thomcat00

Can anyone tell me about models and engines in terms of compatibility? I have a 99 Forester needing a motor. Which Subarus from then until now could donate a motor with minimal fuss? I'm looking to purchase either a motor or a wrecked car and I will pull the motor. I'm looking at just the non-turbo options - don't want to deal with computer differences and plumbing headaches. I know not all 2.5L motors from Subaru are the same, but, for example, does the '05 motor swap neatly or will I have to do some work to make it fit? Thanks for your input!

I'm looking to replace my wife's '99 Forester. Backstory is she has disc problems in her back and needs an automatic. Her car is a manual shift. We've looked at the new Forester as well as the Tribeca. Size is an issue, with a growing family. What shocks me is the mediocre gas mileage for both. We're not looking to buy brand new, unless the deal is a sweet one. The current Forester was the only new car we've bought. Been reading much about the current crop of cars, and would prefer to stay with Subaru. Anyone care to weigh in on the two, or offer other suggestions? Thanks!

Anyone used an OBDII socket reader? I've been pretty pleased with the one I have from Davis, called the 'Drive Right' Car Chip Pro. It not only helps with diagnostics, such as Check Engine lights, but also recording vehicle performance and basic stats. Off to troubleshoot a p0440: Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction.

For anyone going about a radio/CD player swap, I'd second the recommendation for Crutchfield. My wife has '99 Forester. Got a Pioneer radio/CD from Crutchfield and had trouble with the install. Got one of their techs on the phone to walk me through my trouble spots and got the unit installed in a snap. When purchasing a unit from them, Crutchfield provides detailed directions and a wiring harness to match the radio to the car. And seeing as their prices are pretty good, I'll happily buy from them again when we get around to expanding our 'fleet' of vehicles. Call me one satisfied customer!

I confess I don't do much work myself. Had the rear struts replaced on my wife's car and found just a month later I needed an alignment done. If you feel competent handling it, which it sounds like you are, checking it is a must to ensure you avoid tire problems.

Thanks, all, for your input.

We have an electrical problem in a 99 Forester that causes the alarm to go off randomly. Haven't actually set the alarm in over 5 years - just don't live in an area where it is needed - so it doesn't see regular use. Lately, last two months, the alarm has begun sounding intermittently when the car is parked. What I'd like to do is just kill the alarm altogether. Is there a simple procedure to do so? TIA

My wife's '99 Forester had a similar problem. It's work beyond what I can do, so the local shop took care of replacing the filler tube. I checked with them and they report for a fuel tank repair, they have to remove the cross member.

Sorry to hear of the bearing problem. My wife's '99 Forester needed new bearings on both rear wheels at 120K miles. We also got new tires at the time. Unfortunately one of the tires was bad and 20K miles later we were getting new bearings on the pass side. And new tires on the back.

The modulators are subject to interference from nearby frequencies. I have an FM modulator with 4 preset frequencies and when I drive interstate, I have to dance around the dial to get reception. I vastly prefer my tape adaptor, but can no longer use it since foreign objects were inserted in the tape deck of the stock radio. The tape input is more reliable and the sound quality is decent enough - don't bother with Dolby. Heck with the windows down all I need is volume since quality is trashed by the rush of air anyway. btw, I have a '99 Forester.

I'm (my wife's) running a '99 Forester S (just crossed 100k miles) and see about 24 city/27 hwy in upstate NY. I do not see an appreciable difference in mileage when switching octane - may add 1-2 mpg, but is it worth the price difference?

Look for interior parts at a salvage yard; it's not uncommon to find a wrecked car with plenty to pick over, and if it is a u-pull-it type of place, the prices are often a deal.