Repairs on a Carfax only show up if a shop reports them. A so-called "clean" Carfax should never be a green light to purchase a used vehicle. At best a "clean" Carfax is a yellow flag to proceed with caution. That being said, a Carfax may help you rule out a purchase as it may/might reveal a red flag such as an accident (if reported by body shop), multiple ownership, rustbelt registrations, etc.
Ask for the maintenance history of the car. How often was the engine oil, transmission, diff and brake fluids changed? A Carfax may or may not show all maintenance. Here's the recommended maintenance schedule for the 2012 Forester:
<2012 Subaru maintenance schedule and new car break-in period>
It's more likely that a 2012 is going have an oil consumption problem than a head gasket issue. In 2011, Subaru introduced a new FB25 engine to the Forester which virtually eliminated head gasket failures. However head gaskets are always at risk if an engine overheats.
Before purchasing any used vehicle you should have a PRE-purchase inspection by a mechanic of YOUR choice, preferably one familiar with Subarus.
Ask for the maintenance history of the car. How often was the engine oil, transmission, diff and brake fluids changed? A Carfax may or may not show all maintenance. Here's the recommended maintenance schedule for the 2012 Forester:
<2012 Subaru maintenance schedule and new car break-in period>
It's more likely that a 2012 is going have an oil consumption problem than a head gasket issue. In 2011, Subaru introduced a new FB25 engine to the Forester which virtually eliminated head gasket failures. However head gaskets are always at risk if an engine overheats.
Before purchasing any used vehicle you should have a PRE-purchase inspection by a mechanic of YOUR choice, preferably one familiar with Subarus.
