YellowSub Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I got a '98 Forester S this weekend. it looks great, has 88,000 miles, and a clean carfax report. I will pick it up tomorrow. Can anyone tell me what kind of gas mileage it gets (automatic) and if there is anything I should look for (common problems)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75subie Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 expect not so good milage (22-25 :-\ ) overall i think they are great cars, good luck with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyfish9 Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I got a '98 Forester S this weekend. it looks great, has 88,000 miles, and a clean carfax report. I will pick it up tomorrow. Can anyone tell me what kind of gas mileage it gets (automatic) and if there is anything I should look for (common problems)? I have a 1998 Forester L with 231,000 miles. Good solid car, mileage 25/27 mpg with a Thule cartop box, about 1 mpg better without it. Problems: Wheel bearings (2) at about 90,000. Head gasket (very expensive) at 184,000. Water pump, fan relay, and radiator all at 184,000. (likely related to H.G.) Front axles at 170,000. Struts at 210,000. Things to watch: Head gaskets are quite prone to failure....often related to overheating. Change timing belt and water pump at 105,000. This is very important as this is an interference engine. Make sure tires are the same brand, style and tread pattern. Circumference must be close to identical on all four tires. When I bought mine Subaru recommended all tires be within 1/2" in circumfirence.....now they say 1/4". I suspect 1/2" is close enough. Rotate tires every 6000 miles. Follow the severe duty service schedule. I take mine back to the dealer every 30,000 and have the in between services done at an indie. If you can find an indie you really trust, you might save a few bucks by having him do the 30,000 (level III) service as well. Following this regimen, my engine only burns about 1/2 quart of oil between changes at 231,000. You will be due for a level III at 90,000.....make sure it gets done! Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al_SemC Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 What happens in a Level III Diagnositic (omfgstartrekreference!)? Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyfish9 Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 What happens in a Level III Diagnositic (omfgstartrekreference!)? Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread. Inspect: Drive belts, Hoses, front & rear diff, auto trans fluid, brakes, steering & suspension. Replace: Oil & filter, fuel filter, Brake fluid. Rotate tires Replace plugs and drive belts at 60K A good indie should be able to do the above with no problem, but my dealer provides me with a loaner and has parts on hand if needed, so I normally take it there, even though it is a few bucks more expensive. Also, I have had a few questions about some of the work my local indie has done on other cars I owned, but have never had a problem with the dealer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YellowSub Posted October 11, 2005 Author Share Posted October 11, 2005 Thanks for all the info. I picked it up today and I like it very much. Definately needs new tires and an alignment. I will do all the services, just in case. Seems like it was very well taken care of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75subie Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 good to hear i have to say, those things drive like mini tanks:grin: had my uncles up to 115 today racing an accord:grin: it wasn`t easy but we got him (had to downshift into 3rd) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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