[Forester_question]

Hi, quick question for the experts on this forum. Recently purchased a 2011 Forester 2.5xt from a local dealer that my family has known and trusted for years. Had it about a month when we took it for state inspection. The inspection revealed many issues (car failed big time), but most significant was oil in the coolant which speaks to a possible gasket issue. the dealer was highly apologetic and wants to make it right. They acknowledged that they screwed up in not giving the car a good inspection when they sold it to me.

To cut a long story short, they have offered to buy the car back from me for the price I purchased it for OR install a new motor with one year warranty (unsure if the motor is truly “new” or used with the warranty - maybe it doesn’t matter that much?). The car has 130k miles and body is in great shape. The dealer seems to be ok with buying it back because I believe that they think they can resell it at the same price with the new motor. What would you do in my shoes? Other questions I should be asking the dealer before deciding? Appreciate any advice.

 

[Forester_question]

Hi - thanks both for the responses. Yes, indeed it is a car that we wanted to buy - fits our needs well, and the price was reasonable (about 8200). We aren’t using it for commuting, mostly just weekend errands. I will check on the motor and its parts to ensure they are “new” although as a non mechanic it’s mostly my word against theirs. I may have them write me an email to have in writing the work they performed. As the car is already registered (although failed inspection) we have put a fair amount of time in already. Best course of action would be to keep it and if we get 5 years out of it (again, not driving everyday) then I think I’ll be happy.

 

[Forester_question]

Yes they will fix all issues identified in the inspection. These include air filters, alignment, new bushings on the axels (?), and so forth. I think about $1000’of additional work, not including the motor.

 

[Forester_question]

Thanks everyone for the helpful additional comments. The car was purchased at an auction and the dealer resold it. This is their car sales strategy - buying in southern states where there are fewer rust issues and driving the vehicles northward to sell where there’s high demand for AWD.

I don’t think there was anything in the history of the car that was problematic but of course you never know how the prior owner treated it. The business was recently sold to a new owner, but the mechanics remained. This may account for the lapse in quality in getting this vehicle ready for the sale.

im still on the fence as the dealer seems keen to “make it right” and the reputational issue is real is they are in a small town where the word can get out and spread fast that their standards are slipping. I’m going to call them again and get into the specifics of what type of warranty they can offer.

 

[Forester_question]

Hi All - update on this thread. After the dealer installed the new motor, they drove it around for a few days to ensure all the kinks were out. They then offered to drop the car off at my house, which is about 4 hours from the dealer. Nice of them to do this but remember I was without my car for about 3 weeks, so a considerable hassle.

Anyway, on the drive down the dealer tried to get the heater working but no luck. It’s summer so I never tried the heater, but he realized this for whatever reason. He stopped on the way down at a Subaru dealer to fix a hose which was apparently kinked and was preventing the heat from getting through. Ok, fine. Another issue but allegedly resolved. (Note the Subaru dealer didn’t do the work, but the mechanic dropping the car off at my house did...had to open up the dash to address it).

So then I have the vehicle back in my possession earlier this week and use it to do some errands around town - no more than fifty miles total since they returned the car to me. Today I get the “check engine”, “traction control”, flashing green cruise control signals!!

I’ve read this is a common signal that people get but it’s crazy as they had been Closely monitoring this car oveR the last several weeks especially as they installed a new motor. As soon as I take possession this issue flares up. I read it can be a gas cap but also possibly any number or other issues.

kind of at my wits end...will talk to the dealer about it tomorrow.

 

[Forester_question]

Update on our Forester: took to local mechanic who got the read on the computer. Seems to be an overheating type issue- coolant overlflowing? - not simple gas cap. Have called my dealer and they will send a truck to pick up the vehicle and give a refund on the vehicle. We will buy a used Cross Trek today with certified pre owned warranty (would’ve preferred a rav4 but they were about $10k more expensive...so stuck with Subaru). This experience with the Forester was a major disaster for all parties involved. hoping chapter 2 is without incident ...