Reviewing the Subaru Forester

At The Smarter Finance Company, we handle more than just finances, we help you with reviews too.

The Car
The Subaru Forester is still doing well in the market as a family SUV that can truly perform off road.

The latest model gives a nice front grille and bumper with a new shape, 18 inch alloy rims, Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist and an automatic tailgate system.

The car performs well, but can be expensive, both to purchase and to run.

The Drive
The Forester breezes over any bumps even at high speeds with the grip from the wide tyres. The improved suspension and steering make it easy to handle through different environments.

However, suspension balance is reduced at lower speeds but at there is less feedback in the cabin.

The Interior
The Forester gives off a spacious feel inside the cabin which is a little rugged, but practical.

You get amazing space for both passengers and equipment totaling to 505 litres and triple that with the rear seats folded.

Overall
The Forester will do exactly what you need it to do as a work vehicle or for your family which is very practical.

Reviewing the Subaru Forester

Reviewing the Volkswagen Golf

Read the review on the Volkswagen Golf to have a real life opinion to decide on a car financing option.

The Car

The Volkswagen Golf is yet another old-timer on the market with exceptional value retention.

The Golf is turbocharged, but very economical. You also get stability control and City Emergency Braking system in higher models qualifying it for 5-stars ANCAP rating.

The Drive

We love how the Golf handles steering and stability at turns. There is also little noise even on highways.

The downside is the hefty additional sum needed for more power and 4-wheel drive.

The Interior

The driver’s seat is comfortable and adjustable for a good vision but the quarterlight windows are distracting.
You get a 6.8-inch colour touch screen and Bluetooth phone connectivity with well-positioned dials on the dash.

It is comfy for every passenger and the boot has 280-litres of cargo space or 1,270 litres with the rear seats folded.

Overall

The only concern is its hefty pricetag but it is worthy looking at the retention of its resale value.


Reviewing the Volkswagen Golf

Reviewing the Toyota Corolla

Read the review on the Toyota Corolla to help you make a decision on car finance rates.

The Car

The Corolla into its 11th generation has managed to maintain its sales numbers as a “safe choice” for an all-rounded family saloon.

The latest model tries to up its street style with Toyota putting in efforts to showcase a more up-market feel.

You get efficient running costs and fuel economy coupled with impeccable service standards and a strong resale value as well as the full 5-stars ANCAP rating.

The Drive

The Corolla gets a new electric-assist power steering and better suspension but the drive wasn’t exciting with its ordinary engine.

The car also struggles at corners with the rear waggling over bumps. Stability and traction help to ease a little, but loses speed.

The Interior

You will get a leather steering and fabric-trimmed seats. The 4.2-inch colour screen provides you with technology and connectivity.

The new version gives more rear and boot space. The windows are small so we’d recommend the sunroof.

Overall

The Corolla is a decent car in the industry which is a typical run of the mill appliance but still retains its value well.


Reviewing the Toyota Corolla

Finalising your Car Choice

One last step before you sign the title for a new or used car - test driving it!

1- Make an appointment

Tell the showroom that you’d like to schedule a test drive - reserve the vehicle that you’d like and ask them for one as close to the one you’d like so you can test all the features. Ask any other questions and perhaps ask about the area around the showroom that you can drive to.

2 - During the Test Drive

Get familiarised with the car and get comfortable too. Drive as you would normally on a typical day. Sit in the rear cabin so that you know what it’s like to be a passenger too!

3 - After the Test Drive

Take your time to review the drive and perhaps schedule other test drives back to back so that you can feel the immediate difference when you drive the different cars.

A car is a big commitment so a test drive can really help you make a clear cut decision! 

Finalising your Car Choice

Things to look out for during a Test Drive

What do you need to look out for when you go for a test drive? Here is a list of items that you should focus on when you schedule your appointment!

Engine - listen for engine noise and take note of how fast the car takes to speed up

Steering - take note of how easy it is to steer, especially tight corners and at a speed.  Also watch for pulling on a straight road.  

Gear changing - changing gears should be easy and car should be responsive

Brakes  - it’s important for brakes to be sensitive and responsive so that your car stops when you want it to!

Seating Space - make sure that you feel comfortable, both in front and in the back

Boot Space - check out your boot space especially if you regularly use it for tools or sporting equipment.

Having friends around can give you a different opinion and arranging to test drive other models can give you a better perspective of the car you’ve driven. Also ask as many questions as possible so that you are absolutely comfortable to make a decision in due time!

Things to look out for during a Test Drive