Subie Newbie...need advice

[Organized_Confusion]

Hello, I am new to the whole Subaru thing. This is my first post. I don't own one yet, but am interested in a 2003 Forester 2.5X. Here is the situation.....

 

I test drove the vehicle yesterday and here are things I noticed.

 

2003 Forester 2.5X Auto with 95,000 miles mostly highway.

The engine ran very quiet while idling and had no problem responding to flooring it. Steering seemed very responsive and accurate. Vehicle did not drift while letting go of steering wheel. Braking was very smooth without pulling to one side...and this was on a fresh snow covered road. Shifting was good. No creaks, rattles, booms, knocks, etc...Seems to be very solidly built. Interior heater is hot. All the bells and whistles seem to work fine as well. This vehicle comes from an actual Subaru dealership, so things are in great condition.

 

For me to afford this I would have to take out a 5-year loan and I drive about 20,000-25,000 miles per year. So my question is:

 

By the time I have it paid off there will be about 225,000 miles on it and it will be about 7 years old. What are the chances that I will avoid expensive repair costs on this. I have never owned anything other than a Pontiac or Chevy before, so this is new to me.

 

Any information, owner testimonials, warnings, hazards, comments, suggestions, etc...would be very helpful in my decision process.

 

Thank you all very much.

 

 

 

PS---I am not very educated when it comes to automobiles. I know some basics but that's about it.

[TheBrian]

For me to afford this I would have to take out a 5-year loan and I drive about 20,000-25,000 miles per year. So my question is:

 

By the time I have it paid off there will be about 225,000 miles on it and it will be about 7 years old. What are the chances that I will avoid expensive repair costs on this.

It sounds like a solid car, and I'm sure you'd enjoy it if you bought it.

However, five-year loans are not fun.

I'd say it's reasonable to expect over 100k miles of service without spending much on repairs. However, past that mark, some components will begin to show their age, and you'll have some repair bills to deal with.

 

My advice, look at a 5 year old Subaru with two previous owners and 60k miles. See if you can afford that without the risk of ending up upside down (owing more than the car is worth).

[Cougar]

Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of dedicated Soob owners here.

 

The car you talk about may work out ok but it has a lot of miles on it for the age of the vehicle. Since you plan on adding a lot more I would try to find something with around 40k miles if you can find one. I assume you can't afford the payments for a new vehicle. There are some good buying incentives going on if you can swing the payments.

 

If you do get the '03 Forrester I would suspect the engine would be the first area of trouble. Head gaskets have been an issue for some. I would try to save what you can in a repair fund from each of your paychecks to try and be ready for any future problems. If you can afford to save $50-75 dollars a month it will add up pretty quick.

[Organized_Confusion]

My advice, look at a 5 year old Subaru with two previous owners and 60k miles. See if you can afford that without the risk of ending up upside down (owing more than the car is worth).

 

Just wondering what the importance of the two previous owners is.

 

If you do get the '03 Forrester I would suspect the engine would be the first area of trouble. Head gaskets have been an issue for some. I would try to save what you can in a repair fund from each of your paychecks to try and be ready for any future problems. If you can afford to save $50-75 dollars a month it will add up pretty quick.

 

So with the extra money aside per month I might be just as well off spending that on the payment itself and get one with fewer miles on it to avoid the actual repair.

 

I'll tell ya one thing though. It is hard to find one that is new and low miles for under $13,000.

[Cougar]

Here is one that I found doing a search. They are asking $15,000 but it only has 12,000 miles on it. They are long ways from you but there is a toll free number you can call to talk with them if you are interested.

 

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2003 Subaru Forester 2.5 X

 

$14,999

 

See Saved VehiclesKelley Blue Book Value Save This VehicleCARFAX Vehicle HistoryMileage 12,000Engine 2.5L H4Body Style SUVTransmission Wheelbase 99"Drive Train 4X4Doors 4Stock # 4-2876RPExterior Color SlVIN JF1SG63613G723932Standard Features: AWD, Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Door Locks W/Keyless Entry, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Bucket Seats, Rear Bench Seat, Split Folding Rear Seat, Velour/Cloth Seats, Power Windows, Power Mirrors, Lighted Entry System, Overhead Console, Digital Clock, Fog Lights, Power Door Locks, Tilt Steering Wheel, Steel Wheels, Center Console, Daytime Running Lights, Intermittent Wipers, Luggage Rack, Rear Window Defroster, Rear Window Wiper, TachometerMore Information About This Dealer

 

Call 866-898-6205

 

 

Simmons - Rockwell Chevrolet - Buick - Pontiac - GMC - Dodge - Chrysler - Jeep

 

7327 Hammondsport Rd.

 

Bath NY

 

Toll Free 866-898-6205

 

 

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var galleryLink = null; function pg(year,makename,attributes) { if (null!=galleryLink) return; var galleryString="year=2003&makeId=45&modelId=1306"; if(attributes==galleryString) { galleryLink='See more photos'; } } initPG(); if (null!=galleryLink) document.write('');if (null!=galleryLink) document.write(''); if (null!=galleryLink) document.write(''+galleryLink+'

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Manufacturer Photo: 2.5 X 4WD Shown

 

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[Ranger83]

1. You can't afford this car. Buy something else.

 

2. You'd likely get more useful advice if your handle wasn't so insolent.

[Organized_Confusion]

Response to Ranger83:

 

1) Yeah, $15000 is a bit much for me right now. My friend just spent $16,000 on a used Forester and he makes less money than I do. Needless to say, after insurance and car payment are made, he don't have anything left to do anything. That ain't no fun.

 

2) I wasn't sure how the handle would sit here. I just picked that one since I use it in other places as well...just the simplest way for me I guess. I think I should change it though. How do I do that...I looked around and couldn't find a way to?

[Organized_Confusion]

Well, it looks like my handle change has taken effect. I apologize to all those who were offended with the old handle. Hopefully this one sits well with everyone.

[Tiny Clark]

I've seen a lot of posts about Forresters and gas mileage being bad. There was a call into CarTalk this past week about it too.

 

Do these things weigh that much more than regular Subes, or do they have some other problem?

[ballitch]

they are not as aerodynamic as other subies, make more drag, higher coeffient of friction and all that jazz, it might weigh 200-300 lbs. more but thats a strech, mostkly i think it is air resistance doing the damage to your gas tank.

 

 

 

 

 

~Josh~

[Lanaue]

Man get don't buy a car with that kind of milage on it,regardless of who makes it

if you got to have a car payment.Get somthing with a warrenty,Don't put canyourself in a tight spot for a car.5 Years is a long time to be rolling the dice.Get a car you can afford.You may have to get the car you want later.

 

they are not as aerodynamic as other subies, make more drag, higher coeffient of friction and all that jazz, it might weigh 200-300 lbs. more but thats a strech, mostkly i think it is air resistance doing the damage to your gas tank.

 

 

 

 

 

~Josh~