People Think Subarus Are Fuel Guzzlers, But My 2002 Forester SG5 Tells a Different Story

‍Welcome to the Money254 Car Series — where we spotlight car owners across Kenya and their experiences behind the wheel. From first-time buyers to seasoned motorists, we dig into the motivations, costs, lessons, and joys of owning different car models in Kenya today.

This week, we feature Paul, a Nairobi-based professional who owns a 2002 Subaru Forester SG5.

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Most people shopping for a car today are looking at newer models packed with modern technology and flashy features. I went in a different direction.

I drive a 2002 Subaru Forester SG5 Non-Turbo Blu Motion, a vehicle whose current market value is around Ksh700,000. While many motorists see it as an ageing station wagon, I see it as one of the most practical and capable cars I have ever owned.

Growing up, Subarus were a big part of our family. We owned two Subaru Imprezas, a Legacy and two Foresters. Naturally, I became familiar with the brand's strengths long before I bought my own SG5, which I have driven for slightly over 3 years.

That family history played a major role in my decision, but it wasn't the only reason.

Also Read: My Experience Owning the Ksh3.5M 2017 Subaru Outback

Why I Chose the Forester

The Subaru Forester SG5 offers a combination that is increasingly difficult to find in modern vehicles.

It is fast enough to be enjoyable, stable at highway speeds and powerful enough to handle different driving conditions without feeling strained. What attracted me most was its versatility.

The vehicle's generous ground clearance allows it to comfortably tackle rough roads and light off-roading while remaining perfectly suited for daily city driving. Whether I am navigating Nairobi traffic or heading off the beaten path, the Forester feels equally at home.

The Blu Motion technology was another major selling point. Despite being powered by a 2.0-litre engine, the vehicle delivers fuel economy figures that many people would associate with much smaller engines.

Also Read: My 2-Year Experience Driving a Ksh2.9M Subaru Forester

Daily Commuting and Fuel Consumption 

My Forester serves several roles. It is my daily commuter during the week, my leisure vehicle during weekends and my long-distance cruiser whenever I hit the highway.

Most of my driving is done within the city, but I also take highway trips several times a year. Those journeys have only strengthened my appreciation for the vehicle's stability and comfort.

One of the things I enjoy most is the confidence it gives me on different road surfaces. Unlike some cars that feel out of place once the tarmac ends, the Forester transitions effortlessly between urban roads, highways and rough terrain.

Whenever people hear that I drive a 2.0-litre Subaru, they automatically assume fuel consumption must be painful.

The reality is quite different. In city driving, the vehicle averages approximately 17 kilometres per litre. On the highway, fuel consumption improves further to around 23 kilometres per litre.

Those figures often surprise people because Subaru has long carried a reputation for being thirsty at the fuel station.

Also Read: My 2 Year Experience Driving the Subaru Impreza

Maintenance Costs 

One of the biggest advantages of owning this Forester is that maintenance has remained predictable and affordable.

I service the vehicle once every year after approximately 10,000 kilometres.

A standard service includes changing the engine oil, oil filter and air filter, costing an average of Ksh8,000. Every two years, I replace the spark plugs at a cost of roughly Ksh8,000.

The most common recurring maintenance items are wheel balancing and wheel alignment, which I perform annually at a cost of around Ksh6,500.

Another common concern among motorists considering an older vehicle is the availability of spare parts. Fortunately, that has never been a problem for me.

There are numerous auto spare shops that stock Subaru parts, and over the years I have also built relationships with mechanics who can source genuine components directly from Japan whenever needed. That combination has made maintaining the car relatively stress-free.

What I would change 

No vehicle is perfect. For me, the biggest compromise is the automatic gearbox.

I have always preferred manual transmission vehicles because they offer more driver involvement and control.

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