98 forester

[pamike]

their is one not far from where i live for sale. it's a 5 speed, has heated seats, new tires and 170k. what are some things to look out for. what would be a good price for this.

[stevetone]

their is one not far from where i live for sale. it's a 5 speed, has heated seats, new tires and 170k. what are some things to look out for. what would be a good price for this.

That was the first year for the Forester. When I was recently in the market for one I steered away from that year for 2 reasons:

1. Crash test results prompted Subaru to redesign and reinforce the body starting in '99
   
2. Engine is less robust than later years (particularly after '03)

Just my opinions -- they're all good in their own way!

 

Steve

[eryque]

[*]Engine is less robust than later years (particularly after '03)

Just my opinions -- they're all good in their own way!

 

Steve

 

Steve, in what way is the engine less robust? Didn't the '98 Forester get the same EJ22 engine that the Imprezas had? You know, the ones without the headgasket issue that happens with the EJ25?

[stevetone]

No, It got the DOHC 2.5l engine. I've found that the cars101.com website was invaluable in checking out all of the variations in Foresters through the years.

 

That particular engine had some headgasket challenges, but it's important to keep in mind that not all cars had problems. But given a choice, I went with a later model year (2003).

 

Steve

 

Steve, in what way is the engine less robust? Didn't the '98 Forester get the same EJ22 engine that the Imprezas had? You know, the ones without the headgasket issue that happens with the EJ25?