I am looking to buy a small 4x4 and have come down to the Forester or the Rav4.
What experience have you had with either and what are their good and/or bad points.
Thanks macca
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I am looking to buy a small 4x4 and have come down to the Forester or the Rav4.
What experience have you had with either and what are their good and/or bad points.
Thanks macca
I am also interested as my wife wants a 4WD for her work. (Real Estate in a country town, farms, dirt/mud roads & bush tracks.)
I'd be interested to know how you narrowed it down to those 2 Macca.
Nice thread Macca, I'm going through the same exercise!
I'm a bit biased, but I'd have the Forester all day every day given the choice between the two both as a road car and a light off-road one, but then I'd have a Suzuki Grand Vitara ahead of them both even though it's not the best of them on the road.
Having said that, I'm waiting breathlessly for the Suzuki SX4 due for release in Eastern States at least later this month before making up my mind.
It's technically streets ahead of the other two, and should be a lot cheaper too. Currently the best detail is on the US website (Aus distributors are a bit slack in this regard :rolleyes: ) http://www.suzukisx4.com/
Cheers,
P
The Suzi has been recommended to us by a friend as well.... It looks good but does it have offroad clearance or is it just a pose mobile?
200 mm clearance, which is pretty much the same as most "proper" 4WD's, and designed with nice short front and rear overhangs, so approach angles look pretty good too. It looks to be more than a match for the Subi on paper at least.
All the dimensions are pretty much the same as my current "old" Grand Vitara (2 dr) but with a 300 mm longer wheelbase, more horses, electronic stability, traction and all that stuff controls.... no low range, which may be the killer for me in soft sand, but we'll see.
The local dealer is expecting one in the next week or two.
Cheers,
P
Found it..... 6.9 inches, pose mobile. :(
http://www.suzukiauto.com/sr_07/sx4/...nd_pricing.php
Are they going to bring out a newer Grand Vitara?
I has proper 4WD & low range & an extra inch of clearance.
Hmmm... SX4 is 71% cheaper & gets 128% better fuel economy.
Have a look here.
I have a couple of friends with the forester and are more than happy.
The only reservation being lack of luggage space.
http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/2006/default.htm
Err, I suggest you look at the 4wd version - 190mm = 7.5 inches?Quote:
Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers
but as I said, I'm waiting to see it!
The new Grand Vitara has been out for six months, or is it a year?
Cheers,
P (buying on price!)
Where? :?Quote:
Originally Posted by bitingmidge
Suzuki.
Had 2 door Grand vitara sport 3yrs.
no problems with it at all.
http://www.motiontrends.com/2006/m03...ifications.pdfQuote:
Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers
:wink:
P
Macca,
I've got a 2000 and a 2005 model Foresters and am I'm extremely happy with both.
At the time of purchasing the 2000 model I was on the lookout for safety features and the combination of price, all wheel drive, all wheel discs, ABS and both front air-bags did it for me. I had it down to the Honda CRV and the Subaru at the time. SWMBO didn't like the styling of the Rav4 ("Barbie Doll "car according to her, so that was out!!) but in any case in all but the Subaru one or more of the above mentioned safety features was an optional extra.
Both are very enjoyable to drive, and average less than 10 l/100 km, down to about 7.5 l/100 Km (about 38 mpg in the old money) on a highway run. I think the all wheel drive is their real strength. Very sure-footed in the wet and on gravel roads.
I haven't had either of the beaten track all that much (getting harder and harder to find an unsealed road these days) but have driven along dry sandy creek beds and a couple of local goat tracks and haven't had any problems with clearance or traction.
They are essentially a road car, so if you want real 4WD stuff then buy a real 4WD
Oh, almost forgot - if you get the manual transmission you'll get Subaru's "Hill-Hold" and a Hi-Low range gearbox
Ian
Do your self a favour and check what tyres are available for the model you are after. I purchased the 2006 Outback and the only tyres available for it are the geolanders and they are rated good for 25000 kms. We only found this out after my wife, who drives like a grandma, started to look around for tyres. The rim size does not fit any other tyre so we either spend 280 per tyre every 25000 km's or buy a new tyre and wheel package.
Also if you get the Forrester take it to a reputable wheel aligner and get them to set it up properly. The outback had so much toe-in that the tyres had feathered the outer edge after only 15000 km's. Apparently the factory sets them this way for premium cornering ability.
We were pretty unimpressed.
Pete
I have not experience with the Rav 4 but it is a Toyota and they do have a great reputation.
Just remember that both these vehicles are only toy 4WD's so treat them that way and you will do ok.
