2013 Subaru Forester Pricing and Specs

All engines use oil, some use more than others, and you are expected to top them up if the level drops to the low mark. There is no rule that says a car will get from one service to the next without adding some oil, and with the extended service intervals in play today it's more likely that you will have to add oil at some point before reaching the next service. Subaru tells you it's ok, I would accept their advice.

The Nissan’s price is on the money for a private sale, although the mileage is at the top end of the range. The Subaru’s price is above the top end of the quoted value for the model, which is probably due to its very low odo reading. Generally, the one with the lower odo would be the one to go for, but when it’s double the price of the other you really have to want it to hand over the extra cash.

Here and now the X-Trail would be the better value.

It’s hard to say one over the other, both appeal. The Forester is well built, it has all the features you want, and would be reliable. The Volvo has the style, the features, and would also be reliable, in the sense that there is nothing of a serious nature that could bite you on the backside down the track. As they’re both three to five years old they shouldn’t be expensive to service, particularly the Forester, which has capped-price servicing. I would go with your head and choose the Forester, but you have to like what you drive, and I could equally understand if you chose the Volvo. You wont go far wrong with either of them.