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Showing results for tags '2004 Forester'.
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Thanks in advance to those of you reading this post... I've got a 'new to me' 04 Forester I just bought from a local Subaru Dealer, Performance Subaru in Chapel Hill, NC. It does have some character that I failed to notice prior to my purchase. A missing fuel door release handle cover, missing rear head rests, loose console latch. Ah,blinded by the excitement of being a potential Subaru owner! I had a week to get an independent inspection, post-purchase. The dealer said they would fix any significant issues, but are confident in their own thorough, in-house inspection. So, I just had a highly respected foreign car shop in town complete an inspection (Auto Logic). Auto Logic caught all of the aforementioned character flaws that I did not notice, nor which were pointed out to me during my extended, very indecisive negotiation with the dealer upon purchase. So, win for Auto Logic. They also discovered a few other issues: 1. The head gaskets are showing signs of oil seepage. An issue that they said is not urgent, but will need to be addressed down the road, as expected with Subarus. 2. The spark plug wells have oil in them. They are saying we must replace the spark plugs and spark plug valve cover gaskets (estimate $400-$500). 3. Battery is low with respect to ccas (440 of 550) and has the potential to fail in cold weather. I realize it's just a battery, but still worth noting in my opinion. The conundrum: The dealer says the first thing their mechanics look for are leaky head gaskets since it's a known Subaru issue. Had they seen anything described above when they originally inspected, particularly with head gaskets, it would have failed as a candidate for their lot and would have gone straight to auction. They are also saying the battery was tested in the same manner the shop did and it was not problematic. The Dealer Mechanic said to stop by to discuss these issues, but I am skeptical of the outcome. I hope they will take an actual, physical look again, but their lack of enthusiasm is concerning, and they remarked that I already got a 'big discount' (original sticker price, all told after dealer fees, registration, taxes, etc. was ~$7500, I ended up at $6600). So, Battle of the Mechanics. How would you recommend one who is uneducated with respect to all things automotive and mechanical proceed in this situation? Thanks in advance! Kari -
Have a 2004 Forester 2.5LX with about 237,000 miles on it. Wouldn't run when a friend decided he didn't have time to bother with it and bought another one, giving this one to me. A friend looked at it and said that the crankshaft bearings were out--engine wobbles or vibrates like crazy when it tries to run. I have never pulled or taken apart a Subaru engine, though have pulled a number of engines on older (60-80s) Ford and GMC pickups. I don't feel it would be a big problem, but just wondering if I should try to fix the engine or find another one? If I have to replace the crank and bearings, would seem that wouldn't take much more $ to just get a good used one. Am concerned that the engine may have other problems with so much vibration. Appreciate any thoughts, suggestions!