Any Subaru owners?

[JB4310]

Just like to hear from you on your experiance.

A lady I know has a 2001 forester L model for sale for $4300. I think I could get it for less, or for some barter on home repairs. It's a standard, very clean and tight. only 76,000 miles with a new clutch and some other work done, she has some receipts and one says something about changing axles?

She even has an extended warranty to Dec. 2012. not sure how legit it is but she showed me some paper work.

At first I thought I don't want to go backwards and get a standard, but it is actually fun to drive, and I was surprised at how quick it is even with the ac on.

This would be a 2nd family car, that would be shared with 3-4 drivers. We have a 99 grand caravan that I would replace with the subaru, since no one wants to drive the minivan, it was great with 3 little kids, but apparently not cool now.

I figure if I sell the van, for little additional money I can get a 2 year newer AWD vehicle with 60,000 less miles and get 2 times the MPG.
According to the teen drivers, the forester is not cool either but I'd rather buzz around town doing errands with it instead of the mom van.

JB

 

[Sackett2]

Not only do I own one, I am a Subaru tech. The biggest issue with subies are the head gasket leaks; so look under it (especially the drivers side)
If you are a mechanical guy, the head gasket is not a difficult job. Around Oregon a car of that milage/year would be much higher in price.

 

[TNTractor1]

Subarus are great. They will go for lots of miles and awd is nice. Like the above post says, check for an oil leak from the head gasket. Our 2003 legacy just got a new head gasket seal at 150,000 miles... Pricy repair, but have not had a car payment since 2008. We are wanting to get another 50K to 100k out of her.

 

[JB4310]

So these 2.5 liter engines are still the same today? the basic engine that is, I'm sure there are all kinds of improvements.

She did say the The mil light was coming on sometimes and was told she needs an oxygen sensor. the light didn't come on the 2 times I drove the car.

So the L model is the basic drum brakes in rear and steel 15 inch wheels?

The S is a little better?

I think the price is decent and I'm kinda dragging my feet cause I don't need it right this minute. but you now when I decide I want it, she'll have it sold

I and my helper are pretty mechanically inclined, so if you say the head gasket is doable, we should be OK. Any certain mileage that shows up? also is O2 sensor a major issue?

Thanks jb.

 

[EE_Bota]

I have had several Subarus over the years, and I liked them. I have very little issues with engines, but some with tranny's, but both instances, one on a manual, and one on a automatic, were flukes. I like them overall, and they are hard to beat in many respects.

I really liked the older ones with the hi/lo lever for the tranny. I wish my Subaru Baja had the hi/lo. It has enough power to not need it on fwd gears, but reverse is a bit high for backing a trailer, so I struggle with that some.

I would not be afraid of that car.

 

[nybirdman]

I am a Subaru fan...on our third.Have a 2010 Outback with the CVT and a 2001 Legacy wagon with 77,000 miles.Traded a 2008 Outback for the 2010.
They are about bullet proof..that Forester is low miles for the year.

 

[Sackett2]

I would have the cel light read; don't trust what is said. a p0420 could be a o2 sensor, or may be a cat converter. Do you have emissions testing in your area? Are you a rust/salt area? Also notable is wheel bearing issues; specifically rear. on the test drive pay attention for abnormal noise/growling from them.
You NEED to look under it. head gaskets can leak coolant, oil or both. the crossmember will be very wet. But the oil could also be valve cover gaskets.
I would find a independent subie shop do a insp.

 

[RoyJackson]

Also have a Subaru...Outback in my case. Very nice cars and would do well in Connecticut with the all-wheel drive.
I also suggest having it checked out by a mechanic familar with Subie's, but they do have an excellent reputation for reliability/durability.

BTW, if you drive this car first thing in the morning, you may hear what seems to be a valve tapping. It's not...and it's the pistons slapping...read this: Subaru Noises.

My wife drives the car more then I do (I drive a pickup), but when it comes time to replace the Suby, I'll buy another one.

 

[JB4310]

I don't see alot of used ones for sale, so I know they have a faithful following. My brother has owned them for 30 years now. He had one of the first wagons way back when they were cheap a dirt.
He lives in Vermont and has his loaded with tools, he drives them into the ground before replacing them. he's also a mechanic so he gets the most out of them.

