I'm thinking of checking out a 2010 Forester Premium for sale by a private individual. This would be my 3rd Forester (my other two current Subaru's are a 2003 XS and 2008 X). I really like the look of the SH Foresters and I'd prefer to avoid the high oil consumption issues for the FB25 engine which came out in 2011, although I know that headgasket leaks plagued the EJ25 right through 2010. My 2003 and 2008 both had headgaskets replaced before I purchased them.

This car has 132k miles and the current owner replaced the timing belt on schedule at 107k miles/ 8 years old.  The seller is asking $6,500 which is not bad per KBB, but I know I will likely have to replace the headgaskets in the next few years. Were the late EJ253 engines known to have any engine failure or oil consumption issues besides headgasket concerns?

Are there any other issues known to SH / 3rd gen Foresters that I should look for?

I am driving 2010 Forester since new.  

New alternator belt at 86000.

New O2 sensor at about 100000.

Broken sway bar link dust boots still waiting to be replaced.

No leaks (so far)

 

Sam

make certain it will take fuel without shutting-off the nozzle prematurely (MIL had to have the tank replaced.....ugh)

I think there can be an issue with loose cabin rearview mirror - minor really.