2.0D XC Premium Lineartronic 5dr SUV

Good car let down by ridiculous DPF regeneration program

Bought a diesel Forester with just 200 miles on it as it was pre registered stock to replace my Honda CRV diesel - what a mistake! I do about 12,000 miles a year, mixture of short journeys, medium and longish (5,25 and 170 mile journeys) and this was fine in my Honda. Unfortunately Subaru have a DPF regeneration program that involves over fuelling to burn off the soot, if you happen to switch off part way through a cycle it aborts and the unburned diesel ends up in the oil. After three months and 3600 miles my DPF warning light came on flashing, a code to go immediately to a dealer for a check. Apparently during said three month period the DPF regeneration had been attempted 36 times (in 3600miles) I.e. Once every 100 miles! But had been aborted 19 times - hence the engine 'oil' was 12% diesel and needed changing (oil plus filter £140!) when I bought the vehicle I actually asked if there were any DPF issues and was told "they are no worse or better than any others" clearly not true! Unfortunately the franchise has closed down so I cannot take it up with them.

On numerous occasions on arriving home when I realised a DPF regeneration was occurring I was forced to drive a further ten miles or so to complete the process, how convenient is that? The Forrester is promoted as a go anywhere practical SUV, but if you buy a diesel make sure that you spend most of your time on the motorway, and don't think about any shorter trips.

My first dalliance with Subaru will be my last, and as the vehicle is clearly unsuitable for my needs I will have to take a very large hit to replace the said vehicle with something fit for purpose.

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