99/00 Subaru Forester owners?

[mrbigstuff]

have a line on one (not sure which of those two years just yet) from a relation for cheap. never considered one before this point, but if the price is right.....

any thoughts on problem areas, etc? stevejobs what can you add to this ;D

[Markintosh]

We're currently interested in that range too.
We sold our 2004 Honda Pilot and are looking to downize...AWD and 30mpg are the goal.

Under consideration:

2003-2004 Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe
1998-2003 Forester
1998-2003 Impreza Outback Sport

Out of consideration:

RAV4 (BTDT)
Anything else Honda

[blusubaru]

Just bought a 98 after months of research. The 98-00 are the same essentially. The big thing to look out for on this first generation of Foresters is the head gasket. It's a common problem and an expensive repair if you don't have a reliable independent mechanic or the ability to do it yourself. Also, check for bad cv joints. On a test drive, do lots of full right and left turns, both in forward and reverse. Listen carefully to the front end to see if you hear any mechanical rubbing sound. Don't go very fast. Other than that, don't let mileage concern you. They'll eclipse 200k with no problem. The sweet spot on Foresters IMHO is the 01-03, or the second generation. They got all the crash tests right with that model. The current generation is ugly, but my favorite would be a '04 turbo. Some day

[mspace]

Always have Subaru.

This link might help . . .

http://www.cars101.com/subaru_links.html

[JoeM]

I have an 01 so it is not your exact year but I wll not buy another. I get about 25 mpg at best. OEM Bridgestone tires were shot after 18k miles. The Bridgestones handled poorly in rain and light snow and the recommended replacement Kelleys while better in the rain are noisy and still poor in light snow. Maybe I have just not found the right tire. Both rear wheel bearings needed to be replaced after about 23K. I have heard that is a common problem. The car has very low milage (43K) and has not been run into the ground. I do like the boxer engine a lot - a lot of pickup for a 4 and the AWD.

Materials/components in the car's interior are cheap or of poor quality. My clock and the auto dimming mirror died a few years back. I've never had this kind of stuff happen with any Toyotas I've owned.

[blusubaru]

Joe, if you get tired of it and look to sell, let me know

[JoeM]

[quote blusubaru]Joe, if you get tired of it and look to sell, let me know
Can't afford to at the moment but I will seriously keep you in mind when the time comes and let you know. PS: just so you know, it is officially a "dogmobile"