The heading says it all. And is hopefully specific enough.
Or maybe not. I’m focusing on value here. From a recent research (that i tried to diversify: sbt, tcv, befoward) the cost difference between the two is ~400-500k(Ksh) with SJG on the higher. Question is, is the 500k price difference worth it and how? Or is the SJ5 just sufficient enough?
If you’ve been blessed enough to own, or experience any or both, what’s your take (Adv & Dis-Adv) of each
PS: If your reply is based on “i was told” or “i heard”, we can leave that for TNG for now.
Avoid this car. It is an overpriced Impreza. Very basic interior, boring drive experience. The difference between an impreza and a Forester is ride height and abit of power but the Forester is a boring car to drive for its price range. You would rather buy a Rav4 coz it is cheaper and equally boring.
The NA is a boring but capable car. The XT is a fun car to drive and still as capable. The Forester XT in my view has no alternative particularly if you love speed and do some light off roading. Safety is on point too. If its a town car you looking for get the boring and slow but reliable CRV.
I’m lucky enough to own an SJG 2014.
I did a little but of research as well as test drive the following and made a side by side comparison;
[ul]
[li]Mazda cx5[/li][li]Rav 4[/li][li]Forester sj5 and sjg.[/li][li]Outlander.[/li][li]Nissan xtrail.[/li][li]Audi Q5.[/li][/ul]
Specifically these models chosen because I was working on a budget of ~2.5M which I could adjust upwards to no more than 3m.
CX5 didn’t impress me at all apart from fine looks.
Rav 4 was pricey but didn’t come through when I needed power.
Outlander also lacked the power I needed.
Xtrail doesn’t have the juice.
Audi Q5 is decent wnough but somehow lqcked power when needed as compared to the Q7.
SJ5 fine ground clearance but…
SJG Came through with all elements apart of course from a pathetic subaru entertainment system. It does have a Harman Karon though.
Test conditions were the same: drove to mtito andei and back. Wanted to run them rough hiyo mlima ya salama.
SJG does have one powerful engine above all these models. The turbo is juicy but pricey when you fuck it up and it’s an admirable model with output close or equal to the q7.
Bad news: sjg has a pcv valve responsible for crankcase pressure. You need to have it replaced every 50k miles for surety since mine failed and broken the rubber hose. When hitting boost I leaked oil which I couldn’t detect and it fucked up me pistons/crank.
Never gave up and imported a brand new 0 mileage short block and turbo from subaru USA.
Finalized the break in for the new engine and it’s a beast.
If you want to buy. Get the sjg. You won’t regret what you have.
You have truly done your research. The conclusion is almost always the same for that budget point. Did almost the same research and added the BMW X3 and Volvo XC 60 T6 R Design. Ended up favouring the XT considering our terrain.
[ul]
[li]Pretty expensive parts.[/li][li]Power train is a little on the low. [160HP]. V6 Engines output ~220HP but Europe/US[/li][li]3rd row seat was unnecessary. Additional garbage there[/li][li]Off road, it’s not smooth and doesn’t absorb the road decently.[/li][li]Basic interior including manual seat adjustments.[/li][/ul]
Agreed. I also did some research on the German / European models but didn’t have the chance to test drive most of them. Of course, the west has decent interiors but overview of our rough terrains favored the XT because of the overall throughput that it has. Always will come through when needed