New-to-me high mileage Forester

[beemer11]

I just bought a 98 Forester S with 195K as an alternate "as needed" vehicle. I have had 2 other Subarus which were great cars. I have done a search on this board for typical problems associated with the 2.5L engine and found some good info, but I wonder if there is anything else besides head gaskets I should be aware of. The car was actually well-maintained, but does need front end work (not sure what as yet) as the left front tire is worn significantly differently than the right. Thanks for any help you all can give me.

 

Mike

[idosubaru]

A lot of the Phase I 96-99 EJ25's I'm seeing already have the head gaskets replaced at some point in their lifetime, so there's a chance these have already been done. Done right they should last the life of the vehicle.

 

Piston slap is a tapping noise that gets quieter as the engine warms. Fairly common but it's benign and doesn't cause any issues other than sound.

 

I believe they have a few more wheel bearing issues (usually rears I think) than normal, but nothing like a plague.

 

If it's an auto - change the fluids and screw on external filter. If it's a manual change the gear oil.

 

It's an interference engine so if the timing belt breaks you'll have bent valves. At 12 years old it's wise to consider replacing all the pulleys, water pump, and timing belt to prevent that. The engine has a good shot at another 100,000 miles (next timing belt change) so it's worth doing right if the rest of the car is in good order.

[Durania]

Gray's post just about sums everything up for you. Keep up with the maintenance on it and it should take care of you. Make sure your tires are all the same size too. If not, consider a new set.