I usedQuote:
Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers
*Manufacturers reputation for good strong reliable cars
*Safety features
*Finish
*Mechanics recommendation
*Built in Japan.
*Constant all wheel drive
*Personal choice for looks etc
Looks like being Forester because.
* All of the above
* Spare wheel NOT mounted on tailgate
* has lift up tailgate...not door type...try opening a swing out door type in a car park with another car right up your tail.
And I went to a Subaru dealer this morning and the Forester has great seating with height adjust on drivers seat. All the essencials in the X without going up to, a dearer model, and it just feels right.
Macca
Macca Good choice have had forresters since 97 , on the second one now , I use goodyear eagle ntc 5 tyres and get in excess of 50,000 k , but make sure the alignment is spot on , scrubbed a front set of original tyres pretty quick once so I keep a good eye on alignment and have had no probs since
The only extra we got was the mats and the lipped rubbur mat for the luggage space is worth its weight in gold.
Rgds
What model are you on now?Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashore
Will the goodyear eagles go on the original rims?
Cliff I have a 2002 2.5 XS manual and the eagles are 215/60R16 95V and fit straight on the standard alloy rims , a little bit more road noise but the wear and wet weather ability more than compensates ,
BTW Happy Birthday
Rgds
Ta.
Wife just got goodyear eagle venturas on her corolla.
They go on the mags that came on her car & will fit on the standard rims on mine but they have a 'rim protector' bead on the wall the pushes the wheel trims off a standard rim.
They were a good price & seem to have good grip but they have a strange sideways balance problem. :?
Only shows up between 90 & 100 kph & not always there.
I makes the steering wheel wobble from side to side slightly.
She is going to take it back & see if they can sort it out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers
Quote:
Originally Posted by bitingmidge
Umm, Pete? :-Quote:
Originally Posted by bitingmidge
They are different cars? :?
Which one is coming to Oz?
The first one you directed us to is the US 2L job & the 2nd one is the UK 1.6L job.
Which one are we going to get?
Dunno,Quote:
Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers
That's why I'm waiting..... :cool:
P
:D :D :D
Hi Macca2
I was in the same boat and went with the RAV4. It really has moved up a size class (Now 28% bigger :2tsup: goes the ad and I believe it) and with a third kid almost here the extra room is worth it.
I love(d) subarus but there is a little too much resting on laurels at the moment with very little r and d into the great little forester which is basically the same jigger that came out in 1998 :oo: but with a roundy front.
RAV is bigger, 2006 design, sliding rear seats for more leg room (baby capsule room that is :doh: ), 2.4VVTi engine and huge rear cargo area. Very good off road height for forestry tracks/nat parks.
We have stepped down from a 100 series cruiser and seriously there is not that much less area in the cargo area and just as much room in the rear leg area. (not width sadly :- )
Just watch out for the auto version which we went with as the extra size/weight does dull it a bit, still not as slow as the boxer forester motor though. We went with the auto as the RAV has no low range so this goes a small way to bridging that gap.
IMO the only thing that the forester does better is the constant symettrical 4wd design is better than the RAV which transmits drive to the rear when needed electronically and a low range option on the manual.
Take a RAV for a spin, I did and was sold on it. :D
RAV4 fuel economy over 5700km has averaged 10.3 l per 100ks.
That includes about 2200 in and around hilly hobart and the run up the freeway melb to port macquarie, back to canberra and back to port macquarie again.
Not as good as what I think the forester would get 8-9 perhaps?.
Also check out the noise difference in the two. The RAV is amazingly quiet.
we were in the same boat last year
went with a honda CRV in the end...no dramas so far
Bought myself a Ssangyong Musso sports duelcab ute, 2.9lt/turbo/d. Korean built to Mercedes specs and a 5cyl Merc motor, so far so good comfort and drivability are great, though it took a while for the looks to grow on me. I went this way for the towing capacity/dollar value, but I have always liked the Subaru's.:)
Pfff.... you had me fooled...:rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by bitingmidge
I thought you knew what you were on about. :D
Hi,
If travelling in rural/remote areas, I would go for the Toyota, because nearly every town has a toyota dealer/service agent.(parts and tyres availability).
Cheers
I am not looking to go bush bashing.
Just want a good reliable small wagon with the added safety of 4X4.
The Forester takes 215/60 R16 94H, and these are available in other brands than Yokohama. Goodyear Eagle being just one.
Thanks Macca
I'm on my second Forester - very happy with them both.
Both have done city, highway and off road.
