New Subaru

[spigot]

Just bought my first brand new car about a week ago, an 09 Subaru Forester. I've had quite a few Hondas, but this is my first Subaru. Since I'm the type that keeps a car until it's way past it's time, are they any medium or long term issues with Subarus that I should watch for?

Are the parts very expensive? I generally used a lot of factory Honda parts, and they were a little expensive even buying on the net, although usually very high quality. I bought this thing basically based on how it drove, online reviews, Consumer Reports, and crash test ratings.

I'm also curious why the older Subarus (say, 98-00) didn't do as well in Consumer Reports reliability ratings. Not that CR is the end-all, but was there a powertrain design change in the last few years? I'm just trying to get a feel for how this thing will last in the very long term, say 150k+ miles, assuming I maintain it well of course.

Also, it does have three differentials, correct? Are the front two inside the transmission? Trying to make sure I find all the correct drain/refills.

 

[drkicker]

To answer most of your questions, check out nasioc.com. It's an impreza site, but Subaru uses a lot of the same parts on different models. For example, the 2.5 NA motor is the same in the Impreza / Legacy / Forester models. The 2.5 turbo is the same as well except for special models (Impreza STI / Legacy Spec B). I recently sold my 02 WRX that I bought new and the only time it ever had to get work done was for two recalls (sticking cruise control and seat bolts). I put 70K miles on it and it still ran flawless. I replaced it with... another Subaru, an 04 STI. If you take care of it, these cars will run for what seems like forever. As for the diffs, yes the front and center diffs are in the transmission. Hope that helps get you going in the right direction.

 

[fbrdphreak]

No real issues. Follow the maintenance schedule. If you have a turbo model, change the oil at 3750 miles. Subaru of America recently revised maintenance schedules to include that ALL turbo models are to be serviced on the "severe duty" schedule; rumor has it they were seeing too many warranty claims on turbo engines when the longer change interval was followed. Parts costs are about average IMO.

Nitpick: The Legacy GT Spec.B has the same engine & turbo as the regular GT model.

Older Subaru's: The 2.5L NA motor in the 97-00(?) models had the head gaskets go in pretty much every motor. When replaced with a proper revised gasket, most didn't have issues. Otherwise, they're very reliable. My 97 LGT Wagon has 216K and is still going.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Very reliable cars if serviced correctly. I had rear diff seals go on my Impreza more than once, but that was it for big stuff.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Did you get the turbo model? I really like the Forester...wish they'd bring the Forester STI to the states.

Hope it's a stick at least. Scoobies are great! :thumbsup:

 

[Mide]

Don't get a non-turbo. I have an 08 Impreza wagon and even though it looks pretty sharp, its acceleration and transmission sucks in my opinion. Looking back I'd rather have gotten another Honda. I'm sure my opinion would be different if I would've gotten a WRX.

 

[alphatarget1]

it's a pain to change spark plugs... and differential fluids. I have a 05 legacy, runs great!

 

[alphatarget1]

Do you have an automatic?

 

[spigot]

I got a non-turbo, 5-speed, base model. I've got about 500 miles on it, and it drives well. It doesn't have great acceleration, but that wasn't a big deal to me. I do hate the radio, though. Sound quality and volume both suck. It's still very early, but the gas mileage hasn't been bad at all. I'm doing my very best to drive extra easy for the first 1k miles, so that might be part of it.

It's good to hear the reliability is there. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the change interval for the coolant: 11 years/137k. I love the interior space. Second day I had it, the wife asked me to go pick up this couch/bed thing from world market. For once I didn't have to spend 20 minutes transforming the van and removing carseats. I don't even have to remove headrests in this thing, it's great. Can't wait to take it fishing or camping and see how it does on moderate dirt roads, which is half the reason I picked it up over something with better fuel economy. This way I had something I can drive to work, but I can still go camping in some moderately rough areas without buying another truck or something.

Oh, also, does anyone know how difficult the timing belt change is? This is the first car I've owned where it looks like it should be easy, right behind all the accessory belts. Is it really that easy? No more motor mount removal like I had in the 4-cyl Hondas?

 

[Kelvrick]

Don't worry about the timing belt until 100k.

Iono if foresters have a site, but there is a forester section at legacygt.com

 

[RGUN]

I absolutely love my Subaru, I cant imagine having a car that is both as fun and as nice to drive. Its the perfect car for me. There are plenty of economically friendly ways to personalize it as well. I would suggest for the average user that shifter bushings are a worthwhile upgrade. Aside from that I think Subaru makes fantastic cars.