FrothyLlama Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 Hello, first post and possibly my first Subaru. I'm looking at a 2000 Forester L with 118k miles. I'm taking it to my mechanic, but I did check out the bottom of the car, it had no rust. I also checked out the engine, and one thing I noticed was the passengers side axle boot was ripped down the crease, how much will this cost to repair and is there anything else I should check out on the Forester that it is known for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrothyLlama Posted October 14, 2013 Author Share Posted October 14, 2013 Just went to the mechanic, it will cost around $200 to fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster2 Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 Just went to the mechanic, it will cost around $200 to fix. Yea, $200 is the going price to replace a half shaft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 Not bad considering what some charge for labor on such things. You could do it yourself with fairly basic tools. If the axle is not clicking on turns, it can generally be re-booted, or just pay a bit more for the simplicity of replacing the axle itself. You'll hear a lot of opinions on OEM vs aftermarket axles. I've always used junk yard axles. Welcome to the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrothyLlama Posted October 14, 2013 Author Share Posted October 14, 2013 Thank you for welcoming me, I might as well replace the whole axle while I have the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okamikai Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 Let me know if you need to know anything about Foresters, I have a 98 with 168k and I know almost everything about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrothyLlama Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share Posted October 15, 2013 Well, what are some of the things I should watch out for before buying? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 (edited) Apart from the usual look over - strong running engine, smooth shifting transmission, no structural rust etc. Check the heads for external leakage. Check the oil for signs of coolant mixing (looks like a milkshake) Torque bind is fairly unique to AWD vehicles, while on a test drive, take some slow tight turns and feel for the car to shake and stutter. (Like a 4x4 in 4wd on pavement) indicating a torque bind issue. Both issues are fixable if found, but are things you would want to know about before buying. Both repairs are a bit of a pain but can be done on a budget. Edited October 16, 2013 by AdventureSubaru Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesFox Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 If it has 118,000 miles, make sure the timiong belt has been done. if not, you are due for it. replace it now if it hasn't been done. A good subaru mechanic will be able to tell if anything has been apart yet or not. With the timong belt, have the water pump replaced. Fluch and replace the coolant to prevent head gasket trouble (due to corrosion, the coolant has anti corrosive chemicals that wear out and need to be changed) If you understand electrolysis, you get the idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okamikai Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Catalytic Converters can clog over time depending on how those miles were done on the road, the axle boot thing is a curse of this cars; the engine and transmission mounts are prone to break, even aftermarket parts, this is what usually causes them to break. The boots could have been gracked because they were too old, but it's a fairly good millage. Also check what Fox said about the Cam Head gasket, I had to repair the entire engine because I didn't pay attention to the early signs of the issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okamikai Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Foresters didn't have step from factory, just the second color panel, it may have been possible that the late owner had installed a step on it. Great car you are buying, love her and she will love you back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrothyLlama Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share Posted October 31, 2013 Sorry to bump the thread but, I ended up not getting the forester. It needed about $2000 in repairs, it's been a while so I do not remember what they were. Sticking with the Scoobys though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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