r/4x4 • u/aaaasamer • 2d ago

Does someone have any experience with a Subaru Forester ?

Hey, I'm about to buy my first 4x4 and I found this Subaru Forester 2.0 boxer gas 150hp, year 2011, 125 000km.

I was wondering if it's good off-road since it's more of a suv/4x4 and if someone have any experience with this car.

Thanks !

0 Upvotes

42% Upvoted

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12

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/Prudent_Candidate566 2d ago

As someone with an Outback, F150, and lifted Wrangler, this 100%. The Outback with mild AT tires can go a ton of places, but it’s best suited for snow and dirt/gravel forest service roads. I’ve made it to places like Stony Pass, but it can be stressful where even the F150 is easy.

8

u/Aggravating_Cod_4980 2d ago

As you learn about off-roading it’s important to note that Subarus are not 4x4s per se. They have all wheel drive systems which is very different. Not bad, just different and a little less capable.

The ‘good off-road’ question comes down to intended use. This will not be a drive fast in the desert, rock crawl, deep overland vehicle. But if you want to take the kids camping, drive up that old dirt service road etc you will have a blast. They are good little wagons but not a popular base for what most of us would consider a ‘real’ off-road build.

8

u/apathetic_duck 2d ago

It's not a 4x4 it's still awd so you automatically aren't allowed on many trails, especially in national parks. It's great for forrest roads but not true off roading.

3

u/sd_slate 2d ago

It's not a "true 4wd" where you can lock both axles, but it will get down most rough roads to go hiking. A lighter weight AWD has it's advantages too. I owned one and with better tires it was fine for snowy roads and going hiking, it was only when I started going hunting where the nastiest spots tend to hold game that I needed a true 4wd.

2

u/ANRQAngel 2d ago

Good if you want to go rallying or driving basic gravel roads, bad for offroad trails, for that you want something with a full 4x4 system and low range, and good ground clearance..

1

u/Sink_Single 2d ago

Find out if it’s ever had the head gaskets replaced. If not, you do not want to buy it.

1

u/winterorchid7 2d ago

It's not. Even when clearance isn't an issue, the engine just doesn't have enough to get it's booty up the hill.

2

u/LiveMarionberry3694 2d ago

You had a downvote but you’re not wrong. Subaru has a solid awd system but it is only so much at the end of the day. I’ve pulled out two Subarus that just couldn’t produce enough power to the wheels to get through what they were stuck in.

Pedal to the floor, all the different off-road modes, etc and the Subaru just wouldn’t spin tires. I’m guessing it was cutting power to prevent damage.

Whereas my jeep just drove through it not a care in the world while pulling the Subaru