Used 1998 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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VERY RELIABLE CAR OVER THE YEARS
BRONCO_B0B, 12/20/2015
1998 Subaru Forester 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car has been SO reliable over its 100,00 miles. It has gotten me out of a lot of sticky situations because of the AWD that Subaru has, and the repair record has been oustanding. Can't think of any major surprises over the last 16 years.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Don't miss the Jeeps at all
Subielvr, 01/07/2006
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my Forester just over two years ago and it's one of the, if not the, best purchases that I've ever made. Even with the recommendations of friends who own Subies I was nervous about buying a car who's odometer had just passed over the 100,00 mile mark. It was much ado about nothing as in the last forty thousand miles the only expenses (aside from routine maintenance) I've had are; replacing a cracked coil, new tires (would be necessary on any car), one rear wheel bearing, and the relatively expensive replacement of the timing belt which is really part of routine maintenance anyhow. Gas mileage is about 25 mpg around home and 30 using cruise control when traveling. I love this car!
1998 Subaru Forester for sale near you
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- L WagonMSRP: $1,9991,460 mi away
Biased on subarus, but lessons learned
Cautious fan, 05/17/2009
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I learned to drive on a Subaru and am somewhat biased. What I have learned is that Suabarus in general can be reliable cars most of the time. I bought my '98 Forester w/ 125k miles and had minor mechanical issues, 2 CV joint replacements and a new thermostat. However, a year ago many major issues popped up, including major repair on the front end and rear rotors. Now the automatic transmission is shifting hard into and out of 1st gear plus a bent rod makes a lot of noise during start-ups. The handling is sound and AWD works beautifully, many chances to hydroplane but the wheels caught the road instantly. Low profile feels like you're driving a car but with twice the cargo room.
Ugly, Yet Tough, Reliable & Fun to Drive
MMoretti, 08/02/2009
1998 Subaru Forester 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my Forester used in 2004. While it is not the most beautiful vehicle (it sort of looks like the car seen in "National Lampoon's Vacation)...it has proven to be dependable, fun to drive, and an unstoppable monster in the worst Winter weather New England has to offer. The AWD is great! While the car has gone through a few wheel bearings, and does leak small amounts of oil, it still looks new and runs strong at 194,000 miles. Looking for a new car, but I may hang onto my Subaru as a beater/dog hauler.
Watch Out!! $$
Mike, 07/25/2008
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Own 1998 and 2001, both bought new. 1998 clock above mirror went out as apparently with most of these cars. The center differential pack went out at 60K to the tune of $1200. The head gaskets and transmission failed at 86k. Cost for these two items is almost double the value of the car. The transmission on the 2001 car went out at a little over 100,000. Cost to replace was given as $3500 or about the value of the car when sold to Carmax.