I was pushing my wife to get a new forester, they are not cheap now, $30,000. for the way I equipped it on line. But she's happy driving my grand Cherokee that I found with low miles. I know if I get the Subaru someone else in the family is gonna take that over next And I'll be stuck driving my 12,000 pound utility body truck on my free time.

JB.

 

[Dmace]

Personally, I'm not a fan of the Subaru boxer engines. They are prone to head gasket problems, typically leak or burn oil regularly after 100k, shake like a washer machine at idle, and are a pain to work on. Just replacing the spark plugs requires removing the front wheels or 3 different swivel sockets. Also, you will need to change the timing belt and water pump at 100k which is a pain or about $800 at a shop. For some reason, the 2.0l Impreza engines don't seem as prone to head problems as the 2.5l.

The rest of the car is very good with a decent transmission auto or manual and a bullet-proof AWD system that works very well. If you need AWD then this is a good choice but if not, there are plenty of other options.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

I can second most of the comments made already. I've had my 2000 OBW for 7-8 yrs. Has been fairly reliable with only major issue being the head gasket.

In this thread I'd consider Sackett the expert. I know the 2.5L engine had a lot of head gasket issues back in the 2000 time period. Was told by the mechanic I used that after the 3rd design of the HG, problem much diminished and I've had no further failures after that design installed. If you are going to have HG problems, typ happens around 125k miles. Typ HG failure will show up on driver side at rear. Major PM needed at 100k mi that includes timing belt, water pump and front oil seal. If you are a decent mechanic this isn't a big job. Some say use only OEM parts but I didn't and have not had any problems.

Not so sure you want to mess with the head gasket issue yourself as room is min for removing the heads due to fender well being very close by. Think pulling the engine is common for this repair.

Dust boot on front half shafts can go in the 125-150k range and if caught quickly, not a big job to just replace the boots but removing the shaft is needed. Oh, if you ever have to replace the tstat, use OEM part. I messed up and used a locally available high qlty after market part that resulted in engine over heating. Still had old part and upon inspection saw after market part had water passage that was about 50% of factory part. Oh, only use OEM radiator stop leak if you ever have to use any. Radiator passages are real small and typ stop leak will plug up the radiator. BTDT

Needed to replace cat converter at 150k mi. Qlty aftermarket part ~$500 and OEM closer to $1k

Never have experienced vibration as other member commented and not using any oil at near 200k. Local independent mech says engines are good for about 300k. If you have need for a mech, do find and use one that is knowledgeable with Subies.

 

[Scooby074]

Long time scobby owner (hence the great nick )

Id be all over that forrester if i had the cash.

 

[Mpking]

I love my Subie. It's a 2003 WRX. It's our first but definitely not last Subaru purchase. Best all around car for the money. You just can't beat the versatility, especially if you live somewhere that gets alot of snow or you like to go skiing, etc. It has the cool factor that the Forester lacks but I don't think I'd let a teen driver anywhere near it... it's just too fast. Anyway, go with a Subaru, you won't be disappointed. The forums on nasioc.com are a good source of information, similar to here.

 

[coolconnection]

Be careful they can be a money pit. I had a 98 forester, what a piece of junk. Transmission leak, front main seal, rear main seal and 4, yes 4 rear bearing replacements at around $500 apiece. I got one replaced under warranty and one they felt bad for me and the rest I had to pay for. Will never buy one again, I got it because the company I used to work for made parts for them. They burn oil after 80,000 miles and they usually smell like gasoline because I guess of poor venting. The transmission leak was $1,600 to fix. Plastic parts are brittle and also junk. Rubber on the steering wheel separates off the inner metal frame. If you get it, good luck.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Be careful they can be a money pit. I had a 98 forester, what a piece of junk.

You had an unusual Subaru. Iv had 3 usual ones; x] start using oil from leakage around 150K, x] may need a half shaft or wheel bearing once or twice before 300K, x] timing belt ok but change at 200K, x]maybe an alternator, x]after 300K all bets are off. My current one is at 250 and may go longer cuz you sorta get an idea what happens and try to avoid it. I had my oil leak fixed and trans flushed at 220. Oil burning is less than a pint per thousand miles.
larry

 

[Sackett2]

allowable limits for oil consumption can be 1 qt in 3000 miles. I have seen some do this.
I have a 98 forester. this was the first year production and had the twin cam 2.5. Harder to work on, but better performance. Of the issues spoken about I have had none. the car now has 185000 miles on the body and 20,000 on the spruced up engine. I say spruced up for I have NO IDEA how many miles were on the block, I rebuilt the heads and resealed the ft and rear of the engine.
Wheel bearings; I have seen a lot fail, and I do not know why some people go through 3 sets and others none. I expect to redo mine but so far all is good.

