[bigbrowndog]

Hi Folks -

I have a line on a 2000 Forester L with ~76000 miles. I've driven the car and everything seems to work, but I'm planning on taking it to a garage for an inspection. I'd like to know what you think are the top 5 issues with a Forester of that vintage? This particular car was in Hawaii until about 2006 and then it was shipped back to the mainland and has been garaged near St. Louis, MO.

Thanks for your insight -

Matt
2015 Forester 2.5i Touring

 

[soobcrazy]

Off the top of my head, based on the information you've provided, I would be worried about these in this order:

Rust - HI then the rust belt means body seams and any exposed metal is already in danger.

Head gaskets - They'll all let go at some point. External oil leak is the main symptom and the car can be driven indefinitely, as long as you keep oil in it.

Wind noise - Front door window seals and side mirror gussets will track out and become noisy.

Fuel filler neck - Not an issue on my car (220k miles) but since your car has lived in the rust-zone, I'd inspect this.

Poor headlamp wiring - Before I installed ceramic headlamp connectors we were blowing a headlamp bulb every few months. The wiring is too small, overheats the plastic connector, allowing the pins to jiggle around, destroying the bulb's filament.

 

[bigbrowndog]

Thank you ! This is exactly what I'm looking for. I'll be especially interested in the rust situation.

 

[subaru3169]

Valve cover gaskets might be an issue too.

I'd definitely go ahead with the inspection, and also check out any bushings that may be drying out.

 

[bigbrowndog]

Thank you, good suggestions!

 

[UhOh]

I have a '99 "L" with 230,000, AT. Owned since new.

Head gaskets, AT service, Engine coolant require more than a typical cars attention, otherwise it's good. Also the front brake discs seem to pulse / warp sooner than other cars, brakes still work - I've just learned to live with it.

At some point you'll need new head gaskets, mine went out at 60,000 during a 5000 mile freeway hi-speed trip. If your car hasn't had similar driving history its possible the HGs are original; they will fail.

I had dealer flush my AT fluid and replaced the Subaru screw-on filter at 30,000 and again at 150,000. This filter is claimed to be a lifetime filter, but I choose to opt for this extra tranny protection. Maybe couple other flushes. Tranny is still very solid.

Radiator coolant flush will be very due, imo. My radiator cracked at 150,000, and think this is typical, but unpredictable as to timing. I only let the dealer with Subaru fluids service the tranny fluid and the coolant, btw.

AC unit is still on its original charge, every couple years I spray Lysol into intake vents to try to kill mold build up in the evaporator unit.

 

[UhOh]

Hi Folks -

I have a line on a 2000 Forester L with ~76000 miles. I've driven the car and everything seems to work,

I'd buy it, probably a solid Subie for the money.

 

[Shakeman]

Rear wheel bearings are a hassle.

 

[bluespruce]

Had a 2000 for 18 years, sweet car.
Because of age, I'd replace timing belt, tensioners, and water pump: car's age rather than mileage.
Head gasket on mine went to 209,000 miles, and finally blew out.
Replace brake fluid -- age, and cold seemed to diminish hydraulic fluid.