Doublehaul

Hi,I'm new to this forum Thanks for having me. I'm looking to buy a 2005 Forester XT,it has 73,500 miles, one owner. After reading many posts about used foresters with turbos, It sounds like i should get a compression and leak test.I called a local subaru shop,They told me it would be $350!! This seems to be a lot. I'm going to call the dealer and get there price. I would appreciate any suggestions or comments.
Thanks

acohn1

I think it would be a good idea but not for that price. That test is very helpful in determining the overall health of the engine. Best of luck! Hopefully we can have another CO Foz on board

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Alan
2004 FXT 5MT

SlammedScooby

Way to go on the find ... It took me close to three months to find one here in colorado with low miles and a 5-speed in good shape. Hope all goes well with the tests and your purchase you wont regret it.

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Dan

I just had the compression check done on our Outback, for less than $100. I don't have the exact price for it since I'm out of town for a couple weeks and can't get my hands on the receipt, but I can tell you this: the total bill was around $142 and it was for the compression check, oil change, and tire rotation. Oh, this was at the Subaru dealership. $350 seems way high unless in their check they're doing something more than what my dealer does.

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SHIFT_to_Subaru
Formerly '04 XT, 5spd
Now '09 OB SE, 5spd

acohn1

This is good to know. That seems like a small price to pay for such a good peace of mind.

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Alan
2004 FXT 5MT

shortstuff

Hi! I'm a newbie. Just bought my first Subaru Forester (2005 XT) today but haven't actually taken possession yet. Wish I had found this site before I went shopping today!
I've seen in several places that I should have had the compression checked before making a deal. At this point I don't know if I can have that done before I take possession, or what it will cost, but if/when I do have it done, what results will I be looking for? Is it just a pass/fail?
I've signed all the paperwork (2nd person still needs to sign) and it is being sold "as is" with no warranty of any type.
Not sure at this point if the test is done before I take possession and the results are not good if I will still be obligated to go thru with the purchase.

The car has 110k miles and has had a pump and a belt replaced. Of course I can't remember now what specific pump or belt but I did see mention of the pump in this forum and I think the belt was the "drive belt". Does that sound right to you guys?
I really hope I've made a good purchase, I was trying to do an even trade for my 2004 Chevy Colorado 4x4, which I was told would I probably could not be able to get anyone to do, but without much haggling we made the deal with only $1000 out of pocket. I figured transfer/tax/tag/title would be about $400-500 anyway so I think maybe I did the right thing.
I am a firm believer that if something is meant to be it will work out as you need it to. I also made it clear that the purchase was an "I want" not an "I need".
I appreciate any advice you can provide. I'm so glad I found this site, it will be the first place I look for info if any issues arise!

jgrote

If you can't prove the timing belt was done, you need to have it done. Make sure they also swap the idler pulleys and tensioner. The water pump is up to you. (It's spun by the timing belt.) If you have no maintenance history on the car, assume the fluids all need doing, especially the stuff other than oil/trans. This is not to scare you off, as these things would need to be done no matter what car you were looking at. 110k means that there will be some maintenance needed. Have a leakdown test down if you will, but sometimes it's better not to dig too deep. The only thing I'd suggest you do beyond that is have the banjo-bolt filters removed for the turbo. They were a problem and were removed later on by subby. They can cause oil starvation to your turbo.

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04 X a/t
00 L a/t w/ 200K!

shortstuff

Thanks for the info. The only thing I know about the maintenance is what showed on the CarFax report. I think I'll ask them to print me a copy before I leave with the car.
From what I saw it has been maintained well. I will be the 3rd owner of the car. The truck I'm trading has over 120k miles so this one should have the same maintenance issues I would be facing if I didn't trade, except I know nothing about turbo. There is a "Subaru Specialist" shop about 10-20 miles from me so I'll give them a call and find out a "pre-purchase" inspection, after the fact and just hope for the best.
I'm almost positive the CarFax said the water pump was replaced, I'm just not sure about what belt was done. How many belts are on this vehicle?
I wonder if I could get maintenance records from the places that did the service. I believe that info may have been in the CarFax report.