Faults:
Constant-velocity joint boot fell apart at 30,000 ($$$ repair), but dealer said that I picked up a piece of wire on the road that wrapped around CV joint and tore boot. Developed a rear main seal leak at 80,000 miles, another $250 repair. Recently, (90,000 miles) the airbag light is on constantly (time to take a trip to the dealer). However, generally a reliable car with little trouble. Nothing beats the 1987 Toyota Tercel Wagon I had before this for reliability. Replaced only a battery and starter in 145,000 miles! Original clutch when I sold it!
General Comments:
Functional design with high ceilings inside, large cargo area, easy to fold rear seats, good roof rack. Paint and interior materials have held up well at 90,000 miles. Seats are fairly comfortable, but firm. Backseat leg room is acceptable, not great. Idiot lights in AC control button and cruise control button have both gone out, although the curise control button light returned! Both features still function in spite of lights out. AC is barely acceptable; most cars have more powerful AC.
Mechanically, this has been a reasonably reliable car. Burns no oil, original clutch (even though I've taught two teenagers to drive on this car), no problems with transmission. Developed a rear main seal leak at 80,000 and spent $250 to get reparied. No other leaks. Will have to get that airbag warning light looked at by dealer.
Handling is excellent. Good cornering, excellent suspension, decent ground clearance for light-duty off-pavement use. Great traction in snow/wet. Performance is good with pretty good acceleration (standard transmission) and braking. Gas mileage is OK with 24-26 MPG in city or highway. The all-wheel drive must be keeping the highway mileage down.
Frame-less windows seal remarkably well, except the drivers door window which was smashed by a would-be stereo thief who was scared away by a neighbor. Replacement window has never fit as well as the original (some wind noise on the highway and hard to close door if all the way up). Tailgate began creaking within a few thousand miles, but I found the points that needed grease (where door-open sensors meet strike-plates) and re-grease every year or so.
I would buy another, or maybe an Outback?
25th Nov 2011, 21:39
I have a 1998 Subaru Forester with a blown head gasket. Now I must make the decision to fix it or get another car. I don't think I want another Subaru.