I am really interested in the 09 Forrester, but am a but nervous about the long history of oil leaks in the Subaru engines. Does anyone have any feedback with respect to their experiences?

 

Thanks,

They are getting better with the oil leaks on newer ones. My 02 wrx has almost 120 on it and doesn't leak a drop of oil. It's never been apart or had any seals changed. But I have worked on tons of 80's and 90's subies fixing oil leaks.

The new stuff is much better than anything from the 80's or 90's regarding oil leaks. My parents have been abusing an 03 Forester for going on 5 years now on the rocks and in the desert of SoCal and its holding up just fine with no leaks.

someone chime in and correct me if need be but I think the long history of engine problems was 99-01 with the phase I DOHC 2.5. if you get the 09 flagship you will be a happy camper and in good company and i will hate you jk.

 

ps. just look under the bonnet and the belly once and a while-it's still car and things can happen.

Don't be scared if oil leaks develop. Subaru ingeniously made it do that, it is there kind of ARS, Anti Rust System I am pretty sure you will be good though. Probably a good idea to use Synthetic oils as well.

oil leaks ftw:

http://www.stiblog.com/news/subaru-the-only-brand-to-show-a-sales-increase-in-2008/:rolleyes:

I am really interested in the 09 Forrester, but am a but nervous about the long history of oil leaks in the Subaru engines. Does anyone have any feedback with respect to their experiences?

 

Thanks,

This was more of an GL early Legacy thing.

GLs & Loyale oil pumps would leak even after a new oil seal.

Legacies oil pump screws would back out & leak but these were easy to fix for good with some lock tight.

 

You won't have this problem with newer roos, but even if you go old a little oil leak is nothing to worry about on a car that will go 300,000 + even with a leak.

Had a 97 OBW LTD, an 02 OBW LTD, and presently an 07 OBW LTD. I put well over 270 000 km on the first, 168 000 km on the second, and have 60 000 km on the new one, and have never had a hint of an oil leak on any of them. I really don't think that oil leaks should be a concern for any modern Subie engine of the last 12 years or so. That's not to say that the problem won't creep up on the ocassional car, but even then it will be few and far between. I'd be more concerned about you falling in love with a Subie and becoming a convert for life!