Shall I buy a 2004 forester?

[smelly_cat]

Hey everyone, Since My kid rolled my 83GL a few years ago. I've been away. It is time to get a new car and I'm looking at a plain white forester with 80K for about $6900. I read about the head gasket issues on earlier years and it has me worried. Any pros or cons on the 2004's that you can share? SC

[The Dude]

I can't comment on the pricing. But 2004 is past the external head gasket leak situation, which I believe was from 1999 to 2002. It's also before the switch to bi-position valve timing which occured in 2005. There are absolutely no guarantees, but all things being equal, it should have an excellent chance of being a good engine. Although the 2.5L doesn't have near the same reputation as the uber reliable 2.2L.

[GeneralDisorder]

Thats's a good engine with low miles. I wouldn't worry about it. When they *do* leak they leak externally and the Subaru additive usually takes care of it for quite a while.

 

GD

[smelly_cat]

Good info. I think it is a pretty good car. One thing though. it still has the old timing belt. . Do I have to pull the engine to change it? Sc

[GeneralDisorder]

No - easily done with the engine in the car. Timing belt is good for 105k on that engine so no need to do it for another 20k. They don't fail prematurely like the engines of old - they are rated for 105k and will likely do twice that before breaking.

 

GD

[Suba9792]

only thing I know of on those foresters is the rear wheel bearings frequently fail, no idea why but I've seen and heard of many between 99-06 failing.

[mikec03]

I second GD's comments. But to be clear, the head gasket problem definitely was not solved in '02. You might want to lay yourself on top of the engine and look down the driver side of the engine at the head gasket with a good flashlight. You might see a dark oil seep. You can use that to bargain for a lower price. Also repeat looking up from the bottom.