As I get to learn more if my car fails, I dont mind the occasional burp from it. I am curious to see how many miles I can get the odometer up too.

 

[ccdck20hst]

I have owned 3 Subarus myself and family members 3 more. My 1998 Legacy Brighton wagon was sold to a friend with 190,000 miles on it - it started to need maintenance. Burned virtually no oil, drove great - still miss it! Friend now has about 220,000 on it. Replaced with a 2011 Outback, new body style CVT transmission (not thrilled with the tranny) gets 26-28 mpg but handling stinks in comparison with the 1998!! But hey it will tow 2,700 lbs (my 1800 lb boat package) and does okay in the snow - not as good as the 1998! Got daughter no. 2 a 2011 Forrester, base model, only options factory mags, body molding to protect from dings and mudflaps (subarus stock mud flaps are almost useless) see through glass ( I am not a fan of the heavy tints!). She has only 2,500 miles on it since December 2010. CEL light has come on intermittently and dealer can't find a problem yet. Otherwise car is fine. If you are considering the 2011 Forester beware the $85 oil changes with the special Subaru synthetic oil AND the 30,000 mile spark plug changes!! Family member has 2010 Forester and it is okay but has rattles - does go great in the snow. Overall good cars but I will reserve final judgement on the newer models till after 100,000 miles. By the way supposedly the new 2012? Imprezna will get 36 highway but it will only have full time 50/50 awd. Just a few thoughts and opinions here. Good luck

 

[EE_Bota]

allowable limits for oil consumption can be 1 qt in 3000 miles. I have seen some do this.
I have a 98 forester. this was the first year production and had the twin cam 2.5. Harder to work on, but better performance. Of the issues spoken about I have had none. the car now has 185000 miles on the body and 20,000 on the spruced up engine. I say spruced up for I have NO IDEA how many miles were on the block, I rebuilt the heads and resealed the ft and rear of the engine.
Wheel bearings; I have seen a lot fail, and I do not know why some people go through 3 sets and others none. I expect to redo mine but so far all is good.

As I get to learn more if my car fails, I dont mind the occasional burp from it. I am curious to see how many miles I can get the odometer up too.

I may need a new wheel bearing on my right front now. I have not decided. I will give it a bit longer to reveal itself. It's a 2004 Baja turbo, with 80,000 miles.

Only things so far on that vehicle are new brake pads, battery, tires and a cooling system issue where there was plenty of coolant in the plastic reservoir, but the system was still low.

I found that the turbo area radiator cap was bad and the metal tubing connecting it to the radiator, onward to the second radiator cap area and eventually to the plastic overflow tank...all that metal pipe was complete clogged with gunk and rust.

Other than that, and the looming 100,000 service, and perhaps a right front wheel bearing, it seems fine.

 

[JB4310]

Thanks for all the replies, I'm still dragging my feet, I did speak to her yesterday trying to feel her out to see what she needs to get for the car.
She came down to $4,000. with out me asking, which I know is very fair compared to what I've seen for used suby's.

The situation is a friend left her the car in her will and and the sales proceeds goes to her daughters collage fund, So I can't beat her down. and she can't barter for me doing work for her cause probate is involved.

She's a nice lady, I'm sure if it was up to her she would let me work it off around the house.

I did notice that the plastic cup holders were real flimsy, but figured that's how you get 25 MPG, by keeping the car light. Both my Grand Caravan and Grand Cherokee only get around 12-13 MPG around town.

I would tint the windows in back, as it looks like a rolling green house now But I did like driving the car, felt very tight, and Like I said I was surprised at how much power it had for a 4 banger, I'm sure that's because of the standard.

She does not have this car on CL or any other advertising as far as I know, she only has the window signs and she lives on a side street, That's why I'm getting away dragging my feet for now. I'm pretty sure if someone was looking and needed a good used suby they would not hesitate.

JB.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Iv noted that Subarus tend to lose value faster than most others. Its rare to get "blue book" hereabouts. Thats quite alright with me. Ill buy used. Probably the leak anyway. Certainly not the reliability. Great car to use til its worn out.
larry