Any Subaru owners?

[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