going to look at a 1998 subaru forester s–only 135,000 miles, AUTO–only $5600. What should I look for? How expensive are repairs? Thanks!
“ONLY $5,600”??
For a 13 year old Forester?
Ummmm…no.
For starters, this vehicle is overpriced by about $2,500, assuming that it is in average condition for its age.
However, no matter how good it may look, and no matter how much or how little is being asked for the vehicle, you would have to be very foolish to buy a used vehicle unless it comes with full maintenance records.
Unless you can verify through documentation that the vehicle has been maintained at least as well as the mfr specifies, you should not buy it. And, even if maintenance records compare favorably to the mfr’s maintenance schedule, the vehicle needs to be inspected by an independent mechanic of your choice prior to purchase.
How expensive are repairs? Potentially very expensive, given the fact that this engine utilizes a timing belt, that it has an automatic transmission, and that it has AWD.
For example, if the timing belt–which needs to be replaced every 8 years or 105,000 miles (whichever comes first) breaks, the engine will sustain $2k-$3k worth of damage. If the transmission fluid was not changed every 3 years or 30k miles, this 135,000 mile trans is right on schedule to self-destruct–to the tune of perhaps $3k. If the previous owner(s) did not rotate the tires on a consistent basis, or if the tires are not all of the same brand, size, and amount of tread wear, you could be looking at imminent replacement of components in the AWD system, at a cost of…perhaps $1k.
Additionally, some Subaru engines of that era are prone to head gasket leaks after 100k+ miles, which can lead to very expensive repairs. While I don’t think that the '98 Forester had one of the suspect engines, only a mechanical inspection can tell you for sure if this engine has leaking head gaskets.
I would suggest moving very slowly on your purchase of a used vehicle. All too often, we get sad posts from people who bought used cars that were badly maintained and that rapidly turned into money pits. It pays to take your time and to do what I described above.
Agreed. Overpriced, 13 years old, and it’s anybody’s guess as to the condition.
It could be a fantastic car (overprice issue shunted aside) or it could be a vehicle looking for a car crusher to end its life.
A thorough inspection can help but even the most thorough of inspections does not guarantee a problem free car. It can swing the odds a bit more in your favor though.
NADA is clean trade-in is $2,950. Don’t pay “retail” in today’s economy. Subtract whatever work it needs from that price – brakes, tires etc. Make sure the timing belt was changed at 105,000 miles, if not, add that in. My Subaru Outback sucked a valve at around 100k miles. Luckily, a mechanic friend swapped a used engine. No more Subaru’s for me, engine work is too difficult and check engine lights blink off and on like Christmas trees. Just try to change the rear-most spark plug. I’d go for a used RAV4 or or CR-V.
It’s pretty common for older (pre-2005) Subarus with the 2.5 l engine (like the Forester) to have expensive head gasket problems. So I’d stay away from it.
For $5600, you can get a lot newer car than that Subaru
I love Subarus and have owned two bought new, but would avoid a used one with more than 50K miles like the plague. They are very tough cars, but I have seen people use and abuse them for things you would not believe. Towing 3/4 ton plow truck through snow using rope tied to suspension components is one; by owner’s teenager son. I still keep that secret from owner mom. They are amazingly capable and owners just use them for unintended purposes with problems that show up later especially if previous owner had younger drivers. Many other awd cars break immediately; they sometimes cost the next owner. I know what I did to mine too, and I’m not saying.
Blue Book debate aside, I think there are certain situations where an older car is a great idea. My situation is one: I live in the city and bike to work and live a block from a supermarket. My newer car was just sitting depreciating and costing me $50/month for collision and comprehensive, but I still wanted a car. I am willing to make repairs greater than the value of my car.
I did make the mistake last month of buying something that was in such bad shape I just couldn’t justify fixing it up, but only because it needed extensive body work.
I hope buyers of older used cars take your final statement to heart. Repairing a mechanical component can pale in cost to cars needing extensive body work. That should be your first consideration…more then the much ballyhooed oil change interval, mileage or other mechanical related consideration.
I had bookmarked this page a while back on one of my PCs so it took me a while to find this:
http://users.sisna.com/ignatius/subaru/headgasket.html
It has some good info on the headgasket subject and what engines are more prone to having the issue.