2001 Subaru Forester from North America - Comments

Clock died at 40k.

First Catalytic converter blew at 30K.

Heated seats starting going when not turned on at 70K.

Axel rod ruptured at 60k.

First clutch went out at 28K.

Second Catalytic converter blew at 70K.

O2 sensors went out in the beginning at 23K, remaining O2 sensors (all 20 of them) replaced over the last 7 years.

Check engine light went on at 25K and has been on sporadically since (I begged my mechanic to cut the wiring)

Timing belt tension rod blew at 70k (exploded)

Third Catalytic converter blew at 120K.

Gas gage indicator went out at 60k.

Overall it is a piece of ^%&*

The windshield whipper arm pulled out at 100K.

The car overall is a piece of %^&*. If the car would not have been paid for outright, I would have dumped the thing years ago. It actually stopped accelerating two weeks ago as the clutch went out: again. My Honda Accord and my Integra had over 80K miles on them and no problems at all.

The heated seats work very well: too well in fact. They often come on when the buttons are not turned on. I can drive around in the winter with shorts on, because the stupid seats cook me like a chicken.

As for the check engine light: it appears to be my best friend. They can't get the thing off and can rarely find a problem with it.

Very Funny. You have almost 200k on your Forester and you're complaining about a couple of parts that cost less than $50 each. (except maybe the cats)

I think your priorities are a little skewed.

I disagree with the first commenter. Obviously this car had a lot of problems PRIOR to 200K; prior to 100K for that matter.

I also own a Subaru. I bought it new (I ordered it from the dealer) 2001. It is NOT worth the money I paid... crappy heater/air conditioner. I've had to major mechanical problems: 3 out of 4 rear axle bearings, head gasket, to name a few things... plus the car has NO power and slides around in the ice; even with studded snow tires. It's a gutless wonder. My Subaru has 112K miles.

Any car will keep driving if you keep fixing the problems and keep the maintenance servicing up. It doesn't mean it's a good car for the money.

All cars need regular maintenance no matter what they are.

The tensioner pulley should be replaced with every timing belt change, which should be done approx every 60 miles.

As for the most of the other things other than electrics, it sounds as if this is a case of excessive driving; when clutches wear it is 95% of the time the drivers fault.

A bad or abusive driving style may explain most of your other engine issues.

The only issues I see as being reputable are the heated seats, which are easily fixed by an auto electrician, and the engine light, which I've heard as being common.

You have kept the car for over 7 years, and it's over 200k. Whether you paid outright for it or not, I think you must have a soft spot for the car.