Forester vs X-Trail diesel

Nothing wrong with an old Corolla I might add. Mines got better than 250K on the clock. Can't help you much with either vehicle as I've had a Navara and now a Patrol but there was a thread earlier about the Subaru.HERE is the link to Post 64401. I'd do a search of the site as well.

Cheers Mick

Compliments of the season to Everyone also

We have a 2005 Subaru Forester which I chose because it has high and low range, which for us as we tow a 980kg Magnum off road camper is arguably a stronger option. We have towed the Magnum for around 20,000km so far, it is a bit heavier on petrol and we are about to clock up our first 100,000km with the same brakes, spark plugs, service every 12,000km. The initial 100,000 service is $1,000 because of timing chain replacement.
We originally had a camper trailer at 680kg in tow for about 35,000km, loaded it weighed about 900kg with a 60 litre water tank and extra petrol, so the Subaru does a great job for us.
At all times we have an advantage over diesel -v- petrol pricing and I can't argue the benefits of diesel now because the difference in cost is significant.
I run 8ply Yokohamas for quieter running on the black top, but will probably go for harder compund next time as tyre wear is just fair and that's all.
The major problem with the Subaru is the low entry and exit height when travelling off-road through sharp ditches, etc. Also the computer gear is fitted a bit low down behind the engine bay for river crossings and I am going to have that moved up higher by a Subaru mechanic who drives one himself.
I don't stop on steep hills at any time now as it gets a bit hard to take off when pulling 1200-1300kg behind us. I've heard the X-Trail has a bit more power but I don't know anymore than that.
We love the Subaru and like you I want to take it past the 500,000km mark if I can.
There are plenty of far more experienced 4WD experts on this site that can offer solid advice BuggerBoggedAgain, all I can do is re-tell of our experience. I assume from what I have read that Low Range on the Subaru is not geared quite low or high enough to give adequate speed control going down steep inclines, then again I wouldn't even dream of taking ours to places where these guys and gals go - I'm a photographer.
Hope this bit helps & Merry Xmas to all.
Paul & Fiona

Both Subaru and Nissan should be able to quote servicing costs for the first 120,000km prior to purchase. Toyota have done it for me, I'm sure they all do it.

Ive bought new x-trails and they've been pretty much on the mark with servicing quotes. Give or take $10

I now have a Liberty.
I think you get what you pay for in both Nissan and Subaru.

Have fun.

To me for longevity and value retention the Subaru forester would be my choice not that that will mean much in 20 years.

If you want to stay in cabins then you would expect commercial operators to have reasonable access to them and the Barringtons and surrounds have plenty of old logging roads and firetrails maintained for now and I hope for a long time ahead.

Ian

Subaru make a better vehicle than Nissan.

The flat four (boxer) engine in the Subie is good for 400 to 500,000 km, they are a proven unit. The diesel in the X Trail? I'm not sure if it has been around long enough to have built a reputation, good or bad.

For a 20 year plan it would have to be the Subie, you know it will still be going strong.

Cheers,

Jim.

We've had a Subaru - WRX, not Forester, but similar quality - since 2001. Superb build quality and reliability.

Google "Nissan diesel reliability issues" or just search this site, then make up your own mind.

The above search returned over 31000 hits. Replace "Nissan diesel" with "Subaru" and you get 6500 hits (from Google Australia).
Rough and ready research methodology, I know, but produces some interesting reading. Not sure how many Subarus on the road compared to Nissan diesels, possibly more Subarus.

I'm just going to duck for cover now.

Regards, John.

If you need a range of greater than 600k, then buy a manual diesel.
If you are planning on carrying jerry cans, buy the manual diesel.
If no to both, and need an auto, then I think the choice will be between the petrol versions of both vehicles.

We own 2 Xtrails (T30), and have a high opinion of them. But you pay a lot extra for the diesel motor on the T31. And the diesel auto misses out on the CVT, and as a result, doesn't achieve the fuel consumption you'd expect from a diesel. Nissan also reduced the towing limit from 2000 to 1300 with the auto, because the transmission is not as strong.

The servicing on the petrol Xtrails is very simple and cheap (I service ours). I've owned a lot of subarus in the past - great vehicles - but may be a bit unorthodox for the average mechanic out in the sticks.

There's some amazing deals out there at present. Holden are discounting the dual cab diesel Colorados (were Rodeos) by $10,000 at present - it will cost you less than a diesel Xtrail ($32k + costs).

Probably be a Forester Diesel availiable in the next year or so
It will be in the Liberty range first though.
JR

I know several subarus that have done 450,000-550,000Km without any problems. I've just sold my Forester with 375,000 Km and motor still had near new compression. I found the clearance and approach/departure angles very good for a 'soft roader'. It handled exceptionally well on wet and corrugated raods.
I sold it for a Nissan Patrol (did the Canning Stock Route this year). The Forester would have easily handled the Gibb River Rd and Mitchell Plateau Rd (probably better than the Patol) due its constant 4X4.
Servicing costs are up in the high end (over $1,000 for the 100,000Km service), but the Patrol has this cost every 40,000Km!!! (dealer didn't tell me this when I asked about the service costs). I tend to do about +40,000km a year.

