tbreaden Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Hi, I am new to forum and I found a 1999 Forester automatic with 196000 miles. Has a bad motor. I can replace motor but I wanted to know about the rest of the drivetrain. How dependable is the tranny and drivetrain? Is 196000 miles alot? Any info will help. Thanks, Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 200,000 miles is a fair amount for any automatic transmission. the 4EAT in that vehicle is an excellent transmission and they have great track records if the vehicles are not neglected. you're at the mercy of the past 10 years of maintenance and treatment. how well were the tires kept rotated, was the fluid ever changed, and how was the vehicle driven? it could make 250k or 300k no problems....if it started to have issues next year though i wouldn't be surprised either. hopefully it's driveable somewhat? check for good shifts, no flashing lights on start up, and no torque bind around turns (search on here if you don't know what that is). i'd plan on changing all the fluids and changing the filter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-fleet-feet Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Any idea how the Forester ended up with 'a bad motor?' If it's a teenager with a leadfoot and other issues, I wouldn't count on the trans for diddly. If it was a headgasket, that's different. Front-ender? That's another issue. Is the frame/drivetrain in good shape? Anything serious enough to take out an engine means you should have the vehicle checked out by someone who knows their dead cars. Your current insurance agent might know someone. If you know, or can find out, please let us know what killed the motor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 tbreaden said: Hi, I am new to forum and I found a 1999 Forester automatic with 196000 miles. Has a bad motor. I can replace motor but I wanted to know about the rest of the drivetrain. How dependable is the tranny and drivetrain? Is 196000 miles alot? Any info will help. Thanks, Todd I owned a 1999 Forester, and I'd say, yes, 196,000 is a lot of miles. I sold my 1999 Forester at 200,000 miles, and bought a 2006 as a replacement. I don't care if it is a Subaru, ANY AT is is questionable at 200,000 miles. So, figure the cost of a AT overhaul/replacement into your purchase equation. While I thought the AT might go at anytime at 200,000 miles, I thought the engine was probably good for another 100,000 miles. BTW, the only things I replaced over 200,000 miles on the 1999 Forester, excluding normal maintenance items, where the ball joints and a rebuilt front axle. A very frugal and satisfying ownership experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbreaden Posted February 20, 2008 Author Share Posted February 20, 2008 Thanks for the replies. If I take the tranny out, does anybody have a estimate on a rebuild? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbreaden Posted February 20, 2008 Author Share Posted February 20, 2008 And I belive I am going to install a EJ22 motor instead of the EJ25. Any feedback on this will also help. Thanks, Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 rebuild costs vary wildly. that's your worst option anyway and i wouldn't want one unless they are familiar with subaru's (hard to find). the best option is to just buy a used low mileage unit from a wreck. should be able to find one relatively easy. search for engine swap questions, it's all covered on here. there are so many questions, variations, and ways to go about it that you need to read first and then ask questions later. get the basic idea down, read some of the comprehensive threads on it then ask to clarify questions one you decide how you want to do it (new, cheap, budget, etc, direct swap, minor issues okay...etc). i hope this car is cheap, like $500. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbreaden Posted February 20, 2008 Author Share Posted February 20, 2008 I can get it for scrap price $100.00. But the body and interior is in great shape. Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 awesome! if a new engine interests you - check with CCR - the only new Subaru engines I would buy. i'd go with an EJ22 as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subaru360 Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 You could go with the EJ22 swap. You might run into some additional problems since your 99 forester should have an EJ25 phase 2. The forester also has some things different with the intake. But for $100 go for it. I would not bother with a rebuild on a car you have $100 into. Put in the used engine, drive it and enjoy. If down the road you have trans problems, put in a used one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 ah yes, good point subaru360. the transmissions always give you plenty of warning before they strand you, so driving it until it goes is not a bad idea either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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