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I have an opportunity to purchase a Forester 2.5XT, with 12,800 miles on it, for $20,700, from a Subaru dealer. The price seems very fair, according to Edmunds. I am concerned, however, by the requirement for high octane gas. I have no idea if the previous owner used the correct octane grade. Also, the dealer had a valet fill the tank so that I could drive it home for the night, and I have no idea what grade he put in.

 

Of course, I had to spool it up, and it felt like was hesitating somewhat, especially when flooring it while in 4th or 5th (finishing off a cloverleaf and merging with traffic). I drove it pretty hard, and am now concerned that possibly incorrect fuel may have caused a problem. It's speed also tends to "hiccup" a little while traveling with cruise in 3rd or 4th.

 

What problems can arise from use of too-low octane fuel, and how does one check for these problems? I have a friend of drives a VW Jetta, and he has an OBDII interface module that allows him to query the ECU in his car. He tried to do the same with the Forester, but it wouldn't connect. Anybody know how to connect to the ECU in the Forester?

 

Also, the engine sounds different from a normally aspirated engine upon starting. There is a brief sound which is similar to the sound made when attempting to start an already started engine; not as loud and grating, but nonetheless present.

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Also, the engine sounds different from a normally aspirated engine upon starting. There is a brief sound which is similar to the sound made when attempting to start an already started engine; not as loud and grating, but nonetheless present.

 

I think this may be normal; at least the demo XT (2800 miles) at the dealer here in town seemed to make a similar noise. It was a warm start, but it definitely sounded like a starter trying to engage a moving flywheel. Despite my Whisky Tango Foxtrot moment of shock, I thought it was kind of cool, actually. :) Unless both dealers somehow managed to break the vehicles in the exact same way....

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