Hi folks. Its been a while. I am about to buy a newer (to me) forester. I am looking at the 2009 2.5x premium and a 2010 xt. I dont know much about these years and i am just looking for some basic opinions on what to check for...if there are any known issues with those years, turbo issues etc.

 

Thanks

 

Dean

Hi,

As these are both still using the EJ-series engines, I'd plan on HG for the '09. Usually about 100K things start to show up. The car won't strand you, but do NOT wait to fix it once it's diagnosed as you'll be buying a new engine/block. Once fixed it'll be good for another 100K.

 

The XT has the EJ255 turbo block (also used in the Impreza WRX, Legacy GT/XT and related to the STi) and it's known for ringland-related issues. The turbo may also be suspect if getting over 100K, and if it fails it can leave pieces and parts that get where they don't belong>>engine - and cause grief. Personally, I'm not a fan of USED Subaru Turbo engines as they can be expensive to maintain/fix/replace....and their MPG isn't great. 

 

I'd read up on these engines on NASIOC (both used in Impreza/WRX as well) and search online as there's plenty to be aware of. 

 

 

Generally, it comes down to what maintenance history you can get on the car. On the turbo models esp. I'd be wanting a ONE-owner w/all maintenance records.

 

 

GL,

Td

Thanks man. This confirms my suspicion about the xt. I just really like my 98 dohc right now, hence the interest in the xt. Ill look more towards the sohc.

You might be OK w/the power of the SOHC. The Phase 2 ('99+) engines don't make much more HP/torque than the '98's DOHC, but it's lower in the power-band, which makes it feel quicker/faster.

 

Just don't drive the SOHC and then jump in the XT...you'll be finding ways to 'justify' the turbo's 'quirks'. :-)

 

And you can only get the XT w/the Auto/CVT after '09 I believe....and they're not nearly as much fun.

 

TD

Edited April 14, 20169 yr by wtdash

Despite my best judgement, research, and sound advice from board members I got the 2010 xt. It is very fast and very fun and has the premium pkg. I figured that if the engine goes, I'll just drop another one in. After test driving it...you were right...I found plenty of ways to justify it! Thanks for the help though, apologies for not listening.