2001 Subaru Forester L review from North America
"Mostly a fun and reliable car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The 'check engine' light has gone on a few times because of a very sensitive gas cap thread. Very expensive when you consider the diagnosis fees!
My rear right side wheel bearings now need to be replaced (I have less than 40k on my car!) and the dealer was going to charge $450. A call to Subaru customer service enlightened me to the fact that bearings are covered under the 60,000 mile powertrain warranty for model year 2001 and newer. Also, Subaru has supplied dealerships with a 'Technical Service Bulletin' which specifies the new procedures/parts to use when replacing bad bearings. My dealer did not know of either of these points!
General comments?
Overall I love this car and hope the bearing problem is not the beginning of the end.
I have had excellent service from Frank's Irvine Subaru where I bought the car.
I have not had good, informed or economically priced service from Bob Baker Subaru of Carlsbad.
Recommended reviews
| This car does not age well |
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| Lots of repairs needed to keep vehicle running |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | standard Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 10 miles |
| Most recent distance | 38400 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 3rd June, 2003 |