Ok, looking at an '06 Forester(na/5 spd) with 73K miles. I know it has plenty of life left in it but what kind of work can I exspect it to need between now and 100K.
Any other general info about life with a forester would be great.
Oh, and with "proper" tires how capable is it off pavment? I already have dreams of laughing at winter with a set of studded Hakkapelettas(sp?)
This isn't much help, and I have no direct experience, but...folks are split on the Forester. While nearly all say it's best with a manual transmission, the division comes to NA or turbo and the current model or the previous model (the one you are considering). My sister has an '05...I think, Outback, and while it has generally been reliable, she was surprized/shocked/angered the last time I ran into her that her car need about $700-$800 worth of work to get past the Pa. state inspection. Among other things, it had a sticking brake (not sure if the caliper or rotor was the problem) that caused the majority of the expense, something she had never encounter with her other/previous Japanese sedans. Personally, I think the dealer took advantage of a woman that was driving a car that the dealership didn't sell to her. My aunt owned a Subaru Outback also, and I never heard a word out of her as far as any problems.
A local dealer has a Saab 92X that I was thinking of taking a good look at, but the negative reviews BY OWNERS on Edmunds.com kind of turned me off. Several people complained about gas mileage (stupid people...it gets decent mileage compared to say, a Jeep Cherokee) and drive line binding.
Sorry, didn't really help, did I? BTW, I think this sounds like a great car (I am one of the folks who prefers the previous model, NA, with a manual transmission). Where do you live that studs are the winter norm?
The only link you need: Forester.org Great cars. If you expect mileage outside of the mid to upper 20s you're delusional. The head gasket problems of the earlier cars are mostly gone by that year. Timing belt replacement at 90k is expensive compared to many. Wheel bearings are reportedly an occasional problem but I've never replaced one in any of my Subys. Sunroofs seem to cause trouble if equipped. As you suspect, with proper tires they are absolutely unstoppable in the snow. The non-turbo is 165hp which is plenty, though they are geared a bit more for non-highway use which is part of the reason the mileage is only so-so. Turbos require premium fuel.
And easy to upgrade as a Lego. I work with a guy that has a full STI suspension on his Turbo Forester
I worked for subaru for about 4 years and had probably 15 Forester demo's int hat time. Loved them , even the base X is well equiped, the SE models are nicer with the panoramic sunroof and heated seats. They are sprung a little soft for my taste and they can be a little thrashy and mechanical sounding engine wise, but very tough little wagons. Being a demo I drove the E36 out of them daily , never had an issue.
They don't tend to get stuck , even with the stock geolander tires. I would say 25-27mpg is the best i ever got. I had a turbo XT 5spd for about 4000km and gave it back , a lot of fun , but the gas mileage is brutal...It did however have no problems dusting off just about anything it pulled up next too, S2000's , mustangs..ect.
I think you'll find any subaru with studded hakkas is unstoppable in snow.
I have family members with Foresters and Imprezas, they've all been very happy with them. I myself have owned 2 legacys, a 94 sport wagon and a 98 Outback, and both were great vehicles. The 94 was known as the polar bear on my college campus because it came out mostly during snow storms.
It should be noted that nearly every one of my college roommates now owns a subaru because of their experience in mine. And I NEVER used anything better than all season tires.
I'm looking at Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S for "non-winter" use. I plan on some light off-roading, season roads, state land trails.
So I should plan on timing at 90K? Good to know, especially since wiki says it's an interferance engine
Timing belt is absolutely essential at 90k (factory interval, I believe). It's $1500-$2000 to do head gaskets, so you can imagine how much needing valves will add to the joy.
We have an '04 Forester XT. Bought new. Just under 100K miles, now. Still love it.
According to our manual, timing belt replacement interval is at 105K miles. I had it done at 75K. Prolly do it again at 150K. Call me a wuss.
They look nice with STI badges:
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