Just bought a 99 forester/ Question?

[SUBARU3]

Ok, I just got a FANTASTIC deal on a 99 Forester for my Mom!! Too cheap to mention. Might upset you all. LOL!

I didn't have too much time time to research. Put my mind at ease please!

 

It has 81K Nice condition automatic, no torque bind. Strong , no overheating, perfect oil and coolant. BUT it is the SOHC 2.5 Phase 2 I believe? What's the synopisis on this engine, good, bad, indifferent??? I know it's not the troublesome DOHC 2.5, but is it reasonability close to the reliability of the mid 90s, non-interference 2.2's??

 

Thanks ALL!!

 

Todd

[98obster]

sounds great. congratulations for your mom. can't go wrong with the sohc. and improved 4eat. and at 81k it's just getting broken in. is it on the 2nd timing belt?

[SUBARU3]

Yep...timing belt replaced at 71K (well ahead of schedule)

 

No "obvious" external heads gasket leaks.....yet! :-\

 

Todd

[jon38iowa]

I have the same year Forester myself: You might want to doudle check the engine, as Subaru made a midyear change to this year Forester (some times I have gotten the wrong parts because of this).

I love mine and its 2.5 engine, but, admittedly I am now somewhere in the neighborhood of 9K to the engine alone: having to be rebuilt due to rod knock, new injectors and sensors up the whazoo. It really does run like a new one, but without the added car payment, insurance, and title fees.

Yours will likely, if the head gaskets haven't been replaced, require the Subaru Coolant Sealant to the radiator (when changed). I used it with no problems whatsoever. And mine never did have the infamous gasket problem, even at 135K when it was rebuilt.

Others here report problems with the wheel bearings, however, mine are still excelent with 150K now on them. The alingment though, is a real pain, the mechanics complain each time its performed-" hard to aling, has it been in a bad accident?" which it has not.

I found that Mine was rather noisy, but after installing sound insullation to the interior panels and fire wall it is now pretty sedate.

I also find here in the Midwest, it hard to find shops that want to work on Subarus. After a lot searching I have finally got this nailed down.

Oh and the Subaru dealer, I don't even talk about that place.

One more thing, if you don't know the last time it was performed I recommend changing the tranny fluid, to keep it nice and torque bind free.

[SUBARU3]

Thanks!

 

I know it's a SOHC. What are the mid year differences?

 

Todd

[98obster]

Thanks!

 

I know it's a SOHC. What are the mid year differences?

 

Todd

 

Looks like you'll be opening an account at wwwdotsubaruforesterdotorg.

 

look on the drivers side door for the build date. it will probably come up if you replace O2 sensors or somethin

[jon38iowa]

Thanks!

 

I know it's a SOHC. What are the mid year differences?

 

Todd

SOHC, than you have the newer, more advanced model. Frequently when I order parts, this Model is listed under the '99-'2002 parts reference guide.

[idosubaru]

is it reasonability close to the reliability of the mid 90s, non-interference 2.2's??

definitely not. it's newer, there's fewer of them but i still find them with more blown motors than i do early Ej22 stuff. very easy to find with blown motors (i know of two right now). head gaskets, piston slap, oil consumption, interference engine, and ,more internal engine issues...they are good motors, but they are definitely not an EJ22.

[SUBARU3]

Time will tell! I'm a bit spooked by this engine.....even if it's still seems OK. I going to find a good 2.2 dropin and place in storage!!!! (PRONTO)

 

I'll keep you posted.

 

Thanks!

Todd