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I drove this car today, it's for sale.
Forester 2.5L Turbo, 03. Manual
It's due a timing belt, tires are very worn also and rego is due soon.
My main question is about something I saw under the bonnet.
I don't know exactly what everything is called, so forgive my ignorance.
There is a reservoir next to the radiator with a tube running back past the radiator to some other container. The black tube was coated in white powder, except where the tube was linked at the radiator where it showed black, this made me think the white was coming through the tubing. Heat? or Coolant? Old tube, or issue?

cerebro wrote:Coolant? Old tube, or issue?

All of the above - nothing to worry about

Be more concerned re timing belts and tyres - both should be points to haggle the price down a bit.

Did it drive OK?

I loved the drive.
The turbo worked wonderfully.

can you give an idea of its asking price please? If the tube worries you by its look new cab't be too hard to find. Is it an air water intercooler?

listed at just under $10K, negotiated to 8K prior to viewing.
The tube only worries me if it means there is problem.
I don't know what an air water intercooler is, sorry

Hi Cerebro,

The hose you're referring to is the return for refrigerant overflow. I think it goes white due to the hot refrigrant going through and the reaction of hot rubber to the external air. Nothing to be concerned about (mine's been white for ages and never had an issue). Visually inspecting it, you'd know if it was leaking fluid.

I think the price you got is pretty good if the car's in good condition. I had a look at Redbook.com - here - and they list the private sale price at $9500 to $11600.

Good luck with the purchase!

Pedro.

You guys are a great help.
I'll be up for a timing belt, and at least two new tyres.
I think a water pump is due at 200K too. So the car will be costing me more.
I've read about a few other things here, suggestions about a mini makeover.
I want to address mechanical concerns before moving on to improving ride or performance, but your thoughts are helping me out.

You guys are a great help.
I'll be up for a timing belt, and at least two new tyres.
I think a water pump is due at 200K too. So the car will be costing me more.
I've read about a few other things here, suggestions about a mini makeover.
I want to address mechanical concerns before moving on to improving ride or performance, but your thoughts are helping me out.

^ Pezimm is right, it's just a old hose. Would only cost around $10 to get another hose if your worried but I wouldn't be.