Hi everyone :)

[Candyman]

Oh man, where do I start ....

The XT had reliability mechanically. Just indestructible. Trust me, it went places no road vehicle should.

The boxer uniqueness was there, but ....

Paint and panels were average, interior plastics and finish below average.

Technology very dated.

We test drove the new XT and the new STI when looking for a GTI replacement. Oh god, what a backwards step in quality and uniqueness, both of them.

We walked next door to VW and bought the R.

The Forester (pre 2010) was a great vehicle, an all rounder. Rubbish interior but great BFYB.

The GTI was just amazing in terms of a step up in quality but reliability was not good. Luckily VW looked after us.

The GTI would never be able to offer the multipurpose ability of the Forester but our needs changed.

I am hopeful the R, which to me seems to be the grown up version of the GTI, offers us quality and reliability plus the AWD ability on road miss.

[jessv3]

Dad has the the last of the good shape, before they went big and ugly, and the interior is actually not too bad (i know the earlier ones were pretty hideous) however it doesn't hold a candle to the GTI in terms of quality of materiel's. I just really hate the clutch in the Forester its the heaviest clutch I have ever experienced and feels lifeless and the box is clunky and stubborn to use quickly, the performance however from 4500+ is just scary (its tuned, with an exhaust) it does awd chirps in the dry, the GTI handles way better, even though its fwd.