Roach131313

Grossgary, Thanks for that info... I would like to avoid any major mechanical issues like a head gasket replacement. Looks like I should look into the Legacy Outbacks with a 2.2L then. Do you know if there is someone who makes a suspension lift for Outbacks? Nothing extreme, maybe 2 inches so I can get better ground clearance with larger tires?

Hi all, I just registered on this forum to learn a little about the Forester and to figure out if it's the right car for my needs. I'm a wildlife biologist that does a lot of survey work up in the Sierra foothills of California. I am currently commuting around 240 miles, round-trip, around 3 days a week and around 40 of those miles are off road US Forest Service dirt roads. The drive includes some steep inclines on mountain roads. I do get a standard mileage reimbursement of $0.565/mile, but my current vehicle, a 1998 Land Rover Discovery, only gets around 11 mpg and it tends to overheat on the mountain roads. I'm looking to get a second vehicle for this commute that has better fuel economy so I can pocket more of my mileage reimbursement and/or save for vehicle maintenance/repairs when needed. My budget limits me to late 90's and early 00's Foresters, though I'm also looking at other makes like late 80's and early 90's Suzuki Samurais, Sidekicks, and Geo Trackers. My concerns with the Forester are it's ground clearance and that AWD isn't the same as 4WD. These Forest Service roads can get pretty rutted after a rain. So, if someone here could educate me on the Subaru Forester and give their opinion on whether it would be a good, reliable, and fuel efficient car for the above mentioned commute, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, Richard