I brought a new X-Trail in 04 and still have it, and a friend of mine is the same. She has over 100,000 km on the clock and we both have had no probs what so ever.
We have done some pretty good 4x4ing with it and it is very suprising the places it will get with a good set of Simex AT's on it. I also run a Nissan Patrol for all the hard core stuff.
The ground clearance on the Exy is one of the best one the market, and def puts it ahead of the rest. The power and torque are one of the highest on the market, still with pretty good fuel eco. The new diesel out has 340Nm of torque (from memory) which is incredible. There is also the new additional aids such as traction control and hill descent etc.
I am also a 4wdriving instructor, and have seen the Subu's at work. The low range is a benefit however dosent seem to be that low that it is worth the sacrifice of the Exy.
The low clearance on the subu will stop it long before anything else is has a chance to go up against.
In terms of reliability, I cant speak as I havent owned one.
The general running costs of the XTrail are great and I ask and expect alot out of my car but look after it.
I am very happy with the choice I made and if I had to do it again, I wouldnt change a thing.
Maybe look at what type of tracks and terrain you will be driving on and make sure that both cars are capable. Also, check out the type of aftermarket items ie tyres etc you want to put on and make sure it is possible with both cars.
I had a set of Simex Centrepedes on the XTrail and it gave me over 200mm of clearance which was a huge benefit.
Anyway that is my two bobs worth.
Hope it helps

We have a 2003 XTrail Auto with the 130kw engine and it has 95,000km on the clock. A good little car though we do not take it offroad(not dirt roads) despite what others do. I think it is too fragile for rough country tracks. Be aware that the whole front body section of the Xtrail is plastic. The Xtrail has good fuel economy but you can halve that when towing.

It is an excellent On Road car with heaps of grunt and a great overtaking speed. My wife bought it for the space it has for carting stuff around.

I am not sure if the Xtrail will last 20 years. I would go for the more robust and proven Subaru if that was the criteria.



Cheers

We have run a lot of xtrails with one minor warranty claim, but only keep them to 50000ks. Have heard of one thats done 180000ks with little problems. But Subies have a very big rep for reliabity and longlevity.
I would be a bit dubious of the diesel especially if designed by Renault.
Cheers Pete

Right out of left field here.. Have you considered a Hyundai Sante Fe diesel auto?

They seem to get good reports.. they come with a 5 year warranty which is important if you're going to keep it for some time.

From my own personal experience (Used to have a Tucson) they are well built but do seem to lose value quickly. However, if you're going to keep it for 10 years plus, this is not so much of a problem.

Cheers

Mark T

G'day

Being a huge Subaru fan (currently on my 6th) a Forester GT Turbo, it's not hard to guess what I would suggest. Prior to Subarus I owned several LandCruisers and a Hilux and found their servicing more expensive than the Soobie...then again it's not a true comparison. I'm looking for a good mechanic to do a 100k service atm...anyone living on the mid north coast interested? ;-)

I tow a 680Kg camper trailer with the GT and some years ago used to tow a canvas sided camper trailer (similar weight) with an L series Soobie and both do a good job. Sorry I don't bother with fuel consumption tests these days, used to account for every drop that went through my vehicles, but decided why bother?

I'm planning to do the Canning Stock Route in the next year or so in my Forester, and as mentioned in another reply I know it would easily handle the Gibb River Road. Some years ago when travelling the GRR (not in my vehicle) I took particular notice and wouldn't have had a problem getting through...having said that I do know outback roads change from year to year.

My next vehicle will be either another Forester or a Tribeca...but that's not for a few years yet.

Rather than staying in cabins, why not get a tent, I've done the whole Aussie coastline and through the centre in a tent out the back of my Soobie and loved every minute of it. Way to go!!

Good luck with your decision
Bronwyn ;-)

Good onya, enjoy the country while we still can.
I have a 06 Forester that is driven about 150km/day, mixture of flat country, windy mountain and gravel roads to the farm. Fuel economy at the very best is 8.6l/100km freeway 110max steady driving. Doesn't like loads 12l/100km. Doesn't like takeoffs with a load even in low! range, smell the clutch. Engine was replaced at 50k due to glazed bores. Nearly all the suspension has fallen apart.Trying to find off road tyres are impossible for the rim size. The only bullbar for this model and later is through a Subextreme, no choice. Pre 06 models have smaller motors but stronger off road chassis an suspension.
I previously had a 96 Liberty wagon with a 2.2. It could pull over a tonne all day, every suspension component was at least 25% bigger. The new Foresters have the Liberty rear end suspension which gives a better ride but the vehicle now is more soft road oreinted.
Vs the X trail.the Forester gives great on road/gravel handling due to its AWD system and suspension set up. X Trail rolls and pitches at speed. Maybe not an issue.
Prefer to drive my 2000 Courier ute on dirt roads now, less rattle than the 06 Forester!!
Mery Xmas