Used 1998 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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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.
What to call an 11 year old car?
Realist, 11/23/2008
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well here we are...11 years 180k miles and still going. I figure I paid $20100 for the car, put an average on 18k miles on per year, spend about 2k per year in repairs/maint. So what? Should I trade it in and get a car payment. What is $200 per mo going to buy me... a compact? I have one of those and it can't take a curb, a mud bath, a snow bank, etc. Over time my Suby pulled a Jeep, a Lexus, a Land Rover and about 3 other cars out of ditches. It may be the way I drive or it could be this car (please note: towing is only about 1800 lbs... all the stuck vehicles had to help some). That's it. It is a fair car/truck/wagon/compact/suv/whatever for the price. I would consider buying another.
Great LITTLE SUV
RoadRunner47, 02/15/2003
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
AWD is great. A fun/utilitarian car for my 5'6" wife. Extra weight helps on long trips. I'm glad I bought the upgraded "S" model versus "L". Leather interior is nice but small. Cupholders awkward. Yokohama tires were subpar--a lot of noise and picked up several nails. Electrical connector for air conditioner came apart several times. Speakers sound tinny. Good gas mileage, but would prefer V6 for more power and weight.
Love My Forester
Forester Lover, 07/09/2003
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new in 98 have had nothing but good luck with this car-agetting 25- 28mpg. Now has 107000 miles and is still going strong. This is without question the best vehicle I have ever owned.