2011 - Should I keep with new motor, or sell back to dealer? - SOLVED!

2767 Views 24 Replies 11 Participants Last post by phlfly, Aug 26, 2020

Forester_question

Discussion Starter · Aug 5, 2020

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.

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Forester_question

Discussion Starter · #21 · Aug 24, 2020

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 ...

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Forester777

· #22 · Aug 24, 2020 (Edited by Moderator)

Getting a pre-certified Crosstrek is awesome even though you’re paying a bit more. And you’re lucky to have a dealer do right by you. I have owned 4 Toyota’s and 1 Honda, two companies with proven track records. Subaru has improved over the years but may not be the virtual “tanks” of the big 2.

Again, there are probably equal numbers of fanboys for every car company, all we can do here is share our individual experiences and opinions - ymmv.

Now go get that Crosstrek 🤓

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SubaruSpouse

· #23 · Aug 25, 2020

Quadraria10 said:
Forester 777, you do realize that wheel bearings and suspension bushings at 9 years of age are wear items. $1000 in repairs to fix it is nothing, and heck the dealer thought it was still worth 5K to them, and the person they sell it to will probably pay closer to 8K.
Did your oil consumption change dramatically? I am curious what you paid for the Crosstrek and why it over another Forester?

Our last Forester needed 2 wheel bearings, one hub, and had a problem with getting the key out around 80,000 miles. All around $500.00 each. The prior Outback needed the head gasket replaced at around 80,000 miles.

Not sure why Consumer Reports says Subarus are one of the most reliable brands.

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Kevin

· #24 · Aug 25, 2020

@SubaruSpouse So, pretty good really

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phlfly

· #25 · Aug 26, 2020

I'm about to buy older Subaru Forester XT for the my teen with 130K, I surprised to see 1,000 for the bearings as it's not pressed in bearing just bolt in , front pair like 160 and rear 90 bucks, the labor should be about 2 hours max. Someone makes lots money as they lie in labor and parts.

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