Found a 2005 Forester. Never had a Subaru. It has 97,000 miles, one owner. Should I buy it? What problems should I expect to encounter? What are the average maximum miles on a Forester? What should I ask to have replaced before I purchase.

 

Thanks,

Timing belt should be replaced around this mileage. If it breaks the engine valves will be damaged.

 

Head gaskets have been a problem in 2.5 engines but not as much of an issue in the newer ones.

 

Thats a lot of miles for a 2005 but if it has been cared for it can last for another 150k easily. Just like any car any maintenance records would be nice to have.

 

You dont list asking price or condition etc so its hard to answer if this is one to pass on or not.

The car is in good condition and they are asking $9998.

What model Forester is it? Sounds like a decent price if it's an XT. And the XT didn't have the head gasket issues that the regular 2.5 motors have.

It is a Forester X

Then yes, it will be susceptible to head gasket failure. Look under it for leaking coolant or oil as well as the overflow tank in the engine bay for gunk.

edmunds.com lists it for $9,429 but that is considering it had 12k miles per year for the last 7 years. Which is 84k. so deduct some for mileage. I would see paying around 9 for it, but that depends on its condition. and factor in that it needs a timing belt/ pulleys and waterpump service at 105k, which is kinda pricey, also that it will almost certainly need headgaskets between 130k-150k. even sooner if it has been overheated.

 

Like durania said, look in the coolant bottle for brown gunk. also under the radiator cap (cold engine!). any grit/brown gunk/gas smell from the radiator and suspect it needs head gaskets

Yeah that seems a bit high to me for just an X. I paid 9500 for my 04 XT with 76k on it, and in great shape! But if you can talk them down, and then make sure the head gaskets HAVE been done, it might be worth it.

All the other advice is good. Check KBB or NADA for an estimated price and do a carfax to confirm the mileage if you can. If the timing belt service has not been done, consider it will cost $750 to $2000 depending on who does it and how much they need for parts. All that should weigh into what you're willing to spend for it. Lastly, pay a reputable shop to inspect it properly to get an experts opinion on the car's condition.

 

My personal feelings are if the timing belt service hasn't been done, use that as a negotiating tool on the price and then have a mechanic/shop that you trust do the work so you know it's been done right.

 

Just as a comparison, I bought a '99 Forester S three years ago from a shop I trust with the head gaskets and timing belt service already done. It had 105K on it and it now has 154K. We paid $6K for it at the time.