Is the Forester the right car for me?

[Roach131313]

Hi all, 

 

I just registered on this forum to learn a little about the Forester and to figure out if it's the right car for my needs.

 

I'm a wildlife biologist that does a lot of survey work up in the Sierra foothills of California.  I am currently commuting around 240 miles, round-trip, around 3 days a week and around 40 of those miles are off road US Forest Service dirt roads.  The drive includes some steep inclines on mountain roads.  I do get a standard mileage reimbursement of $0.565/mile, but my current vehicle, a 1998 Land Rover Discovery, only gets around 11 mpg and it tends to overheat on the mountain roads.  I'm looking to get a second vehicle for this commute that has better fuel economy so I can pocket more of my mileage reimbursement and/or save for vehicle maintenance/repairs when needed.

 

My budget limits me to late 90's and early 00's Foresters, though I'm also looking at other makes like late 80's and early 90's Suzuki Samurais, Sidekicks, and Geo Trackers.  My concerns with the Forester are it's ground clearance and that AWD isn't the same as 4WD. These Forest Service roads can get pretty rutted after a rain.

 

So, if someone here could educate me on the Subaru Forester and give their opinion on whether it would be a good, reliable, and fuel efficient car for the above mentioned commute, I'd really appreciate it.  

 

Thanks,

Richard

[l75eya]

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/138331-87-gl-wagon-4x4-100-rust-free/

Saw that you were looking at late 80's Suzukis and the like and thought I'd throw out a bone for the old gen subarus. In 5 speed form you get dual range 4 wheel drive with high and low. For when you're on the highway you get to throw it in front wheel drive and, with sensible driving, can attain 30 - 35ish mpg on the highway.

Edited June 1, 2013 by l75eya

[idosubaru]

I'd get a legacy with an EJ22 (2.2 liter) engine.  no headgasket issues, better motor, better miles per gallon.  should be easier to find too.  foresters never came with an EJ22 and legacy's have a longer trunk area so they're more practical. not much difference but if you ever use the space it's easily appreciated.

 

If you get a Subaru with an EJ22 you can basically change fluids, do a complete timing belt job, tune up (if needed) and it's very easy to get a reliable 100,000 miles out of an inexpensive used Subaru.  they make 200,000 miles with blinking usually...at this point you're mainly fighting prior maintenance/disclosure - so that extent you'll get a much better deal if you can find a one owner or second owner that's put a lot of miles on it, maintenance records, etc.  the EJ25's are basically the same motor and reliable minus the headgasket issues.

 

I do this all the time - got a friend a 80,000 mile 96 impreza with Ej22....he's at 240,000 miles now and looking for a newer one. another friend i got a 96 Legacy Ej22 with 100,000 miles for $900 and did a complete tune up/timing job and it has 220,000 miles. neither one i don't think ever broke down on them and of course i've owned a bunch i could talk about.

 

Foresters only have the 2.5 liter EJ25 engine.  They are prone to headgasket failure, the 1998 Forester EJ25 is particularly troublesome and I'd avoid that year unless there's a compelling reason not too (like it has an EJ22 swapped in it's place LOL).  1999 and up Foresters got a better version of the 2.5 though still prone to headgasket leaks they are far more manageable and don't leave you stranded like the 1998 Forester EJ25.  (keep in mind these headgasket differences are one year off on Legacy/Outbacks so the info is a little different depending on model).

 

If you get a 99 or later Forester simply look for external leaks under the vehicle, they are obvious and spotted within 15 seconds, simply look at the headgasket to engine block mating area and you'll see fluid or you won't.  it can be oil or coolant. The 1998's there is no definitive test as they are random and blow exhaust gases into the coolant.

[Roach131313]

Grossgary,

 

Thanks for that info... I would like to avoid any major mechanical issues like a head gasket replacement.  Looks like I should look into the Legacy Outbacks with a 2.2L then.  Do you know if there is someone who makes a suspension lift for Outbacks?  Nothing extreme, maybe 2 inches so I can get better ground clearance with larger tires?

[idosubaru]

The only Outback offered with a 2.2 liter was the 1996 manual transmission.  And any 1995's that are called an Outback will also be 2.2's.

 

Other than those it will need to be a Legacy model (not GT's - those are all 2.5's - other models vary by year which motor they get).

That is the problem with my suggesiton, the 2.2 is only offered in the "lower end" models so if you want leather, trimmed out, decked out with an EJ22...you can't get it.   Some LSi's....like 1999's anniversary editions are really nice and had a 2.2.

 

Actually I forgot, the Impreza Outback Sports are really sweet little rides if less space and lesser trim don't bother you. They all have the 2.2 liter motor until 2001. They aren't as nicely trimmed and interior, no leather, as the legacy's. So if yo'ure looking for refinements that won't be it. But otherwise they are simple and great vehicles for daily commuting.

 

If you can manage some work or have a good mechanic you can swap an EJ22 into an EJ25 vehicle, it is plug and play.  Get a blown EJ25 vehicle cheap (not hard to find) and then swap in an EJ22 to get the car that you want. Friends EJ25 blew headgaskets last year, i picked up and did a timing belt job on an EJ22 for like $400 total and the EJ25 will sell for more than that, so he's not out too much eventhough he had to pay his mechanic to install it.

 

The EJ25's aren't terrible motors, the headgasket issue is far more prevalent than in other Subaru's and that 96-99 Legacy/Outback and 98 Forester version is the worst of them all.  I tend to avoid them but they are still nice vehicles - they can get great gas mileage and perform very well, an excellent balance, and they always come in nicer vehicles so they feel nicer all around.

 

SJR lifts and Gloyale (Highguys) are both members here that make lifts.  2" is a good choice.

Edited June 1, 2013 by grossgary