Off road includes 3 outback trips (Birdsville/Simpson Desert). In March 2006 I drove it across the Simpson with my mates in larger 4WDs. It was airborne multiple times per day (not being reckless - this is the only way across some sandhills).
Yes I did blow up the motor outside Birdsville but that was because I had neglected to clean the sand out of air filter after the desert crossing.:C
The previous year I needed a diesel Prado and a V8 Cruiser to tow me out of a big sand hole - The Prado was smoking the clutch and needed the assistance of the big Toyota. I didn't even need a wheel alignment when I returned back to Melbourne.
The highway and city driving are fine in the Subaru.
I will keep the Subaru plus buy a diesel Toyota to tow heavy loads and to give the Subaru a rest from the heavy duty four wheel drive trips.
I don't like the computer controlled 4WD in the Hondas - gets people into trouble because it kicks in and out of 4WD when the driver knows it should have been in 4WD.
Check out this press release from JD Power, a US based "global marketing information firm that conducts independent and unbiased surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality and buyer behavior." The press release gives a quick run down of the results of JD Power's 2006 Initial Quality Study. Toyota is right up there on quality (unfortunately only vehicles available in the US are included in this study so no Holden) which is one of the main reasons why I am a Toyota fan. Nothing annoys me more than niggly little quality problems. I'd go with the RAV4.
My current car is a 2003 Toyota Prado and I'm very happy with it.
Suzuki quality is first class check one out.
FWIW,
I have crawled all over a Suzuki SX4, and they are a fabulous new little niche market car. They are small, but could comfortably carry four adults, have the full 200 mm ground clearance and represent fabulous value.
We didn't buy one, got the 2.7l Grand Vitara after checking out all the others.
It's the only "proper" 4wd in the bunch (with low range and a few other tough bits) and the lowest price by by far for what it's worth.
Cheers,
P
Macca, I don't want to appear rude but can't help wondering if you NEED or WANT a 4X4. Driving skill and anticipation are the major driving safety factors. If, for instance, you drive only in Perth and suburbs the additional costs will not be worth the end use. However, if you believe you'll FEEL safer then perhaps an AWD is a better choice for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by macca2
Many years ago 'we' used to purposely put learner drivers in situations to test thier watchfulness over wet, dry, shifting sand and dunes, and devised methods to avoid traps - 4X4s were not available in lighter vehicles and VERY RARELY did the drivers need assistance, and really careful driving is still required in 4X4s.
Consider your NEEDS before spending your money.
Please don't be offended by this suggestion.
soth
Don't overlook the Kluger - the current deals look very good. All the running gear is Lexus 330, verrry smooth.
You should get a Nissan N-trail.
Gutsy vehicle!
Hi Soth....thanks for your input and no offence taken. Thanks to all others who have offered their advice.
I was looking at the small "softroaders" mainly for the seat height. I have recently migrated to a wheelchair and thought the seat height in a "softroader" would be easier to get into and out of.
However I have to have the vehicle converted to hand controls and also have a wheelchair hoist fitted on the roof.
The height of all the "softroaders" plus a hoist will not fit under my garage door, so I am now looking at something lower. i.e. Lancer or Corolla wagon.
Its either that or dig out the garage floor by about 200mm and replace the driveway and then fit a new garage door and so on etc. etc. $$$$$$$
Any more advice willingly accepted.
Macca
Macca, Why on the roof of whatever vehicle (a non folding chair)? There are back-end wheel chair carriers that seem easy to use. I judge this on an elderly, wheel-chair user in my street.
I'm not certain, but the chair is, I think, folded and lifted into place electronically then the lady users sticks to enter her vehicle. Her higher vehicle allows her easier entry.
soth
Hi Macca
What about a toyota Avenis. They have a low roof height, adjustable seating and a similar seat set up to the soft roaders.
I found it comfortable for my arthritic knees where I need a decent angle to stop the pain.
They are well made too :2tsup: though not cheap :C .
Tassie K has mentioned the Kluger which was thought to be an excellent vehicle, but recently some companies are opting to replace the Kluger in the fleet range. They, seemingly, are facing too many niggerly problems. I almost bought one 18 months ago.
soth
I have a folding chair. The hoist is elctricaly operated from the driving seat. It picks up the chair verticaly and raises it to roof height and then lays flat on the roof rack. Two made in Australia....Wymo, and Sto'N'Go
I have looked at the rear mounted hoist but for me it is too difficult to fold the chair and load it while standing at the rear of the vehicle. I then have to walk to the driving seat. Not an easy task.
Thanks
macca