some fantastic mountain/off-road tracks, the subaru was brilliant on these trails, great fun.

So i dont think these two cars are so disimilar, perhaps the bias on the FL2 is more towards OR performance... but im not interesting an an x3, that seems more like a road only car.

I want a bit of both

I have an SD4 and it is great. It will be awesome off road (I once did an LR day in one) and on the road it's steering is nicely weighted albeit needing more feel at higher speeds.

The BMW X3 may well have more car like handling but if I wanted car like handling, I'd have bought a car. The X3 will be jittery compared to the FL2 which is silky smooth and laughs at bumps etc. Wise choice in not wanting an X3

I have just bought some Avon winter tyres to give me ultimate performance should it snow this winter (properly as opposed to the boring mild winter last time with a bit of Feb & April snow). FL2 will trounce it's rivals in snow on same tyres, it is the king when the going gets rough!

SD4 is my first auto and it is economical enough but drops sharply if lead foot is deployed. Which I do occasionally because the power is excellent. 190bhp & 310 lb ft of torque is more than enough for swift progress.

The GS is the best model in the range for balancing price and equipment but I managed to get an XS for the right price which has some nice goodies.

Hope you find a car that suits  60 plate SD4 XS, Stornoway Grey, Arm rest pack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly--gT1RJdk

Not to forget that the Freelander2 is 300kg heavier. Test drive will show this also.
I've owned both types of vehicles and the Freelander2 is no Forester Turbo.

No doubt you can increase the performance but it's not common to and I'm sure it'll not be as good a gain as the Subi.

I can't even think of an all-rounder vehicle that has performance, handling and great off road ability.

Apart from a Bowler Wildcat of course!

I had a Forester turbo for 2 years, and although I loved it, I consider the SD4 just as pokey but with a better all round feel. For me the higher driving position is a bonus too.
Hope this helps adiep.

Kal-El wrote:

I have just bought some Avon winter tyres to give me ultimate performance should it snow this winter (properly as opposed to the boring mild winter last time with a bit of Feb & April snow)

Glad you got those Superb performance in compact slippery snow and also thick heavy snow. Just don't refer to them by certain names that are on the forum blacklist  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Having just replaced my 2004 x5 with a 2011 FL2, I can confirm the steering on the FL 2 is vaguer and less precise. However, the x5 was a harder, less comfortable ride. The FL2 sd4 isn't significantly less powerful and has better mpg than the car it replaced.

More importantly if we have a harsh winter the FL2 should be able to cope. Whereas the x5 was a road car, it managed ice and snow better than most but never inspired confidence. But then i live 40 minutes from civilisation now, so that matters now. It wasn't as important when buying the x5.

So i guess it depends on where you live/ drive as to what you need.

I found the xs model gave me best value for money for extras...