jon38iowa

Hello: I have priced this transmission for my '99 Forester- A replacement costs about 4000K. John

Courtney: It sounds to me like it would be wise for you to go to competent mechanic- For a thorough diagnostic, especially since you might not have all the history of this car. I would avoid the dealer on this old of a car, just from my experience. These engines do last forever if: they are maintained, and if they don't overheat; mine overheated (though the seller didin't bother to mention it) and when an all alluminum engine overheats it can and often does have major damage. Best Of Luck! John

Sad to say, but in this world the consumer has to be on the defensive; You have learned a valuable (and unjust) lesson. Having learned a few my myself, I keep all records, follow warranties to the letter, and communicate timely ( in writting) with any problems- keeping my paper trail. John

Be careful when paying attention to gas gage, and be ready to quickly get gas should your low fuel light come on; modern cars don't like to run out gas, moreover, the fuel pump is kept cool by fuel flowing through it. Should you run completely out, it gets hot and even if you manage to get it running , a few months later poof its done! I have seen this many times. John

Hi: I know others on this Forum have not been happy with them, but I have ( so far) had very good service from Subaru Parts For You; Obviously you would have to pay be willing to pay the new part price. John:banana:

I agree: Most definately , get a second oppinion! I was told by a tire dealer that I needed four new struts, however I just replaced two of them six months before! Shop # two agreed that only two of them needed it! John

My two cents < is go for the ccr! My(Used) Forester has the 2.5 , however I spent $ 400.00 + on a timing service, $150 for a fuel service, $50.00 tune up, $150.00 o2 sensor; Only to be told four months later( and after another $ 500.00 in investigation) that the engine needs to be replaced because of deep rod knock! I would rather have a tight engine ( and know the care and have records) than to risk good after bad money. To be honest a '99 ( which mine is) is an old engine( no problem for a handy mechanic){i was informed that it would cost about $ 2000.kto rebuild the heads}. With CCR or simillar you would have a strong engine with a warranty! I also recomend, if you do replace it, to: Folllow the warranty requirements to the letter (its cheap insurance), if any problems, document them and report these immediately to your vendor( know your contact people,keep written records of each), and keep all your records!! I am tired of getting the short end of the stick! Learn to play their game. Good LUCK! John

Hi Again: I would agree with a previous post; Call Subaru yourself , moreover, at this point you can only gain. I find the problems your experiencing ( based on what you paid for replacement) unacceptable at this mileage and I'll bet others would as well . John

Howdy, Six years is a long time for rubber seals regardless of mileage; I had my fuel cleaned( wynnService) for about $ 150.00. It does run a little smoother, but Than my Forester has many more miles than yours. I recomend having the Transmission fluid changed as well, but thats just me , I would rather go a little over board with maintenance, than have to replace or repair( The Transmission is about $ 4000.K ). Glad to hear your car is almost back on track!

In this price range I think your going to be looking at 2000-2002, depending on mileage ofcourse. My friend has a 2000 outback; she absolutely loves it, and even with 80,000k so far no problems whatsoever! Best of luck John:banana:

Mine has an external Spin- on type filter. they cost about $25.00 John

I get the boob award! Last week I went to radio shack to find a replacement mini bulb for the shift lever on my '99 Forester; They gave the only simillar bulb in stock, morever I atempted to install it, however, I smelled a burning odor, and quickly removed it! Too late though, I now have No Dash Lights! I took it to my shop today and was informed that it is," likely an instament light reostat" esentially a piece of the turn signal assembly. My shop politely declined to work on it ( without charge) and recomended the dealership. I don't want drive five hours; does anyone know hard a job this to do?How much of the stearing collumn has to be removed? The part is $ 100. 00 The kicker is that Subaru Parts For You is going to send me this factory bulb for free! Murfees Law I guess. John

Indeed I was very surprised! But what have you got to lose, a few calls and a nicely worded letter. I would call the BBB in the local area of where you purchased your engine. John

I was quated(Tuffy Service Center) a price of $140.00 to power flush my Forester, moreover, this included a new filter. John

Hello, Just thought I'd put my two cents in, since I am in a simillar Boat as u; My '99 Forester was recently ( after $ 500.00 of investigation) diagnosed with the deep rod noise. The car has 132000. Miles so it doesn't owe me much, but still when the time comes I will replace the engine with a rebuild. The shops tell me that it costs about the same to tear down the engine and replace the rods, however that is just the rods whereas with a good rebuild everything has been gone through.CCR Quated me a price of $ 3400. with echange for an engine assembly. My car sounds like a Diesel, but runs powerfully, and doesn't use any fluids as of yet; thus, I have decided to run it unitll it drops , and If I go out of town I rent from enterprise. Best of luck with your predicament; You might also consider the Better Business Bureau, furthermore they do take sides. I was pleasantly surprised when they helped me retreive $200.00 last year from a mail order company. John

Just Last week I ordered about $ 400.00 worth of Subaru partsf rom SPFU ; I think perhaps, their service has improved. This was my second order-everything came timely and perfect. I'll post it if I have any problems. John

Hello, You might consider having the engine cleaned ( flushed internally) . Its possible your engine has carbon build up on the pistons, and having this cleaned might eliminate the Ping; It made quite a difference on my Forester. John

I had my Timing belt ( '99 Forester) replaced last year. It cost about $450.00, at a Local Mechanic, this price included with new seals. I agree with preveous posts; having bought many used cars, I recomend: having the radiator and transmission flushed, all new filters and pvc, and a quality fuel system cleaner.At this age and mileage it might also be wise to replace the wires and hoses. Good Luck. John

I don't have recomendations as to what is the best tire available; However, I do have one to avoid- my '99 Forester came with cooper tires, moreover, they ware like iron and ride like iron(you feel every road blemish) , we have heavy snow here as well and the traction is pathetic! Even though they have many milles left in them, I will soon be moving up to either Goodyear or Michellins. Good Luck. John

PS. Yes I will change alll the bulbs I come accross. John

Thanks to all! I will take this up next week, with radio shack bulbs; But first I am getting ready to install the new carpet and pcv valve. This car seems to occupie much of my spare time and days off. John

I have had many used cars and one new one; it seems to me the avarage life span of the factory bulbs is about 5 years give or take a year; Replacements are are another story, I have not had good luck sylvania, but have had great results with phillips. John

I have a "99 Forester, moreover the dash lights have burned out. I could not locate any info at Haynes for my model; Any advice is appreciated! I know how to remove the dash trim but after that it is all new to me. Thanks. John:banana:

I used the Fram version of this free flow filter; at any rate, I wouldn't think it would hurt the filter to (quickly) run compressed air over it, this should force out any remaining water. Good Luck John

Does anyone have advice on how to remove the Forester emblem from the back gate? I have a new one on order to replace it with. Thanks in advance for any advice/ John