martinbo's 2003 Forrie XT...

[martinbo]

Here's my trusty little 2003 Forester XT manual.

She's now got 59000 km on the clock but it's quite possible she's on the way out. I am currently demo-ing a white 2005 XT facelift and the impression is quite positive.

It's been a brilliant car to own and use with no real reliability issues to speak of. Build integrity is great, but I must say I'm quite looking forward to the new car which is significantly more refined in the ride and handling department and has xenons, premium sound and multi-function steering wheel as attractions for much the same monthly premium as what I'm paying now.

Also, my current Forester has held value surprisingly well, so I won't be buying out of the brand soon. The only caveat is the high-ish fuel consumption which makes a Forester turbo not the most environmentally responsible choice around. Then again there are worse...

On that note, I do believe firmly in the benefits of modern turbodiesels as representing the best balance between performance, frugality and environmental awareness. The main problem with them for me as a consumer is the general lack of performance turbodiesel derivatives in SA, especially from the Japanese manufacturers. So, the greenies are going to have to fly the environmental awareness flag for me, I'm going for boost baby.

The ol' girl (and the ol' man too ):

 

[Alx]

Nice pic, i see them on rt.80 on my way to work in the A.M., those foresters really move.... i was surprised to see one of them at about 110mph. It looks so calm. Very nice enjoy!!!

 

[Snake Vargas]

Nice car. Though I must say I like the pre-FL version better than the facelifted one. But it's your car, not mine!

Nice to be able to put a face to the name as well. I remember seeing your pics early on when I registered in the original GCF forums. But then I didn't really take any notice back then..

 

[martinbo]

Nice car. Though I must say I like the pre-FL version better than the facelifted one. But it's your car, not mine!

Nice to be able to put a face to the name as well. I remember seeing your pics early on when I registered in the original GCF forums. But then I didn't really take any notice back then..

I agree with you... unlike the new Impreza facelift 3 which really has grown on me, the facelift of Forester has been quite unsuccessful in my opinion. There's an incongruity about the makeover that I just can't come to terms with. Then again my days of buying cars for their looks are gone. All I care about is how it drives, after all you can't see what you're driving from behind the wheel eh? The fact that it's white numbs the pain a little...

C'mon Snake, post some pics of yourself too...

 

[Snake Vargas]

I agree with you... unlike the new Impreza facelift 3 which really has grown on me, the facelift of Forester has been quite unsuccessful in my opinion. There's an incongruity about the makeover that I just can't come to terms with. Then again my days of buying cars for their looks are gone. All I care about is how it drives, after all you can't see what you're driving from behind the wheel eh? The fact that it's white numbs the pain a little...

C'mon Snake, post some pics of yourself too...

http://home.exetel.com.au/nocturnus/pictures/driving.jpg

There you go. I haven't got many pictures of me - my collection is mostly of my own photos, ie. other people - and even less that 1. look good, and 2. involve cars. That said, I searched high and low, and found that. That's me, driving the family Holden Vectra.

Anyhow, call me shallow, but I still buy with at least one eye on the looks. I think it might even be more than I'd be aware of personally. The car has been said to be an extension of the owner's personality, inasmuch as any major or value-based purchase is. I couldn't really like the car as a whole if I didn't like the looks somewhat. I also couldn't really like a car if it didn't satisfy my pickiness in other areas such as safety, comfort, performance (which is tempered with knowledge of my usual usage situations), etc. Maybe that's why I'm hardly ever satisfied..

I guess it's always good to buy a car you like the looks of. But if you would prefer to stay with the brand, like the performance and reliability, and there's a lack of plausible alternatives.. what's a man to do?

 

[martinbo]

Heh ehe heh... a slightly mysterious profile shot of mister Vargas.

Just to let you know, the ol' girl is gone. I have a new MY06 Forester XT in - wait for it - white!

Woo hoo!

Some immediately apparent differences and niceties but what struck me is how solid and powerful the old car felt with 60 000 km's on it.

I'll post pics sometime next week.

 

[Alx]

congrats on the new purchase... Very happy for you! good deal...

As for pics im not photogenic so i really dont take them, but i will post if others do to...

 

[martinbo]

congrats on the new purchase... Very happy for you! good deal...

Thanks Alex!