1998 Subaru Forester S review from North America
"A first year flop"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Head gaskets blew at 89000.
Connecting rod destroyed motor at 117000. Short block from dealer will cost 5000 to replace.
Clutch shudder problems after clutch replaced by dealer.
Leaking rear strut.
Rattling noise from under car. Dealer wanted to replace catalytic converter.
Small clock quit working.
General comments?
Local dealer was not helpful was asked about replacing the motor or getting a replacement motor for another shop to replace.
When asking questions of dealer on phone I was hung up on after getting a one word answer to my first question.
The rattling noise we heard under the car had been checked by the dealer through a used car inspection and they considered the noise normal. This inspection paid for by the previous owner did not call for any repairs to the vehicle or serious problems.
Recommended reviews
| 1998 - Forester LX 2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer Solid, reliable, functional car with excellent bad-weather traction and all-around handling. |
|
| Repairs are a nightmare, but I love the car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 115000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 117000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 20th August, 2004 |