1997 Subaru Forester Turbo review from Japan

Nothing.

Bought this one at auction for use in Japan, as a 1997, one owner, full service history vehicle. Japanese auctions are very hi-tech, with several cars being sold simultaneously, so you have to stay sharp. Press-button bidding and drive away. Japanese "MOT" system means all cars are insured for any driver, any time, but to register you often need to get a new set of number plates.

All Subarus with the 1994cc 4-cam turbo engine look the same under the bonnet, so you can carry accumulated maintenance experience from one to the next. And owning in Japan means the spares are relatively cheap and unlike UK, dealers do not respond to requests for servicing by asking what part of piss off you didn’t understand. Single-turbo, so presumably around 240-250bhp. Handling not quite as sharp as Impreza or Legacy. Goes OK in a straight line, wouldn’t recommend handbrake turns or throwing the front, especially as an automatic. Essentially a soft-roader with 215/16 tyres and that braking feel you get in say a Discovery. ABS was reassuring driving for the first time in a thunderstorm round Tokyo’s elevated highway system, and the air-con deals with condensation. Fuel gauge remains at “Full” for a long time, then drops rapidly. Green regular seems adequate, but fuel tank seems less than 50 litres. According to Mr. Clarkson of Top Gear fame, the turbo/auto combination is not available in UK., which means Subaru are missing a trick. One thing about autos, at least No.1 wife can't over-rev it. Headlights are adequate for suburbia. Bumper-mounted fogs function somewhat as actual cornering lights in contrast to the normal face-ahead fogs which are not much more than decoration. Hefty bumpers mean that unlike say an Impreza, it will not get beaten up in a French parking lot. No external radio antenna so one less thing to remember at the car wash. Heating/air-con louvers were stuck, but nothing a blast of WD40 can't take care of. With the optional alloys you can see brake pad wear condition front and rear without taking off the wheels. Plenty of places to put all your vital spares/tools (aka clutter). Lot more space inside than an Impreza. Auxiliary fuse box in front of driver’s right knee takes a bit of locating, but hopefully you’ll never need to. This model not fitted with 2-wheel drive fuse (cries of shame) so if the FWD solenoid gives up you are screwed. You’d be well advised to carry a better jack than the one provided, or a couple of puncture repair aerosols.

Front driver's seat shows a bit of wear, but judging from belt adjustment, former owner was a lot fatter than me.