The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Hi All,

Would like some help with regards to a forester purchase.

Looking a 2x98 Foresters, both manual, standard versions, one 150k the other 230k. Both roughly the same $$.

The 150k has a terrible service history. Nothing for about 60k, oil is black, the car also hasn't had the timing belts done, clutch cable is tight and it shudders on take off. Drives well no oil leaks from what I can see.

The 230k car has an immaculate service history. All highway k's commuting from Perth to Broome 3 times a year. Car serviced after each trip, current owner has been servicing every 6months. Apparently the car is in A1 condition. Owner is only selling due to new Outback. Driving is tomorrow.

My gut says the 150k might be a lemon, and need $$$ spent, but I'm also slightly nervous about a car with 230k on the clock.

Any help or insights would be appreciated.

The car will be getting lifted within a month or so!

Rich

150k with poor maintance is way worse than a car with 239k that has been looked after and well looked after Forester can easily reach 300+k's

I have an 01 Forester with 430,000Ks on it all original but has good service history. Never misses a beat

I would definately look/drive both and assest it from there. I wouldn't look at the Kms too much (other than price should be cheaper the higher the kms) as I service a 97 Forester with over 400,000kms on the clock and the thing thats ever been replaced (other then the normal service stuff) is the auto trans. It doesn't miss a beat and the owner can't trade it in, in fear of the unknown.

Well I went with the 229k car.

Drove like new (almost as good as the mrs 05 Impreza). The most detailed service history, we are talking 2 A4 folders full of receipts and service docs.

Awesome car very happy to be back in a Subi!

Great to hear and have fun with it.. post some pics of it working like it should

foresters have a hydraulic clutch and they all have shudder problems, due to a horid 2 piece flywheel.

if it was me choosing both cars, i'd choose higher kms due service history and highway kms and if its highway kms its nothing!
If it has poor service history will prone to problems later in life, you suffer from it.
Cheers
AP