THSCC Forums

My brother-in-law and his wife just had their first kid, and their pristine 1990 Camry got totalled, so they're looking to upgrade to a 2nd gen (2003-2008) Forester. Probably more on the 2003-4 end, to fit their budget. A manual trans is a must have for them, otherwise they don't care how the car is optioned (like not specifically looking for an XT turbo model or anything). Focusing more on reliability than performance.

Are there any specific things to look out for on these cars? I think there are fewer head gasket problems on the 2003+, right? And they need the timing belt done at 100k? Anything else, common problems, expensive maintenance that will be needed, etc?

Thanks!
Richard

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91 RallyX Audi Coupe Quattro
89 A-Team Astro-van demo derby winner at 2011 NC State Fair (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MrZqwENRqU)
Broken 89 Subaru GL-10 RallyX turbo wagon - need to sell it and all my parts cars

Seems like I have read that the head gasket issues on the earlier Foresters are externally leaking rather than leaking into the combustion chamber. I really like the appeal of the Forester from a utilitarian standpoint.

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2005 Mazda RX8 STX 11

NCR Solo Chair & Cape Fear Chapter Coordinator
http://www.ncrscca.com

I had a 2001 Forester for a few years, and really liked it. Unfortunately I can't tell you anything more than that-- I took it to rallycross a half-dozen times and except for the auto transmission getting fried its a tank like other older Subarus.

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"Build a man a fire and he'll stay warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he'll stay warm the rest of his life."
'93 Subaru Legacy DIRTBOMB
'98 BMW M3
2013 Rallyx Co-VP

My sister and brother in-law own a 2002 base model with a manual (bought new) and then bought a 2008 manual with more options (also new). They still have them both and have been very happy with them. My Mom has a 2006 Forester XT, but hers is an auto. She has 130k on it and it drives great. I just drove it from Charlotte to just south of Albany NY on Thursday with her. It drives better than my 3800 mile STi.

The only problem they tend to have is with magnetic clutch on the air conditioning. It can be fixed with 3 bread clips vs. removal and reshimming. It's a little trick I learned from my Volvo 850 days. Other than that, they are nearly indestructible as long as you do the basic maintenance. - AB

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'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

the forester is based on the impreza platform , only taller.

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